Program Archive
2024 Annual Meeting Program
November 1-2, 2024
Kentucky State University
Welcome to Kentucky State University
Registration is at the Student Center, 3rd floor
Table of Contents
Kentucky Junior Academy of Science
Code of Conduct
Special Accommodations
Land Acknowledgment
Campus Map & Floor Plan
Parking
WiFi at KSU
Food
Photo Contest
Sponsors
Exhibitors
Friday Schedule Grid (download pdf )
If you RSVP'd for this workshop and ordered a box lunch, we'll deliver your lunch into the room for you!
This workshop is targeted for faculty and student researchers in Kentucky interested in EPSCoR opportunities. EPSCoR (Established Program to S
timulate Competitive Research) is a program that allocates extra research funding from various federal research agencies to chronically underfunded states like Kentucky. The overarching mission of EPSCoR mission to enhance research competitiveness by strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) capacity and capability through investments in people, research, and infrastructure.
EPSCoR programs in Kentucky, where researchers can seek this kind of allocated federal funding, include the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Departments of Energy (DoE), Agriculture (USDA) and Defense (DoD). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a parallel program in Kentucky funding researchers, the Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (KBRIN).
In 2024, Kentucky received a NSF EPSCoR Track 1 ($24M), the NSF E-RISE ($7M), and the NIH KBRIN ($20M). Seed funding opportunities from the Track 1 and KBRIN awards will be highlighted.
How Kentucky responded to and continues to meet the unique challenges posed by the re-envisioning of NSF EPSCoR will also be discussed. An update for Vision 2030, Kentucky's Science & Technology Plan, completed in 2023, a core requirement for NSF EPSCoR, will be provided.
http://kynsfepscor.uky.edu/ky-epscor/
If you RSVP'd for this workshop and ordered a box lunch, we'll deliver your lunch into the room for you!
Better diversity leads to better science and more inclusive and equitable learning environments. This proposed workshop is directly related to one of KAS's values, "inclusion of women and diverse underrepresented minority groups in science." This active, discussion-based workshop explores a timeline of historical events and figures in STEM to better understand visibility, privilege, and intersectionality and provide a model for how STEM teachers can incorporate diverse identities into their classrooms. Participants are put into groups and given a set of 40 cards. Each card has a description of a historical figure or event (representing diverse identities and experiences) without any dates listed. Participants are instructed to organize the cards chronologically, using their own knowledge of history and points of reference in their own lives. Once all the groups have their cards arranged or 30 minutes have passed, the correct timeline is provided followed by a debriefing and discussion period. A time of reflection about what assumptions, what emotions, and what actions you might take next follow. An actionable takeaway is a starting point to make diverse identities, themes, and content visible in curriculum. The resources used in this workshop have been adapted and modified from a lesson plan by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), an American organization founded by teachers. The length of the workshop is one hour.
If you RSVP'd for this workshop and ordered a box lunch, we'll deliver your lunch into the room for you!
Undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in biomedical sciences have many questions about preparing for these careers and how graduate school may fit into their plans. Should I consider pursing a Master's or Doctoral level degree? What career options would a Doctoral degree prepare me for? What is a typical graduate student experience in a PhD Biomedical Sciences program like? Would I like it? How can I prepare a highly competitive application for graduate school? This session is designed to address these questions and help undergraduate students plan for their next career steps. The first speaker will introduce the many different types of careers in academics, industry and government that are currently available and projected to be in high demand in the future. The second two speakers will discuss their graduate school experience from the perspective of an early career and a more advanced graduate student. Our final speaker will outline the graduate school application process and steps that prospective graduate student applicants can take to ensure their success. The session will conclude with a question-and-answer segment to allow audience members to engage with the speakers, exchange ideas about their experiences and questions, and address how they may handle some of their concerns.
This is a special session hosted by the Kentucky Space Grant Consortium and NASA Kentucky EPSCoR Programs (NASA KY). NASA KY supports research in aerospace, aeronautics, space science and related disciplines such as energy, physics, geosciences, biomedical, human health and performance, and computer science.
Kentucky Space Grant Consortium (KYSGC) is a diverse group of 29 affiliate members, including 18 Kentucky universities, colleges and community colleges, 5 industry partners, 4 science centers and 2 STEM educational organizations, partnered with NASA to support Kentucky college students, faculty and pre-college outreach. The national Space Grant network includes over 1,000 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, state and local agencies. The National Space Grant College & Fellowship Program was initiated by Congress in 1987 in response to the need to help maintain America's pre-eminence in aerospace science and technology.
The NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) supports partnerships with higher education, government and industry designed to make lasting improvements in a state's research infrastructure and R&D competitiveness. Kentucky's NASA EPSCoR Program supports NASA-related research projects and partnerships in the state for any Kentucky institution of higher learning and their industry partners.
Kurt Thaxton
More than your two scents worth: using your nose and olfactometry to make sense of mass spectral data
Kurt Thaxton is an International Product Manager for GERSTEL, a German manufacturer of thermal desorption, pyrolysis, and other means of sample preparation and sample introduction for GC- and LC-MS. For over twenty years, Kurt has been a user of thermal desorption and pyrolysis as a research scientist at International Paper and later as a Product Specialist for Varian Inc. Later Kurt became involved in both the commercial and technical aspects of these techniques at Markes International and now GERSTEL.
Kurt also serves actively in different capacities at SAE, ASTM, and ISO. Kurt has an M.S. in Analytical Chemistry form The Ohio State University where he focused on using mass spectrometry to solve analytical problems; MS remains a central interest and focus of Kurt's work today.
Women in Science Panel
Moderated by Dr. LiLi Zyzak, KAS President-Elect
Jessica Carlotti, MS is a Chemist at the National Forensic Chemistry Center with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). She conducts and evaluates analytical methods and procedures to enforce and protect food and drug products consumed by the public. Specifically, she uses ion chromatography and HPLC-UV to determine tampering and/or economic adulteration of products.
Jessica Bone is a second-year PhD student in Dr. Kenneth Graham's chemistry lab at the Univers
ity of Kentucky. Work thus far has involved using electrochemistry to investigate the stability of semiconducting polymers on modified gold electrodes. The goal is to understand degradation reactions at the polymer/electrode interface and how they affect the stability of organic electrochemical transistors.
Krista
Riggins, MS is the Lab Manager for the EKU Chemistry Department. She coordinates and assists in General, Organic, and Non-major Chemistry labs. She also oversees all purchases for the department of Chemistry along with being part of the budget committee.
Lucy Jones, BS is a Laboratory Technician II at Gravity Diagnostics. She oversees daily maintenance on LC-MS, and prepares urine samples for alcohol and/or barbiturate confirmation.
Interested in learning more about science policy? Come find out what some KAS members are doing to represent science in state-level decisionmaking. Scientists like you can make an impact and play an important role in getting science in front of policymakers in Frankfort, and in y our local community.
Co-Organizers: Pat Calie, Mark Farman, Neil Moore, and Christopher Schardl
This session focuses on the subject of applied bioinformatics, a field that is essential to modern life sciences research. The session features three invited talks and several additional presentations submitted by researchers and students.
The invited talks introduce collaborative projects based at the University of Kentucky and associated institutions, focused on study questions vital to the Kentucky ecosystem, plants, fungi, and their economic implications. These multi-disciplinary projects engage multiple colleges and regional universities in Kentucky and beyond and demonstrate and promote synergy and collaboration among life sciences research projects across Kentucky.
The themes of the talks are:
1. History and the current status of research on grass-fungal symbioses
2. Bioinformatics training across the Commonwealth of Kentucky through summer workshops and undergraduate instruction
3. Developing and using bioinformatics software in the university environment
The additional presentations serve to illustrate the above themes further. They include examples of undergraduate and graduate research and studies on life science and public health data, providing insights into the current directions of bioinformatics projects in our schools.
See the rooms where it happens! KAS Science Policy Specialist Madison Flory will share tips and tools that y
ou can use to help give the science community a strong voice at the State Capitol and everywhere else policy decisions are made. Madison will also review top issues under consideration in Frankfort and offer a brief preview of the Kentucky General Assembly's 2025 legislative session. Participants will carpool the short distance to the Capitol.
We'll announce newly-elected board members, and share updates about KAS Programs.
The Cooperative Extension building is a short stroll down the hill from Bradford Hall.
Annual Meeting Overview
Registration & Abstracts
2024 Keynote Speakers
2024 Sponsors & Exhibitors
Social Media Photo Contest
Welcome to Kentucky State University
Publish Your Research
Under 18 Waiver
2024
2024 Annual Meeting Program
November 1-2, 2024
Kentucky State University
Welcome to the 110th
Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting
and
the 92nd Anniversary meeting of the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science
Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting
and
the 92nd Anniversary meeting of the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science
Welcome to Kentucky State University
Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, Kentucky State University President
We are thrilled to host the annual meeting of the Kentucky Academy of Sciences (KAS) at Kentucky State University (KSU). KSU is dedicated to promoting and supporting the advancements of the STEM field and we continually strive to foster an inclusive and vibrant STEM community.
Recently, KSU celebrated a monumental achievement in the institution’s history, having been awarded a substantial $7,000,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for the project titled, Driving AgTech Research and Education in Kentucky (DARE-KY) through Inclusive Network Building, Impactful Research, and Workforce Development for Soilless Food Systems.
This award, which marks the largest competitive stand-alone federal award in KSU’s history, is set to transform the landscape of agriculture technology and STEM education in Kentucky as well as establish a research incubator for the Commonwealth.
As a historically black college or university (HBCU), we recognize our significant potential for increasing and broadening underrepresented minority participation in the nation’s STEM workforce through focused recruitment, retention and mentoring programs, research, and successfully graduating students in STEM disciplines. Hence why we launched the College of Business, Engineering and Technology this past Spring 2024.
The newly established college houses the School of Engineering and Technology which offers programs designed to prepare individuals with the skills to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of systems, equipment and facilities. These applications are intended for the production, processing, storage, handling, distribution, and use of food, feed, fiber, including areas such as aquaculture, forestry, and the management of human and natural resources. KSU has built multiple innovative programs both in undergraduate and graduate programs as well as both on campus and online. We are delighted to now offer programs such as a B.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering, M.S. in Computer Science, and more.
We understand, however, that the path to STEM education begins much earlier than college and diligently collaborate with partner organizations such as CHI Saint Joseph Health, the More in Common Alliance, and Morehouse School of Medicine to launch youth programs like the More in Common STEM and Health Careers Summer Academy this past summer. KSU and its partners were pleased to host this incredible program that encouraged high school and middle school students to explore STEM and health careers. Additionally, KSU hosts an annual, three-week residential camp, the Summer Apprenticeship Program (SAP). This camp prepares rising junior and senior high school students for college, STEM research, and STEM career pathways by partnering students with mentors within their fields of interest.
These highlights are just a few of the ways KSU is bridging gaps in STEM research and education for students and scientists from all walks of life to foster innovative ideas and influences in the STEM field for the prosperity of the Commonwealth and the world.
Again, welcome and I hope you enjoy your stay at Kentucky State University!
Registration is at the Student Center, 3rd floor
Table of Contents
Kentucky Junior Academy of Science
Code of Conduct
Special Accommodations
Land Acknowledgment
Campus Map & Floor Plan
Parking
WiFi at KSU
Food
Photo Contest
Sponsors
Exhibitors
Friday Schedule Grid (download pdf )
FRIDAY Nov 1
8:00 Check-in, Coffee, Breakfast - Student Center 3rd fl
8:00 Practice Room Open- Hathaway 126
9:00 – 11:00 Oral Presentations
Agriculture I Oral Presentations - Hathaway 123
Cellular & Molecular Biology I Oral Presentations- Bradford122A
Chemistry (combined) Oral Presentations - Hathaway 130
Engineering Oral Presentations- Hathaway 120
Environmental Sciences I Oral Presentations- Bradford 101
9:15 – 10:45– AM Aquaculture tour- Meet vans outside Student Center
10am - 4:00pm Exhibitors - Student Center 3rd & 4th Fl.
10:30 – 11:30 Q&A chats with AM oral presenters + Section Meetings
Hathaway 212 and Bradford Lobby
11:00 – 12:00 Posters (odd numbers) –Student Center 4th Fl Ballroom
Agriculture Posters Group A
Cellular & Molecular Biology Posters
Chemistry: Analytical & Physical Posters
Chemistry: Organic / Inorganic Posters
Computer & Informational Sciences Posters
Engineering Posters
Environmental Sciences Posters
Microbiology Posters
11:45-1:00 Box Lunch Pickup
(If you ordered a lunch and are attending a workshop your lunch will be in your Workshop room)
All other preordered box lunches - Student Center 3rd Fl.
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch Break/ Exhibitors / Workshops
12:00-1:00 Junior Academy Lunch - 2nd fl. Student Center, President's Dining Room
12:00-1:00 Kentucky EPSCoR Funding Programs and Funding Opportunities
Bradford 122A
12:00-1:00 Diverse Identities in STEM History - Bradford 101
12:00-1:00 Is Graduate School Right for Me? - Hathaway 130
1:00 – 2:00 Posters (even numbers) – Student Center 4th Fl Ballroom
Agriculture Posters Group A
Cellular & Molecular Biology Posters
Chemistry: Analytical & Physical Posters
Chemistry: Organic / Inorganic Posters
Computer & Informational Sciences Posters
Engineering Posters
Environmental Sciences Posters
Microbiology* Posters
2:00 – 3:30 PM Aquaculture Tour- Meet vans outside Student Center
2:00 – 3:30 Oral Presentations
Special Session (2-4pm): Kentucky Aerospace Research - Hathaway 130
Agriculture II Oral Presentations- Hathaway 123
Cellular & Molecular Biology II Oral Presentations- Bradford122A
Computer & Informational Sciences Oral Presentations - Hathaway 122
Environmental Sciences II Oral Presentations- Bradford 101
Mathematics** Oral Presentations - Hathaway 120
3:00 – 4:00 (times vary by session) Q&A chats with PM oral presenters + Section Meetings
4:15 – 5:45pm Plenary- Spotlight on STEM Career Paths (Kurt Thaxton, and Women in Science Panel)
Welcome from KSU Provost Dr. Michael Dailey - Bradford 122
5:45 – 8:00pm STEM Networking reception - Cooperative Extension Building Room 238
7:00 Science Policy meetup - Cooperative Extension building
Saturday Schedule Grid (download pdf)
SATURDAY Nov 2
8:00 Check-in, Coffee, Breakfast- Student Center 3rd fl
KCTCS Faculty Breakfast - Student Center 313
Earth Sciences Breakfast - Student Center 310
8:00 Practice Room Open - Hathaway 126
9:00 – 11:00 Oral Presentations
Agriculture III Oral Presentations - Hathaway 130
Special Session: Applied Bioinformatics I - Hathaway 223
Ecology/Zoology/Botany I Oral Presentations- Bradford 122A
Geography Oral Presentations - Hathaway 122
Health Sciences Oral Presentations - Bradford 101
Physics/Astronomy I Oral Presentations (9-11:15) - Hathaway 123
Physiology/ Biochemistry Oral Presentations- Hathaway 120
Science Education Oral Presentations - Hathaway 114
9:30 – 12:00 Scientists’ Tour of the Ky State Capitol - Meet outside Student Center to carpool
10am - 4:00pm Exhibitors - Student Center 3rd & 4th Fl
10:30 – 11:30 Q&A chats with AM oral presenters + Section Meetings
Hathaway 212 and Bradford Lobby
11:00 –12:00 Posters (odd numbers) – Student Center 4th Fl. Ballroom
Agriculture Posters Group B
Anthropology / Sociology Posters
Ecology Posters
Geography Posters
Geology Posters
Health Sciences Posters
Physics/Astronomy Posters
Physiology/ Biochemistry
Psychology* Posters
Science Education Posters
Zoology Posters
11:45-1:00 Box Lunch Pickup (by pre-order) - Student Center 3rd Fl.
12:00 – 1:30 Lunch Break / Exhibitors - Student Center 3rd & 4th Fl.
12:15 - 1:15 Business Meeting Luncheon- Cooperative Extension 238
1:30 – 2:30 Posters (even numbers) –Student Center 4th Fl. Ballroom
Agriculture Posters Group B
Anthropology / Sociology Posters
Ecology Posters
Geography Posters
Geology Posters
Health Sciences Posters
Physics/Astronomy Posters
Physiology/ Biochemistry
Psychology* Posters
Science Education Posters
Zoology Posters
2:30 – 4:00 Oral Presentations
Agriculture IV Oral Presentations - Hathaway 130
Anthropology/ Sociology Oral Presentations - Hathaway 122
Applied Bioinformatics II Oral Presentations - Hathaway 223
Ecology/Zoology/Botany II Oral Presentations - Bradford 122A
Geology Oral Presentations - Hathaway 120
Physics/Astronomy II Oral Presentations - Hathaway 123
4:00 – 4:30 Q&A chats with PM oral presenters + Section Meetings
*No Oral Presentations in this Section
** No Posters in this Section
Thank you to our Sponsors and Partners
Thank you NASA-KY for sponsoring Junior Academy Registration
Thank you to our partners at KSU
KSU College of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Natural Resources, KSU Land Grant Programs, KSU Aquaculture Center, KSU Career Center, KSU Admissions Office, KSU Dual-Credit Program, KSU Cooperative Extension, KSU Catering
University of Kentucky - Kentucky Geological Survey
The Kentucky Geological Survey is a state supported research center and public resource within the University of Kentucky. Our mission is to support sustainable prosperity of the Commonwealth, the vitality of its flagship university, and the welfare of its people. We do this by conducting research and providing unbiased information about geologic resources, environmental issues, and natural hazards affecting Kentucky.
https://www.uky.edu/KGS/
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University Department of Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences
https://www.wku.edu/eeas/
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
University of Louisville-Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences
The Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences (IPIBS) is a gateway for graduate students interested in biomedical research as a career choice. The University of Louisville offers a supportive academic environment in a friendly, vibrant city and a financial assistance package consisting of an annual stipend of $33,000, health insurance and full tuition coverage. Once a student passes their Qualifying Exam and advances to Doctoral Candidacy, the stipend amount increases to $35,000. Graduate students enter the IPIBS program through one of the five basic biomedical discipline-based PhD programs at the School of Medicine. IPIBS awards fellowships for students in the first two years in the program, after which support is maintained through the Departments.
https://louisville.edu/medicine/ipibs
University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Office of Biomedical Education
The Office of Biomedical Education is the entry point for PhD students of the six basic science departments in the College of Medicine. The Office also supports Master's in Medical Sciences students as well as offering a robust calendar of professional development opportunities and connecting students to various types of support.
https://medicine.uky.edu/sites/graduate
Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology program at the University of Kentucky
The Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology program is a life sciences degree for students who wish to pursue opportunities in biotechnology, human health, animal health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability.
https://abt.ca.uky.edu/
Peace Corps
Peace Corps Volunteers put their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with host communities in nearly 60 countries. Volunteers live and work side-by-side with community members to partner on locally prioritized projects in the areas of education, health, environment, agriculture, community economic development, and youth development.
peacecorps.gov
KY INBRE
The KY INBRE is a collaborative network of biomedical researchers in state-supported and independent institutions of higher education within Kentucky and is funded through a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS).
https://www.kyinbre.org
Kentucky Personnel Cabinet
Thank you to our Thorobred Local Arrangements Team at Kentucky University!
Noel Novelo, Andy Ong, Jeffrey Warner, Sonia Sanders
Thank you to KAS Officers
President Noel Novelo
President - Elect LiLi Zyzak
Vice President Jessica Moon
Past President Julie Reizner
Thank you to our Program Coordinator and Kentucky Junior Academy Director
Melony Stambaugh
Thank you to Our 2024 Section Leaders & Session Chairs
Aerospace Research in Kentucky
Jacob Owen, NASA-KY
Agricultural Sciences
Theoneste Nzaramyimana, Chair, Kentucky State University
Norm Strobel, Secretary, KCTCS
Anthropology and Sociology
Daniel Joseph, Chair, Eastern Kentucky University
Timothy Hare, Secretary, Morehead State University
Applied Bioinformatics
Jerzy Jaromczyk, University of Kentucky
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Mahavir Singh, Chair, University of Louisville
Farrukh Aqil, Secretary, University of Louisville
Chemistry: Analytical/ Physical
Matthew Nee, Chair, Western Kentucky University
Laura Walther, Secretary, Asbury University
Chemistry: Organic / Inorganic
Laura Rowe, Chair, Eastern Kentucky University
Computer and Information Sciences
Neil Moore, Chair, University of Kentucky
Nathan Johnson, Secretary, Bellarmine University
Ecology
Jessica Moon, Chair, Murray State University
Marvin Ruffner, Secretary, Asbury University
Engineering
Minchul Shin, Chair, Northern Kentucky University
Environmental Science
John Starnes, Chair, KCTCS
Geography
Buddhi Gyawali, Secretary, Kentucky State University
Geology
Dan Phelps, Chair, Kentucky Paleontological Society
Walter Borowski, Secretary, Eastern Kentucky University
Health Sciences
Frederick Bebe, Chair, Kentucky State University
Jennifer Clark, Secretary, Morehead State University
Mathematics
Jena Hinds, Chair, University of Kentucky
Joshua Qualls, Secretary, Morehead State University
Microbiology
Vacant
Physics and Astronomy
Marilyn Akins, Chair, KCTCS
John Waite, Secretary, Morehead State University
Physiology and Biochemistry
Cecilia Ramilo, Chair, KCTCS
Sharon Wilson, Secretary, KCTCS
Psychology
Matthew Shake, Chair, Western Kentucky University
Kinsey Bryant-Lees, Secretary, Northern Kentucky University
Science Education
Wilson Gonzalez-Espada, Chair, Morehead State University
Matt Downen, Secretary, Centre College
Zoology / Botany
David Eisenhour, Chair, Morehead State University
Jeremy Gibson, Secretary Kentucky Wesleyan University
Thank you Melissa Dougherty for Cover Design & Printed Program Layout
Thank you NASA-KY for sponsoring Junior Academy Registration
Thank you to our partners at KSU
KSU College of Agriculture, Health Sciences, and Natural Resources, KSU Land Grant Programs, KSU Aquaculture Center, KSU Career Center, KSU Admissions Office, KSU Dual-Credit Program, KSU Cooperative Extension, KSU Catering
Visit Our Event Exhibitors
University of Kentucky - Kentucky Geological Survey
The Kentucky Geological Survey is a state supported research center and public resource within the University of Kentucky. Our mission is to support sustainable prosperity of the Commonwealth, the vitality of its flagship university, and the welfare of its people. We do this by conducting research and providing unbiased information about geologic resources, environmental issues, and natural hazards affecting Kentucky.
https://www.uky.edu/KGS/
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky University Department of Earth, Environmental, & Atmospheric Sciences
https://www.wku.edu/eeas/
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
University of Louisville-Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences
The Integrated Programs in Biomedical Sciences (IPIBS) is a gateway for graduate students interested in biomedical research as a career choice. The University of Louisville offers a supportive academic environment in a friendly, vibrant city and a financial assistance package consisting of an annual stipend of $33,000, health insurance and full tuition coverage. Once a student passes their Qualifying Exam and advances to Doctoral Candidacy, the stipend amount increases to $35,000. Graduate students enter the IPIBS program through one of the five basic biomedical discipline-based PhD programs at the School of Medicine. IPIBS awards fellowships for students in the first two years in the program, after which support is maintained through the Departments.
https://louisville.edu/medicine/ipibs
University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Office of Biomedical Education
The Office of Biomedical Education is the entry point for PhD students of the six basic science departments in the College of Medicine. The Office also supports Master's in Medical Sciences students as well as offering a robust calendar of professional development opportunities and connecting students to various types of support.
https://medicine.uky.edu/sites/graduate
Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology program at the University of Kentucky
The Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology program is a life sciences degree for students who wish to pursue opportunities in biotechnology, human health, animal health, agricultural productivity, and environmental sustainability.
https://abt.ca.uky.edu/
Peace Corps
Peace Corps Volunteers put their purpose, passion, and skills to work in partnership with host communities in nearly 60 countries. Volunteers live and work side-by-side with community members to partner on locally prioritized projects in the areas of education, health, environment, agriculture, community economic development, and youth development.
peacecorps.gov
KY INBRE
The KY INBRE is a collaborative network of biomedical researchers in state-supported and independent institutions of higher education within Kentucky and is funded through a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS).
https://www.kyinbre.org
Kentucky Personnel Cabinet
Kentucky State University College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
Thank you to our Thorobred Local Arrangements Team at Kentucky University!
Noel Novelo, Andy Ong, Jeffrey Warner, Sonia Sanders
Thank you to KAS Officers
President Noel Novelo
President - Elect LiLi Zyzak
Vice President Jessica Moon
Past President Julie Reizner
Thank you to our Program Coordinator and Kentucky Junior Academy Director
Melony Stambaugh
Thank you to Our 2024 Section Leaders & Session Chairs
Aerospace Research in Kentucky
Jacob Owen, NASA-KY
Agricultural Sciences
Theoneste Nzaramyimana, Chair, Kentucky State University
Norm Strobel, Secretary, KCTCS
Anthropology and Sociology
Daniel Joseph, Chair, Eastern Kentucky University
Timothy Hare, Secretary, Morehead State University
Applied Bioinformatics
Jerzy Jaromczyk, University of Kentucky
Cellular and Molecular Biology
Mahavir Singh, Chair, University of Louisville
Farrukh Aqil, Secretary, University of Louisville
Chemistry: Analytical/ Physical
Matthew Nee, Chair, Western Kentucky University
Laura Walther, Secretary, Asbury University
Chemistry: Organic / Inorganic
Laura Rowe, Chair, Eastern Kentucky University
Computer and Information Sciences
Neil Moore, Chair, University of Kentucky
Nathan Johnson, Secretary, Bellarmine University
Ecology
Jessica Moon, Chair, Murray State University
Marvin Ruffner, Secretary, Asbury University
Engineering
Minchul Shin, Chair, Northern Kentucky University
Environmental Science
John Starnes, Chair, KCTCS
Geography
Buddhi Gyawali, Secretary, Kentucky State University
Geology
Dan Phelps, Chair, Kentucky Paleontological Society
Walter Borowski, Secretary, Eastern Kentucky University
Health Sciences
Frederick Bebe, Chair, Kentucky State University
Jennifer Clark, Secretary, Morehead State University
Mathematics
Jena Hinds, Chair, University of Kentucky
Joshua Qualls, Secretary, Morehead State University
Microbiology
Vacant
Physics and Astronomy
Marilyn Akins, Chair, KCTCS
John Waite, Secretary, Morehead State University
Physiology and Biochemistry
Cecilia Ramilo, Chair, KCTCS
Sharon Wilson, Secretary, KCTCS
Psychology
Matthew Shake, Chair, Western Kentucky University
Kinsey Bryant-Lees, Secretary, Northern Kentucky University
Science Education
Wilson Gonzalez-Espada, Chair, Morehead State University
Matt Downen, Secretary, Centre College
Zoology / Botany
David Eisenhour, Chair, Morehead State University
Jeremy Gibson, Secretary Kentucky Wesleyan University
Thank you Melissa Dougherty for Cover Design & Printed Program Layout
2024 KAS Annual Meeting Online Program
New This Year:
Q&A Chats after Oral Presentations
We encourage you to talk with colleagues & presenters after each block of talks in your Section. We’ll have snacks set out in Hathaway 212 and in the Bradford lobby, after morning and afternoon sessions, so that you can chat informally. Find out more about your colleagues’ research, and tell people more about your own research. This is your chance to follow up on something you learned, and ask about something that sparked your interest! Graduate students will be your hosts for these chats and will make announcements in the sessions.
New This Year: Participatory Postering
When you walk into a poster session, do you not know where to start? Let us help! When you enter the ballroom, we’re asking you to draw a couple numbers and visit those posters. Talk to presenters and ask them about their research. What are you curious to know more about? Ask a friendly question, or offer an idea. Science is a community process and advances with feedback & input from fellow scientists!
Junior Academy
We welcome the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science -- middle and high school students have opportunities over these two days to interact with undergraduates, graduates, and faculty members. I encourage you to use this opportunity to guide the next generation of scientists towards their future scientific ventures. Please help support these budding scientists and welcome them to KAS and KSU!
Melony Stambaugh
Director, Kentucky Junior Academy of Science
Program Coordinator, Kentucky Academy of Science
KAS Code of Conduct
The Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting is an interdisciplinary professional environment that cultivates scientific discovery and understanding.
Thank you for contributing to our advancement of science by behaving professionally, respectfully and collegially at all times. If you witness inappropriate behavior please notify a KAS staff person or officer.
KAS has adopted a Code of Ethics, which applies to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers at any KAS-sponsored meeting, event, and workshop.
Special Accommodations
We are doing our best to plan and host an Inclusive Scientific Meeting. KAS is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility. If you have a suggestion or concern please share it with a KAS staff person or officer.
Gender Neutral restrooms are available in the Academic Services Building.
Mothers' Room is available in Hathaway 116.
A Practice Room is available for presenters in Hathaway 126.
Parents and other Guests - If you are not registered for the KAS meeting, we welcome you to make yourself comfortable in the food court/ bookstore area on the 2nd floor of the Student Center. You are also welcome to attend the Plenary Session on Friday at 4:15 pm which is open to the community.
Land Acknowledgment
We are gathering on land previously inhabited by the Shawnee, Osage and Cherokee people. For more information about the indigenous peoples of North America go to https://native-land.ca/
As a public historically Black, 1890 land-grant university committed to inclusive excellence, KSU proudly addresses the needs of diverse communities, including indigenous communities. This commitment is rooted in our history—from our modest beginnings as a normal school training African American teachers to our expansion as a land-grant institution with a mission under the Morrill Act to educate students barred from traditional educational opportunities. We acknowledge that indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee, Osage, and Cherokee, stewarded for generations the land upon which KSU sits. As a land-grant institution, we honor and respect the enduring relationship between these communities and the land. KSU remains steadfast in its commitment to responsibly stewarding the land and actively supporting narratives that honor indigenous and minority voices throughout our region’s past and present.
Campus Map & Floor Plans
KSU campus map (parking is highlighted in green)
Hathaway Hall floor plan
Student Center floor plan
Aerial photo of parking areas
Parking map shows parking areas in green
Friday: Please park in the Exum lot, at the entrance to campus, or the lot below Academic Services Building. Signs will direct you from the main entrance to KSU's campus.
Saturday: Please park in the Exum lot, at the entrance to campus, or either lot above or below the Academic Services Building.
From the farther Exum lot it's approximately a 10 minute walk to the Student Center. If you would like assistance, Golf Cart shuttles will be available throughout the day.
Connecting to KSU Wireless
SSID: KAS / Password: Welcome2KSU!
Go into your device settings, then to Wi-Fi, and select the KAS network, and then enter the password to connect.
Food
Coffee & light breakfast will be available both days.
If you ordered a box lunch, it will be available to pick up Friday or Saturday from 11:45 -1pm on the 1st floor of the Student Union. Box lunches will be delivered to Friday workshops
The Student Center 2nd floor Food Court (+coffee shop) is open Friday for lunch, but not Saturday.
The Cafeteria is on the 2nd floor of the Student Center.
The Reception Friday evening event features substantial hors d'oeuvres.
The Saturday Business Meeting includes Lunch.
Photo contest
Share your creativity in the Annual Meeting photo contest!
With a phone in every pocket, we’re all photographers now! Please help us share the excitement and action during the 2024 KAS Annual Meeting and let your creativity shine by sharing your conference photos to social media.
You’ll win $50 if your photo is judged as the meeting’s best! You can join the contest by posting photos on Facebook, X-Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #KASMeeting2024 . Post them by 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.
You’ll find KAS on X-Twitter with the handle @Kyscientists. On Instagram, we’re kentuckyscience. Find us on Facebook under: Kentucky Academy of Science.
Q&A Chats after Oral Presentations
We encourage you to talk with colleagues & presenters after each block of talks in your Section. We’ll have snacks set out in Hathaway 212 and in the Bradford lobby, after morning and afternoon sessions, so that you can chat informally. Find out more about your colleagues’ research, and tell people more about your own research. This is your chance to follow up on something you learned, and ask about something that sparked your interest! Graduate students will be your hosts for these chats and will make announcements in the sessions.
New This Year: Participatory Postering
When you walk into a poster session, do you not know where to start? Let us help! When you enter the ballroom, we’re asking you to draw a couple numbers and visit those posters. Talk to presenters and ask them about their research. What are you curious to know more about? Ask a friendly question, or offer an idea. Science is a community process and advances with feedback & input from fellow scientists!
Junior Academy
We welcome the Kentucky Junior Academy of Science -- middle and high school students have opportunities over these two days to interact with undergraduates, graduates, and faculty members. I encourage you to use this opportunity to guide the next generation of scientists towards their future scientific ventures. Please help support these budding scientists and welcome them to KAS and KSU!Melony Stambaugh
Director, Kentucky Junior Academy of Science
Program Coordinator, Kentucky Academy of Science
KAS Code of Conduct
The Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting is an interdisciplinary professional environment that cultivates scientific discovery and understanding.
Thank you for contributing to our advancement of science by behaving professionally, respectfully and collegially at all times. If you witness inappropriate behavior please notify a KAS staff person or officer.
KAS has adopted a Code of Ethics, which applies to all attendees, speakers, exhibitors, staff, and volunteers at any KAS-sponsored meeting, event, and workshop.
Special Accommodations
We are doing our best to plan and host an Inclusive Scientific Meeting. KAS is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility. If you have a suggestion or concern please share it with a KAS staff person or officer.
Gender Neutral restrooms are available in the Academic Services Building.
Mothers' Room is available in Hathaway 116.
A Practice Room is available for presenters in Hathaway 126.
Parents and other Guests - If you are not registered for the KAS meeting, we welcome you to make yourself comfortable in the food court/ bookstore area on the 2nd floor of the Student Center. You are also welcome to attend the Plenary Session on Friday at 4:15 pm which is open to the community.
Land Acknowledgment
We are gathering on land previously inhabited by the Shawnee, Osage and Cherokee people. For more information about the indigenous peoples of North America go to https://native-land.ca/
As a public historically Black, 1890 land-grant university committed to inclusive excellence, KSU proudly addresses the needs of diverse communities, including indigenous communities. This commitment is rooted in our history—from our modest beginnings as a normal school training African American teachers to our expansion as a land-grant institution with a mission under the Morrill Act to educate students barred from traditional educational opportunities. We acknowledge that indigenous peoples, including the Shawnee, Osage, and Cherokee, stewarded for generations the land upon which KSU sits. As a land-grant institution, we honor and respect the enduring relationship between these communities and the land. KSU remains steadfast in its commitment to responsibly stewarding the land and actively supporting narratives that honor indigenous and minority voices throughout our region’s past and present.
Campus Map & Floor Plans
KSU campus map (parking is highlighted in green)
Hathaway Hall floor plan
Student Center floor plan
Parking
Signs will direct you from the main entrance to KSU's campus.Aerial photo of parking areas
Parking map shows parking areas in green
Friday: Please park in the Exum lot, at the entrance to campus, or the lot below Academic Services Building. Signs will direct you from the main entrance to KSU's campus.
Saturday: Please park in the Exum lot, at the entrance to campus, or either lot above or below the Academic Services Building.
From the farther Exum lot it's approximately a 10 minute walk to the Student Center. If you would like assistance, Golf Cart shuttles will be available throughout the day.
Connecting to KSU Wireless
SSID: KAS / Password: Welcome2KSU!
Go into your device settings, then to Wi-Fi, and select the KAS network, and then enter the password to connect.
Food
Coffee & light breakfast will be available both days.
If you ordered a box lunch, it will be available to pick up Friday or Saturday from 11:45 -1pm on the 1st floor of the Student Union. Box lunches will be delivered to Friday workshops
The Student Center 2nd floor Food Court (+coffee shop) is open Friday for lunch, but not Saturday.
The Cafeteria is on the 2nd floor of the Student Center.
The Reception Friday evening event features substantial hors d'oeuvres.
The Saturday Business Meeting includes Lunch.
Photo contest
Share your creativity in the Annual Meeting photo contest!
With a phone in every pocket, we’re all photographers now! Please help us share the excitement and action during the 2024 KAS Annual Meeting and let your creativity shine by sharing your conference photos to social media.
You’ll win $50 if your photo is judged as the meeting’s best! You can join the contest by posting photos on Facebook, X-Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #KASMeeting2024 . Post them by 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.
You’ll find KAS on X-Twitter with the handle @Kyscientists. On Instagram, we’re kentuckyscience. Find us on Facebook under: Kentucky Academy of Science.
9:00 - Overlapping functions of Vesicle-Associated Membrane Proteins/VAMP Isoforms in Platelet Cargo Trafficking
First Author
Jessie Begley
Morehead State University
Co-author
Aleah Wagner
Morehead State University
Co-author
Smita Joshi
Morehead State University
Co-author
Sidney W Whiteheart
University of Kentucky
Platelets are essential for vascular health. Upon injury, they release stored molecules, some platelet-derived and others absorbed from blood, which are vital for inflammation, immunity, and healing. This release process is controlled by a family of proteins called SNAREs. Specifically, vesicle-associated membrane proteins (VAMPs) found on the platelet granules interact with target SNAREs on the cell membrane to facilitate the release of these molecules. Platelets contain several types of VAMPs, including VAMP-2, -3, -4, -5, -7, and -8.
In this project we wanted to determine how different VAMP proteins contribute to the packaging of molecules essential for platelet function.
We generated several mouse strains that lack either one or combinations of VAMPs (100% to ~ 15% VAMP levels). Using commercial antibody arrays, we probed for 53 proteins in platelets. Cargo levels were minimally affected in V7-/- and drastically reduced in NBL2-/- platelets. While all strains showed some decreases, V2Δ3Δ7-/-8-/- and V2Δ3Δ8-/- platelets showed significant reductions. Clustering the cargo molecules into quartiles, based on their levels, showed a notable pattern as more than 80% of cargo in NBL2-/-, V2Δ3Δ8-/- and V2Δ3Δ7-/-8-/- platelets were less than 75% of wild-type. About 50% of cargo in V3-/-7-/- and 70% of cargo in V7-/-8-/- platelets were less than 75% of the WT. To determine if the transcriptome is affected in VAMP-deficient platelets, we performed RNA seq analysis. We found noticeable overlap in altered RNA transcripts among various VAMP-deficient strains.
All VAMP isoforms contribute to platelet cargo trafficking, with cargo distribution appearing stochastic and potentially regulated by overlapping VAMP functions. This study is the first to report the global contributions of VAMPs to platelet trafficking.
In this project we wanted to determine how different VAMP proteins contribute to the packaging of molecules essential for platelet function.
We generated several mouse strains that lack either one or combinations of VAMPs (100% to ~ 15% VAMP levels). Using commercial antibody arrays, we probed for 53 proteins in platelets. Cargo levels were minimally affected in V7-/- and drastically reduced in NBL2-/- platelets. While all strains showed some decreases, V2Δ3Δ7-/-8-/- and V2Δ3Δ8-/- platelets showed significant reductions. Clustering the cargo molecules into quartiles, based on their levels, showed a notable pattern as more than 80% of cargo in NBL2-/-, V2Δ3Δ8-/- and V2Δ3Δ7-/-8-/- platelets were less than 75% of wild-type. About 50% of cargo in V3-/-7-/- and 70% of cargo in V7-/-8-/- platelets were less than 75% of the WT. To determine if the transcriptome is affected in VAMP-deficient platelets, we performed RNA seq analysis. We found noticeable overlap in altered RNA transcripts among various VAMP-deficient strains.
All VAMP isoforms contribute to platelet cargo trafficking, with cargo distribution appearing stochastic and potentially regulated by overlapping VAMP functions. This study is the first to report the global contributions of VAMPs to platelet trafficking.
9:15 - Microbial metabolites alter properties of colorectal cancer cells
First Author
Madison Flory
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Angela Gao
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Anna Edens
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Ashfaqul Alam
University of Kentucky
Changes in the gut microbiome and its metabolites are associated with colorectal cancer. However, there is little understanding of how these interactions between the gut microbiome, its metabolites, and intestinal epithelial cells may lead to cancer. Levels of spermidine, a member of the polyamine class of microbial metabolites, were significantly enhanced in a colorectal cancer model. We hypothesized that polyamine transporters expressed in intestinal epithelial cells play a significant role in epithelial cell functions implicated in colorectal cancer. To test this hypothesis, we used RNA sequencing to identify upregulated cellular pathways. We further examined the effects of polyamines on cell proliferation, migration, and mutation, processes important in cancer development and progression. qRT-PCR and an EdU proliferation assay showed that spermidine increased the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells, even at a low dose. Further investigations showed that exogenous polyamines also increased colorectal cancer epithelial cell migration, a critical cellular function which promotes cancer metastasis. We then determined the ability of the metabolic products of spermidine metabolism to induce DNA damage in cells, a process which can induce mutations if the DNA damage is not properly repaired. By using specific inhibitors against polyamine transporters, we finally determined a potential mechanism of action for spermidine to affect intestinal epithelial cells via polyamine transporters. Our investigations into the mechanism and effects of exogenous, bacterially derived polyamines show the importance of the microbiome and its metabolites as a key factor in colorectal carcinogenesis and may eventually lead to a microbiome-based therapeutic for this disease.
9:30 - Investigating the Regulation of Cell Cycle and Shape by the Polarity Proteins and the Mitotic Exit Network in Yeast
First Author
Aanyaa Arora
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Joseph Marquardt
Western Kentucky University
Cell cycle regulation is essential for cell health and cancer prevention. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (budding yeast) serves as a model organism for studying the cell cycle due to its rapid growth and well-defined genetics. Elm1, a protein kinase in yeast, regulates both the cell cycle and cell shape. This study explores Boi1 and its paralog Boi2 as potential downstream effectors of Elm1, focusing on their roles in cell polarity and septin ring formation. Boi1 and Boi2 localize to septin structures similarly to Cdc14. Cdc14 is part of the Mitotic Exit Network (MEN), which controls the transition from mitosis to G1 and is crucial for septin ring rearrangement. Deletion of BOI1 results in an increased number of cells in the pre-cytokinesis stage, indicating a delay in this cell cycle event. This study examines how Boi1 and Boi2 interact with MEN and influence bud formation and cell regulation. Yeast strains with either single or double deletions of BOI1, BOI2, and ELM1 were created or tagged with GFP for visualization. Using Leica Thunder microscopy, we observed that BOI1 deletion reduced double ring septin formation, suggesting Boi1 promotes it, while BOI2 deletion increased it, indicating Boi2 inhibits it. Both Boi1 and Boi2 influenced the formation of double ring septin structures that are crucial for cytokinesis and displayed distinct localization patterns at the bud neck during the septin ring transition from hourglass to double ring. These findings improve our understanding of septin ring organization and have broader implications for similar processes in other eukaryotic cells.
9:45 - Effect of PSAT1 expression on EYA4 gene expression in PC9 lung cancer cell lines
First Author
Aalya Jha
duPont Manual High School
Co-author
Brian Clem
University of Louisville
Co-author
Mary Sumlut
University of Louisville
Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1(PSAT1) has been proven to play a significant role in lung cancer metastasis and tumor progression. Previous research shows that when PSAT1 was suppressed within PC9 lung cancer cells, eyes absent homolog 4(EYA4) was among the 20 most down-regulated genes as determined with RNA sequencing data. This study aims to confirm previous findings by investigating if transcriptional changes in PSAT1 also result in altered EYA4 protein levels, given EYA4's emerging role in cell proliferation and migration. In order to study the relationship between EYA4 and PSAT1 expressions in lung cancer, a forward transient transfection was conducted to generate both a PSAT1 knockdown and an EYA4 knockdown from PC9 lung cancer control(Cntr-EV) cells. Following this, a western blot was performed across six PC9 cell lines, including control cells(Cntr-EV), PSAT1 knockdowns(sh-10), EYA4 knockdowns, wild-type re-expressed PSAT1(WT), K200A, and NES. The western blots were stained for PSAT1 and EYA4 to examine potential correlations between PSAT1 knockdowns and downregulated EYA4, and vice versa. Western blot results were validated through the use of immunofluorescence imaging, where samples were incubated in AlexaFluor 488 linked antibody, stained with DAPI solution, and mounted for immunofluorescence imaging. Results indicated that EYA4 expression was reduced in short-term PSAT1 knockdown cell lines, but not in those with long-term PSAT1 suppression, suggesting a time-dependent regulatory relationship between these genes. These findings offer new insights into the interaction between EYA4 and PSAT1 in lung tumor growth and metastasis, potentially uncovering new therapeutic targets.
10:00 - V-type ATPase's role in Drosophila melanogaster air sac primordium development
First Author
Sydney Putnam
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Ajay Srivastava
Western Kentucky University
Nearly 2 million cases of cancer are diagnosed annually in the US resulting in approximately 600,000 deaths. Most of these deaths are the result of metastasis of tumors, a complex process in which cancerous cells separate from the primary tumor and travel through the body, producing secondary tumors. Members of the Drosophila (fruit fly) genus contain an organ known as the Air Sac Primordium (ASP), the development of which mimics that of tumor metastasis. V-type ATPase, a membrane-embedded proton pump, plays a role in this process, potentially through pH regulation or more direct regulation of cellular migration mechanisms. Downregulation of V-type ATPase has been shown to affect ASP development (Powers and Srivastava, 2018). The aim of this study is to further investigate V-type ATPase's effect on ASP development and the cell junctions of the ASP. Using the GAL4/UAS system, RNAi can be triggered to disrupt the expression of V-type ATPase. In this study, using genetic tools in Drosophila, the offspring downregulated V-type ATPase effects were observable under a microscope due to the GFP tag in the ASP. These were analyzed and compared to wild type ASP to further investigate the effects of V-type ATPase downregulation on ASP development and cell-cell contacts. These results will be presented.
9:00 - Validation and machine learning modeling of MODIS Satellite GPP with eddy covariance over a deciduous forest in Kentucky
First Author
Ife Familusi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
maheteme Gebremedhin
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Buddhi Gyawali
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
Remote sensing monitors ecosystem productivity and global carbon cycling more broadly than conventional carbon estimation methods like eddy covariance. However, its deductive method has certain discrepancies that influence its estimates. This study used the Eddy Covariance (EC) Gross Primary Product (GPP) measurements over a deciduous forest to validate the counterpart Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) product over six years (2016-2021). It also employed machine learning (ML) methods to model this relationship. Over the observation period, we observed clear seasonal patterns of Gross Primary Productivity (GPP) measurements. The highest comparative accuracy was witnessed in May and October. MODIS had higher GPP estimates in the non-growing season, while in situ measurements overshot MODIS GPP in the summer months. Gradient boosting and random forest ML models best predicted MODIS GPP for the study area based on their model performance metrics. The observations validate the correlation between the remotely sensed values and the in-situ NEE and GPP fluxes. We recommend a seasonal correction to the MODIS satellite algorithm, especially in months characterized by poor vegetation growth, understory growth, and reduced turbulence.
9:15 - Integrating manual and multi-source spatial data for monitoring industrial hemp growth dynamics and plant health
First Author
Suraj K C
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Anuj Chiluwal
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Hardev Sandhu
Everglades Research & Education Center, University of Florid
Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) cultivation has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its versatile applications and high-value products. While aerial phenotyping has become a widely used method for monitoring plant growth, physiology, and yield prediction in various crops, its effectiveness on hemp remains underexplored.
This study offers a thorough analysis of temporal hemp morphophysiological data under varying plant populations, combining manual ground-based measurements with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing data. We examined a range of parameters, including plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, and canopy cover, alongside UAV-acquired data such as canopy temperature, NDRE (Normalized Difference Red Edge), NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), and high-resolution surface models.
Our research integrates multi-source data to provide a deeper understanding of hemp crop dynamics and health by utilizing spatial and temporal variations. The findings contribute to identifying the most efficient phenotyping methods for hemp and offer valuable insights for improving future hemp cultivation and crop monitoring practice utilizing aerial imageries.
This study offers a thorough analysis of temporal hemp morphophysiological data under varying plant populations, combining manual ground-based measurements with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) remote sensing data. We examined a range of parameters, including plant height, leaf chlorophyll content, and canopy cover, alongside UAV-acquired data such as canopy temperature, NDRE (Normalized Difference Red Edge), NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), and high-resolution surface models.
Our research integrates multi-source data to provide a deeper understanding of hemp crop dynamics and health by utilizing spatial and temporal variations. The findings contribute to identifying the most efficient phenotyping methods for hemp and offer valuable insights for improving future hemp cultivation and crop monitoring practice utilizing aerial imageries.
9:30 - Hungarian yellow wax sweet pepper's growth, quality, and yield response under different production systems.
First Author
Alex Kofi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Adekunle Adeyeye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Theoneste Nzaramyimana
Kentucky State University
Hungarian yellow wax sweet pepper is a type of pepper that originated from Hungary and is mostly eaten in salads and sandwiches. It is becoming popular in the United States because it was found to be very nutritious. Its high concentration of vitamin C helps humans maintain strong immune systems and healthy skin. Also, its low-calorie levels help in human weight management. This study assessed the response of the Hungarian yellow wax sweet pepper to growth, quality, and yield under different production systems: greenhouse in pots, Open Field, Open Field in pots, and Open Field under Plastic Mulch. For the phenotype characteristics, results showed that the peppers cultivated in the greenhouse were observed to have significantly longer stem lengths and broader leaves with early maturity (62 days). Open-field plants with plastic mulch followed the ones in a greenhouse (71 days) while late maturity (86 days) was observed in peppers cultivated in pots in the open field. Overall, marketable yields per plant were significantly higher in peppers grown in the plastic mulch (1170.177 g/plant) at each harvest time. The open field followed this without plastic mulch (816.357 g/plant) while the open field peppers in pots produced the lowest marketable yields (202.455 g/plant). It can be concluded that Hungarian yellow wax sweet pepper is adaptable to all production systems except open-field pot production. However, if yield is to be considered, the recommended production system for Hungarian yellow wax sweet pepper is the open field with plastic mulch.
Keywords: Hungarian Yellow wax sweet pepper, fruit yield, plastic mulch
Keywords: Hungarian Yellow wax sweet pepper, fruit yield, plastic mulch
9:45 - Feed training evaluation of phase one Largemouth Bass produced in managed nursery ponds and floating in-pond raceway
First Author
Sandhya Lamichhane
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Ken Semmens
Kentucky State University
Commercial production of largemouth bass (LMB) depends on training fingerlings to accept pelleted feed to minimize cannibalism. Phase one LMB fingerlings produced in floating in-pond raceways are smaller than fingerlings produced in a managed nursery pond and may not survive as well during the feed training process.
This 3-week study evaluates feed training efficiency among fish grown in in a managed nursery pond (control) and a floating raceway (treatment). Treatments were randomly assigned to aquariums (132L) supplied with a flow of water at 27°C and aeration. They were stocked with fish harvested from managed nursery ponds (2.68 ±.03 g/fish) and floating raceways (0.72 ± .02 g/fish). Each aquarium was stocked with 200 fish and fed to satiation with a pelleted feed (50% protein 10% fat). Amount fed was recorded. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite were monitored. Number of fish in each aquarium and batch weight of each aquarium was recorded at stocking and harvest.
Respective survival in the pond and raceway treatments was 96.1±0.8% and 96.3±2.1%. Respective feed efficiency was 119±9.5% and 109±3.1%. There was significant difference (P<.05) respectively in specific growth rate (4.8±.07 vs 8.3±.26 %BW/day) and harvest density (11.1±0.29 vs 6.15±.27 g/L). Small fish are expected to have a higher growth rate than larger fish. Fish density at harvest was comparable with reported density under commercial conditions. Results indicate that smaller phase one LMB grown in a floating raceway will feed train as effectively as fish grown in a managed nursery pond.
This 3-week study evaluates feed training efficiency among fish grown in in a managed nursery pond (control) and a floating raceway (treatment). Treatments were randomly assigned to aquariums (132L) supplied with a flow of water at 27°C and aeration. They were stocked with fish harvested from managed nursery ponds (2.68 ±.03 g/fish) and floating raceways (0.72 ± .02 g/fish). Each aquarium was stocked with 200 fish and fed to satiation with a pelleted feed (50% protein 10% fat). Amount fed was recorded. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, total ammonia nitrogen and nitrite were monitored. Number of fish in each aquarium and batch weight of each aquarium was recorded at stocking and harvest.
Respective survival in the pond and raceway treatments was 96.1±0.8% and 96.3±2.1%. Respective feed efficiency was 119±9.5% and 109±3.1%. There was significant difference (P<.05) respectively in specific growth rate (4.8±.07 vs 8.3±.26 %BW/day) and harvest density (11.1±0.29 vs 6.15±.27 g/L). Small fish are expected to have a higher growth rate than larger fish. Fish density at harvest was comparable with reported density under commercial conditions. Results indicate that smaller phase one LMB grown in a floating raceway will feed train as effectively as fish grown in a managed nursery pond.
10:00 - Performance elaboration of Sheep and Cow Organic Pellet fertilizers on Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa)
First Author
Eric Murwanashyaka
kentucky state university
The organic fertilizer in form of pellets contributes towards soil structure, soil water holding capacity and the increase of organic matter in the soil that stabilizes soil health. In the elaboration of two types of organic pellet fertilizers, the cow dung and sheep manure were considered as primary sources and fortified with dry mulberry leaves (Morus alba) to increase nitrogen in such that the proportion of cow organic pellets had ration of cow dung to mulberry leaves 2.28: 1. The proportion of sheep organic pellet had a ratio of sheep manure to mulberry leaves of 1.94:1. An experiment was carried out where two organic fertilizers were applied to lettuce plants (Lactuca sativa) under similar conditions for 3 applications in 35 days. The roots and leaf biomass of the lettuce were quantified and used INFO STAT and ANOVA statistical models. The results showed a statistically significant difference with (p-value= 0.01). This study concluded that the applied fertilizers had a positive effect to facilitate the absorption of water by roots and kept the foliar part of the lettuces in good condition and there was statistically significant difference between two organic fertilizers considering the nutritional demand requirement.
Key words: Cow dung, sheep manure, Mulberry (Morus alba)
Key words: Cow dung, sheep manure, Mulberry (Morus alba)
10:15 - Providing Better Access to Medicated Feed for Kentucky Aquaculturists and a Subsequent Survey of Their Opinions and Perc
First Author
Adetola Ogundipe
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Robert Durborow
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Tifani McKay
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Gunnar Psurny
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Vincent Teye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sophia Okoh
Kentucky State University
Co-author
John Kelso
Kentucky State University
Providing Better Access to Medicated Feed for Kentucky Aquaculturists and a Subsequent Survey of Their Opinions and Perceptions of This Service
Fish farmers in Kentucky and surrounding states are often faced with challenges when trying to obtain medicated feed to treat internal bacterial infections of their fish. The lack of infrastructure in the region (feed mills, supply sources, etc.) causes fish farmers to choose treatment options other than medicated feed due to difficulties in obtaining it and ordering medicated feed can be expensive due to ordering small quantities with high shipping costs. Most fish farmers in this part of the country report that it takes approximately 11-15 days for the medicated feed to arrive, which is after the peak of the disease mortalities. Objectives of the project were:
• To evaluate the perception of farmers towards the effectiveness of medicated feed treatment options,
• To evaluate the perception of farmers to the accessibility of medicated feed (containing Aquaflor®, Romet® or Terramycin®) in Kentucky and surrounding states influenced by establishment of the Kentucky State University Aquaculture Research Center (KSU ARC) as a VFD (a type of prescription to fish farmers from their practicing veterinarians) distributor, and
• To evaluate the perception of farmers towards the effectiveness of fish health services of KSU ARC.
The outcome of this research project may assist in reducing economic losses currently experienced by fish farmers in Kentucky and surrounding states and foster the growth and sustainability of fish farming in the region.
Fish farmers in Kentucky and surrounding states are often faced with challenges when trying to obtain medicated feed to treat internal bacterial infections of their fish. The lack of infrastructure in the region (feed mills, supply sources, etc.) causes fish farmers to choose treatment options other than medicated feed due to difficulties in obtaining it and ordering medicated feed can be expensive due to ordering small quantities with high shipping costs. Most fish farmers in this part of the country report that it takes approximately 11-15 days for the medicated feed to arrive, which is after the peak of the disease mortalities. Objectives of the project were:
• To evaluate the perception of farmers towards the effectiveness of medicated feed treatment options,
• To evaluate the perception of farmers to the accessibility of medicated feed (containing Aquaflor®, Romet® or Terramycin®) in Kentucky and surrounding states influenced by establishment of the Kentucky State University Aquaculture Research Center (KSU ARC) as a VFD (a type of prescription to fish farmers from their practicing veterinarians) distributor, and
• To evaluate the perception of farmers towards the effectiveness of fish health services of KSU ARC.
The outcome of this research project may assist in reducing economic losses currently experienced by fish farmers in Kentucky and surrounding states and foster the growth and sustainability of fish farming in the region.
10:30 - Using Geographical Information Systems to Identify Ecological Niches for Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) and American Persimmon
First Author
Nabin Adhikari
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Dustin Hodges
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Kirk Pomper
Kentucky State University
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba ) is a temperate deciduous tree fruit that is native to North America. This species is found in 26 states of U.S., ranging from northern Florida to Southern Ontario and westward to eastern Nebraska. Pawpaw is an understory tree commonly found on slopes of floodplain and fertile bottomlands. American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is deciduous tree fruit that is native to eastern and central United States. Both fruits play a vital role in the forest ecosystem and are now also being recognized as potential crops for commercial cultivation and utilization. The objectives of this study were to analyze the types and quantities of land cover and the ecological niches of the American persimmon and pawpaw. Furthermore, we aimed to compare their historical distribution with their present distribution using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for a comprehensive assessment of changes over time. The research was conducted at the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest as well as the KSU Environmental Education and Research Center. Historical images were compared with newly available highly-resolution images and the changes in land cover examined. Further, ecological niches of Pawpaw and American Persimmon within Kentucky's forest ecosystem and changes in plant communities were compared and will be discussed.
9:00 - Carbonic anhydrase mimicking metal-organic framework of zinc(II) and histidine
First Author
Ibrahim Ali
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Bangbo Yan
Western Kentucky University
The enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA) boasts an incredibly high efficiency in catalyzing the conversion of carbon dioxide into bicarbonate and can be used as an environmentally friendly material for carbon dioxide capture. However, its sensitivity to pH and high temperatures prevents practical applications. In this presentation, we report a new metal-organic framework (MOF)-[Zn(HIS)] (HIS = histidine). The crystal structure of the MOF was determined with single crystal x-ray diffraction. In this structure, there are two types of Zn(II) coordination geometries, one of which has tetrahedral geometry with three nitrogen atoms and one oxygen atom from three histidine ligands, mimicking the CA active center. The other Zn(II) ion has a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry coordinating to three histidine ligands.
9:15 - Application of Gaussian Tools for the Study of Physical Concepts in Chemistry
First Author
Luna Asbell
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Jeremy Maddox
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Katie Isaacs
Gatton Academy
GaussianTools is a Mathematica package that reads electronic structure data from the output files produced by the commercially available program Gaussian. In this presentation we demonstrate applications of GaussianTools for the study of fundamental concepts in chemistry. These include an interactive graphical tool for studying the symmetry elements (rotation axes, mirror planes, inversion centers, etc.) for the various molecular point groups. We also have developed some applications for organic chemistry, such as graphical representations of functional groups and the key physical characteristics. Likewise, we present a computational module that illustrates conformational analysis for rotations about dihedral angles in alkanes, i.e., staggered vs eclipsed conformers of ethane and the gauche, anti, syn conformers in 1,2-disubstituted ethane. Our last example is a 2D potential energy scan of the dihedral angles in cyclohexane responsible for chair-to-boat-to-chair conversions.
9:30 - Effect of Washing on Plastic Bag Surface Composition and Color
First Author
Katelyn Haas
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Cynthia Tran
Eastern Kentucky University
Plastic is prevalent in each aspect of everyday life. Due to its regular use and pervasiveness, plastic is a type of evidence that persists at a crime scene. The color and chemical signature of a plastic can be used to identify a potential common source of the bag and aid in the investigation of a crime. Plastic trash bags, composed of low-density polyethylene, colorants and/or coatings, are a common plastic submitted for analysis. However, pretreatment of the plastic in the lab before analysis (i.e. washing away debris) could alter the color and chemical signature. A deeper understanding of the extent of these observed changes is required.
In this study, two brands of black plastic trash bags were subjected to sequential washings with water along or with soap and water. Colorimetry quantitatively assessed the color of the bags after each washing while Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy assessed the chemical composition. Measurements were taken to assess variations within bags, across bags, across brands, and between washings. The colorimetry data indicated no significant or consistent changes in color resulted from repeated washing with either water alone or soap and water. Visual overlays of FTIR spectra suggested minute differences in the chemical signature, so the spectra were subjected to further statistical analysis using a spectral angle contrast ratio (SCAR) analysis. This revealed some variations are large enough to provide confidence in the observed differences and provide a foundation for comparison between crime scene and potential source bags.
In this study, two brands of black plastic trash bags were subjected to sequential washings with water along or with soap and water. Colorimetry quantitatively assessed the color of the bags after each washing while Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy assessed the chemical composition. Measurements were taken to assess variations within bags, across bags, across brands, and between washings. The colorimetry data indicated no significant or consistent changes in color resulted from repeated washing with either water alone or soap and water. Visual overlays of FTIR spectra suggested minute differences in the chemical signature, so the spectra were subjected to further statistical analysis using a spectral angle contrast ratio (SCAR) analysis. This revealed some variations are large enough to provide confidence in the observed differences and provide a foundation for comparison between crime scene and potential source bags.
9:45 - Synthesis of Boronic Acid Derivatives as Potential Inhibitors of the Bacterial Enzyme ArgE
First Author
Ashley Kendall
Georgetown College
Co-author
Innocent Demshemino
Georgetown College
Co-author
Lucas Smith
Georgetown College
Co-author
Daniel Becker
Loyola University Chicago
Co-author
Emma Kelley
Loyola University Chicago
Co-author
Tara Bowman
Georgetown College
Co-author
Jonathon Kane
Loyola University Chicago
Bacteria are constantly adapting and evolving to resist current antibiotic drugs. To combat this evolution, new anti-bacterial drugs must be synthesized to address bacterial resistance to antibiotics. One bacterial enzyme, ArgE, is a promising target for enzyme inhibition because it is present in all Gram-negative and most Gram-positive bacteria. At the same time, ArgE is not expressed in the mammal biosynthesis pathway of arginine. ArgE is a metallohydrolase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of N-acetylornithine to acetate and L-ornithine. Through inhibition of ArgE, bacterial cells are rendered unviable due to the lack of arginine and L-ornithine, which are used in DNA and protein synthesis. ArgE exhibits high interactions with zinc within the active site and boronic acid. This experiment was designed to synthesize several boronic acid derivatives as potential ArgE inhibitors. The synthesized compounds were characterized using NMR, mass spectroscopy, and HPLC. Testing is in progress for the synthesized derivatives using a ninhydrin-based assay for their inhibition properties. We are hopeful that several synthesized derivatives will be viable ArgE inhibitors that could function as antibacterial drugs.
10:00 - Developing a novel fluorescent sensor for detecting analytes in an aqueous medium
First Author
Varshith Kotagiri
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
Co-author
Brian Kellog
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Simon Sy
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Eden Gruchala
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Natelie Hutchinson
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Lei Li
Western Kentucky University
Fluorescent sensors are organic fluorophores that detect specific analytes with quantitative fluorescence intensity changes. They have offered impressive benefits compared with instrumental techniques, such as low cost, high selectivity, and rapid responses. One issue that limits the fluorescent sensors for further application is their poor solubility in the aqueous medium, where most targeted analytes, including metal ions, inorganic anions, and neutral biomolecules, are readily soluble. When fluorescent sensors are utilized to detect these analytes, a heterogeneous phase is formed. In most cases, an extra water-miscible organic solvent is needed as an additive to facilitate the sensing process, which complicates the measurement operations and produces more organic waste. We aim to resolve this issue by skillful molecular design to introduce a hydrophilic side chain to the fluorescent sensor, increasing its water solubility and facilitating its sensing process to analytes, like various protons, fluoride ions, and copper ions, in an aqueous medium. Simultaneously, its sensitivity and selectivity will be retained. This work will simplify the sensing operations and reduce the amount of organic waste produced during the measurement. This strategy will additionally be of broad interest to the chemistry community, as it introduces the idea of modifying the molecular structure to apply an initial hydrophobic compound under hydrophilic conditions in a feasible way.
10:15 - Bent out of shape: Assessing the extent of DNA damage caused by nontraditional cisplatin analogs
First Author
Robert Purvis
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Kevin Williams
Department of Chemistry at Western Kentucky University
Cis-diaminodichloroplatinum(II) (cisplatin) is a chemotherapeutic drug which works by binding to purine residues on the DNA of cancerous cells, causing bending and unwinding of the double helix. Through nucleophilic substitution, most commonly by the N7 position on guanine, the chloride leaving ligands are replaced by the DNA residues to form a bifunctional coordination complex. Typically, this is seen between two adjacent guanines and called a 1,2-GpG intrastrand crosslink. This crosslink is the source of the DNA bend towards the major grove and localized unwinding. Proteins recognize these distorted regions and bind to them, blocking cellular repair factors and resulting in G2 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Previous research suggests that analogs of cisplatin can bend DNA to different extents, however only a small handful of these molecules have undergone study for their bending properties, and the mechanisms which cause the variable bending remain unclear. Thus, this study examines the capabilities of several cisplatin analogs to bend DNA, including some complexes that, despite having only one traditional leaving ligand, have been found to react with two guanine nucleotides in small-molecule studies. Using an SDS-PAGE electrophoresis setup, the platinum compounds were run with a 32-base pair oligomer designed to include the 1,2-GpG binding site. Understanding the factors that influence DNA bending will inform future research into cisplatin analog synthesis, as well as elucidating variabilities in the biochemical cascades that lead to cancerous cell death as a result.
Previous research suggests that analogs of cisplatin can bend DNA to different extents, however only a small handful of these molecules have undergone study for their bending properties, and the mechanisms which cause the variable bending remain unclear. Thus, this study examines the capabilities of several cisplatin analogs to bend DNA, including some complexes that, despite having only one traditional leaving ligand, have been found to react with two guanine nucleotides in small-molecule studies. Using an SDS-PAGE electrophoresis setup, the platinum compounds were run with a 32-base pair oligomer designed to include the 1,2-GpG binding site. Understanding the factors that influence DNA bending will inform future research into cisplatin analog synthesis, as well as elucidating variabilities in the biochemical cascades that lead to cancerous cell death as a result.
9:00 - Characterization of plastic anisotropy and ductile fracture of an aerospace aluminum alloy
First Author
Tanner Castleberry
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Madhav Baral
University of Kentucky
Aluminum alloys are extensively utilized in aerospace manufacturing because of their desirable mechanical and fracture characteristics. One of the widely used alloys in this field is AA2024 aluminum alloy. Due to its outstanding mechanical properties, including a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent fatigue resistance, AA2024 holds significant potential for widespread use in spacecraft structures and other aerospace applications. However, the manufacturing process (e.g., rolling, stamping etc.) can induce mechanical anisotropy, making the mechanical properties like strength, ductility, or fracture resistance dependent on the direction of applied forces within a material. In this study, anisotropic plastic behavior of AA2024-T3 sheet is characterized using quasi-static uniaxial tension, plane-strain tension, and disk compression experiments along major material directions including rolling, diagonal, and transverse direction of the sheet. Similarly, the fracture behavior is characterized using a series of specialized tests aimed to determine the strain at fracture for different stress states. These tests include notch tension specimens with different notch radii, shear, and central hole specimens. During the tests, strain data, including surface strain fields and local point strains are collected utilizing digital image correlation (DIC) techniques. These experiments enable the establishment of a fracture locus which can aid in the design, selection, and optimization of components and manufacturing processes for aerospace applications.
9:15 - Multi-Objective Optimization in Smart Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (SIRES): A Web Tool Approach
First Author
Andrea Cardenas
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Shariqa Tayabee
Northern Kentucky University
Rural electrification often focuses solely on electricity access, neglecting other essential needs such as water and cooking energy. This research introduces the Smart Integrated Renewable Energy System (SIRES), a comprehensive solution that addresses energy, water, and cooking requirements in rural areas. A comparative analysis between SIRES and conventional microgrids is conducted, taking into account social, economic, and environmental factors such as the Human Development Index (HDI) and carbon emissions. Using a genetic algorithm, the study determines the optimal system configuration based on cost, reliability, and environmental impact. To aid in decision-making, a user-friendly web-based optimization tool has been developed using the Python-Django framework. This platform allows users to input community-specific data, including population, households, agricultural land, and cattle information, to generate tailored recommendations. The tool optimally sizes system components like solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower, biogas plants, and water pumps, based on the available resources and demographic details. In addition to providing users with an optimized system configuration, the website offers detailed information about the tools and resources involved, as well as comparative insights between SIRES and traditional microgrid systems. Accessible to non-expert users, the platform incorporates visual aids such as graphs and charts to enhance understanding. By optimizing renewable energy resources and offering a comparison with microgrids, this research identifies the most effective strategies for improving rural living standards while minimizing environmental impact and costs.
9:30 - Instrumentation of a 3D printer for fabrication of reinforced concrete
First Author
Seyed Allameh
Northern Kentucky University
Digital construction is now achievable using a 3D printer equipped with a concrete dispensing nozzle that deposits concrete in layers and contours dictated by a computer program. This technology facilitates fabrication of walls in-situ for buildings that are mostly single story with no need for steel reinforcement. However, structures like Bridges, skyscrapers and most commercial buildings still require steel rebar. Integrating 3D welding with concrete deposition allows a seamless fabrication process for digital construction. This study explores the instrumentation of a 3D printer for horizontal rebar production using a MIG welder alongside the fabrication of a specially designed concrete pump for concrete deposition.
9:45 - Identifying Contributory Factors Related to Crashes at Railroad Grade Crossings in Kentucky
First Author
Alrose Noronha
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Kirolos Haleem
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Arunabha Banerjee
Western Kentucky University
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), more than 2,000 crash incidents and 200 fatalities occur at railroad grade crossings (RRGCs) in the U.S. each year. In Kentucky alone, there were 13 fatalities due to these crashes between 2015 and 2019. This study focuses on evaluating the contributory factors related to crashes at public RRGCs in Kentucky and suggests countermeasures to improve overall safety. A total of 1,117 crashes at public RRGCs from 2014-2023 were retrieved from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). Thereafter, factors such as manner of collision, time of the day, weather, at-fault vehicle type, driver distraction, and aggressive driving were analyzed. The study results showed that the manner of collision at RRGCs was primarily due to angle (30.9%) and rear-end (28.8%) crashes, respectively. Additionally, RRGC crashes mainly occurred during clear/cloudy weather (87.3%), and 29.5% of RRGC crashes were due to light trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Also, distracted driving (47.2%) and aggressive driving (26.2%) were significant factors related to RRGC crashes. Using signs displaying messages, such as 'Buckle Up Phone Down' and 'STOP Aggressive Driving', could help prevent distraction and aggressive driving-related crashes at RRGCs.
10:00 - High Performance Polymer Composites using Graphene & Carbon/Glass Fibers for Aerospace and Automotive Applications
First Author
Vallabh Ramesh
DuPont Manual High School
Polyurethane block copolymer compositions were developed, and three fillers-namely graphene, carbon fiber, and glass fiber-were incorporated to the formulations using melt mixing and compounding. The resulting compositions were optimized for hardness, elongation, tensile strength, and thermal properties. 1.75 mm diameter filaments were then precisely extruded from these compositions, and simple/complex gyroid structural patterns were 3D printed. Next, composite formulations and lattice structural designs were created based on properties needed for aerospace and automotive applications.
Major changes have occurred in the aerospace and automotive industries during the last two decades. Substrates are now increasingly based on composites for their properties: they are light weight, have exceptional strength, and provide design flexibility. This study demonstrates the use of these novel polyurethane composites in automotive body parts and repair components for aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The exceptional impact resistance and recovery studies of the simulated automotive body panels will be presented.
For aircraft or UAV repairs, rapid return to service is exceptionally important to minimize ground time and ensure safe flight. Typically, for holes and structural damage, a fiber glass matrix with epoxy cure is used to repair the substrate. It usually takes around 24-36 hours to cure and develop full strength. This research shows the use of polymer composite gyroid designs that have optimal flexibility and toughness when filled with a UV curable resin matrix that quickly cures and strengthens in less than an hour. Evaluation details and test results will be presented.
Major changes have occurred in the aerospace and automotive industries during the last two decades. Substrates are now increasingly based on composites for their properties: they are light weight, have exceptional strength, and provide design flexibility. This study demonstrates the use of these novel polyurethane composites in automotive body parts and repair components for aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The exceptional impact resistance and recovery studies of the simulated automotive body panels will be presented.
For aircraft or UAV repairs, rapid return to service is exceptionally important to minimize ground time and ensure safe flight. Typically, for holes and structural damage, a fiber glass matrix with epoxy cure is used to repair the substrate. It usually takes around 24-36 hours to cure and develop full strength. This research shows the use of polymer composite gyroid designs that have optimal flexibility and toughness when filled with a UV curable resin matrix that quickly cures and strengthens in less than an hour. Evaluation details and test results will be presented.
10:15 - Rover for Locating Individuals Trapped in Trauma Events Using LD2410b mmWave Radar Through-Wall Detection
First Author
Adharsh Jaikumar
duPont Manual High School
The escalating incidence of construction-related accidents on a global scale underscores the imperative for novel methodologies to facilitate prompt rescue interventions. This research advocates for the utilization of a rover integrated with LD2410b mmWave radar, specifically tailored for through-wall human presence detection, a crucial capability in the context of search and rescue missions during calamitous scenarios. The project encompassed multifaceted phases, encompassing design conceptualization, programming, mechanical assembly, and comprehensive data acquisition to assess the efficacy of the radar across diverse environmental conditions. Detailed examination of the collected data unveiled that while variations in wall thickness exhibited some influences on the accuracy, the radar system exhibited commendable resilience even in scenarios involving thicker barriers. Notably, the system exhibited heightened precision in detecting subtle movements, thereby amplifying its utility in scenarios characterized by confined spaces, typical of rescue operations. Statistical analyses, including T-tests, corroborated the significance of these observations by contrasting the obtained data with anticipated radar outputs provided by its manufacturer. Despite encountering obstacles along the developmental trajectory, the radar system demonstrated commendable robustness and reliability, thereby underscoring its potential for deployment in real-world exigencies. Subsequent investigations could center on refining performance metrics in environments posing heightened challenges, thereby charting a course toward the advancement of through-wall detection systems. This study accentuates the pivotal role of technological innovations in combating inefficient disaster response frameworks and accentuates avenues for continued exploration and innovation in this pivotal domain.
9:00 - Analyzing the role of legal frame works in enabling sustainable practices in Kentucky's bourbon Industry
First Author
McKringle Mhlanga
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Suraj Upadhaya
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sait Sarr
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Etumnu Chinonso
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Theoneste Nzaramyimana
Kentucky State University
The bourbon industry has become integrated in Kentucky's economy, culture, and social life, and it exerts significant influence. While it makes economic contributions and is of cultural significance, the industry has pressing environmental challenges and social problems, from heavy use of energy and water in distillation, to alcohol-related health problems. It is imperative to consider sustainability throughout the bourbon supply chain, covering environmental preservation, social duty, and economic sustainability.
It is important to understand the role of policy frameworks in driving or inhibiting efforts for distilleries to adopt sustainable practices in their operations and supply chain. Through conducting a policy analysis, this research aims to investigate how existing policies such as the Water Usage and Clean Water Act (CWA), Solid and Hazardous Waste Management (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), among others, help or adversely slow down distilleries in implementing practices and techniques that make bourbon production more environmentally friendly while being economically viable. It provides a basis for policy recommendations for the development of sustainable approaches and helps the industry to deal with the ever-changing world of sustainability expectations and customer needs.
It is important to understand the role of policy frameworks in driving or inhibiting efforts for distilleries to adopt sustainable practices in their operations and supply chain. Through conducting a policy analysis, this research aims to investigate how existing policies such as the Water Usage and Clean Water Act (CWA), Solid and Hazardous Waste Management (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act), among others, help or adversely slow down distilleries in implementing practices and techniques that make bourbon production more environmentally friendly while being economically viable. It provides a basis for policy recommendations for the development of sustainable approaches and helps the industry to deal with the ever-changing world of sustainability expectations and customer needs.
9:15 - Rain-on-Snow Climatology of the Connecticut River Watershed
First Author
Samuel Davidson
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Zachary Suriano
Western Kentucky University
Rain-on-snow (ROS) events, characterized by rain falling on existing snowpack, have the potential to bring about significant hydrological and environmental impacts including snowmelt, flooding, landslides, and other natural hazards. The purpose of the following research is to analyze ROS events in the Connecticut River Watershed from a climatological standpoint. While research on ROS events has been conducted on other watersheds/regions, this research provides a better understanding of the impacts of such events in the Connecticut River Watershed. The data collected include gridded observations of snow water equivalent, precipitation, and temperature. ROS events are identified in the region, followed by an analysis of their frequency, intensity, temporal patterns, and trends. Findings indicate that ROS frequency is highest in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont and the northernmost extent of the watershed in northern New Hampshire, with the greatest average loss of snow water equivalent from ROS events in southern Vermont. Seasonally, ROS frequency peaks in the fall in northern New Hampshire, in winter in many of the higher elevations of the central and upper watershed, and in spring in southern Vermont and the White Mountains of central New Hampshire. Trend analysis shows a decrease in ROS frequency in the higher elevations of southern Vermont as well as central Massachusetts, with an increase in parts of central and northern New Hampshire. With no prior research focused on ROS events in the Connecticut River Watershed, the results from this research will be important for future flood mitigation strategies within the watershed.
9:30 - Synoptic Classification of Ohio River Basin Snowfall Events
First Author
Harmony Guercio
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Zachary Suriano
Western Kentucky University
Snowfall plays a crucial role in the Ohio River Basin, impacting transportation, local economies, and ecosystems. As snow melts, it replenishes soil moisture, supports plant growth, and insulates plants and animals from harsh winter temperatures. Over the past 75 years, significant changes have been observed in the region's snowfall patterns, including decreased frequency and magnitude, which have had widespread societal and environmental effects. This research examines these trends by analyzing daily snowfall records since 1948, investigating spatial distribution of snowfall, and assessing the synoptic-scale atmospheric drivers of snowfall events. The three main snowfall producing weather patterns identified included those with northwest flow with the potential for lake-effect snowfall in the northeast portion of the basin, mid-latitude cyclones that produced wrap-around or frontal snowfall in the southern and central portions of the basin, and high-pressure systems that lead to lighter snowfall. Over half of the snowfall days were driven by patterns suitable for lake-effect snowfall, highlighting the significant role that this synoptic feature has in bringing snow to the basin. Depending on the factors influencing regional and local scales, the frequency and magnitudes of these snowfall events varied throughout time, showing both decreasing and increasing trends, forced in part due to significant associations with the Arctic and North Atlantic Oscillations. The dynamics of these large-scale synoptic systems highlights the importance of understanding how these patterns affect snowfall variability. With important implications for future research on regional snowfall and weather impacts, this study provides insight into how snowfall trends are evolving overtime.
9:45 - Yield and quality of Cabbage and Collard grown in organic soil amendments
First Author
Sujata Kattel
Kentucky State University
Co-author
George F. Antonious
Kentucky State University
The rising use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides has shifted towards more sustainable agricultural practices, such as utilizing organic soil amendments to enhance crop yields while improving soil health. This study was conducted to assess the effects of various soil amendments: biochar (BIO), chicken manure (CM), cow manure (COW), and sewage sludge (SS) on the yield and quality of cabbage and collards grown under field conditions. The field experiment was conducted at Kentucky State University Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). Cabbage (varieties: Farao, Tiara, Caraflex) and collards (varieties: Flash, Cash crop, Top Bunch) were grown in different amended soils and evaluated for yield and quality based on USDA Grading Standards for cabbage and collards. The results demonstrated that cow manure and chicken manure significantly increased cabbage yields compared to other treatments with cow manure producing the highest yield of 1.56 kg per head. For collards, biochar-amended soil resulted in the highest yield of 2.01 kg per plant. Overall, organic amendments, such as biochar and animal manure improved crop yield and quality. Future research will focus on optimizing amendment application rates for different crops and soil types to further boost productivity and soil health.
10:00 - Yield, quality, and disease suppression in potato grown under soil amendments
First Author
Anjan Nepal
Kentucky State University
Co-author
George F. Antonious
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Mohammad H. Dawood
University of Telafer
Food safety and security have been a challenging issue in the agriculture field, and the disease infestation in crops has added to the problem of food productivity. An experiment was conducted at Kentucky State University Research Farm to assess the effect of five soil amendments (biochar, chicken manure, sewage sludge, cow manure, vermicompost) on potato yield, quality, and disease in potato tubers. Potato (Solanum tuberosum, var. Kennebec) was planted in a randomized complete block design. At harvest, the yield, grades, and the occurrence of disease symptoms were recorded. The results showed that the soil amended with cow manure produced the highest potato yield (167.42 g per tuber) and was significantly greater than the control treatment (85.13 g per tuber). The visual inspection of disease symptoms showed that the biochar mixed with cow manure had the lowest incidence of necrosis and biochar mixed with vermicompost had the lowest growth cracks occurrence. Similarly, biochar mixed with chicken manure had the lowest scab, whereas biochar alone had the lowest rot infestation. The results showed that the disease-suppressive ability of soil amendments varies depending on the type of organic amendments used. The results also concluded that soil amendments have the potential to maintain high potato tuber yield and low disease symptoms for greater food productivity and sustainability.
10:15 - How does elderberry cultivation affect subsoil carbon-water dynamics in agroforestry system? A longitudinal approach
First Author
Sudha Bhandari
College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources,Kentuck
Co-author
Santosh Paudel
College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources,Kentuck
Co-author
Dr. Suraj Upadhaya
College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources,Kentuck
Co-author
Dr. Maheteme Gebremedhin
College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources,Kentuck
Co-author
Dr.Theoneste Nzaramyimana
College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources,Kentuck
Elderberry, a native shrub of Kentucky, has gained popularity for its ecological and commercial benefits, however, research on its impact on subsoil health is limited resulting in a lower adoption rate among farmers. Thus, a study was conducted at Kentucky State University's West Farm to increase its adoption rate among farmers. The study aims to examine the influence of elderberry cultivation on subsoil carbon-water dynamics, focusing on particulate organic carbon (POXC) and water-stable aggregates (WSA) in agroforestry systems. A randomized complete block design was designed with 8 blocks across the experimental field of 0.64 acres. The soil samples were taken at 15 cm, 30 cm, and 45 cm depths of soil from elderberry and non-elderberry plots. Results showed significantly higher active carbon levels in elderberry plots compared to non-elderberry plots, with the highest levels at 30 cm followed by 15 cm and 45 cm, with the mean values of 747.88 (mg C/kg soil), 589.52 (mg C/kg), and 473.64 (mg C/kg) respectively. It shows the role of elderberry in enhancing carbon sequestration towards subsoil rather than the surface. Further, the wet aggregate stability percentage was significantly higher in plots with elderberry than in plots without elderberry. The soil depth at 45 cm shows the highest WSA%, followed by 30 cm showing moderate stability, and the lowest stability observed at 15 cm depth. These preliminary results suggest that elderberry cultivation has the potential to enhance subsoil carbon sequestration and improve wet aggregate stability, supporting its adoption among farmers.
You'll see fish, shrimp, crayfish and talk with researchers in KSU's Aquaculture program. This facility is very close to the main campus but parking is limited- we'll provide vans. The tour is 90 minutes.AGR1 - Biochar and late season nitrogen fertilization effect on soybean yield and seed composition
First Author
Deepak Khatri
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Anuj Chiluwal
Kentucky State University
Global demand for soybeans is rising steadily, mainly driven by the need for soybean meal (SBM). To meet future demand, it's essential not only to increase yield but also to maintain the quality of soybeans, which should contain balanced concentrations of all nutrients (protein, amino acids, fatty acids) to support normal growth and development in poultry and livestock. However, soybeans contain very low concentrations of some essential amino acids (methionine, cysteine, lysine, etc.) and a high proportion of less stable fatty acids (linoleic and linolenic), reducing the quality of soybeans. This study investigated the effect of biochar and late-season nitrogen fertilization on soybean yield and seed composition. The experiment was conducted at Kentucky State University's Herold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm, Frankfort, KY. The experiment applied biochar at 12 tons/ha pre-planting and tested four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N/ha) in three equal split applications at weekly intervals, starting from the seed-filling stage (R5). There were no significant differences in yield between treatments. However, significantly higher protein concentrations were observed at all nitrogen levels compared to the control. The study also noted variations in the concentrations of different amino acids and fatty acids. The findings suggest that incorporating biochar and nitrogen in the late season can help to maintain soybean quality.
AGR2 - Consumer preference on saffron uses in baked goods
First Author
Hideka Kobayashi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sheri Crabtree
Kentucky State University
Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a perennial crop characterized by its bulbous growth, primarily cultivated in the Mediterranean climate zone, including regions such as Iran, Spain, Greece, and Kashmir. Due to the significant labor required for its harvesting and processing, saffron ranks as the most expensive spice globally. Its cultivation has also spread to certain areas in the United States, with a growing interest in its production. Since 2019, Kentucky State University has been investigating the viability of saffron as a niche crop for small-scale, resource-limited farmers in Kentucky. A specific aim of this study component is to assess consumer preferences regarding saffron in various culinary applications. In February 2024, a sensory evaluation was conducted on pastries containing saffron. The evaluation involved sixteen participants, comprising seven males and nine females, with ages ranging from twenty-seven to sixty-three. Two pastry types were tested (pound cake and shortbread), each with three saffron levels (0, 0.25 g, and 0.50 g per recipe). Participants first sampled pound cake without saffron, followed by two versions containing saffron, and subsequently tasted shortbread in the same order. The findings indicated that participants generally preferred pastries that did not contain saffron, with the most favored option being shortbread without saffron.
AGR3 - Determining Soil Quality Indicators in No-tillage Farming Practices in Western Kentucky
First Author
Disha Ande
Murray State University
Co-author
Iin Handayani
Murray State University
No-till (NT) farming practice has been widely adopted to improve soil conservation that minimizes soil disturbance and improves soil health, particularly in terms of Soil pH, Macroporosity (MPor), Soil water holding capacity (SWHC), and Soil organic carbon (SOC). The objective of this study was to assess the impact of various land management systems including NT Corn (NTC), NT Soybean (NTS), Campus Vegetable Garden (CVG), Community Garden (CG), Woodland area (WA), and Rain Garden (RG) on selected soil quality indicators such as soil pH, MPor, SWHC, and SOC. The study was conducted on Murray State University farm located at Murray, western KY during September-October 2024 using topsoil with four replications from each field where NT systems have been cultivated for the past 15 years. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from a depth of 0-7cm to measure MPor, and SWHC while disturbed soil samples were used to measure soil pH and SOC. The results show that soil pH ranged from 5.51 to 7.40 with the highest value found in NTC (7.11) and the lowest in WA (5.86). CVG had the greatest MPor of 78.73% and the lowest was found in NTC with 36.70%. Similar results were observed for SWHC with the highest value found in CVG (89.78%) and the lowest in NTC (40.13%). The greatest SOC (11.39%) was detected in CVG and the lowest (2.6%) was in NTC. This research provides important information regarding the contribution of various common land use practices to the future of agriculture systems for silt loam soils.
AGR4 - Effect of Equine Dental Procedure on Temporomandibular Joint Sensitivity Twenty-Four Hours Post Procedure
First Author
Savanna Arnold
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Remi Hensley
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Jim Koostra
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Luiz Silva
Western Kentucky University
Iatrogenic temporomandibular joint (TMJ) discomfort following routine dental procedures is a common concern for equine dental practitioners and owners. While such procedures are necessary for maintaining oral health, they may potentially stress the TMJ, leading to mastication difficulties and riding discomfort. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of iatrogenic TMJ sensitivity in horses following dental procedure. A mixed herd of 42 Arabian and Quarter horses at Western Kentucky University was studied. The horses are ridden for classes are generally gentle and highly trained. Regular dentals are performed on the horses either annually or biannually depending on the individual needs. The horses were checked for TMJ sensitivity immediately prior to the dental procedure and before sedation was administered. The horses were scored using the WKU TMJ sensitivity scale 0-3. After recovery from sedation, the horses were returned to normal life in their pastures. 24 hours post dental, the horses were reexamined and scored on the WKU scale. Data was analyzed using PROC GENMOD of SAS with a multinomial distribution and cumulative logit link. Our findings suggest that routine dental procedures do not significantly increase TMJ discomfort in horses. However, several variables may influence TMJ stress during dental work such as procedure duration, degree of mouth opening, frequency and duration of speculum closure breaks, and level of sedation. The routine dental equilibration procedures described in this study do not cause iatrogenic TMJ sensitivity 24 hours post-procedure. Efficient procedures with the mouth only open as wide as needed for the practitioner and frequent breaks will prevent TMJ discomfort.
AGR5 - Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on ruminal metabolome of Holstein beef steers.
First Author
Happiness Ajayi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Oluwaseun Odunfa
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Co-author
Anjan Dhungana
University of Georgia
Co-author
Yun Jiang
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Co-author
Changzheng Wang
Kentucky State University
Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product on ruminal metabolome of Holstein beef steers: Untargeted metabolomics approach.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) is recognized for its potential to modulate rumen function and improve animal productivity. Utilizing untargeted metabolomics techniques, this study analyzed the profile of metabolites present in the rumen and identified key metabolic pathways affected by SCFP supplementation. A study using a crossover design over two 21-day periods was conducted, utilizing eight rumen-cannulated beef steers fed: 1) Control (CON), a basal diet without feed additives, and 2) SCFP, which included the basal diet supplemented with 12g/head/d SCFP. A total of 2,033 rumen metabolites were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed no distinct separation between control and SCFP-supplemented groups. Volcano plot analysis identified 26 significantly altered metabolites by supplementing SCFP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, based on the criteria of AUC > 0.80 and P < 0.05, identified 12 differentially abundant metabolites contributing to the separation. Among these, three metabolites, 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-(2-hydroxyphenoxy)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid, Diphenol glucuronide, and pyruvic acid, were significantly greater (FDR < 0.05) in SCFP-supplemented steers, while nine metabolites, such as norspermidine and N-acetyl-6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin, were higher in CON-fed steers. Pathway enrichment analysis using E. coli as a reference revealed that SCFP supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) impacted six metabolic pathways. The top three pathways were benzoate degradation, dioxin degradation, and xylene degradation. SCFP may enhanced the breakdown of aromatic compounds through benzoate degradation, aiding in detoxification within the rumen. SCFP could also improve the microbial capacity to metabolize environmental toxins via dioxin degradation and hydrocarbons through xylene degradation, suggesting an increased ability to neutralize harmful compounds.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP) is recognized for its potential to modulate rumen function and improve animal productivity. Utilizing untargeted metabolomics techniques, this study analyzed the profile of metabolites present in the rumen and identified key metabolic pathways affected by SCFP supplementation. A study using a crossover design over two 21-day periods was conducted, utilizing eight rumen-cannulated beef steers fed: 1) Control (CON), a basal diet without feed additives, and 2) SCFP, which included the basal diet supplemented with 12g/head/d SCFP. A total of 2,033 rumen metabolites were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed no distinct separation between control and SCFP-supplemented groups. Volcano plot analysis identified 26 significantly altered metabolites by supplementing SCFP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, based on the criteria of AUC > 0.80 and P < 0.05, identified 12 differentially abundant metabolites contributing to the separation. Among these, three metabolites, 2-hydroxy-6-oxo-6-(2-hydroxyphenoxy)-hexa-2,4-dienoic acid, Diphenol glucuronide, and pyruvic acid, were significantly greater (FDR < 0.05) in SCFP-supplemented steers, while nine metabolites, such as norspermidine and N-acetyl-6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin, were higher in CON-fed steers. Pathway enrichment analysis using E. coli as a reference revealed that SCFP supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) impacted six metabolic pathways. The top three pathways were benzoate degradation, dioxin degradation, and xylene degradation. SCFP may enhanced the breakdown of aromatic compounds through benzoate degradation, aiding in detoxification within the rumen. SCFP could also improve the microbial capacity to metabolize environmental toxins via dioxin degradation and hydrocarbons through xylene degradation, suggesting an increased ability to neutralize harmful compounds.
AGR6 - Food safety of meat and poultry at farmers' markets
First Author
Sage McBride
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
John Khouryieh
Western Kentucky University
Farmers' markets offer vendors a platform to provide a diverse range of local food products directly to consumers. Over the years, the number of farmers' markets has grown steadily, creating economic opportunities for farmers and market managers. As a result, meat and poultry are increasingly available at these markets, raising potential health risks such as the presence of pathogenic bacteria and the need for enhanced vendor safety practices. This review aims to assess the safety of meat and poultry sold at farmers' markets based on current research. Consumer surveys suggest a generally positive perception of meat and poultry safety at farmers' markets. However, cost is identified as a primary barrier to purchasing these products, whereas concerns about safety do not significantly deter consumers from shopping at the markets. Research into vendor practices highlights a deficiency in proper handling measures, such as handwashing, although most vendors demonstrate a good understanding of temperature control when selling meat and poultry. Additionally, surveys of market managers indicate that few markets provide formal training on proper meat and poultry handling. Studies reveal that pathogenic bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella are the primary concerns, though the prevalence of these pathogens in meat and poultry at farmers' markets remains low. This review synthesizes current research on these issues and underscores areas for potential improvement in ensuring food safety at farmers' markets.
AGR8 - Investigating the foraging activity of commercial Bombus impatiens colonies in apple orchards and high-tunnel farms
First Author
Daniel Flores
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Byron Meade
University of Pikeville
75% of our commercially grown fruit crops require animal pollination to yield abundant, high-quality fruits; Malus x domestica (Borkhausen, 1803), the traditionally cultivated apple, accounted for ~$361 billion on the global market in 2009. Bombus impatiens (Cresson, 1863), or the common eastern bumblebee, are medium-sized bees belonging to the family Apidae and are one of our most common and formidable pollinators. These bees are commonly used to increase pollination in orchards and high-tunnel farming settings instead of the non-native European honeybee, Apis millifera (L., 1758), which are significantly less effective pollinators of many of our most valuable crops. This study aims to uncover the efficacy of commercial B. impatiens hives as a management tool in apple orchards (M. x domestica) and high-tunnel Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) (L., 1753) farms. We deployed six domestic hives across three locations, an apple orchard, a high-tunnel farm, and a young successional forest. 300 B. impatiens were fitted with RFID microchips from the Koppert Naturpol colonies that recorded ~11,700 unique entries/exits over two-week periods per location. We found higher mean activity rates in our high-tunnel tomato farm, 12.16 activities per hour, outperforming our apple orchard, 8.74 activities per hour, and our young successional forest, 9.14 activities per hour. Moreover, our tomato farm also had significantly more counts of unique entries/exits against our apple orchard and young succession forest, p-value = 0.0112. This suggests that domestic bumblebee colonies may not be appropriate in all agricultural settings, and alternative management tactics could be advantageous.
AGR9 - Secondary Agricultural Mechanics Instructors Adaptations When Integrating Special Needs Students into The Laboratory Env
First Author
Thomas Kingery
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Makayla Bizzell
Western Kentucky University
The integration of special needs students into the secondary agriculture mechanics laboratory environment poses challenges, where hands-on skills and safety are critical. The inclusion of these students is vital for their education and the interaction with other students in the agriculture mechanics laboratory. The laboratory is an environment that can allow students to explore and participate in active learning strategies that are uniquely different than other learning environments in secondary agricultural education. In 2019, the US Department of Education reported that SWDs (students with disabilities) across the country, ages 5–21, who received special education services in inclusive classrooms was 64.8%, a substantial increase from 19 years prior, in 2000, when the percentage was 46.5% (Cole, Murphy, Frisby, Grossi, Bolte, 2021). In 2022–23, the number of students ages 3–21 who received special education and/or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was 7.5 million, or the equivalent of 15 percent of all public-school students (National Center for Education Statistics 2024). These students are being included in the classrooms, which is good for the teacher and for the students. Using this information, the following research questions were developed: how do agricultural mechanics teachers alter their lessons, how do agricultural mechanics teachers alter the laboratory environment, and how do agricultural mechanics teachers alter their teaching strategies when students with disabilities are present? The information gathered shows a significant change in the format and delivery of information and participation when special needs students are in the agricultural mechanics laboratory environment.
AGR10 - Stable Isotope Partitioning in Honey Bees during the Growing Season
First Author
Katherine Kamminga
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Thomas Webster
Kentucky State University
Honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) forage on various pollen and nectar sources throughout the seasons. Using isotopic analysis, we documented changes in carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios during their foraging seasons. From March to October 2023, 200 bees were removed monthly from one hive at an apiary near Frankfort, KY. Ten midguts were combined, dried, and placed into each of twenty vials. The samples were analyzed at the University of Kentucky Stable Isotope Laboratory for δ13C and δ15N. A significantly higher δ15N was reported in bees collected in March than in the other months. May and September resulted in the lowest δ15N. Honey bees collected in July had the highest δ13C, while June and September had the lowest. We hypothesize that these differences are due to changes in pollen and nectar availability in the summer. The significance of this data is discussed.
AGR11 - The economic viability of agrivoltaics to small-scale farmers in Kentucky state
First Author
Farida Abdulkadir
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Suraj Upadhaya
kentucky State University
Co-author
Gary Stratton
Kentucky state University
Co-author
Sait Sarr
kentucky State University
Agrivoltaics (AV) combines solar energy generation and agricultural activities on a piece of land. This system has the potential of providing dual sources of income to 63% of Kentucky farmers having annual sales less than $10,000 who take up other occupation primarily not agriculture. The potential of AV is numerous as it can provide additional source of income and increased profit, improve soil health, provide cleaner sources of energy thereby reducing emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. It can also energy cost reduce evapotranspiration, irrigation, reduce energy cost, provide food and energy security, and increase land-use efficiency. This multiple benefits cuts across the three important areas of sustainability which makes it a compelling area of study. While AV has the potential to contribute positively to economic, social and environmental sustainability, studies indicate that challenges may arise. These challenges are borne from the colocation of solar panels on agricultural land resulting in a land-use conflict, limited awareness of the system, financial constraints and risk perception constituting major barriers to widespread adoption. Kentucky's strong agricultural heritage makes it important to understand farmer's perception to AV as farmer's resistance to new technologies is common, and their acceptance of agrivoltaics is crucial to its adoption.
This literature review aims to explore the benefits, challenges and barriers to adoption of AV systems especially to small-scale farming operations. Through thematic analysis, the review evaluates how AV contributes to sustainable agricultural practices while identifying the key obstacles that may limit its adoption within Kentucky.
This literature review aims to explore the benefits, challenges and barriers to adoption of AV systems especially to small-scale farming operations. Through thematic analysis, the review evaluates how AV contributes to sustainable agricultural practices while identifying the key obstacles that may limit its adoption within Kentucky.
AGR12 - The Role of the Peritrophic Matrix as a Barrier in Nosema Prevention: Impact of Calcofluor White-Induced Damage
First Author
Yagyaraj Joshi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Thomas Webster
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sapana Tiwari
Kentucky State University
An experiment conducted at Kentucky State University's honeybee lab tested the hypothesis that the peritrophic matrix (PM) plays a crucial role in preventing Nosema infection in honeybees. Five treatment groups were exposed to increasing doses of Calcofluor White (CFW), a compound known to damage the PM, to assess how varying levels of PM damage influenced Nosema infection. The results confirmed our hypothesis, showing that greater PM damage from higher CFW doses led to significantly worse health outcomes in bees. Fluorescence microscopy revealed more extensive PM damage and higher spore counts in bees treated with higher concentrations of CFW. ANOVA results showed that bees treated with 1% CFW had the highest spore count by day 14 post-infection (8.0 million spores), compared to 3.6, 3.0, 2.68, and 0 million spores in the 0.5% CFW, 0.25% CFW, Nosema-only, and control groups, respectively. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed significant differences in mortality rates, with the highest mortality observed in bees fed 1% CFW and Nosema spores. Interestingly, bees exposed to 0.5% CFW and Nosema consumed more feed, potentially due to increased energy demands from PM damage and spore proliferation, while 1% CFW caused excessive PM damage, reducing feed intake. Anatomical analysis using Cellsense software confirmed the greatest PM damage in the 1% CFW group. These findings underscore the vital role of the PM in protecting the honeybee midgut from Nosema infection and highlight the need to explore strategies for preserving PM integrity to mitigate the effects of this disease.
AGR13 - Understanding Consumers' Awareness of Meat and Poultry Safety at Kentucky Farmers' Markets
First Author
Marlain Khouryieh
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
John Khouryieh
Western Kentucky University
With the increasing consumer demand for "local" foods, farmers' markets have emerged as a vital component of the local food system, offering a direct avenue for consumers to access fresh, locally produced products. This study aimed to evaluate consumer perceptions of the safety of meat and poultry sold at farmers' markets across Kentucky. A total of 314 consumers were surveyed face-to-face at 12 farmers' markets across Kentucky. The results revealed that about 30% of participants reported purchasing meat, and 16% purchased poultry from local farmers' markets 1-3 times per season. When it came to safety perceptions, nearly 78% of consumers agreed or strongly agreed that meat and poultry sold at farmers' markets are safe to consume. However, less that 50% of respondents believed that locally produced meat and poultry are safer than their counterparts found in commercial supermarkets. Opinions were divided regarding the presence of pathogenic bacteria in poultry sold at farmers' markets, with 33% agreeing that it may be a concern, while 34% disagreed. Government regulation of meat and poultry at farmers' markets was supported by 50% of participants, indicating a significant portion of consumers are in favor of increased oversight. Additionally, 46% of respondents agreed that additional food safety interventions are necessary. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for stakeholders, including farmers, vendors, and policymakers, to make informed decisions about enhancing food safety standards at farmers' markets.
AGR14 - Using An Interdisciplinary Approach in Teaching Agriculture Mechanics and Agriculture Leadership in a Graduate Course
First Author
Thomas Kingery
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Makayla Bizzell
Western Kentucky University
An interdisciplinary graduate course can give graduate students access to more information in multiple disciplines within the same course and time frame. This requires the faculty/instructor to arrange the course curriculum around similar types of learning across the disciplines. Using this type of approach can help reinforce academic objectives using real world examples combined with relevant instruction. The need for interdisciplinary education in academia is beginning to gain momentum, most notably at the graduate level (Morse, Nielsen-Pincus, Force, & Wulfhorst, 2007; National Academy of Sciences et al., 2005; Schmidt et al. 2012). Using this approach may lead to graduate courses being developed within a program that meets a more diverse set of student needs. The differentiation of the class can offer content from existing programs or programs that are not offered as a stand-alone degree program. If students enter their career field and are not exposed to a variety of skills before they enter the job market, how can they be expected to thrive for their future employer? Will a lack of skill keep them from becoming a valuable commodity in the agronomic workplace? This study works to address the benefits of offering an interdisciplinary graduate level course to build career ready skills for graduate students before entering the workforce.
CMB1 - A Novel Protac RAS Inhibitor
First Author
Mason Miller
University of Louisville
Co-author
Geoffrey Clark
University of Louisville
Co-author
Raphael Jigo
University of Louisville
Co-author
Howard Donninger
University of Louisville
Co-author
Rachel Ferril
University of Louisville
Co-author
John Trent
University of Louisville
Co-author
Joe Burlison
University of Louisville
Effective Broad spectrum direct RAS inhibitors remain a challenge to develop. To date only covalent KRAS12C mutant inhibitors have been approved, and these have proved less effective than hoped due to the rapid rise of resistance. Agents with a pan-RAS activity could be more effective and less prone to the development of resistance. We have developed a pan-RAS inhibitor with nanomolar binding affinity for K-RAS that can also bind N and H RAS. We have used this molecule as the basis for the generation of an anti-RAS PROTAC (Proteolysis targeting chimera) system. PROTACs work by linking a targeting warhead, specific to the protein of interest and one that recruits E3 Ubiquitin Ligase. By recruiting E3 Ligase, the PROTAC can cause ubiquitination of the target protein and cause it to be degraded via the proteasome. We tested for direct inhibition of the RAS pathway and for degradation of RAS via western blotting. This approach converts the molecule from a competitive inhibitor to a catalytic inhibitor of RAS. The agent is active against multiple K-RAS mutant forms. It suppresses in vitro tumor cell line growth as well as RAS directly and downstream signaling. Potential anti-tumor activity will be discussed.
CMB2 - Caffeine Effects On The Heart Rate of Daphnia magna
First Author
Nevaeh Branch
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jessica Fulgoni
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Seth Bromagen
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Caffeine is a vital source of energy that many humans use to get through their everyday lives. It is characterized as a drug that increases activity in the brain. However, the nervous system is not the only aspect of the human body that caffeine affects. It can cause consequences to cardiac function such as the heart rate. Daphnia magna, also known as water fleas, are great models for measuring heart rate reactions to environmental changes due to their transparent bodies and easy caretaking. Using videography, this study looks at three different concentrations of caffeine from an energy drink, to observe the effects of caffeine on the heart rate of D. Magna during a 30-second exposure. As the concentration of caffeine increased, the heart rate of D. Magna decreased significantly from an average of 265.1 bpm +- 3 to 63.8 bpm. This concludes that with the addition of caffeine to the environment, the heart rate of D. Magna significantly slows down and potentially stops.
CMB3 - Can Circular Chromosomes Undergo Meiosis?
First Author
Devan Herald
Morehead State University
Co-author
Rebecca Bailey
Morehead State University
Co-author
Mark Wilson
Morehead State University
Co-author
Melissa Mefford
Morehead State University
Prokaryotic and eukaryotic chromosome structure differs. Generally, prokaryotes have a single circular chromosome, while eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes. It is hypothesized that linear eukaryotic chromosomes evolved from a circular chromosome ancestor, and were a prerequisite for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. This switch to sexual reproduction and linear chromosomes allows for advantageous shuffling of genetic information in offspring. To experimentally test this hypothesis, we have genetically engineered circularized chromosome strains in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. S. cerevisiae is a single-celled eukaryote with 16 linear chromosomes, which can divide asexually as either haploid or diploid cells. Furthermore, diploid cells can undergo meiosis to produce 4 haploid progeny called spores. We mated haploid cells with circularized chromosomes to wildtype haploid cells, creating diploid cells that are heterozygous for a single chromosome architecture. We also mated haploid circularized strains with other haploid circularized strains, creating diploid cells that are homozygous for circularized chromosomes. These diploid cells, containing a single circular/linear chromosome pair, or diploid cells containing two circularized chromosome pairs, were then starved to trigger meiosis, which results in four haploid cells, known as tetrads. Using a specialized microscope, we dissected tetrads and assayed the viability of the progeny spores. Preliminary results demonstrate reduced spore viability, consistent with the hypothesis that circular chromosomes are problematic during sexual reproduction. Our research will help to understand the origins of linear chromosomes and how architecture affects chromosome segregation during sexual reproduction.
CMB4 - Cell shape is a coordinated effort between a yeast kinase and cell wall machinery in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
First Author
Kaylee Brannon
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Joseph Marquardt
Western Kentucky University
A cell's shape is often indicative of and critical for its function. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, cell growth is a tightly controlled process. Elm1, a key player in this regulation, controls the shape of the growing bud in part by regulating the septin cytoskeleton at the mother-bud interface. When its gene is removed from the genome, cells missing this kinase are highly elongated. However, the relationship between Elm1 and cell wall machinery, and how this could regulate cell shape, is unknown. Using fluorescence microscopy and cell wall stains, we investigated chitin deposition in various yeast cell shape mutants. When looking at the chitin intensity in yeast daughter cells with the ELM1 gene deletion, there was a noticeable amount of chitin compared to wildtype daughter cells, which show no visible chitin accumulation. Additionally, the deletion of a scaffolding protein that rescues Elm1's elongated morphology shows that round yeast cells have chitin intensity in the daughter resembling wildtype instead of having visible chitin like the Elm1 single deletion. These findings prompted our investigation into how ELM1 deletion's elongated morphology affects chitin deposition. Although human cells do not contain cell walls, we have a comparable extracellular matrix to yeast, which could be regulated in a similar fashion, shedding light on conserved cell shape and behavior mechanisms.
CMB5 - Characterization of the Surfeit 4 gene in Drosophila melanogaster
First Author
Jada Scott
Western Kentucky University/Ajay Srivastava
Co-author
Ajay Srivastava
Western Kentucky University
The purpose of this research is to determine the role of the Surfeit-4 gene or Surf-4, during Drosophila melanogaster development. Surf-4 was identified in the Srivastava lab in a biochemical screen for proteins that associate with the basement membrane (BM): a structure needed and required for normal development and its degradation is a hallmark of tumor metastasis. Surf-4 has been predicted to function within intracellular compartments and is known to be expressed in many parts of the developing fly. We are currently determining why Surf-4 is important in development and what role, if any, it could play during tumorigenesis. Surf-4 is predicted to be a cargo receptor protein, involved in recruitment of coat proteins in the early secretory pathway. This pathway is responsible for the transport of soluble proteins between the Endoplasmic Reticulum and the Golgi apparatus, (Kapadia and Srivastava, unpublished, 2016). It is our prediction that surf4 subcellular localization will place it in either the ER or the Golgi or both. This information will be crucial in determining further surf-4 function. These experiments will benefit from our characterization of the Surf-4 antibody – a crucial reagent for further study of this protein. By characterizing Surf-4, we can determine what factors affect basement membrane development and how that can further be applied to cancer research.
CMB6 - Characterization of the telomeric DNA damage response pathway
First Author
Grayson Duvall
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Madison Kircher
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Jason Stewart
Western Kentucky University
Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences located at the end of chromosomes. These sequences are bound by a protein complex called shelterin, which helps prevent chromosome ends from recognition by DNA damage response pathways. CST (CTC1-STN-TEN1), another telomere-associated protein complex, helps maintain telomere length. Previous work determined that loss of CST leads to telomere elongation and activation of a telomere-specific DNA damage response, specifically through activation of the ATR kinase. Typically, activation of this pathway would result in unnecessary repair and chromosome fusions. However, telomeres fusions were mostly absent from CST-deleted cells. In this study, we investigated how telomeres remained protected despite the loss of CST. Using a CTC1 knockout cell line, we characterized whether shelterin and DNA damage response factors are present at telomeres in the absence of CTC1. Our results indicate that the DNA damage response factors RAD9, TopBP1, and RPA, which all promote ATR signaling and DNA repair, are present at telomeres. However, shelterin and 53BP1, which can both inhibit different DNA repair mechanisms, are also present. Additionally, we determined that the inhibition of ATR kinase activity prevents 53BP1 recruitment, suggesting 53BP1's recruitment to telomeres is ATR-dependent. Overall, these findings have characterized a novel backup mechanism of telomere protection that prevents unwanted DNA repair in the presence of ATR signaling.
CMB7 - Cytotoxic Effects of Anthracyclines in E. coli
First Author
Gabriel Maurer
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Kennedy Chesser
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Trevor Hanson
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Janna Mei Smith
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Madison Welch
Campbellsville University
Co-author
William Mackay
Campbellsville University
Over the last half century, anthracyclines (doxorubicin and epirubicin) have represented one of the most commonly used classes of anti-breast cancer drugs. It is known that anthracyclines interact with DNA in a very complex manner. The major anthracycline anti-tumor function is thought to be accompanied by an inhibition of DNA Topoisomerase II activity, which will cause double stranded breaks at a target site. Studies in our lab have shown that anthracyclines are mutagenic and cytotoxic in bacteria (Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli) and can induce intrachromosomal recombination events in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The objective of this study is to accurately assess the vital role of an anthracycline as an anti-cancer drug. Wild type E. coli cells were exposed to either of two anthracycline based chemotherapeutic cocktails: (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and cisplatin) and (epirubicin, cyclophosphamide, and cisplatin). Cell viabilities were determined for each set of chemical mixtures. These studies will provide information about the effectiveness of these cocktails.
CMB8 - Differential m6A modification identified by direct mRNA sequencing in ET-resistant and sensitive breast cancer cells
First Author
Belinda Petri
University of Louisville
Co-author
Kelliane Piell
University of Louisville
Co-author
Bailey Valdes
University of Louisville
Co-author
Laura Winkler
University of Louisville
Co-author
Johnny Brown
University of Louisville
Co-author
Julia Chariker
University of Louisville
Co-author
Eric Rouchka
University of Louisville
Co-author
Carolyn Klinge
University of Louisville
Acquired resistance to endocrine therapies (ET) in patients with estrogen receptor α (ER+) breast tumors results in metastatic spread. RNA modifications including N6-methyladenosine (m6A) play crucial roles in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and have been implicated in cancer progression. We hypothesized that m6A epitranscriptomic alterations are associated with pathways in ET resistance. Direct-RNA sequencing technology (nanopore) was used to detect and map m6A modifications at single-nucleotide resolution to comprehensively profile m6A modifications in ET-resistant LCC9 and ET -sensitive MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines with or without 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) treatment. Additionally, MCF-7 cells were treated with the METTL3 inhibitor STM2457 to identify m6A positions and transcripts directly regulated by METTL3 activity. We incorporated statistical analysis by integrating m6Anet, an existing machine-learning algorithm designed to call m6A modified bases, with a generalized linear model following a binomial distribution analysis to identify significant differential m6A modification ratios (DMR). We identified 61 transcripts with DMR between vehicle-treated LCC9 compared to MCF-7 cells and 323 transcripts with DMRs between 4-OHT-treated LCC9 and MCF-7 cells. Fewer transcripts showed DMR after 4-OHT treatment in MCF-7 (41) versus LCC9 cells (399). Thus, more changes in m6A DMRs were detected in response to 4-OHT in the ET-resistant LCC9 versus ET-sensitive MCF-7 cells with 'translation elongation' as the top pathway in enrichment analysis. STM2457 treatment resulted in significant changes to DMRs in MCF-7 cells with or without 4-OHT treatment and altered gene expression patterns associated with 'cytosolic ribosome' in enrichment analysis. We identified many genes with multiple m6A modifications, e.g., AMIGO2 with 14 m6A sites at METTL3 target DRACH motifs in MCF-7 cells, compared to no m6A modification in AMIGO2 in LCC9 cells. Our findings reveal distinct m6A modification patterns in ET-resistant LCC9 breast cancer cells compared to their ET-sensitive parental MCF-7 cells and in response to 4-OHT.
CMB9 - Effect of Cholesterol on Dynamic Properties of KCNE3 in Lipid Bilayered Vesicles using EPR Spectroscopy
First Author
Conner Campbell
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Draven Reynolds
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Beyza Bektasoglu
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Kayla Hamilton
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Patricia Loka
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Zoe Warri
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Ogechi Oriaku
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Puspa Shah
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Gary Lorigan
Miami University
Co-author
Indra Sahu
Campbellsville University
The plasma membranes of animal cells contain 25 to 50 mol% cholesterol, an essential component of the membranes, which alters biophysical properties like fluidity, lateral pressure profile, signaling complex formation, bilayer thickness, and also influences potassium channel functions. Cholesterol can influence membrane hydrophobic matching mechanisms causing changes in protein-lipid and protein-protein interactions. It can alter structural dynamics and function of channel proteins by binding directly to specific binding sites on the protein and by changing various biophysical properties of the membrane bilayer. KCNE3 is a single transmembrane protein that modulates the function of several voltage gated potassium channel proteins including KCNQ1. Structural dynamics of KCNE3 has been studied in lipid bilayer vesicles. However, the effect of cholesterol on dynamic properties of KCNE3 is not fully understood in a lipid bilayer environment. In this study, we have applied site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) and the continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) lineshape analysis technique to investigate the dynamics of KCNE3 in lipid bilayered vesicles containing 30 mol% Cholesterol. CW-EPR data was collected on several spin labeled sites of the transmembrane domain of KCNE3 in POPC/POPG lipid bilayers and POPC/POPG/Cholesterol lipid bilayers to compare the dynamic properties (side chain mobility and rotational correlation times) of differing sites. This study will be helpful for understanding the role of KCNE3 in modulating potassium channel function in a membrane containing cholesterol.
CMB10 - Effect of Temperature on Structural Dynamics of KCNE3 in Lipid Bilayer Membrane: A Site-Directed EPR Spectroscopic Study
First Author
Kayla Hamilton
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Draven Reynolds
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Conner Campbell
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Matthew Scheyer
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Beyza Bektasoglu
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Patricia Loka
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Ogechi Oriaku
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Zoe Warri
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Indra Sahu
Campbellsville University
Biological systems perform specific functions under particular conditions, making it crucial to understand the structural and dynamic properties of their components in relation to various environmental factors to understand their proper function. Understanding the effect of temperature on the structural dynamics of membrane proteins is essential for understanding their functional roles in health and disease. This study investigates the effect of temperature on the structural and dynamic properties of KCNE3 using continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) spectroscopy and site-directed spin labeling. KCNE3 is a single pass membrane protein involved in regulation of potassium ion channel functions. Reconstituted into POPC/POPG lipid bilayer vesicles to better replicate a near native membrane environment, KCNE3 transmembrane domain spin labeling sites (L77C, G73C) were studied across a wide range of temperatures (273K, 297K, 308K, 318K, and 325K) to explore its structural and conformational dynamics. Our EPR data demonstrated that increasing temperature induces notable changes in the mobility and rotational correlation times of the spin label sidechain, revealing significant temperature-dependent conformational shifts within the protein. These findings enhance our understanding of the inherent structural stability and functional adaptability of KCNE3 in response to temperature variations, providing valuable insights into its physiological role in ion channel regulation. This research lays the groundwork for further investigations into the temperature-dependent behavior of membrane proteins and their implications for cellular function.
CMB11 - Effectiveness of FDA-approved drugs as potential non-toxic radio-sensitizers for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
First Author
Maddie Gill
Georgetown College
Co-author
Jessica Blackburn
University of Kentucky
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma is an aggressive form of pediatric brain cancer located in the pons. Due to its location, DIPG is difficult to treat and has an incredibly low survival rate. An experiment was performed to determine if certain FDA-approved drugs can function as radio-sensitizers for DIPG, making them more susceptible to radiation. Nine FDA-approved drugs were selected and screened for toxicity using zebrafish embryos. Then, DIPG cell lines (SCC-127) were irradiated, with one group of cells acting as a control while the other group received drug treatment. Cell cycle analysis was performed on both groups using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). In the cell lines exposed to drugs, the number of cells in G2 was much greater, suggesting that the G2 checkpoint was preventing cells from moving forward to mitosis. Our future experiments are aimed at determining if cells are partially stalled in the G2 phase or if they will conduct apoptosis. Further research is being conducted in hopes to determine if these drugs can prevent the growth and spread of DIPG tumors.
CMB12 - EPR Spectroscopic Studies on Assessing the Impact of Different Molar concentration of 2,4-Dinitrophenol Pro Drug on Dyna
First Author
Zoe Warri
Campbellsville university
Co-author
Conner Campbell
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Draven Reynolds
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Patricia Loka
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Ogechi Oriaku
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Kayla Hamilton
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Beyza Bektasoglu
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Shadi Abu-Baker
Ohio University
Co-author
Indra Sahu
Campbellsville University
POPS (1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phospho-L-serine), a negatively charged phosphatidylserine located in the inner leaflet of the cell membrane, is found in some cancer cell mimic membranes. POPC (1-Palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine) is a phospholipid commonly found in normal cell membranes. 2,4-DNP (2,4-Dinitrophenylhydrazine) is an organic compound used to detect carbonyl compounds, such as aldehydes and ketones. When 2,4-DNP reacts with a carbonyl group, it forms a hydrazone, making it a useful qualitative test for detecting the presence of these functional groups in a compound. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy is a biophysical technique used to study structural dynamics and environment of biomolecules that contain unpaired electrons. In this study, we performed EPR experiments on POPC and POPS lipid bilayer vesicles containing 5-Doxyl stearic acid spin probes at various concentration of DNP drug molecule (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mol%) to determine the changes in the dynamic properties of lipid bilayers characterized by EPR spectral parameters, including central linewidth, spectral width and order parameters. Our results reveal significant changes in the dynamic behaviour of spin probes associated with lipid bilayers due to the presence of DNP drug molecule. These results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of DNP pro-drug molecules in cancer cell membranes.
CMB13 - Extraction and Characterization of Capsule Polysaccharide-II for The Design of a Clostridioides difficile Carbohydrate-B
First Author
Leke Bytyqi
Berea College
Co-author
Shannon Kordus
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Co-author
Borden Lacy
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Clostridioides difficile is a primary cause of hospital-associated diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis globally, with increasing incidence, severity, and healthcare costs linked to infection. The pathogenesis of C. difficile disease is primarily driven by toxins A (TcdA), B (TcdB), and binary toxin (CDT). A promising strategy for controlling both infection and colonization is the development of vaccines using polysaccharides (PS) conjugated to an immunogenic protein. Hot-water phenol extraction of C. difficile biomass yields three distinct polysaccharides: water-soluble PS-I and PS-II, and water- and phenol-soluble PS-III. Among these, PS-II shows promising immunogenic and antigenic properties, as it is highly conserved and expressed across various C. difficile ribotypes. The extracted polysaccharides can be further purified using size-exclusion chromatography, and they can be characterized by 31P NMR to identify the polysaccharide of interest. A vaccine based on PS-II conjugated to an inactivated C. difficile toxin could effectively induce immunity and reduce the burden of C. difficile infection, providing a viable pathway for developing an effective vaccine to mitigate its significant impact on healthcare systems.
CMB14 - Generation of a zebrafish model of diabetes mellitus and polycystic kidney disease
First Author
Emma Fearon
Murray State University
Co-author
Gary ZeRuth
Murray State University
Co-author
Abigail Santos
Murray State University
Co-author
Jenna Kesselring
Murray State University
The Krüppel-like transcription factor, Gli-similar 3 (Glis3) has been implicated in several human pathologies including neonatal diabetes, congenital hypothyroidism, and polycystic kidney disease. Numerous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have additionally identified Glis3 as a risk locus for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Despite its clinical significance however, much remains unknown about the role(s) Glis3 plays during development.
In this study, we evaluated the effect of ubiquitous glis3 loss-of-function on development using a mutant line of zebrafish (Danio rerio) generated with CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Homozygous mutant offspring presented with a syndrome including hypothyroidism, polycystic kidney disease, and hyperglycemia, similar to humans lacking functional GLIS3 expression. Moreover, mutants presented with fewer secondary pancreatic islets after the onset of feeding, indicative of a diabetic phenotype. RNA-seq analysis identified approximately 1,000 genes differentially expressed in the mutants at 3 and 8 dpf.
Although zebrafish has already proven to be a useful model for investigating both pancreas development and polycystic kidney disease, current models are limited by the fact that they are restricted to early stages of development that are less relevant to human disease. The glis3 mutant generated in this study is innovative given that the loss of gene function disrupts the generation of late emerging secondary islets, which share greater functional homology to mammalian islets and are responsible for blood glucose homeostasis in the mature organism and the PKD phenotype persists into the mature mesonephros, making it a valuable model for gaining a better understanding of the etiology of human kidney disease.
In this study, we evaluated the effect of ubiquitous glis3 loss-of-function on development using a mutant line of zebrafish (Danio rerio) generated with CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Homozygous mutant offspring presented with a syndrome including hypothyroidism, polycystic kidney disease, and hyperglycemia, similar to humans lacking functional GLIS3 expression. Moreover, mutants presented with fewer secondary pancreatic islets after the onset of feeding, indicative of a diabetic phenotype. RNA-seq analysis identified approximately 1,000 genes differentially expressed in the mutants at 3 and 8 dpf.
Although zebrafish has already proven to be a useful model for investigating both pancreas development and polycystic kidney disease, current models are limited by the fact that they are restricted to early stages of development that are less relevant to human disease. The glis3 mutant generated in this study is innovative given that the loss of gene function disrupts the generation of late emerging secondary islets, which share greater functional homology to mammalian islets and are responsible for blood glucose homeostasis in the mature organism and the PKD phenotype persists into the mature mesonephros, making it a valuable model for gaining a better understanding of the etiology of human kidney disease.
CMB15 - Genetically Engineering a telomere-free circular Chromosome IX in the eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae
First Author
Dylan Carroll
Craft Academy
Co-author
Melissa Mefford
Morehead State University
Telomeres are repetitive DNA sequences that protect the ends of linear chromosomes, ensuring chromosome stability and preventing unwanted fusion. While telomeres are essential for eukaryotic organisms with linear chromosomes, prokaryotic organisms have circular chromosomes without telomeres. Telomeres create several obstacles a cell must overcome, leading our lab to ask why linear chromosomes evolved in eukaryotes. To this end, our lab developed a genetic engineering approach in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae to individually circularize each of the 16 linear chromosomes. I am tackling the circularization of Ch. IX, one of the shortest chromosomes in S. cerevisiae.
To achieve circularization, we build two DNA cassettes using PCR. Each cassette contains a region homologous to either the left or right arm of chromosome IX, a selectable marker gene, and complementary halves of the URA3 gene. Next, we transform the cassette DNA into haploid yeast and select for insertion of the cassettes into each end of the chromosome. Once both cassettes are integrated, we select for a recombination event between the halves of the URA3 gene which results in circularization of the chromosome. To date, I have successfully built both DNA cassettes and obtained several yeast colonies with possible cassette integration. I am currently confirming integration into the proper location using colony PCR. Long term, our lab aims to fully circularize all 16 yeast chromosomes and characterize their phenotypes to better understand the consequences of chromosome architecture on cellular fitness.
To achieve circularization, we build two DNA cassettes using PCR. Each cassette contains a region homologous to either the left or right arm of chromosome IX, a selectable marker gene, and complementary halves of the URA3 gene. Next, we transform the cassette DNA into haploid yeast and select for insertion of the cassettes into each end of the chromosome. Once both cassettes are integrated, we select for a recombination event between the halves of the URA3 gene which results in circularization of the chromosome. To date, I have successfully built both DNA cassettes and obtained several yeast colonies with possible cassette integration. I am currently confirming integration into the proper location using colony PCR. Long term, our lab aims to fully circularize all 16 yeast chromosomes and characterize their phenotypes to better understand the consequences of chromosome architecture on cellular fitness.
CMB16 - Investigating the effects of STN1 KO on cell growth and telomere maintenance
First Author
Jaclyn Holbrooks
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Savanna Arnold
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Jason Stewart
Western Kentucky University
Human CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) is a trimeric single stranded DNA binding protein that is crucial for telomere maintenance and DNA replication. Telomeres consist of repetitive TTAGGG sequences found at the end of chromosomes and are composed of a double stranded region and a single stranded G-rich overhang (G-OH). Telomeres protect the ends of the chromosomes from being recognized as double stranded breaks and from degradation. Each replication cycle telomeres shorten due to the inability to completely replicate the ends of chromosomes. In germline and stem cells, this shortening is counteracted by an enzyme, telomerase. Defects in telomere maintenance and telomerase expression can lead to cancer and age-related diseases. Previous work sought to understand the role of CST in telomere maintenance by deletion of the subunits CTC1 or TEN1. CTC1 knockout (KO) cells have growth defects and hyper-elongation of the G-OH leading to a DNA damage response, whereas deletion of TEN1 did not exhibit growth defects and only had a minor G-OH increase, which did not elicit a DNA damage response. However, the effects of STN1 KO have not yet been investigated. To understand the role of STN1, we created a CRISPR-Cas9 conditional KO cell line to determine the effects of STN1 KO on cell growth, G-OH length, and activation of a telomeric specific DNA damage response. Our preliminary research suggests that STN1 KO phenotypes, including a growth defect and telomeric DNA damage response, are more comparable to CTC1 KO versus TEN1 KO and suggests STN1 is critical for telomere maintenance.
CMB17 - Investigating the Interactions between Hsl7 and Elm1 in the Morphogenesis Checkpoint of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
First Author
Rachel Foster
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Luke Walker
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Joseph Marquardt
Western Kentucky Univeristy
Studying cell shape is essential to understanding the normal regulatory processes that occur within the cell. Abnormalities can indicate dysfunction in the cell's development. The morphogenesis pathway couples cell division to the timely formation of a daughter bud in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This pathway consists of two protein kinases, Elm1 and Hsl1, and a methyltransferase Hsl7, each of which when deleted from the cell results in an abnormal elongated morphology. The yeast morphogenesis pathway proceeds linearly from Elm1 to Hsl1 to Hsl7, however preliminary data from ourselves and others suggests the capability for Hsl7 to interact with Elm1. Despite knowing the molecular players of this pathway, the precise regulation of each is still largely misunderstood. It is not known if Hsl1 is phosphorylated by Elm1 in the pathway but from the preliminary evidence there is an opportunity for Elm1 to phosphorylate Hsl7. Utilizing Bimolecular Fluorescent Complementation (BiFC), in vitro interaction assays, and phosphorylation assays we will be able to see if and where these interactions occur. Being able to visualize the interactions, in vivo or in vitro, allows for the generation of novel pathways in yeast morphogenesis. Currently, there has been an observed interaction between Hsl1 and Hsl7 in BiFC in vivo. This confirms the ability of BiFC to be able to identify in vivo interaction events. Being able to determine if the various kinases and proteins interact within the pathway will be essential for understanding morphogenesis pathways in other eukaryotes regarding development.
CMB18 - Investigating the relationship between RAD52, POL32, and telomere-like sequences involved in de novo telomere addition
First Author
Breno Medeiros
Berea College
Investigating the relationship between RAD52, POL32, and telomere-like sequences involved in telomere addition by break-induced replication.
Double strand breaks (DSBs) are a type of DNA damage often repaired through canonical mechanisms like homologous recombination. However, if unsuccessful, gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs) such as translocations and de novo telomere additions (dnTAs) may occur. Telomeres are characteristic thymine/guanine (TG)-rich sequences located at the ends of chromosomes that can be extended to protect the genome from successive sequence loss from DNA replication. The Friedman Lab identified hotspots of dnTAs in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and termed them Sites of Repair-associated Telomere Addition (SiRTAs). DnTAs can occur through telomerase action upon Cdc13 binding to a SiRTA or by break induced replication (BIR), when a SiRTA invades and copies the telomere of a donor chromosome. BIR requires the action of Rad52, Pol32, and other proteins. RAD52 deletion decreased GCR frequency but had no impact on dnTA frequency at weak SiRTAs, showing that the telomeres were added by telomerase-not through BIR. However, for the strong 14L-35 SiRTA, RAD52 deletion decreased both overall GCR and dnTA frequencies, indicating that at strong SiRTAs most telomere additions occur through BIR. I hypothesize that POL32 is also necessary for most telomere additions at SiRTA 14L-35. I have deleted POL32 from the yeast genome through one-step gene replacement, introduced a DSB through HO cleavage assay, and pooled the DNA from survivor colonies to get sequenced. I expect in this strain a decrease in both GCR frequency and dnTA compared to the wild-type. Researching how SiRTAs add telomeres provides insight into telomere maintenance and cancer mechanisms.
Double strand breaks (DSBs) are a type of DNA damage often repaired through canonical mechanisms like homologous recombination. However, if unsuccessful, gross chromosomal rearrangements (GCRs) such as translocations and de novo telomere additions (dnTAs) may occur. Telomeres are characteristic thymine/guanine (TG)-rich sequences located at the ends of chromosomes that can be extended to protect the genome from successive sequence loss from DNA replication. The Friedman Lab identified hotspots of dnTAs in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and termed them Sites of Repair-associated Telomere Addition (SiRTAs). DnTAs can occur through telomerase action upon Cdc13 binding to a SiRTA or by break induced replication (BIR), when a SiRTA invades and copies the telomere of a donor chromosome. BIR requires the action of Rad52, Pol32, and other proteins. RAD52 deletion decreased GCR frequency but had no impact on dnTA frequency at weak SiRTAs, showing that the telomeres were added by telomerase-not through BIR. However, for the strong 14L-35 SiRTA, RAD52 deletion decreased both overall GCR and dnTA frequencies, indicating that at strong SiRTAs most telomere additions occur through BIR. I hypothesize that POL32 is also necessary for most telomere additions at SiRTA 14L-35. I have deleted POL32 from the yeast genome through one-step gene replacement, introduced a DSB through HO cleavage assay, and pooled the DNA from survivor colonies to get sequenced. I expect in this strain a decrease in both GCR frequency and dnTA compared to the wild-type. Researching how SiRTAs add telomeres provides insight into telomere maintenance and cancer mechanisms.
CMB19 - KRAS Drives CD73 Expression Through MAPK Signaling Pathway in PDAC
First Author
Dolma Choenzom
Berea College
Co-author
katherine ankenbauer
Vanderbilt University
Co-author
Kathy DelGiorno
Vanderbilt University
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a deadly cancer with an abysmal 13% 5-year survival rate, highlighting the need to understand the mechanisms driving this deadly disease. One defining feature of PDAC is that it has an 'immune cold' tumor microenvironment potentially due to elevated expression of CD73 (NT5E). CD73 is an ectoenzyme expressed by cancer cells that converts AMP to adenosine. Adenosine binds to ADORA receptors present on immune cells, thus leading to immunosuppression through the induction of tumor-promoting populations such as T regulatory cells. Therefore, targeting CD73 activity represents a viable therapeutic target for PDAC. As >90% of PDAC patients have a mutation in KRAS, we hypothesized that RAS signaling drives CD73 expression. To test this, PANC-1 (KRASG12D) and MIA PaCa-2 (KRASG12C) human PDAC cell lines were treated mutation-specific KRAS inhibitors MRTX-1133 and AMG510, respectively. qRT-PCR and immunoblotting were used to assess CD73 expression. To assess which downstream RAS signaling pathway(s) were involved, we also treated cells with inhibitors for MEK (trametinib), AP-1 (T-5224), and wortmannin (PI3K/AKT) and qRT-PCR/immunoblotting were performed for CD73. Based on our results, cells treated with KRAS and MEK inhibitors, but not the AKT pathway inhibitor, wortmannin, showed decreased expression of CD73. In conclusion, we demonstrate that CD73 expression in PDAC is being driven through a KRAS/MAPK pathway and we show that the mutation-specific KRAS inhibitors, MRTX-1133 and AMG510, as well as the MEK inhibitor, trametinib, may be viable therapies to improve the immune response to PDAC.
CMB20 - Measuring the Effect of the Interaction Impairing Mutations on the Dynamic Properties of KCNE3 in Different Environments
First Author
Draven Reynolds
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Conner Campbell
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Matthew Scheyer
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Beyza Bektasoglu
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Kayla Hamilton
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Patricia Loka
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Zoe Warri
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Peace Oriaku
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Alejandro Diaz
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Indra Sahu
Campbellsville University
Membrane proteins are crucial for biological functions but faces challenges when solubilizing to find the optimal physiological environment for their biophysical studies. Recently, styrene-maleic acid copolymer-lipid nanoparticles (SMALPs) have emerged as a membrane mimetic system for investigating the structural studies of membrane proteins. KCNE3 (E3), a transmembrane protein, is known for modulating the function of various voltage-gated potassium ion channels such as the KCNQ family. Certain mutations of KCNE3 transmembrane domain F68A, V72A, and I76A, have shown a decrease in the voltage-conductance relationship and remain constitutively closed during the interaction of E3/Q1. However, the structural dynamic properties of KCNE3 in the presence of interaction-impaired mutations (IIMs) are not fully understood. In this study, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectral line shape analysis was performed on several spin-labeled sites of wild-type KCNE3 and KCNE3 containing IIMs reconstituted into POPC/POPG lipid bilayers and SMALPs to characterize the changes in mobility between wildtype (WT) and E3 with the IIMs. Our EPR results revealed statistically significant changes in the structural dynamic properties when comparing WT E3 to IIM E3 in the SMALPs environment, while the POPC/POPG lipid bilayers did not yield statistically significant changes. This study will contribute to understanding the effect of interaction-impairing mutations on functional dynamics of Q1/E3 channel gating.
CMB21 - Phytochemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Xanthorhiza simplicissima
First Author
Nichole Diaz
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Donald Bothe
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Savita Chaurasia
Bellarmine University
Xanthorhiza simplicissima, commonly known as yellow root, is a shrub native to the Appalachian region of Kentucky. Historically, it has been utilized in traditional medicine by Native Americans, African Americans, and early European settlers to treat various ailments, including colds, diabetes, jaundice, and mouth sores. Our study investigates the phytochemical composition of yellow root, through qualitative analysis and the quantification of its active compounds. The qualitative analysis revealed the presence of various groups of phytochemicals, while quantification showed total phenolic content of 26.7μg GAE/mg PE and a total flavonoid content of 1.733mg QE/mg PE. Both phenols and flavonoids are recognized for their antimicrobial properties. To evaluate the traditional claims of the plant for oral infections, we used Staphylococcus aureus as test bacteria. We used agar disk diffusion and broth dilution to measure the zone of inhibition and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Our findings indicated antimicrobial activity of yellow root extract. This study highlights the potential of Xanthorhiza simplicissima as a natural antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, we aim to characterize yellow root extract, using HPLC-MS to identify phytochemicals responsible for its therapeutic effects.
CMB22 - Probiotics and Dietary Effects on the Microbiota and Health of Honey Bees
First Author
Joseph Palmer
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Farida Olden
Kentucky State University
Honey bee (Apis mellifera) colony survival and health rely on pollen for proteins, lipids, and micronutrients. Pollen intake influences lifespan and several health metrics, including physiological metabolism, immunocompetence, disease tolerance, and resistance to pesticides. Although the nutritional value of pollen substitutes is not fully known, beekeepers use these products to mitigate pollen shortages or boost colony productivity. Recently, probiotics have been introduced to enhance bee health by improving their gut microbiome, aiding digestion, disease resistance, and nutrient production. Similar to pollen substitutes, the benefits of probiotics are not well-documented to unequivocally confirm their importance in beekeeping. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis of pollen and pollen substitute diets in combination with a probiotic. Feeding trials were conducted to measure the effect of such combinations on the gut microbiota using 16S sequencing. To test the diets' effect on the ability of the probiotic to restore gut microbiota, additional feeding trials were conducted with the application of an antibiotic, and midgut microbiome diversity was assessed using the 16S sequencing strategy. The effect of diet/probiotic on other health indicators such as nutrition responsive genes, mortality, and body weight was also evaluated.
CMB23 - PTPN13 regulates cellular functions via integrin-mediated signaling.
First Author
John Bister
Berea College
Co-author
Kyle Brown
Vanderbilt University
Integrin-mediated cellular signaling is essential for key cellular functions such as cell proliferation, adhesion, spreading, survival, and ECM assembly. Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 13 (PTPN13) has been found to interact with various extracellular matrix proteins including Fas, Zyxin-related protein 1 (ZRP), and TRPM2. PTPN13 is both a tumor promoter and suppressor, acting differently based on context. Though there has been some research on PTPN13 in other organs, the specific role of PTPN13 in kidney development and function remains undefined. To better understand the role of PTPN13 in the kidney, various cellular assays were used to test differences in proliferation, migration, and adhesion, between wild type and PTPN13 knockout Human Embryonic Kidney 2 cells (HK2). A BdrU cell proliferation assay was used which labels dividing cells to quantify and compare proliferation between wildtype and knockout cells. We found a decrease in cell proliferation ability by 64% when cells were grown on PL, 57% when grown on LN10, 54% when grown on Col 1, 45% when grown on LN5, and 44% when grown on Matrigel. We found a decrease in cell adhesion. Lastly, we found an increase in migration by 500 % when studied on Col 1. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that PTN13 is involved in multiple cellular functions, implying that PTPN13 is important for kidney development and repair.
CMB24 - Role of CST in Genome Stability
First Author
Colin Loveless
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Donte Reed
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Jason Stewart
Western Kentucky University
Human CST (CTC1-STN1-TEN1) is a highly conserved, heterotrimeric protein complex that plays essential roles in telomere maintenance and DNA replication. CST dysfunction, from mutation or altered expression, is associated with cancer and genetic disease. Previous research has shown a significant increase in common phenotypic markers of genome instability, namely micronuclei and anaphase bridges, in CST knockout (KO) cells. Such findings suggest CST plays an integral role in maintaining genome stability. CST was previously shown to function in DNA damage response pathways (DDR), which recognize and recruit DNA repair factors to damaged DNA. Our previous work suggests that ATR, a kinase that activates the DDR, may help protect telomeres in the CTC1 and STN1 KO. To better understand the DDR pathway in the absence of CST, we investigated the role of ATR in protecting genome stability in CTC1 and STN1 KO cells by measuring anaphase bridges and micronuclei after treatment with an ATR inhibitor. These findings will help determine how CST promotes genome stability and give us valuable insight into telomere protection in the absence of CST.
CMB25 - Stability of Telomere-Free Circular Chromosomes in Diploid Yeast Cells
First Author
Angelique Sparks
Morehead State University
Co-author
Devan Herald
Morehead State Univeristy
Co-author
Mark Wilson
Morehead State University
Co-author
Melissa Mefford
Morehead State University
At the end of every eukaryotic chromosome is a region of repeated sequences called telomeres. These repeated sequences act as a biological timer and shortening over time can lead to cellular aging and the hallmarks of cancer. Circular chromosomes do not contain telomeres, thus understanding the consequences of having circular chromosomes as opposed to linear chromosomes can be useful in studying both aging and cancer. Our laboratory has utilized a genetic engineering strategy to circularize two chromosomes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Ch. II and XV). This genetic engineering strategy involves making DNA cassettes for integration in the left and right arms, transforming into haploid yeast cells, and selecting for recombination between the cassettes that leads to circularization. To confirm circularization, we perform PCR across the circular junction. Initial characterization of haploid strains growing mitotically show no phenotypes associated with the circular chromosomes. Currently, we are interested in testing whether circular chromosomes affect mating, diploid growth, and meiosis. I am currently using our PCR method to confirm circular junctions in our newly made diploid strains. Furthermore, I am using a serial streaking method to test stability of circularized chromosomes over multiple generations. To date, all circular chromosomes are stably maintained through 150 circular generations. This evidence shows telomere-free circular chromosomes are remarkably stable in mitotic growth, in contrast to defects our lab has observed in meiosis. Together, these suggest that linear chromosomes may have evolved along with sexual reproduction.
CMB26 - Studying KCNE3 Mutations Associated with Atrial Fibrillation using Site-directed Spin Labeling EPR Spectroscopy
First Author
PATRICIA LOKA
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Draven B. Reynolds
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
zoe Warri
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Beyza Bektasoglu
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Kayla E Hamilton
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Ogechi Peace Oriaku
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Conner Campbell
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Indra Sahu
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Atrial fibrillation (A-Fib), also known as supraventricular arrythmia is an irregular and often rapid heart rhythm that affects the rhythm and proper function of the heart. This disease affects over 33 million people worldwide with its prevalence believed to double by 2040. The main etiology of this disease is disruption in the electrical activity which occurs when cardiac muscles fail to properly transport ions. This discrepancy is associated with mutations in the KCNE3 protein that disrupt the structural dynamics of the channels embedded in the outer membrane of the heart's muscle cells. KCNE3 is a transmembrane accessory protein that regulates the function of various voltage-gated potassium channels. This protein can be found in the small intestines, colon and in the heart. Rare mutations in a single gene such as V17M and R53H in the KCNE3 membranes are believed to be associated with A-Fib, and hence knowing their associations is important in curative efforts to overcome this disease. Biophysical techniques such as continuous wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR) spectroscopy in combination with site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) is used to probe the structural and dynamic properties of spin-labeling sites nearby sites of A-Fib mutations (V17M and R53H) in lipid bilayers. Sidechain mobility and rotational correlation times are compared for the spin labeling sites of KCNE3 with and without A-Fib mutations to determine the changes in the dynamic properties of KCNE3 due to the effect of A-Fib mutations. This study will highlight the correlation between the mutations in the KCNE3 protein and Atrial Fibrillation.
CMB27 - Studying Long QT Syndrome Mutations of KCNE3 using Site-Directed Spin Labeling EPR Spectroscopy
First Author
Beyza Bektasoglu
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Draven Reynolds
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Conner Campbell
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Ogechi Oriaku
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Kayla Hamilton
Campbellsville University
Co-author
Patricia Loka
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Zoe Warri
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Logan Williams
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Puspa Sahu
-
Co-author
Indra Sahu
CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) is a heart rhythm disorder caused by abnormalities in the electrical activity of the heart, leading to dangerous arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation and sudden death. The primary cause of LQTS is genetic mutations. Such as those affecting KCNE3, a transmembrane protein that regulates potassium channels. Mutations in KCNE3 such as T4A, P39R, and R99H are linked to atrial fibrillation. These mutations disrupt the structural dynamics and electrical activity of KCNE3 and KCNE3/KCNQ1. These genetic changes in KCNE3 disrupt the structural dynamics of the protein, leading to deviations in electrical activity. Understanding the effects of these mutations on the structural dynamic properties of KCNE3 is of great importance in unraveling the disease mechanisms. In this study, we used continuous wave (CW)-EPR spectroscopy and site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) to investigate the effects of disease-causing mutations on KCNE3. We compared spin label side chain mobility and rotational correlation times obtained from CW-EPR spectral data on wild-type KCNE3 and KCNE3 containing LQTS mutations in lipid bilayers. These data suggested changes in the structural dynamics of KCNE3 due to the affect of LQTS mutations. Our findings shed light on how these mutations alter the structure-function relationships of KCNE3 and KCNE3/KCNQ1.
CMB28 - The bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) recruits synaptic vesicles for evoked transmission at glutamatergic syn
First Author
Rebekah McIntosh
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Kaitlyn Brock
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
The endotoxin lipopolysaccharides (LPS), secreted from Gram-negative bacteria, has direct effects on synaptic transmission independent of systemic secondary cytokine responses. High concentration of LPS (500 μg/mL) from Serratia marcescens increased synaptic efficacy at glutamatergic synapse at the crayfish neuromuscular junction (NMJ) (N=6; P<0.05). LPS appears to promote vesicles in the reserve pool to the readily releasable pool. The action of LPS at the glutamatergic synapses of the crayfish neuromuscular junction is unique in promoting synaptic transmission as compared to other glutamatergic synapses in Drosophila and mammals, where synaptic transmission is depressed. Through quantal analysis of evoked and spontaneous quantal events, we can also address if all the effect is presynaptic in recruiting vesicles only for evoked responses or randomly. By analysis in the shape of the quantal events the postsynaptic receptor sensitivity to glutamate is being examined. This content is being addressed with intracellular recording of the muscle at NMJ as well as focal macropatch recordings over defined synaptic varicosities. To date, it appears evoked responses increase quantal content N=6 (P<0.05) without significant effects of the occurrences of spontaneous quantal events. This will help to address the direct effect of LPS on synaptic transmission.
CMB29 - The effect of Myxococcus Xanthus on the production of secondary metabolites when grown in the presence of different prey
First Author
Lola Norman
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Brian Bill
Vanderbilt University
The rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens presents an imminent humanitarian crisis. As multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria proliferate, the diminishing efficacy of conventional antibiotics necessitates the discovery of novel antimicrobial compounds with unique modes of action. Myxobacteria, particularly Myxococcus xanthus (M. xanthus), are recognized for their biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, many of which exhibit potent bioactivity, including antibiotic properties. Despite their potential, the molecular regulation of secondary metabolite production in M. xanthus under conditions of microbial competition remains poorly understood. The goal of this project was to determine whether M. xanthus differentially regulates secondary metabolite production when grown in the presence of 'ESKAPE' pathogens-Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis-which are the leading causative agents of drug-resistant nosocomial infections. Using a series of predation assays, we tested 28 distinct conditions involving either live or heat-killed ESKAPE pathogens, with or without M. xanthus, and monitored antimicrobial activity by measuring zones of inhibition on bacterial lawns. Our findings demonstrate that predator-prey interactions between M. xanthus and ESKAPE pathogens modulate secondary metabolite production. These results emphasize the potential of M. xanthus as a model for antibiotic discovery through predation-driven metabolite production. Further research is needed to elucidate the genetic and biochemical pathways involved in this response.
CMB30 - The effects of psychotropic drugs on gene expression on larval zebrafish
First Author
Lucas Menegat
Murray State University
Co-author
Nicci Siffel
Murray State University
Co-author
Dena Weinberger
Murray State University
Recent studies have shown evidence of the relationship between environmental factors to neurodevelopmental disorder susceptibility. Some evidence suggests that long-lasting disruptions in the structure and function of the nervous system are frequently caused by prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse. Inappropriate use of both legal and illegal drugs has always been a major issue in the United States. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 Americans over the age of 12 have used illicit drugs in 2022. A substantial amount of prescribed and illicit psychotropic drugs is excreted through urine and feces every day. Wastewater treatment does not provide drug residue removal, leading to the contaminated water being discharged into surface water sources, reaching the drinking water consumed by humans and animals. The drug levels detected in source water bodies are negligible, however, what remains unknown is the real effect of the mixture of these low drug doses on the nervous system. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is used as a toxicity model due to its high neurological resemblance to humans. Our central hypothesis is that developmental exposure to low levels of psychoactive drugs through contaminated water will have a significant effect on protein and gene expression involved in nervous system development and function. Here we are evaluating which genes might be expressed in the brain. This project focuses on gene-environment interactions to shed light on the effects of drug exposure on nervous system gene expression in developing zebrafish.
CMB31 - Transient Expression of Nattokinase (aprN) in Plant Dissolves Fibrin and Blood Clots
First Author
Kevin Wang
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Kylie Hall
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Ethan Slone
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Kylie Tackett
University of Pikeville
Nattokinase is a potent fibrinolytic enzyme used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to its ability to break down blood clots by directly hydrolyzing fibrin and plasmin substrates. In this study, mature nattokinase (aprN) was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana using the Bean Yellow Dwarf Virus (BeYDV) replicon system. Overexpression of aprN caused leaf necrosis within 3 days post-infiltration (DPI). Purified aprN was shown to effectively degrade artificial fibrin. Additionally, in vitro assays demonstrated that plant-derived aprN successfully dissolved human blood clots, highlighting the potential of plant-based expression systems for producing functional nattokinase. This project was partially supported by grant P20GM103436-24 (KY INBRE) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
COI1 - 3D printing of 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide and 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate based deep eutectic solvent-like resins
First Author
Ashlee Wellen
Murray State University
Co-author
Cameron Woods
Murray State University
Co-author
Sourav Chatterjee
Murray State University
Co-author
Abdul Moeez
University of Washington
Co-author
Jennifer Schaefer
University of Notre Dame
With the advent of 3D printing in recent decades, research has increasingly been focused on the creation of materials best suited to its utilization. Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are attractive toward this end due to their customizability, along with qualities such as low flammability and low vapor pressure. Recent investigation has shown DES uses in 3D printing, with the aforementioned qualities making DESs practical for 3D printer resins. It has also recently been found that DESs can be prepared using natural compounds, making them both a potentially greener and cheaper alternative for use in resin preparation.
This presentation describes the development of three DES-like resins using 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate as the hydrogen bond donor and 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide as the hydrogen bond acceptor. For 3D printing, varying mole percentages of crosslinker are used to observe the effect on resin properties, as will be presented. The 3D printed materials are characterized in terms of thermal stability and various chemical and mechanical properties, which will also be discussed in this presentation in order to determine their potential for future applications.
This presentation describes the development of three DES-like resins using 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate as the hydrogen bond donor and 1-butyl-3-vinylimidazolium bromide as the hydrogen bond acceptor. For 3D printing, varying mole percentages of crosslinker are used to observe the effect on resin properties, as will be presented. The 3D printed materials are characterized in terms of thermal stability and various chemical and mechanical properties, which will also be discussed in this presentation in order to determine their potential for future applications.
COI2 - Advancing Breast Cancer Treatment: Pt-Mal-LHRH as a Novel Targeted Chemotherapy Agent
First Author
Chesney Brock
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Margaret Ndinguri
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Lindsay Cormier
U.K
Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women, with a survival rate of only 23% for stage IV cases. Platinum-based drugs like carboplatin and cisplatin are commonly used in treatment, but their effectiveness is often limited due to poor targeting and the development of resistance, leading to significant side effects. This study evaluates the potential of Pt-Mal-LHRH, a compound that links cisplatin to the luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH), to improve chemotherapy outcomes. Pt-Mal-LHRH is designed to target breast cancer cells more effectively than traditional platinum-based drugs like carboplatin. The results revealed that Pt-Mal-LHRH significantly outperformed carboplatin in killing breast cancer cells. It showed a 20-fold increase in uptake by cancer cells due to its ability to target the LHRH receptor, which is overexpressed in breast cancer. The compound also displayed higher selectivity for cancer cells over normal cells, reducing cellular toxicity. Pt-Mal-LHRH also inhibited cancer cell migration and reduced tumor size and metastasis in a mouse model, making it a more effective treatment than carboplatin. These findings suggest that Pt-Mal-LHRH could be a highly potent and selective chemotherapy option for breast cancer, offering fewer side effects and improved targeting of cancer cells. By exploiting the LHRH receptor, Pt-Mal-LHRH shows promise in enhancing the effectiveness of platinum-based drugs and may pave the way for more targeted therapies in breast cancer treatment.
COI3 - Design and In-Progress Synthesis of a Novel Series of Chiral Isoxazole Ligands
First Author
Hunter Brown
Berea College
Oxazoline ligands are very commonly used to imprint chiral information onto a racemic substrate due to their availability as products of relatively simple synthetic schemes starting from amino acids, which provide an accessible and affordable pool of chiral centers. While oxazoline-metal complexes are known for their air and moisture sensitivity, isoxazole-metal complexes are known for their durability outside of glove boxes and in aqueous reactions. The aversion to the implementation of isoxazole catalysts in many schemes despite their similar and often enhanced activity compared to oxazolines is due to the lack of any chiral isoxazole ligands that can effectively enantioenrich racemic substrates. Disclosed herein is the conception, design, and in-progress synthesis of a novel family of chiral isoxazole ligands (cAZAdor), which can be used to vastly simplify procedures and ameliorate environmental concerns intrinsic to many schemes which rely on oxazolines for enantioenrichment of substrates.
COI4 - Manipulating self-healing functional polymers via the host-guest interactions
First Author
Ganiyu Ademola
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Lei Li
Western Kentucky University
Self-healing is a function that the materials can return to their original state after cutting, cracking, or fracture. Multiple interactions or reagents have been applied to enable the materials to exhibit the capability of automatically repairing the damages to themselves without any external diagnosis or human intervention. Among them, the host-guest interaction, a non-covalent interaction between two molecules where one acts as the host and the other as the guest, has been widely applied in self-healing materials. Cyclodextrin (CD), including the α, β, and γ-CD, is an excellent host molecule because of its variable cavity size. Adamantane and β-CD are a standard host-guest pair in multiple scenarios, while α-CD has been less studied as a host molecule. In this project, we aim to evaluate the pair of α-CD and viologen as the host and guest molecules, respectively, and apply it in a polymeric material to endow the self-healing functionality.
COI5 - Optimization of Mithramycin 2'-oximes to Improve Potency, Selectivity, and Pharmacokinetics for Treating Ewing Sarcoma
First Author
Madison Stonestreet
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Aarajana Shrestha
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Larissa Ponomareva
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Khaled Shaaban
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Md Rokon UI Karim
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Jon Thorson
University of Kentucky
Mithramycin A (MTM) is a natural product produced by the bacteria Streptomyces argillaceus that targets EWS-FLI1, a dominant ETS transcription factor in Ewing Sarcoma. Despite the high potency of MTM, it has not proven successful in the clinical setting due to several limitations including low selectivity leading to toxicity, and poor pharmacokinetics. Previously, we synthesized MTM 2'-oximes leading to major improvements in selectivity and pharmacokinetic properties but decreased potency. YL-C09 was identified as one of the potent (IC50 = 21.6 nM in TC32) compounds with a 40-fold improvement in clearance as compared to MTM. We hypothesized that the incorporation of the electron-donating (hydroxyl, methyl, and methoxy) and electron-withdrawing groups (fluorine, chlorine, and bromine) in the indole ring of YL-C09 would improve the overall selectivity, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor efficacy. The synthesized MTM 2'-oximes were evaluated utilizing Ewing Sarcoma cancer cell line (TC32) to determine potency, and Prostate cancer cell line (PC3) to determine selectivity. The chlorine-containing compound displayed improved potency (IC50 = 16.7 nM in TC32), the fluorine-containing compound showed a similar potency (IC50 = 20.9 nM in TC32), and the methoxy-containing compound showed a minor decrease in potency (IC50 = 45.7 nM in TC32) compared to YL-C09. These findings indicate that the compounds containing electron-withdrawing groups (-F and -Cl) maintained or improved potency and selectivity compared to the compounds containing electron-donating groups (-OCH3). Further directions will focus on testing the biological properties of the remaining synthesized compounds to gain a better understanding of which compounds will provide the most improvements.
COI6 - Reactions of Guanine Nucleotides with Platinum(II) Complex Ligand that can Switch between Bidentate and Tridentate Mode
First Author
Loveth Ifionu Marcel
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Kevin Williams
Western Kentucky University
Cisplatin a platinum(II) complex derivative induces apoptosis even in normal cells because of its leaving ligand that is easily aquated before interacting with the N-7 atom of guanine. There is need for continuous synthesis of platinum(II) complex derivatives that will have less toxicity than cisplatin and still be as effective or more effective than cisplatin. In this study, a platinum(II) complex derivative with a tridentate binding mode called compound 1 was synthesized and interacted with Guanosine 5' monophosphate (5'GMP). When compound 1 interacted with 5'GMP, NMR studies conducted over 24 hours, 72 hours, 6 days, and 11 days showed that a set of four H8 peaks gradually diminished in size compared to a new set that appeared upfield of the original set. comparing the NMR data at 24 and 72 hours, it is evident that the peaks in the ~8.4-8.6 ppm range are likely mono products with a single GMP coordinated, as they appeared first and were furthest downfield. The peaks that grew in the ~8.1-8.3 ppm range are likely bis products, where two 5'GMPs are coordinated, suggesting a bidentate binding mode. By day 11, the mono products were replaced by bis products. A notable observation about this derivative is that it appears to exhibit a tridentate binding mode at low pH but transitions to a bidentate mode at high pH due to ring opening. In conclusion, our synthesized compound demonstrates the ability to switch between bidentate and tridentate modes under low and high pH upon interaction with 5'GMP.
COI7 - Synthesis and Properties of Ionene Polymers for Use in Applications
First Author
Jacob Fulcher
Murray State University
Co-author
Seth Taylor
Murray State University
Co-author
Sourav Chatterjee
Murray State University
Co-author
Kevin Miller
Murray State University
Co-author
Abdul Moeez
University of Washington
Co-author
Jason bara
University of Alabama
Ionenes are a class of polymer that feature an ionic group directly integrated into the polymer backbone. This provides the polymer with its characteristic thermal stability and varying glass transition temperatures. Herein we employed thiol-ene click chemistry to synthesize polymer networks. This presentation will demonstrate the synthesis of ionene polymer networks; via combining bifunctional alkene-terminated imidazolium, containing amide monomer that were treated with differing molar ratios of alkyl-thiols with varying functionality, to generate desired ionic polymer network materials. These polymer network materials were then photo polymerized. Polymer and monomer characterization was determined by 1H-NMR, IR, and X-ray diffraction. The mechanical and thermal properties of the polymer network materials were also characterized.
COI8 - Synthesis of Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone peptide
First Author
surahe kebede
eastern kentucky university
Co-author
Margaret Ndinguri
Eastern Kentucky Unviversity
Co-author
lindsay cormier
University of kentucky
Studies show in 2024, 2,001,140 new cancer cases and 611,720 cancer deaths are projected to occur in the United States. The American Cancer Society database states that cancer is the second-leading cause of death in the United States overall and the leading cause among people younger than 85 years. Most chemotherapeutic treatments are not selective for tumorous cells and result in side effects including but not limited to nausea, vomiting, and cytotoxicity to healthy tissue. Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) receptor has been found to be overexpressed in breast, prostate, endometrial, and ovarian cancers compared to healthy cells. This makes the LHRH peptide a good candidate for drug targeting. To increase efficacy and reduce toxicity of chemotherapy drugs, LHRH peptide has been synthesized and conjugated with various cancer drugs in the market that have been shown to be non-selective. LHRH can maintain its high targeted binding affinity to its receptor while the drug it's conjugated to retains its cytotoxic effects. LHRH has been conjugated with Platinum drugs, Curcumin, Rhenium, Prodigiosin, and more. The platinum drugs such as carboplatin and cisplatin have been used to treat bladder, ovarian, testicular, lung, head and neck cancer. In this study we will look at how LHRH peptide was synthesized in our lab and conjugated with platinum. Results on cell efficacy of this conjugate will be presented.
COI9 - Synthesis of Novel Amino Acid Arenediynes for use in Dehydrobenzoannueles
First Author
Joshua Shockey
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Herrison Sizemore
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Sam Thompson
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Keith Russell
Northern Kentucky University
Annulenes are readily modifiable, highly conjugated cyclic molecules whose applications include their use as polymers, protecting groups, and semiconductors. Dehydrobenzoannueles (DBAs) are annulenes that also incorporate arenes in their framework. Common precursors in the synthesis of DBAs are arenediynes. The purpose of this work is to prepare a novel amino acid possessing arenediyne, incorporate the amino acid into a DBA, and ultimately prepare DBA peptides. The enediyne amino acid can be prepared optically pure from commercially available L-DOPA. This poster will discuss the synthesis of the fully protected enediyne amino and our progress in converting the amino acid into a DBA.
COI10 - Synthesis of polymer beads with incorporated photocatalyst for water remediation
First Author
Kellen Patterson
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Julian Williams
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Gracie Vieth
MIT
Co-author
Connor Schulte
n/a
Co-author
Matthew Nee
Western Kentucky University
Oil pollution in aquatic environments is an issue that has become more relevant in recent years especially since many ecosystems are now cornered by climate change, habitat loss, and other human activity. Harnessing photocatalysis by using polymer beads as a substrate is crucial in solving this decades old problem. The photocatalytic beads would float over a body of water and use the light of the sun to speed up the degradation of organic pollutants. Beads comprised of polystyrene and PMMA were synthesized with a goal of high surface-area-to-volume ratio to maximize photocatalyst incorporation. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed titanium dioxide had been successfully incorporated into the beads' surface structure and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy trials were done to assess the polystyrene beads' effectiveness in degrading organic material. Data showed that methylene blue degraded faster in the presence of the photocatalytic beads than it did alone. Moving forward, biodegradable beads will be crucial for any implementation of beads into the environment; therefore, optimizing the methodology utilized to produce PMMA and polystyrene beads is paramount. Understanding the effects of sonication and magnetic stir bar speed during the synthesis process of polystyrene beads will provide a better understanding of how bead polymerization works whilst incorporating a photocatalyst.
COI11 - Synthesis, characterization and catalytic studies of metalloporphyrin complexes for important oxidation reactions
First Author
Jesse Thomas
Western Kentucky University
Catalytic oxidation is a crucial transformation in both biological systems and the applied synthesis of valuable chemical compounds. The development of metalloporphyrin complexes as biomimetic catalysts for oxidation reactions plays a significant role in advancing selective oxidation methods. In this study, iron(III) and manganese(III) complexes containing the 5,10,15,20-tetramesitylporphyrin [H2TMP] ligand were successfully synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods. The catalytic potential of these complexes, specifically FeIII[TMP]Cl and MnIII[TMP]Cl, was evaluated in the epoxidation of alkenes using iodobenzene diacetate [PhI(OAc)2] as the oxygen source. Under optimized conditions with a small amount of water, styrene was predominantly oxidized to its epoxide, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis. The catalytic competition studies offered valuable insights into the oxidation mechanism under turnover conditions, where the actual reactive intermediates are often undetectable.
COI12 - Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic study of a phthalocyanine-manganese(III) complex
First Author
Candice Schlabach
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Rui Zhang
Western Kentucky University
In the search for effective synthetic oxidation catalysts, much attention has been placed on biomimetic models of the ubiquitous cytochrome P450 enzymes found in nature, including metalloporphyrins, metallocorroles, and metallophthalocyanine complexes (MPc's). Among these, MPc's have garnered interest for their optical and redox properties, as well as their relatively straightforward synthesis. However, their mechanistic activity and reactivity remain less understood. In this study, we report a direct synthesis of a tetra-tert-butylphthalocyanine manganese (III) chloride, i.e. MnIII(tBu4Pc)Cl. The resulting complex was spectroscopically characterized using NMR, UV-vis, and ESI MS. In addition, the potential of this complex as a catalyst for oxidation of various substituted thioanisoles was explored. Notably, the photogeneration of a high-valent [MnIV(tBu4Pc)O] intermediate was successfully probed by visible light photolysis of the chlorate precursor [MnIII(tBu4Pc)ClO3]. The photo-generation process was found to be dependent on the intensity of the irradiating light.
CAP1 - Analysis of Legal High Drugs and other Gas Station Drugs: Determination of Drug Components and Relative Concentrations
First Author
Abigail Bodner
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Karim Abdelhay
Eastern Kentucky University
Legal Highs, also known as Novel Psychoactive Substances, include uncontrolled synthetic and semi-synthetic substances made to mimic the psychoactive effects of drugs of abuse. Within the category of opioid-like Legal Highs are products that contain Tianeptine. When administered at the therapeutic dose, Tianeptine acts to decrease serotonin reuptake for the treatment of depression and anxiety; however, interaction with mu- and delta-opioid receptors produces a euphoric effect similar to that of illegal opioids. This stimulant effect is enhanced when Tianeptine is administered at a dose above the drug's therapeutic index. Research into the risk of addiction and dependence to Tianeptine is somewhat limited; however, multiple cases of overdose and even deaths related to Tianeptine have been reported. In 2020 alone, cases involving tianeptine exposure exceeded 150. Commonly referred to as ZaZa Red or Tianna Red, Tianeptine-containing drugs currently lack any FDA-approved use in the United States. These drugs are often sold for use as 'cognitive enhancements' or dietary supplements. Due to the risk posed by these products, many states have called for the national ban of these products and have warned consumers against their purchase. As of March 23, 2023, Tianeptine became a Schedule I controlled substance within Kentucky. Many sellers have pushed back against legal control of Tianeptine, the market flooding with stereoisomeric reproductions and misbranded imports. This study aims to develop a method for the detection of Tianeptine using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry while optimizing detection sensitivity, identification accuracy, simplicity, and environmental sustainability.
CAP2 - Development of a High-Resolution Portable Ion Mobility Spectrometer
First Author
Riley Patterson
Murray State University
Co-author
Caleb Morris
Murray State University
Portable separation devices hold great potential for application in analyte detection for explosives, chemical warfare agents, and drugs alike. One such separation method under investigation is ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) where analyte ions are separated by their size to charge ratio from buffer gas interactions. Generally, size constraints of portable IMS designs result in lower resolution, increased false positives, and decreased detection limits when compared to a benchtop apparatus. Trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) has shown promise for miniaturization, being able to achieve high resolution through trapping ions, forcing more interactions with the drift gas through slow elution as opposed to increasing the drift region as in a traditional design. To further reduce the mass and size of such an instrument, printed circuit board (PCB) electrodes are integrated. PCB electrodes weigh much less than their traditional counterpart. Necessary gas flow and pressure conditions are evaluated utilizing computational fluid dynamics. The effect of electrode geometries on ion trajectories are simulated using SIMION software. These methods allow for a performance comparison between this new design and traditional TIMS design. The results demonstrate that this design of the analysis region can allow for a compact device capable of high resolution.
CAP3 - Distinguishing Cinnamon Species: A Hands-On HPLC Analysis
First Author
luke chitwood
asbury university
Co-author
Laura Walther
Asbury University
This experimental activity introduces analytical students to an engaging approach to High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Store-bought cinnamon is not required to label the species of cinnamon tree, resulting in cinnamon products containing varying chemical compositions resulting different flavors and health implications. In this three-hour lab, students distinguish substitute cinnamon Cassia from genuine cinnamon Ceylon by performing an extraction and analyzing ratios of cinnamaldehyde to coumarin using HPLC. Students walk into the laboratory with a cinnamon containing product of their choosing, such as ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks, cereals, essential oils, or cinnamon breads and end with knowledge of not only the cinnamon they prefer but also understanding of the instrumentation. Through hands-on extraction and analysis, students can distinguish between substitute cinnamon Cassia and genuine cinnamon Ceylon, enhancing their understanding of HPLC's utility in identifying unknown chemical compositions.
CAP4 - Investigating small transition metal doped magnesium hydride clusters as potential hydrogen storage materials
First Author
Jonathan Lyon
Murray State University
Co-author
Camryn Newland
Murray State University
Atomic clusters are often used as convenient models to explore the properties of bulk materials. Magnesium hydride solids doped with transition metals have received attention recently as potential hydrogen storage materials for green energy and a hydrogen based economy. Here, we present our recent studies on early transition metal doped MgMHn clusters (n = 1 – 20, M = Sc, Ti).1 We utilize global optimization techniques to search for low energy geometric isomers of each cluster system without bias. Candidate isomers are further stringently optimized using density functional and higher-level ab initio theories. Natural bond order analysis is utilized to investigate the internal bonding properties of each cluster. Items of particular interest that will be presented are the hydrogen saturation limit, H2 dissociation pathway, unique cluster structures, noted trends as a function of cluster growth, cluster stability, and the role of the transition metal identity. These topics as well as their implications for future explorations will be discussed. Part of this research study was a MATCH project through the NSF ACCESS program.2
1) Newland, C.; Balamurugan, D.; Lyon, J. T. 'Structure and Properties of MgTiHn Clusters (n ≤ 20)' Hydrogen 2024, 5, 669-681. https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen5040035.
2) Megan Johnson 'Discovering New Hydrogen Storage Materials with MATCH' 5/30/2024, https://access-ci.org/discovering-new-hydrogen-storage-materials-with-match/.
1) Newland, C.; Balamurugan, D.; Lyon, J. T. 'Structure and Properties of MgTiHn Clusters (n ≤ 20)' Hydrogen 2024, 5, 669-681. https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrogen5040035.
2) Megan Johnson 'Discovering New Hydrogen Storage Materials with MATCH' 5/30/2024, https://access-ci.org/discovering-new-hydrogen-storage-materials-with-match/.
CAP5 - Investigating the Neuroprotective Properties of Cerebrolysin in SH-SYS5 Cells via Oxidative Stress Induction.
First Author
Katherin Socias
Berea College
Co-author
Brianna Dowell
Berea College
Co-author
Isaac Rukundo
Berea College
Co-author
Yueming Wu
Berea College
Cerebrolysin therapy could be essential in the treatment of different neurodegenerative conditions, including ischemic strokes, dementia, and traumatic brain injuries. Cerebrolysin is a peptide mixture derived from porcine brain tissue. The objective of the research project is investigating the neuroprotective properties of Cerebrolysin by employing SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells coupled with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced mild oxidative stress injury. The use of SY5Y cells serves as a pivotal in vitro model for investigating neurodegenerative diseases, owing to their ability to exhibit neuron-like characteristics. SY5Y neuroblastoma cells have been studied in a broad range of neurological disease research, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other neurotoxic responses. Oxidative stress will be induced by exposing the cells to different H2O2 concentration which have been known to disrupt biomolecules like lipids, proteins, and DNA, and are involved in processes such as inflammation, necrosis, and apoptosis of cells. Previous studies have shown that Cerebrolysin could help cells regain functionality and enhance the cell survival rate after exposure to oxidative stress condition. To assess the viability of these cells MTT assay (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) will be used which is a reliable method for measuring cellular metabolic activity. Our results shown that Cerebrolysin improves cell viability significantly after SY5Y cells were exposed to 100 mM and 125 mM of H2O2 for 3 hours and recovered in growth media with Cerebrolysin for 24 hours.
CAP6 - Photochemistry and Photophysics of 4HDPA and 6PPD
First Author
Emily Wymer
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Trevor Lee
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Patrick Hare
Northern Kentucky University
6PPD is a preservative added to tires to improve their longevity and prevent wear from environmental ozone. 6PPD gets into waterways as tires degrade and it is known to be toxic to fish. In water, 6PPD rapidly reacts to form 4HDPA and several other products. Both compounds can be photodegraded. The chemical and physical properties of these compounds were investigated using UV-Vis, fluorescence, photoreactions, and LCMS. These tests were conducted in the solvents water, acetonitrile, methanol, and ethanol. They suggest both compounds photodegrade easily, but at different rates, and those rates are different in different solvents. The products of the photodegradation also differ. These findings have importance for the environmental modeling of 6PPD.
CAP7 - Photodegradation and Photophysics of Estrone-3-sulfate
First Author
Chloe Hopper
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Jason Grothaus
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Trevor Lee
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Patrick Hare
Northern Kentucky University
Estrone-3-sulfate (E3S) is a significant endogenous estrogen sulfate involved in various biological processes, including hormone signaling and metabolic regulation. Research has indicated its potential role in promoting the proliferation of breast cancer cells. This study aims to investigate the optical characteristics of E3S in aqueous solution, specifically examining its absorption spectra, fluorescence properties, and stability under UV light exposure. Photolysis samples were analyzed using high resolution LCMS to identify new products and quantify existing ones after exposure to varying durations of UV light. These findings contribute to evaluating its impact in photobiological systems and its potential environmental phototoxicity. Furthermore, it is significantly more soluble in water than the related estrone, allowing the highlighting of similarities and differences between these chemicals. E3S photodegrades similarly to estrone, meaning the sulfate has only minor effects on the photochemistry.
CAP8 - The photodegradation of Lumiestrone
First Author
Jason Grothaus
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Patrick Hare
Northern Kentucky University
Humans and other animals excrete steroid hormones like estrone. These hormones can then become environmental contaminants. Estrone is regularly found in surface waters with concentrations ranging from nanomolar to millimolar values.(Major et al., 2020) Although those concentrations appear low, they meet the threshold to have adverse effects on aquatic environments affecting fish, plants invertebrates, and potentially mammals. (Karami et al., 2019) Estrone reacts with UV light to form the epimer lumiestrone through the inversion of the methyl group on carbon 13,(Adriano et al., 2022) thus lumiestrone has the potential to have similar adverse effects. This project has measured the absorption and emission spectra for lumiestrone and its photodegradation kinetics in various solvents. Lumiestrone degrades slower than estrone in all studied solvents, forming a variety of products. If lumiestrone is as estrogenic as estrone, this would prolong the estrogenic effects of estrone release into the environment.
CAP9 - William Boggs Quantitative Chemistry Abstract
First Author
William Boggs
Berea College
Looking into the molecular structure of plastics like, polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene. These polymers were functionalized with functional groups like a sulfonic group. Using computer software like Gaussian and Gaussview allowed us to build the long-chained molecular structures with the functional groups attached in different areas. When the functional group attached, I was able to run the program to do calculations to find the BDE (Bond Dissociation Energy) to see how they were changed from before the functional group attached then after the functional group attached. Looking at the changes in the different BDEs around the bonds near the attached functional group to see if we can use these changes in BDE to predict where the double bonds are forming. Forming double bonds allow the lab to break down these plastic polymers down to new material using nonthermal plasma. The control the material we want produced if we can predict where double bonds forming. Using Gaussian and calculating BDE shifts to predict where the double bonds form. Then without using wet labs we can understand what products we can form depending on of we use electron withdrawing functional groups or electron donating functional groups.
CIS4 - Impact of Social Media on College Students' Mental Health: A Digital Forensic Approach
First Author
abdul agboola
kentucky state university
This study explores the correlation between social media behaviors and mental well-being among college students, employing digital forensics to analyze online activity patterns. With the increasing prevalence of social media use, understanding its impact on mental health is crucial, particularly within vulnerable populations like college students. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data from social media usage logs and qualitative insights from student surveys. Initial findings suggest a strong correlation between increased social media engagement and heightened levels of stress and anxiety. This study investigates the role of specific social media habits, such as frequency of use and type of content interacted with, in influencing students' mental health. The ethical considerations of digital forensics in mental health assessments are also discussed, emphasizing the balance between informative insights and privacy concerns. The outcomes aim to contribute to developing more effective digital mental health interventions and support frameworks in educational settings. By identifying key patterns and triggers, the study provides a foundation for targeted mental health support tailored to the digital habits of college students.
CIS1 - Academic Honesty at Universities After COVID-19 Lockdown
First Author
Richard Maiti
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Ryne Merritt
Kentucky State University
Academic dishonesty has seen a startling rise following the dreaded COVID-19 lockdowns, causing concerns from many professors in the southeastern USA. Previous research has indicated that cheating and plagiarism have increased due to recent remote-study policies, as well as the contemporary innovations related to Artificial Intelligence (AI). As of the neoteric AI boom, many students have used this new technology in fraudulent ways, such as feeding homework prompts to these AI systems and submitting the results without doing any of the assignments themselves. This lack of integrity threatens to devalue degrees and erode student-professor trust and future career outcomes. This paper aims to examine this trend, focusing on the south-eastern region of the United States. This region is home to many renowned universities affected by these recent trends, such as Duke University and the University of Louisville. Using regressive analysis applied to empirical evidence, this research will uncover the depths of academic dishonesty in our most proud universities.
CIS2 - Correlation between Social Media Behaviors and Mental well-being among College Students
First Author
Richard Maiti
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Abdul Agboola
Kentucky State University
This study explores the correlation between social media behaviors and mental well-being among college students, employing digital forensics to analyze online activity patterns. With the increasing prevalence of social media use, understanding its impact on mental health is crucial, particularly within vulnerable populations like college students. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data from social media usage logs and qualitative insights from student surveys. Initial findings suggest a strong correlation between increased social media engagement and heightened levels of stress and anxiety. This study investigates the role of specific social media habits, such as frequency of use and type of content interacted with, in influencing students' mental health. The ethical considerations of digital forensics in mental health assessments are also discussed, emphasizing the balance between informative insights and privacy concerns. The outcomes aim to contribute to developing more effective digital mental health interventions and support frameworks in educational settings. By identifying key patterns and triggers, the study provides a foundation for targeted mental health support tailored to the digital habits of college students.
CIS5 - Sports Analytics for HBCU Sports
First Author
Richard Maiti
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Jamal Gray
Kentucky State University
This study aims to demonstrate that numbers or statistics can tell a compelling story about the game of college football. As a former collegiate athlete, earning my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Gaming Development has cultivated my deep interest in studying sports analytics and its impact on college football related to NIL deals and draft predictability of potential NFL players. This is the foundation of the research I'm seeking to conduct over the next year or so. By presenting this research, I seek feedback and ideas on deepening the knowledge associated with data mining college football at the Division One level. Therefore, my study will answer the following questions) To what extent has sports analytics in football impacted the draft predictability of college players selected in the first round? 2)To what extent has sports analytics impacted the college football NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) endorsements of players selected in the first round? 3)To what extent, if any, has data mining for sports analytics impacted the overall philosophy for the sport of college football when determining a first-round draft pick?
CIS3 - Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Socioeconomically, Disadvantaged Groups
First Author
Shelby Wagner
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Suraj Upadhaya
Kentucky State University
Climate change is exacerbating existing health disparities, disproportionately impacting socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. This study investigates the specific health risks faced by vulnerable communities in Kentucky, including physical and mental health challenges related to extreme heat, air pollution, flooding, and vector-borne diseases. By analyzing existing data and literature, we identify how these environmental changes contribute to increased rates of obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Through a deeper understanding of factors such as healthcare access, housing conditions, and vulnerability to extreme weather, this research aims to inform public health interventions that promote health equity and resilience in the face of a changing climate.
CIS6 - Platform to Empower Farmers to Manage and Market their Wholesale Produce Efficiently
First Author
George Seay
Kentucky Sate University
Co-author
Sujeet Acharya
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Richard Maiti
Kentucky State University
This proposal outlines the development of a blockchain-based local farmers market exchange, utilizing a sidechain on an existing blockchain to leverage smart contracts, transaction verification, and enhanced security. The platform will empower farmers to efficiently manage and market their wholesale produce, enabling restaurants and stores to procure locally sourced goods in bulk. By incorporating micro-futures contracts, the exchange will provide small-scale farmers with financial stability and risk mitigation. Integration with existing farmer's market platforms will ensure real-time inventory updates, facilitating seamless transactions for wholesale and retail customers. This innovative approach aims to strengthen local food systems, promote sustainable agriculture, and enhance economic opportunities for small farmers. This side chain is easily replicated and can even become simplified enough to be marketed as a plug-in to existing farmers' markets platforms. This allows the layer 2 sidechain to manage multiple farmers' markets individually and with sovereignty but allows for much larger wholesale sales if the opportunity arises.
ENG1 - Experimental analysis of the mechanical properties of 3D printed octet lattice structures
First Author
Lucas Stevenson
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Xingsheng Sun
University of Kentucky
Lattice structures offer a lightweight solution for applications where strength to weight ratio is crucial. One such application is the design of lattices that can provide effective protection against impact loads during spacecraft landings. NASA has completed research in the development and testing of lattices, but there is still a critical knowledge gap concerning the optimization of these structures concerning the effects of manufacturing defects on the behaviors when loaded. A series of experiments were conducted on 3D printed PETG octet lattice structures with variance in unit cell density, loading orientation, number of fixed size unit cells, and aspect ratio for both compression and 3-point bend tests. The purpose of these experiments is to characterize the mechanical properties of 3D printed octet lattices and find optimal design characteristics to implement under various loading conditions. The data gained from the experiments will also be compared against data from simulation software utilizing limit analysis and the finite element method with a periodic boundary condition. The experiments yielded several results including that the max load and corresponding strain have negative correlations with increased unit cell density in both compression and bending, the optimal loading orientation is inline with the z-axis of the structure, and the max load decreases exponentially with increasing aspect ratio. These results can be combined to create an optimized lattice based on loading conditions along with weight and size constraints. They also consider imperfections created during the 3D printing manufacturing process, making the lattice's mechanical behavior more predictable.
ENG2 - Multi-Objective Optimization in Smart Integrated Renewable Energy Systems (SIRES): A Web Tool Approach
First Author
Shariqa Tayabee
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Andrea Cardenas
Northern Kentucky University
Rural electrification often focuses solely on electricity access, neglecting other essential needs such as water and cooking energy. This research introduces the Smart Integrated Renewable Energy System (SIRES), a comprehensive solution that addresses energy, water, and cooking requirements in rural areas. A comparative analysis between SIRES and conventional microgrids is conducted, taking into account social, economic, and environmental factors such as the Human Development Index (HDI) and carbon emissions. Using a genetic algorithm, the study determines the optimal system configuration based on cost, reliability, and environmental impact. To aid in decision-making, a user-friendly web-based optimization tool has been developed using the Python-Django framework. This platform allows users to input community-specific data, including population, households, agricultural land, and cattle information, to generate tailored recommendations. The tool optimally sizes system components like solar panels, wind turbines, hydropower, biogas plants, and water pumps, based on the available resources and demographic details. In addition to providing users with an optimized system configuration, the website offers detailed information about the tools and resources involved, as well as comparative insights between SIRES and traditional microgrid systems. Accessible to non-expert users, the platform incorporates visual aids such as graphs and charts to enhance understanding. By optimizing renewable energy resources and offering a comparison with microgrids, this research identifies the most effective strategies for improving rural living standards while minimizing environmental impact and costs.
ENG3 - New Innovations in the Sustainable, Eco-friendly Fabrication of Patternable Transparent Wood
First Author
Oscar Hanson
Berea College
Co-author
Jedidiah Radosevich
Berea College Student Craft
The movement toward energy efficiency, biodegradability, and environmental conservation in materials manufacturing necessitates the investigation of sustainable alternatives to petrochemical-based polymers and high-cost materials like plastics and glass. Transparent wood (TW)-a low-cost, lightweight, renewable material-offers a sustainable advantage over traditional materials. Over the past decade, various methods for producing TW have been developed, each contributing to waste reduction, sustainability, or novel functionalities. In our study, we employed a patternable technique involving chemical oxidation and resin infiltration of various wood veneers. This method uses the photocatalytic depolymerization of lignin chromophores and washings with clear, aromatic solvents. The lignin chromophores, which comprise conjugated systems within the cell wall, depolymerize under an oxidizing agent catalyzed by ultraviolet light, effectively removing the wood's natural brown-yellow color. After solvent washing, a stabilizing resin is infiltrated into the wood to fabricate TW. Although the chemical modification technique has become significantly waste-reducing and environmentally nonhazardous, the use of more user-friendly solvents with varying optical properties and new patternable techniques remains unexplored. Here, we identified several modalities involving different patterning techniques and chemical solvents in the fabrication of TW. We report a novel laser engrave-assisted patterned TW (LEAP-TW) that maintains the structure of the wood. Our findings indicate that through, various lignin-modifying and solvent exchange processes, combined with new patterning techniques, the hierarchical, porous structure of the wood is preserved. These results open promising avenues for the commercialization of innovative TW fabrication methods in green materials manufacturing.
ENG4 - SafeFlight: Drone with Obstacle Avoidance System
First Author
Prashis Poudel
NORTHERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Vu Tran
Northern Kentucky University
This project aims to develop a drone with an obstacle avoidance system using ultrasonic sensors and a microcontroller. The drone autonomously adjusts its flight path to avoid obstacles using a precisely developed algorithm and open-source firmware. The project involves designing, 3D printing, and assembling the drone frame, motor attachment, propeller installation, as well as integrating the electronic components and ensuring proper calibration. Ultrasonic sensors are optimally positioned on the drone frame for comprehensive obstacle detection. Programming focuses on sensor data interpretation, obstacle detection, and communication with the flight controller. Rigorous testing ensures optimal system performance, with room for algorithm fine-tuning. Optional enhancements include a camera module for advanced obstacle detection, a GPS module for navigation, and wireless communication for remote drone control. This project contributes to advancements in drone technology, particularly in autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance, with potential applications in surveillance, reconnaissance, and environmental monitoring.
ENV1 - Analysis of Kentucky Disasters and Forcing Mechanisms
First Author
Carly Crockett
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Zachary Suriano
Western Kentucky University
The purpose of this study is to create a Kentucky-specific climatology to help determine variables separating disastrous events from those that do not result in disaster, to better determine which events are more likely to result in disaster. All disaster declarations in the state of Kentucky, from the period of 1950 to 2024 will be collected and analyzed to determine the scope of damage and financial assistance granted for the affected areas to recover. Using the Storm Prediction Center, the percentage of storms that resulted in disaster as opposed to those not resulting in disaster will be calculated. The geographic extent of each disaster declaration will be used to aid in creating this Kentucky-specific climatology. The atmospheric conditions associated with each disaster declaration will be compared with those of storms not resulting in disaster to isolate variables that caused one incident to result in disaster. The findings of the project aim to assist emergency management in determining the scope of a predicted weather event to allow for better, more advanced planning efforts in attempts to minimize the damage a community experiences.
ENV2 - Assessing and Enhancing Climate Resilience in Louisville, Kentucky: A GIS-Based Approach
First Author
Joyceline Adom Frimpong
Murray State University
Co-author
Qiaofeng Zhang
Murray State University
Climate resilience is increasingly critical for urban areas facing the growing threats of climate change. This study aims to evaluate Louisville's climate resilience by adapting the Urban Adaptation Assessment (UAA) tool. The UAA tool will be utilized to identify vulnerable populations and neighborhoods by assessing Louisville's exposure to climate hazards such as heatwaves and flooding, as well as its adaptive capacity, sensitivity, and overall resilience. By integrating the UAA tool with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the study will spatially analyze how different climate risks intersect with socioeconomic factors, infrastructure, and community resources across Louisville. This approach will allow for a detailed mapping of climate vulnerability, highlighting areas most in need of adaptation interventions. The findings will not only provide a comprehensive assessment of Louisville's climate resilience but also inform targeted strategies for enhancing adaptive capacity and reducing climate risks, contributing to more sustainable and equitable urban planning in the face of future climate challenges.
ENV3 - Climatic change and its impact on endangered species in the Lacandon Jungle, Chiapas, Mexico
First Author
cecia Bermudez Hernandez
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Suraj Upadhaya
Mentor
Climate change is one of the major challenges, particularly for critical ecosystems such as the Lacandon Jungle in southern Chiapas, Mexico. Spanning approximately 1.9 million hectares, this montane rainforest is a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot and home to endangered species, including the scarlet macaw and the jaguar. Recent shifts in rainfall patterns and temperature fluctuations have accelerated the decline of these species, raising concerns about the impact of climate change on local biodiversity. We investigated the relationship between these climatic shifts and the declining populations of endangered species in the Lacandon Jungle. Over the past 38 years, maximum temperatures in the Lacandon Jungle have increased by approximately 1.5°C, while total rainfall has decreased by 500 mm, with a notable reduction in the frequency of heavy rain events. These climatic shifts reflect significant warming and drying trends in the region. By examining recent trends in precipitation and temperature fluctuations, this study aims to assess the broader impact of climate change on species survival in this region and contribute to the development of targeted conservation strategies for biodiversity in Mexico.
ENV4 - Costa Rica Ecotourism Policy Analysis to Measure Biodiversity Sustainment
First Author
Riley Summers
Western Kentucky University
Biodiversity degradation due to tourism is increasing as more countries are becoming dependent on the economic benefits of the tourism industry. While tourism is an important economic factor for many countries, it can cause irreversible damage to the environment. Ecotourism policies appear more frequently in tourism-reliant countries as people aim to be sustainable with their travels. This study proposes the use of policy analysis to determine which ecotourism policies are most effective at sustaining biodiversity. Due to Costa Rica being a world leader in ecotourism, policies and biodiversity reports from this country could be analyzed and compared to evaluate the effectiveness of ecotourism policies. Through the collection of ecotourism policies and biodiversity reports, a policy analysis can result in additional literature to help scientists gain an understanding of their correlation. By completing this study, knowledge of ecotourism policies and the ways they sustain biodiversity will be added to the scientific literature where knowledge over the relation of these topics is currently lacking.
ENV5 - Crocus germplasm collection to develop fertile hybrids through intraspecific- and interspecific hybridization
First Author
Jonish Chand
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Hideka Kobayashi
Kentucky State Unversity
The genus Crocus (Iridaceae) consists of over eighty species, approximately thirty of which are cultivated worldwide. Among them, saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is arguably the most expensive spice and has a rich history in both culinary uses and various medicinal systems. For example, saffron is used to alleviate health conditions such as arthritis, colds, asthma, and infertility in Ayurvedic medicine. Other common uses of saffron include dyeing textiles, flavoring food and beverages. Traditional breeding of saffron is hampered due to its triploidy, which causes sterility and prevents seed production, thereby limiting genetic diversity and hindering the introduction of new desirable traits. While saffron is relatively disease- and insect-free and thus amenable to different growing conditions, it is susceptible to excessive moisture. Related species within the series Crocus and other species in closely related series present opportunities to develop Crocus hybrids with agriculturally desirable characteristics. So far, fourteen species from six series in two sections have been acquired from commercial sources. Those series and species are C. ser. Crocus (C. asumaniae, C. cartwrightianus, C. hadriaticus, C. mathewii, C. sativus and C. thomasii); C. ser. Kotschyani (C. kotschyanus); C. ser. Laevigati (C. laevigatus and C. tournefortii); C. ser. Longiflori (C. goulimyi and C. ligusticus); C. ser. Reticulati (C. angustifolius); and C. ser. Verni (C. scepusiensis and C. vernus). The objective of the study is to use these species to create fertile hybrids, facilitating future breeding efforts to develop cultivars with unique and superior traits that are not found in saffron.
ENV6 - Energy Transition in Kentucky: Public Perception and Policy Pathways
First Author
Nirmal Pandit
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Leticia Munoz Revelo
Northern Kentucky University
Kentucky's coal industry plays an important role in the States energy landscape. There has been a precipitous decline in coal production due to global concerns about climate change, environmental impact of using fossil fuels, growth in solar and wind energy generation, low natural gas prices. The decline has impacted the economy in several ways resulting in job losses and economic instability. This decline has had a significant impact on employment in areas that rely heavily on coal-related activities, leading to job losses and economic instability. Our study examined public awareness, attitudes, and perception of energy transition in Kentucky. We conducted a statewide survey of 675 respondents. The ordered logistic regressions reveal that there is a significant relationship in the survey responses. between . Developing informed and inclusive energy policies such as awareness for renewables, communication strategies by stakeholders that resonate with the people of Kentucky is critical to making the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
ENV7 - Evaluating organic acids as alternatives to fumagillin for treating Nosema ceranae in Honeybees
First Author
Sapana Tiwari
Kentucky State Univeristy
Co-author
Yagya Raj Joshi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Oluwatosin Adeyeye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Thomas Webster
Kentucky State University
Honeybees are crucial in pollinating most of the food and fodder crops. However, there has been a recent decline in the honeybee population attributed to various factors like diseases, pesticides, land use change, and climate change. Nosemosis caused by the microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae is a significant honeybee disease and is rapidly spreading around the globe. Fumagillin, an antibiotic derived from a fungus (Aspergillus fumigatus), is the registered chemical treatment for this disease in the USA. Some research revealed that fumagillin is ineffective and poses toxicity risks, even leading to its ban in the European Union for use in beekeeping. This study explored the efficacy of organic acids viz, malic acid, citric acid, gluconic acid, and ascorbic acid in controlling Nosemosis in honeybees. The efficacy and safety of these compounds in beekeeping were evaluated by assessing the changes in honeybee midgut tissues with histological techniques, along with mortality counts and spore quantification. Preliminary results showed that these organic acids are promising in controlling nosemosis. The results were analyzed using image analysis software like Cellscens Dimensions and Image J. Findings suggest that these organic acids can potentially control nosemosis, which is both practical and environmentally safe, offering a viable alternative to Fumagillin.
ENV8 - Impacts of energy fluxes during rain on snow ablation events in the United States
First Author
Spencer Chafin
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Zachary Suriano
Western Kentucky University
Snow ablation is an important contributor to hydrological resources across the world. However, rapid events can lead to a major risk of lives and property and is particularly amplified during rain on snow events. This increased threat is resultant of both the rainfall itself and increased runoff of the snowmelt as energy is transferred between the rainfall and the snow cover as sensible heat and through enhanced latent heat transfer during condensation onto the snowpack. These turbulent and other energy fluxes must be considered when analyzing snow ablation. This study aims to investigate the energy fluxes during rain-on-snow ablation events in three separate locations in the eastern and central United States and analyze common patterns within. Hourly energy fluxes wet obtained from eddy covariance towers for multiple rain-on-snow events at each location, allowing for evaluation of the timing and associated magnitudes of energy fluxes, before, during, and after observed events. The assessment of several locations facilitates analysis of the spatial variability across the U.S. with respect to these events. Understanding the contributions of these energy fluxes and their interactions during rain on snow events is crucial for predicting melt rates, associated flooding, and improving numerical models. Further, the uncovered common trends and patterns for rain on snow ablation events will be highly beneficial to the modeling and forecasting of runoff from these events.
ENV9 - Microclimatology Study in a newly connected section of the Mammoth Cave System
First Author
Jalyn Radford
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Patricia Kambesis
Western Kentucky University
Prior to 2023, the Mammoth Cave system had 29 entrances that accessed various parts of the 420-mile cave system. In 2023 a small cave (Stans Well) located adjacent to the Salts/Flint Ridge section of the Mammoth Cave System was connected to the Mammoth Cave System. An additional entrance (Feil Entrance) with an air-tight seal was installed in Stans Well to provide safe and more convenient access to the Salts section for cave surveyors and researchers. Prior to the connection and new entrance, accessing the eastern part of the Salts section was a difficult 8-hour one-way trip and sections of cave had not seen visitation in 50 years. Despite the convenience of the Feil entrance there were concerns that changes in microclimatology resulting from the new entrance could affect the distribution of the terrestrial cave biota and could cause temporary temperature and air movement changes that could impact the evaporative minerals in the Salts section of the Mammoth Cave System. A monitoring system was set up outside the Stans Well entranced to collect time-series data that recorded surface weather conditions and three in-cave meteorological stations were set up in the cave that measured temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, and air flow. Preliminary data show that cave meteorological conditions are impacted by changes in surface barometric pressure. The data also showed that when the Feil Entrance and it's air lock is open, it affects airflow in Stans Well and in the Salts section of the Mammoth Cave system.
ENV10 - Redefining the Southwest Portion of the Lost River Groundwater Basin, Warren County, KY
First Author
Mason Oney
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Patricia Kambesis
Western Kentucky University
Unpredictability of groundwater movement on an undeveloped karst sinkhole plane in Plano, Kentucky (Warren County), raised concern for land use development. Current zoning plans are to re-zone an agricultural site to residential – a change that may lead to unique hazards to landscape, ecology, and human health. The development site is currently thought to be within the Lost River Groundwater Basin though there is no quantitative evidence supporting this. Recent field observations suggested that the site actually drains to an undefined karst groundwater basin located to the west of the site. A dye trace was needed to confirm the origin and destination of groundwater flow and potentially redefining an independent groundwater basin. Qualitative procedures using charcoal dye receptors were followed. Background receptors were stationed at two springs and an in-cave stream outside of the Lost River groundwater basin and at Church Karst Window and the Lost River Rise within the basin. The background receptors helped determine which dye to use and how much dye to use was calculated based on groundwater travel distances. Dye was injected into a sinking stream located on the boundary between the two groundwater basins and the sites were monitored for dye arrival. Receptor analyses were conducted on a Shimadzu spectrofluorometer at Crawford Hydrology Lab. The results resulted in a re-definition of the southwest boundary of the Lost River karst groundwater basin and the delineation of a new groundwater basin. These data will be presented to county planners in hopes that they reconsider their re-zoning plan.
ENV11 - The Effects of Glucosinolates on Healthy Honeybees and Nosema Disease
First Author
Oluwatosin Adeyeye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Thomas Webster
Kentucky State University
Co-author
George Antonious
Kentucky State University
The microsporidian parasite Nosema ceranae poses a persistent danger to honeybee populations, making fumagillin a frequent but expensive and perhaps hazardous treatment in the long run. In this work, sinigrin, a glucosinolate, is investigated as a possible biocontrol agent for Nosema infections. To assess pure sinigrin's impact on bee health and Nosema spore levels, honeybees were exposed to it via a sucrose solution. Testing the pollen itself will be one of the next steps, even if the type of glucosinolates in mustard pollen (Brassica nigra and Guillenia flavescens) has not yet been confirmed. Preliminary research indicates that sinigrin may be beneficial in lowering Nosema spore numbers, and thus far, it has no detrimental effects on the health of honeybees. The control in these trials is a 50% sucrose solution; additional controls, like sunflower pollen, are planned for future studies. The objective of this ongoing research is to create a fumagillin substitute that is affordable, secure, and simple to use. The results may improve apiculture techniques and offer a long-term solution to one of the main problems bee populations face worldwide.
ENV12 - Understanding land use land cover change: Implication on food, water and energy nexus
First Author
Habeeb Oyewo
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Suraj Upadhaya
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Buddhi Gyawali
Kentucky State Univeristy
Co-author
Changzheng Wang
Kentucky State University
Food, energy and water (FEW) form a nexus central to sustainable development. Demand for all three is increasing as the global population is increasing. This has put FEW sectors under critical challenges as their requirements keep increasing. Due to land use land cover changes (LULC), Kentucky is facing critical environmental challenges. Despite the efforts made by the government to reduce the speed of expansion and degradation, little research has been done in Kentucky on this pressing issue. Kentucky River Basin, with an area of approximately 18,000 km², originates from eastern Kentucky, and play a critical role in the region's water supply and ecological balance. This study analyzed land use and land cover change in the Kentucky River Basin from 2007 to 2024 using a Multispectral Landsat 5 Enhance Thematic Mapper (TM) and Landsat 8 Operational Landsat Imager (OLI). Supervised classification was applied to categorize agricultural land, urban area/built-up, forest, water body, shrub land, and grassland use classes, which were classified using a random forest classifier. The LULC change detection analysis revealed a significant decrease in agricultural land. This is evidence that the counties within the study area are food insecure. It is also indicated that urban/built area also increased in the same period, revealing a high demand for houses. A decrease in forest, water bodies, shrubland and grassland were also observed. Understanding land use dynamics is essential to know the impact on food, water, and energy resources and contribute to more informed policy-making and sustainable resource management in Kentucky.
MIC1 - Addition of Sucrose Improved Moisture Retention in Jerky Prepared from Deboned Asian Carp Meat
First Author
Rhiana Lee
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Olusoji Ayoola
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Changzheng Wang
Kentucky State University
Deboned Asian carp meat can be used to make a jerky product to increase its marketability. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of sucrose addition on the drying rate and the water activity of the final product. Asian carp harvested from Lake Barkley was deboned through a drum with 3 mm orifice by Two Rivers Fishery. The deboned meat was divided into three equal portions and mixed thoroughly with a spice mixture plus sucrose at 5%, 7.5% or 10% of the weight of the deboned Asian carp meat. The meat was filled into a jerky maker, which was squeezed manually to produce 4 mm thick and 5 cm wide strips directly onto the drying tray of a food dehydrator. The strips were dried in the food dehydrator at 145 F and the weight of the strips was measured every 30 minutes and the water activity of the jerky produced was determined with a Pawkit water activity analyzer. After 5 hours of drying, the product lost over 47% to 55% of its initial weight with water activity at 0.59 to 0.69. Addition of more sucrose resulted in less weight loss from the initial weight. These results suggest that sucrose improved moisture retention and the texture of jerky prepared from deboned Asian carp meat.
MIC2 - Antimicrobial effects of herbal teas
First Author
Marta Orduna
Asbury University
Co-author
Marvin Ruffner
Asbury University
In the modern day, there has been an increasing desire to utilize natural remedies to promote health and/or treat various ailments. Research has shown essential oils extracted from green and black teas have some antimicrobial properties. As such, the purpose of this research was to address the following question: Do herbal teas made from locally sourced plants have any antimicrobial properties? Four herbal teas were made from air-dried plant material (leaves and stems) of purple deadnettle (Lamium purpureum), ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea), henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), and spearmint (Mentha spicata) which were all sourced from Jessamine County, KY. The antimicrobial properties of the four teas were tested against four known pathogenic bacteria species: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. Disc diffusion assay was performed on Mueller-Hinton agar plates to test the antimicrobial effects of the four teas on each bacteria species. Positive and negative control assays were also performed with antibiotics and deionized water, respectively, for each bacteria species. All the teas demonstrated minor levels of growth inhibition (7-10 mm) for each bacteria species excluding P. aeruginosa. Therefore, herbal teas possess measurable antibacterial properties and may be useful in conjunction with traditional medicinal approaches such as antibiotics. Further study should refine the experimental methodology and explore different tea concentrations on different bacteria species.
MIC3 - Antimicrobial Resistance Identification via Metagenomics in an Undergraduate Classroom
First Author
Seth O'Conner
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Delaney Brown
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Elizabeth Allen
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jayla Ditterline
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health issue where microorganisms evolve to withstand the effectiveness of antibiotics like tetracycline. The misuse and overuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture are major contributing factors. We hypothesize that (1) AMR prevalence is higher in high traffic areas due to increased human interaction and potential for higher antibiotic usage and transmission, and (2) on farms due to the heavy use of antibiotics in livestock, leading to greater selective pressure on bacterial populations. To investigate this, we collected soil samples from high and low traffic areas as well as from farmland with high and low animal traffic. To get a viable colony count of tetracycline resistant bacteria in the soil samples, we plated dilute samples on media containing tetracycline and observed growth. A limitation to viable colony counting is its requirement of culturable bacteria. Therefore, to get a more complete understanding of AMR prevalence within our soil samples, we performed metagenomic sequencing utilizing relatively cheap oxford nanopore flongle flow cells. This allowed us to identify the taxonomic makeup of microbes and the presence of specific AMR genes in the soil. Altogether, this work suggests a clear link between high traffic areas and the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, reveals the wide variety of drug resistance found within soil microbes, and demonstrates the accessibility of nanopore sequencing methods in undergraduate classrooms.
MIC4 - Ceg10 Legionella Pneumophila Effector Protein Modulate Host Lipid Metabolism
First Author
Emmanuella Ofoka
Western Kentucky University
Ceg10 Legionella Pneumophila Effector Protein Modulate Host Lipid Metabolism
Legionella pneumophila is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for severe respiratory illnesses known as Legionnaire disease and Pontiac fever. Upon inhalation, the bacterium evades lysosomal degradation within alveolar macrophages, establishing Legionella-containing vacuoles (LCVs) for replication. The type IV secretion system enables Legionella to inject numerous effector proteins into the host cell, facilitating its survival and replication. However, L. pneumophila has about 300 effector proteins, many of which Ceg10 is one of them, which are not yet characterized. Our bioinformatics and transcriptome analysis suggested that Ceg10 modulates host lipids.
In this study, we utilized the structural and functional characteristics of the Ceg10 protein to understand its role in host bacterial interactions during Legionella infection by applying transcriptomics gene profiling and a series of sever to analyze the structure and function of this protein. We utilized UniproKB to retrieve the amino acid sequence acid sequence, and then structure and function were predicated with COLABFOLD, I-TASSER, COFACTOR, PROBIS, PHYER 2, SWISSMODEL and MOTIFSCAN, while cNLS shows 86% confidence of Ceg10 nuclear localization. The bioinformatics tools, coupled with the gene ontology on the I-TASSER, predicted that Ceg10 modulates host lipids for L. pneumophila survival within the host. However, the transcriptomic analysis of Ceg10 expressed in HEK 293T cells shows that Ceg10 a lot of genes were upregulated and downregulated when compared with a cell expressing GFP tag alone. Furthermore, from the bioinformatics and transcriptome analysis, we predicted that Ceg10 is involved in the host lipid metabolism and gets to the host nucleus for L. pneumophila survival.
Legionella pneumophila is a gram-negative bacterium responsible for severe respiratory illnesses known as Legionnaire disease and Pontiac fever. Upon inhalation, the bacterium evades lysosomal degradation within alveolar macrophages, establishing Legionella-containing vacuoles (LCVs) for replication. The type IV secretion system enables Legionella to inject numerous effector proteins into the host cell, facilitating its survival and replication. However, L. pneumophila has about 300 effector proteins, many of which Ceg10 is one of them, which are not yet characterized. Our bioinformatics and transcriptome analysis suggested that Ceg10 modulates host lipids.
In this study, we utilized the structural and functional characteristics of the Ceg10 protein to understand its role in host bacterial interactions during Legionella infection by applying transcriptomics gene profiling and a series of sever to analyze the structure and function of this protein. We utilized UniproKB to retrieve the amino acid sequence acid sequence, and then structure and function were predicated with COLABFOLD, I-TASSER, COFACTOR, PROBIS, PHYER 2, SWISSMODEL and MOTIFSCAN, while cNLS shows 86% confidence of Ceg10 nuclear localization. The bioinformatics tools, coupled with the gene ontology on the I-TASSER, predicted that Ceg10 modulates host lipids for L. pneumophila survival within the host. However, the transcriptomic analysis of Ceg10 expressed in HEK 293T cells shows that Ceg10 a lot of genes were upregulated and downregulated when compared with a cell expressing GFP tag alone. Furthermore, from the bioinformatics and transcriptome analysis, we predicted that Ceg10 is involved in the host lipid metabolism and gets to the host nucleus for L. pneumophila survival.
MIC5 - Cell growth and length phenotypes of Acinetobacter Baumannii ddrR and umuDAb Mutant Strains when DdrR and UmuDAb are ...
First Author
Lily Hoard
Morehead State University
Co-author
McKinnley Martin
Morehead State University
Co-author
Janelle Hare
Morehead State University
Cell growth and length phenotypes of Acinetobacter Baumannii ddrR and umuDAb Mutant Strains when DdrR and UmuDAb are Complemented and in Response to DNA Damage
The regulation of cell division during DNA damage response is crucial for bacterial survival. In Acinetobacter baumannii, DdrR and UmuDAb are hypothesized to inhibit cell division and regulate growth in response to DNA damage. To investigate their roles, we analyzed the growth of A. baumannii 17978 wild-type and mutant strains in LB medium and in the presence and absence of mitomycin C (MMC), a known DNA-damaging agent. The results showed that the umuDAb mutant grew significantly slower than the wild-type and the ddrR mutant. The umuDAb-ddrR double mutant also grew slower than the ddrR mutant strain, suggesting that the umuDAb mutation causes slower growth. Next, we compared the cell lengths of the ddrR and umuDAb mutants to wild-type, using Microbe J. We observed that neither the ddrR nor the ddrR-umuDAb mutant cells differed from the wild-type, and only the umuDAb mutant was longer than the wild-type. This suggested that increased ddrR expression caused by loss of UmuDAb repression might cause cell elongation. Arabinose-induced, plasmid-based expression of UmuDAb restored a wild-type cell length to the mutant cells. Arabinose alone did not significantly influence cell length in any strain. Similar effects of ddrR expression were seen in the responses of the mutant strains to DNA damage: the umuDAb mutant, like the wild-type cells, still became filamented after DNA damage, but not the ddrR or ddrR-umuDAb mutant strains. We will next test cell filamentation in plasmid-complemented mutant strains in the presence of MMC to investigate ddrR's role as a cell division inhibitor.
The regulation of cell division during DNA damage response is crucial for bacterial survival. In Acinetobacter baumannii, DdrR and UmuDAb are hypothesized to inhibit cell division and regulate growth in response to DNA damage. To investigate their roles, we analyzed the growth of A. baumannii 17978 wild-type and mutant strains in LB medium and in the presence and absence of mitomycin C (MMC), a known DNA-damaging agent. The results showed that the umuDAb mutant grew significantly slower than the wild-type and the ddrR mutant. The umuDAb-ddrR double mutant also grew slower than the ddrR mutant strain, suggesting that the umuDAb mutation causes slower growth. Next, we compared the cell lengths of the ddrR and umuDAb mutants to wild-type, using Microbe J. We observed that neither the ddrR nor the ddrR-umuDAb mutant cells differed from the wild-type, and only the umuDAb mutant was longer than the wild-type. This suggested that increased ddrR expression caused by loss of UmuDAb repression might cause cell elongation. Arabinose-induced, plasmid-based expression of UmuDAb restored a wild-type cell length to the mutant cells. Arabinose alone did not significantly influence cell length in any strain. Similar effects of ddrR expression were seen in the responses of the mutant strains to DNA damage: the umuDAb mutant, like the wild-type cells, still became filamented after DNA damage, but not the ddrR or ddrR-umuDAb mutant strains. We will next test cell filamentation in plasmid-complemented mutant strains in the presence of MMC to investigate ddrR's role as a cell division inhibitor.
MIC6 - Controllable intein splicing and N-terminal cleavage at mesophilic temperatures
First Author
Tia Ariagno
Murray State University
Co-author
Thomas Santangelo
Colorado State University
Co-author
Geraldy Liman
Colorado State University
Co-author
David Wood
The Ohio State University
Co-author
Taylor McNeal
Murray State University
Co-author
Christopher Lennon
Murray State University
Co-author
Joel Weinberger
Murray State University
Inteins (intervening proteins) interrupt host proteins and are removed through a protein splicing reaction that ligates adjacent N- and C-exteins. The ability of inteins to specifically rearrange peptide bonds has proven exceptionally useful in protein engineering, thus, methods to control intein activity are of considerable interest. Here, we characterize a variant of the Thermococcus kodakarensis RadA intein with the homing endonuclease (HEN) domain deleted that can perform controllable protein splicing and N-terminal cleavage (NTC) in the mesophilic temperature range. We find that intein activity is largely inhibited during expression in Escherichia coli at low temperature (15C) and activated upon a slight temperature increase (>20C). We observe a differential response to the external nucleophiles hydroxylamine and dithiothreitol, which suggests that the scissile bond between the N-extein and intein is in an unusual conformation. Interestingly, we find that the Pyrococcus horikoshii RadA mini-intein, which naturally lacks the HEN domain and is highly conserved in sequence compared to TkE, is not prone to NTC. Additionally, we find that the reintroduction of the HEN domain does not prevent NTC. Our results provide an alternative intein-based system – that does not require either an external nucleophile or prolonged incubation at high temperature (>50°C) to stimulate NTC – that controls intein activity within a temperature range amenable to most mesophilic experimental organisms.
MIC7 - Detection of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in soil samples from Southwest Virginia and Eastern Kentucky
First Author
Eva Roach
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Alexa Muha
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Jessica Slade
University of Pikeville
Healthcare professionals prescribed 236.4 million antibiotic prescriptions in 2022. Overuse of antibiotics has led to the presence of antibiotics in soils and streams at an increasing rate and can cause microbes in these environments to develop and share antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs). When microbes have ARGs, treating infections becomes difficult or impossible, which is a growing public health issue. Kentucky has one of the highest antibiotic prescribing rates in the country. In 2022, per every 1000 persons, Kentucky prescribed 1,053 antibiotic prescriptions while Virginia prescribed 682. Therefore, we hypothesized that soil samples from Eastern Kentucky will contain more antibiotic-resistant bacteria compared to samples from Southwest Virginia. A total of 12 soil samples, 6 from each region, were collected to a depth of 10 cm, and 1-gram triplicate samples were prepared for analysis on agar plates. Agar plates contained either 50 µg/mL of the fungal inhibitor nystatin or nystatin plus a commonly prescribed antibiotic, either 10 µg/mL tetracycline or 5 µg/mL ciprofloxacin. Colonies were counted after 24-48 hours of incubation at 30°C, and the percentage of viable bacteria on the antibiotic plates compared to plates containing only the fungal inhibitor was calculated. Our results suggest that despite the almost double prescription rate, soil from Eastern Kentucky does not have significantly more tetracycline- or ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria compared to soil from Southwest Virginia. However, within each region, there were significantly more ciprofloxacin-resistant bacteria. This study highlights that antibiotic-resistant bacteria are detectable in soil samples in these regions.
MIC8 - Development of Biotinylated probes to Increase RNA Sequencing Specificity for Clostridioides difficile
First Author
Lily Hernandez
University of Louisville
Co-author
Michelle Chua
University of Louisville
Co-author
James Collins
University of Louisville
Clostrioides difficile is an opportunistic nosocomial pathogen which inflames the lining of the colon leading to symptoms from moderate to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and death. Even during severe infection, C. difficile only makes up about 1-2% of the microbiota. There has been a rise in asymptomatic carriage with up to 15% of healthy adults found to be carriers. In these cases, the abundance of C. difficile is even lower ~ 0.1 %. It is unknown what enables asymptomatic C. difficile carriage. A clear picture can be formed through RNA sequencing by studying the transcriptome of C. difficile within a complex microbiota, however, it is limited by the read depth required to obtain sufficient reads. To overcome this limitation, we will design biotinylated probes which will extract C. difficile cDNA from a complex pool enabling enrichment prior to sequencing which makes it so that this technique is more efficient in sequencing the target. Probe libraries designed to specifically bind to C. difficile were synthesized. PCR and subsequent transcription with Biotin-16-UTP was used to generate biotinylated probes. To test the probes, several groups of differing concentrations of C. difficile RNA will be mixed with mouse stool RNA to create a library to generate cDNA. The cDNA and biotinylated RNA probes will be incubated together and then streptavidin beads will be used to pull out the biotinylated probes that have bound to the cDNA. The bound cDNA will then be sequenced using the Illumina platform and analyzed. The sensitivity of the probes will be tested against traditional RNA sequencing without the biotinylated probes. Successful development of this platform will enable us to probe the RNA expression levels of C. difficile within a complex gut microbiota more sensitively.
MIC9 - Do Chaperones Promote Protein Splicing
First Author
Christopher Powell
Murray State University Department of Biological Sciences
Co-author
John Smetana
Murray State University Department of Biological Sciences
Co-author
Hazel Thomas
Murray State University Department of Biological Sciences
Co-author
Christopher Lennon
Murray State University Department of Biological Sciences
Intervening proteins (inteins) are translated within host proteins and removed by protein splicing. Inteins
are abundant in the microbial world and are often found within essential genes involved in DNA
replications, recombination, and repair. Recent studies have made efforts to understand conditional proteins
splicing, whereby intein removal and subsequent host protein activation is regulated by environmental
factors. However, within the cellular context, factors influencing protein splicing are still largely unknown.
In this work, we probe whether the chaperonin system GroEL/ES promotes protein splicing in vivo.
Chaperonins, a family of chaperone proteins, help proteins fold under normal and stressed conditions. Here
we demonstrate that GroEL appears to promote splicing of a DnaB intein from Mycobacterium smegmatis
within an in vivo reporter. This reporter (KISR) requires splicing to provide resistance to the antibiotic
kanamycin. Upon GroEL expression, survival of KISR-containing Escherichia coli cells drastically
improves compared to an empty vector control. Importantly, GroEL expression does not increase survival
of E. coli cells expressing the kanamycin resistance protein, KanR, lacking an intein.
Our findings using our KISR reporter suggest that GroEL can promote protein splicing in vivo. Future work
will probe whether GroEL expression directly promotes M. smegmatis DnaB intein splicing. If so, this
would represent the first example of another protein increasing splicing of an intein containing protein.
are abundant in the microbial world and are often found within essential genes involved in DNA
replications, recombination, and repair. Recent studies have made efforts to understand conditional proteins
splicing, whereby intein removal and subsequent host protein activation is regulated by environmental
factors. However, within the cellular context, factors influencing protein splicing are still largely unknown.
In this work, we probe whether the chaperonin system GroEL/ES promotes protein splicing in vivo.
Chaperonins, a family of chaperone proteins, help proteins fold under normal and stressed conditions. Here
we demonstrate that GroEL appears to promote splicing of a DnaB intein from Mycobacterium smegmatis
within an in vivo reporter. This reporter (KISR) requires splicing to provide resistance to the antibiotic
kanamycin. Upon GroEL expression, survival of KISR-containing Escherichia coli cells drastically
improves compared to an empty vector control. Importantly, GroEL expression does not increase survival
of E. coli cells expressing the kanamycin resistance protein, KanR, lacking an intein.
Our findings using our KISR reporter suggest that GroEL can promote protein splicing in vivo. Future work
will probe whether GroEL expression directly promotes M. smegmatis DnaB intein splicing. If so, this
would represent the first example of another protein increasing splicing of an intein containing protein.
MIC10 - Effects of hot pepper powder on the weight loss and water activity of jerky prepared from deboned Asian carp meat
First Author
Olusoji Ayoola
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Changzheng Wang
Kentucky State University
Hot pepper powder can improve the taste of jerky products. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of hot pepper powder addition on the weight loss and water activity of jerky prepared from Asian carp meat. Asian carp harvested from Lake Barkley was deboned through a drum with 3 mm orifice by Two Rivers Fishery (Wickliffe, KY). The deboned meat was divided into two equal portions and mixed thoroughly with a spice mixture plus a hot pepper powder at 0%, or 0.4% of the weight of the deboned Asian carp meat. The meat was filled into a jerky maker, which was squeezed manually to produce 4 mm thick and 5 cm wide strips directly onto the drying tray of a food dehydrator. The strips were dried in a commercial food dehydrator at 145 F and the weight of the strips was measured every hour and the water activity of the jerky produced was determined with a Pawkit water activity analyzer at the end of the study. After 4 hours of drying, the product lost over 55% to 58% of its initial weight with water activity at 0.56 to 0.66. The jerky tended to have slightly higher water activity with hot pepper powder than without it. The commercial dehydrator completed the dehydration within 4 hours. No visual changes in the jerky products were detected after 8 months of storage at room temperature or under refrigeration. These results suggest that hot pepper powder tended to reduce slightly weight loss of jerky prepared from deboned Asian carp meat.
MIC11 - Identification, Quantification, and Modeling of DdrR Protein Interactions
First Author
Ethan Newsom
Morehead State University
Co-author
Christian Lowe
Morehead State University
Co-author
Janelle Hare
Morehead State University
Acinetobacter baumannii is an opportunistic pathogen with increased mutagenesis opportunities that contribute to its high levels of antibiotic resistance. Unlike other pathogens, Acinetobacter represses its mutagenic polymerases, which are upregulated in response to DNA damage, with the coregulators UmuDAb and DdrR. Although UmuDAb is analogous to LexA, the unique DdrR protein provides Acinetobacter with additional regulatory control. Identifying the proteins that DdrR interacts with could provide new drug targets, considering the CDC declaring the pathogen 'an urgent public threat'.
Through extensive screening of a gDNA library created using the EUROMEDEX bacterial adenylate cyclase-based two-hybrid system (BACTH) protocol, we identified two protein fragments that interact with DdrR. These protein fragments come from KZA74_19365, a hypothetical plasmid replication protein, and KZA74_16005, a phosphogluconate dehydratase. We characterized these positive interactions by quantifying activity and modeling protein structures.
We used a β-galactosidase assay to quantify the interactions between DdrR and the identified library protein fragments. The hybrid protein containing KZA74_16005 had higher Miller units when interacting with DdrR than the hybrid protein corresponding to KZA74_19365. We used the online modeling platform Neurosnap to predict the interaction domain and configurations of KZA74_19365 and KZA74_16005 hybrid proteins with DdrR. AlphaFold2 modeling of each hybrid library protein with the associated DdrR hybrid protein showed the library insert peptide located adjacent to DdrR.
Further testing will elucidate the mechanism by which the protein-protein interactions occur and if the interaction occurs in vivo, as we continue to identify additional DdrR-interaction partners.
Through extensive screening of a gDNA library created using the EUROMEDEX bacterial adenylate cyclase-based two-hybrid system (BACTH) protocol, we identified two protein fragments that interact with DdrR. These protein fragments come from KZA74_19365, a hypothetical plasmid replication protein, and KZA74_16005, a phosphogluconate dehydratase. We characterized these positive interactions by quantifying activity and modeling protein structures.
We used a β-galactosidase assay to quantify the interactions between DdrR and the identified library protein fragments. The hybrid protein containing KZA74_16005 had higher Miller units when interacting with DdrR than the hybrid protein corresponding to KZA74_19365. We used the online modeling platform Neurosnap to predict the interaction domain and configurations of KZA74_19365 and KZA74_16005 hybrid proteins with DdrR. AlphaFold2 modeling of each hybrid library protein with the associated DdrR hybrid protein showed the library insert peptide located adjacent to DdrR.
Further testing will elucidate the mechanism by which the protein-protein interactions occur and if the interaction occurs in vivo, as we continue to identify additional DdrR-interaction partners.
MIC12 - Improved protein splicing through viral passaging
First Author
John Smetana
Murray State University
Co-author
Dylan Deeney
Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Co-author
Jacquelyn Turcinovic
University of Texas Medical Branch
Co-author
John Connor
Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Co-author
Elke Muhlberger
Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Co-author
Marlene Belfort
University at Albany
Co-author
Adam Hume
Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Co-author
Christopher Lennon
Murray State University
Intervening proteins (inteins) are translated as subdomains within host proteins and removed through an intein-driven splicing reaction where the flanking sequences (exteins) are joined with a peptide bond. Previously, we developed a self-removing translation reporter for labeling Ebola virus (EBOV). In this reporter, an intein (RadA) containing the fluorescent protein ZsGreen (ZsG) is inserted within the EBOV protein VP30. Upon VP30-RadA-ZsG expression from the viral genome, RadA-ZsG is removed from VP30 through the protein splicing activity of RadA, generating functional, non-tagged VP30 and functional ZsGreen. While incorporation of our VP30-RadA-ZsG fusion reporter into recombinant EBOV (rEBOV-RadA-ZsG) resulted in an infectious virus that expresses ZsG upon infection of cells, this virus displayed a replication defect compared to wild-type EBOV, which might be the result of insufficient RadA splicing. Here, we demonstrate that the serial passaging of rEBOV-RadA-ZsG in human cells led to an increase in replication efficiency compared to unpassaged rEBOV-RadA-ZsG. Sequencing of passaged viruses revealed intein-specific mutations. These mutations improve intein activity in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems, as well as in multiple extein contexts. Taken together, our findings offer a novel means to select for inteins with enhanced catalytic properties that appear independent of extein context and expression system.IMPORTANCEIntervening proteins (inteins) are self-removing protein elements that have been utilized to develop a variety of innovative protein engineering technologies. Here, we report the isolation of inteins with improved catalytic activity through viral passaging. Specifically, we inserted a highly active intein within an essential protein of Ebola virus and serially passaged this recombinant virus, which led to intein-specific hyper-activity mutations. The identified mutations showed improved intein activity within both bacterial and eukaryotic expression systems and in multiple extein contexts. These results present a new strategy for developing inteins with improved splicing activity.
MIC13 - PARE Project
First Author
Taylor Hayes
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Augusta Garr
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jessica Fulgoni
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Infections are running rampant in our country and many others, but finding antibiotics for these infections has been a challenge. With the use of soil many scientists have found antibiotic-resistant microbes in the soil, and these microbes could aid in this crisis. Using the PARE (Prevalence of Antibiotic Resistance in the Environment) project, we can find these microbes and test which antibiotics these microbes are resistant to. A soil sample is collected from our city, where the microbes can be plated. These microbes will undergo multiple tests, such as biochemical and antibiotic testing, to identify specific characteristics of each microbe. Zones of inhibition are identified when testing on the antibiotics, which is a crucial characteristic of how resistant the microbe is to that antibiotic. These antibiotic-resistant microbes that were produced can be further tested to be used in future antibiotics potentially. The purpose of this research is to discover these antibiotic-resistant microbes.
MIC14 - Species richness and flour type trends in student cultivated sourdough starters
First Author
Kayla Sharkey
Centre College
Co-author
Kelly O'Quin
Centre College
Co-author
Christina Garcia
Centre College
Sourdough starters are a ferment that has been used as a leavening agent in bread both historically as well as in modern commercial and artisanal settings. The ingredients and ratios used in creation, and how they are maintained affects the microbes present in the ferment because of yeasts and bacteria interacting with one another and their environment. Sourdough starters can be classified into four types, Type I being spontaneous ferments, Type II inoculated with bacteria and/or yeast, Type III are dried Type I or II, and Type IV are either type II maintained with type I methods or type I with the addition of adjuncts. Sourdough starters are a good model for microbial ecology in student research projects, due to easy care and ability to vary conditions. Initial data collection on student created type I, type II and type IV sourdough starters using Nanopore sequencing revealed a variety of bacteria and yeasts. Data is explored with cluster analysis showing some trends of All purpose and unbleached flours clustering together, with other flours types clustering outside of that group. Future work will include more samples, further variation of conditions being researched, and improved visualization for students unfamiliar with the biological sciences.
MIC15 - Tiny Earth: Microbes in Soil
First Author
Augusta Garr
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jessica Fulgoni
Kentucky Wesleyan College
The Tiny Earth Protocol was used for this project. The goal is to find bacteria to aid in the antibiotic resistance crisis. First, a soil sample was taken from our city, which was collected last year. Then, the bacteria were plated and re-tested against 10 different ESKAPE pathogens. If zones of inhibition were formed around the isolate, then the isolate had the ability to kill the pathogen. These isolates were further tested to figure out what bacteria they are. Further extractions were done to extract just the antibiotics. The purpose of this research is to discover new antibiotics.
MIC16 - Triplett Creek Watershed: Comparison between 2009 and 2023 Escherichia coli and Coliform Bacteria Levels
First Author
Emily Morgan
Morehead State University
Co-author
Heavenly Mays
Morehead State University
Co-author
Geoff Gearner
Morehead State University
Since 2009-2010, the Triplett Creek Watershed has continually produced samples that are inadequate for their designated uses according to the Kentucky Division of Water. The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the density of various bacteria in 14 different sample sites, specifically Escherichia coli, using both 2009 and 2023 data. This study occurred over 5 months with 6 different sampling events that took place from August to October 2023. By using and following the proper protocol for the IDEXX Quanti-Tray 2000, we were able to identify the total coliform and total E. coli (CFU/100 mL – MPN) present in each sample site. According to the standards set by KDOW, sites throughout the watershed that exceed 130 E. coli CFU/100 mL (a geometric mean of five samples collected within 30 days) and/or 240 E. coli CFU/100 mL are impaired. In the fall of 2009, sites exceeding the legal limit of 130 E. coli CFU/100 mL were BB-0.23 (130.2), CC-0.37 (176.1), DC-0.27 (136.3), and TC-0.74 (180.2). In the fall of 2023, sites exceeding 130 E. coli CFU/100 mL were TC-0.74 (136.1) and TC-14.99 (135.2). A two-tailed student T-test comparing the data sets for each site (2009 and 2023) was run, which revealed no statistical significance at p = 0.05. However, the decrease in both the number of impaired sites and E. coli CFU/100 mL values shows that improvements have been made since 2009.
MIC17 - Underground: analysis of rhizosphere and bulk soil communities at two drainage sites at Georgetown College
First Author
Ysa Duenas
Georgetown College
Bacteria are some of the world's oldest organisms, and studies indicate a distinct difference in bacterial communities depending on environment, including the rhizosphere. This survey aims to analyze the campus bacterial community, differentiating between rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere bacteria while utilizing genetic sequencing methods. Soil samples were collected from two separate and adjacent drainage holes at Georgetown College. The samples were categorized by the presence of plants (n=5) at the site or lack of plants (n=5). This allowed for the analysis of campus microbial diversity while maintaining a theoretically consistent soil composition except for the aboveground plant. Soil samples were submitted to the University of Kentucky Soil Testing Laboratory. DNA was isolated and the V4 region of the 16S gene was amplified. Samples were normalized, pooled, and sequenced at the University of Kentucky Genomics Core Laboratory. Following sequencing, microbial taxa were identified for sample diversity. Plant and non-plant environments have similar microbial richness and evenness of species, however data indicates distinct microbial communities between rhizosphere and bulk soil environments. Differences in soil chemistry were also identified and were shown to have significantly different pH values. The uniqueness of each environment despite the proximities might explain the difference in identified microbial communities.
MIC18 - Utilization of Rotary Evaporator Technology to Increase Antibiotic Yields
First Author
Nicholas Johnson
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jessica Fulgoni
Kentucky Wesleyan College
This project reviews extracted antibiotic quantities found from an evaporation method that has not yet been implemented in past Tiny Earth Lab procedure. The goal of the new method is to increase antibiotic yields by replacing air evaporation with rotavap evaporation. The advantage of rotavap evaporation over air evaporation lies in its ability to expedite the evaporation process by evaporating ethyl acetate at a much faster pace. Ethyl acetate/antibiotic mixtures can take a matter of weeks to evaporate by air. Meanwhile, ethyl acetate from antibiotic mixtures can be evaporated in a few short hours. This project will compare the two methods and results to determine if rotavap evaporation is a viable replacement for air evaporation.
Friday, November 1, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Workshop - Kentucky EPSCoR Funding Programs and Funding Opportunities
Bradford 122A
| Organizer: Cathleen Webb |
This workshop is targeted for faculty and student researchers in Kentucky interested in EPSCoR opportunities. EPSCoR (Established Program to S
timulate Competitive Research) is a program that allocates extra research funding from various federal research agencies to chronically underfunded states like Kentucky. The overarching mission of EPSCoR mission to enhance research competitiveness by strengthening science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) capacity and capability through investments in people, research, and infrastructure.EPSCoR programs in Kentucky, where researchers can seek this kind of allocated federal funding, include the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the U.S. Departments of Energy (DoE), Agriculture (USDA) and Defense (DoD). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has a parallel program in Kentucky funding researchers, the Kentucky Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (KBRIN).
In 2024, Kentucky received a NSF EPSCoR Track 1 ($24M), the NSF E-RISE ($7M), and the NIH KBRIN ($20M). Seed funding opportunities from the Track 1 and KBRIN awards will be highlighted.
How Kentucky responded to and continues to meet the unique challenges posed by the re-envisioning of NSF EPSCoR will also be discussed. An update for Vision 2030, Kentucky's Science & Technology Plan, completed in 2023, a core requirement for NSF EPSCoR, will be provided.
http://kynsfepscor.uky.edu/ky-epscor/
Friday, November 1, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Workshop - Diverse Identities in STEM History
Bradford 101
| Organizer: Matt Downen |
If you RSVP'd for this workshop and ordered a box lunch, we'll deliver your lunch into the room for you!Better diversity leads to better science and more inclusive and equitable learning environments. This proposed workshop is directly related to one of KAS's values, "inclusion of women and diverse underrepresented minority groups in science." This active, discussion-based workshop explores a timeline of historical events and figures in STEM to better understand visibility, privilege, and intersectionality and provide a model for how STEM teachers can incorporate diverse identities into their classrooms. Participants are put into groups and given a set of 40 cards. Each card has a description of a historical figure or event (representing diverse identities and experiences) without any dates listed. Participants are instructed to organize the cards chronologically, using their own knowledge of history and points of reference in their own lives. Once all the groups have their cards arranged or 30 minutes have passed, the correct timeline is provided followed by a debriefing and discussion period. A time of reflection about what assumptions, what emotions, and what actions you might take next follow. An actionable takeaway is a starting point to make diverse identities, themes, and content visible in curriculum. The resources used in this workshop have been adapted and modified from a lesson plan by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network), an American organization founded by teachers. The length of the workshop is one hour.
Friday, November 1, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Workshop: Is Graduate School Right for Me?
Hathaway 130
| Organizer: Hollie Swanson | Organizer: Nathan Vanderford |
If you RSVP'd for this workshop and ordered a box lunch, we'll deliver your lunch into the room for you!Undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in biomedical sciences have many questions about preparing for these careers and how graduate school may fit into their plans. Should I consider pursing a Master's or Doctoral level degree? What career options would a Doctoral degree prepare me for? What is a typical graduate student experience in a PhD Biomedical Sciences program like? Would I like it? How can I prepare a highly competitive application for graduate school? This session is designed to address these questions and help undergraduate students plan for their next career steps. The first speaker will introduce the many different types of careers in academics, industry and government that are currently available and projected to be in high demand in the future. The second two speakers will discuss their graduate school experience from the perspective of an early career and a more advanced graduate student. Our final speaker will outline the graduate school application process and steps that prospective graduate student applicants can take to ensure their success. The session will conclude with a question-and-answer segment to allow audience members to engage with the speakers, exchange ideas about their experiences and questions, and address how they may handle some of their concerns.
Friday, November 1, 2024 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Friday Afternoon Posters
Student Center 4th Fl.
Poster Presentations continue for Agriculture group A, Cellular & Molecular Biology, Chemistry: Analytical & Physical, Chemistry: Organic / Inorganic, Computer & Information Science, Engineering, Environmental Sciences, and Microbiology
Odd Number Posters Present from 11:00-12:00, Even Numbers present from 1:00-2:00.
Odd Number Posters Present from 11:00-12:00, Even Numbers present from 1:00-2:00.
2:00 - Designing a Unified Database for the Linguistic Atlas Project
First Author
Nyxian Harris-Palmer
University of Kentucky
Co-author
William Gerrow
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Joanna Cholewo
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Jerzy Jaromczyk
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Allison Burkette
University of Kentucky
We discuss the solution for database support for the Linguistic Atlas Project (LAP). The Linguistic Atlas Project, founded in 1929 at the behest of the American Dialect Society, is the most thorough and expansive study of American English undertaken to date. However, the vast amount of data remains inaccessible to researchers in a convenient way. The data remains stored in Excel files that are hard to navigate and have inconsistencies in how information is recorded. With better access, the door would open for the LAP to be used as a rich pool of data in broader research into American English dialects and other linguistic fields. The goal is to provide an efficient system to respond to complex queries in this context. To complete this goal, we aim to automate the conversion process from the original Excel files the LAP stores to a relational database schema. This new database schema will be built to facilitate these complex queries. In this talk, we present our initial -- implemented and tested -- design for this pipeline that allows converting Excel files into an intermediary CSV format for ease of later conversion into SQL. The corresponding computer script scraps pertinent data from the Excel files while sanitizing and normalizing said data to a consistent form. Due to the nontrivial nature of the LAP's data, the script offers varying levels of user interaction to resolve ambiguities and uncertainties in the data. With these efforts, we hope the LAP's data becomes more widespread and accessible.
2:15 - Data Science Research Project: Search for Earth-Like Exoplanets Using Data Analytics
First Author
Samia Mahmood
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Akhtar Mahmood
Bellarmine University
We have studied NASA's exoplanet large datasets (Big Data) that contains over one million data parameters of over 5600 exoplanets that have been discovered to date by both ground and space-based telescopes using various exoplanet detection methods and techniques. Using data analytics, we have extracted and filtered NASA's exoplanet dataset with codes written in Python to search for Earth-like exoplanets, we have named as Earth 2.0. We have also written visualization code in Python to plot several exoplanet parameters - such as exoplanet radii, mass, orbital period, surface temperature, exoplanets' distance from their host star, stellar type, stellar mass, stellar radius, and distance of exo-stars from Earth. We have also classified all the exoplanets into seven categories, based on a combination of their radius and mass as - Earth like, Super-Earth like, Neptune like, Saturn like, Super-Saturn like, Jupiter like, and Super-Jupiter like. Using data analytics and data visualization, we have made a prediction to determine the number of potentially habitable Earth like and Super-Earth like exoplanets orbiting a Sun like (type-G) star in our Milky Way galaxy's habitable zone (HZ).
2:30 - Demonstrating Interactive, Large-scale High Energy Physics Data Analysis Workflows in Distributed Computing Environmets
First Author
Andrea Ola Mejicanos
Berea College
ROOT's modern analysis interface, RDataFrame, is designed to meet the high computing demands of the forthcoming High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC). In this project, the essential aspects of the LHC physics analyses workflows are showcased by the RDataFrame implementation of the Analysis Grand Challenge executed within a distributed computing environment at CERN. We investigate the robustness and scalability of modern HEP data analysis workflows as well as the processing capabilities in the distributed computing environments necessary for future LHC physics experiments. A first exploration of the recently released CMS open data is also a part of the project.
2:45 - The Development of a Low-Cost & Multimodal Surgical Assistance System for the Detection & Treatment of Glioma
First Author
Gopalaniket Tadinada
North Oldham High School
Annually, brain tumors affect 90,000 people nationwide and have 5-year survival rates as low as 5%. Surgery, the standard treatment, hinges on accurate pre-operative planning & detection, which traditional methods lack. Outdated surgical technology and inaccurate segmentation contribute to a 52-62% recurrence rate for tumor subtypes called gliomas. Additional challenges arise during surgery when the surgeon's tumor view is restricted, making it difficult to distinguish borders. This project aims to create a low-cost, comprehensive surgical assistance system using machine learning to reduce the recurrence of brain tumors, with a focus on gliomas. CereVis presents 1 model for detection, 3 for pre-operative planning, 1 for surgery, and 1 for post-operative evaluation. Using a Support Vector Machine, CereVis uses highly correlated RNAs identified through RNA-Seq data found in an ELISA to detect potential GBM. The Tumor Classification Model distinguishes pituitary tumors, meningiomas, and gliomas. The Glioma Classification Model categorizes gliomas' grades and types between oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas, and glioblastomas 1-4. CereVis's core is the 3D Segmentation Model, achieving a 99.631% wIoU for precise tumor delineation. An intra-operative system of CereVis employs three scalpel detection models, with accuracies from 90% to 97.6%, providing real-time 3D tracking of the scalpel. Lastly, CereVis includes a system that predicts recurrence using postoperative MRI scans. The model analyzes every voxel with self-identified radiomic features and creates a risk map highlighting areas most likely to recur. CereVis has the potential to revolutionize brain tumor removal by properly planning surgeries, assisting during operations, and providing novel postoperative insights.
2:00 - Qualitative behavior of solutions to differential equations in abstract spaces
First Author
Austin Anderson
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Lan Nguyen
Western Kentucky University
The qualitative behavior of solutions to differential equations mainly addresses the various questions arising from the study of the long run behavior of solutions. The contents of this study are related to three of the major problems of the qualitative theory developed by Henri Poincare and Aleksandr Lyapunov in the late 19th century. These problems are the stability, boundness, and the periodicity of a differential equation solution. The definitions are as follows: stability means how a system responds to a slight disturbance, boundness implies there are restrictions in a system, and periodicity means there is an interval or pattern a solution follows. Learning the qualitative behavior of such solutions is an important part of the theory of differential equations. As applications, we model the population of a bacteria type in a patient's body as a solution to a particular differential equation subject to a new form of treatment represented by a function. We look for conditions such that the number of bacteria in this patient is curbed. Finding such conditions will prevent the outbreak of an illness in future patients.
2:15 - Modeling neuron energy efficiency and consumption using Hodgkin-Huxley equations with analysis and application
First Author
Zahra Chasmawala
Gatton Academy
High amounts of metabolic energy are required to maintain neural activity. A large fraction of this energy is expended in the generation and firing of action potentials, as each requires an ATP-driven ion pump to restore the Na^+and K^+ ion concentration gradient. This project analyzes the Hodgkin-Huxley (H-H) neuron model and traveling-wave voltage solution as an energy model to evaluate the metabolic energy consumption of an isolated neuron. Using a MATLAB-based simulation of an H-H neuron's voltage and ionic currents at various external inputs, the ATP energy supply and consumption are iteratively calculated. Optimizing parameters such as conductances and channel kinetics can minimize neuron energy consumption and maximize energy efficiency. Strikingly, energy efficiency increased with high energy consumption. Analyzing the energy consumption and efficiency of neurons provides greater insights into neurodegenerative disorders associated with impaired brain energetics.
2:30 - 2-adic Valuations for Iteration of Linear Functions
First Author
Justin Trulen
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
MaeKayla Minton
Kentucky Wesleyan College
In this talk we will look at the nature of the 2-adic valuation of the sequences of the form by composition of the linear function f(n) = an + b at the initial value of n0 = c where a, b, and c are all integers. We will define the 2-adic valuation of a number. Time will be spent on describing the different ways to graph the resulting sequences of the 2-adic valuations. We will discuss differences between 2-adic valuations generated by this process and using polynomials. This will include how to classify the behavior of the 2-adic valuation
sequences with the aid of p-adic numbers. We will then finish the talk with a
discussion of future research related to the above work.
sequences with the aid of p-adic numbers. We will then finish the talk with a
discussion of future research related to the above work.
2:45 - Two tragic geniuses; The search for the quintic formula
First Author
Dwight Smith
Kentucky Community and Technical College System
For this Oral Presentation, I will give brief biographies of Niels Abel and Évariste Galois, the two mathematicians who proved that there can be no general formula for solving the general quintic equation by radicals. Both lives were filled with promise and tragedy and were both cut short. It could be said that one was done in by poverty, the other by stupidity. But their works, both done in the 19th Century, still live on today in any undergraduate abstract algebra course. The purpose of this presentation is to inspire interest in the history of mathematics and to show the humanity of its geniuses.
2:00 - Understanding Droughts Patterns and Mitigation Strategies Around the Southern Appalachian Region
First Author
Anthony Osterman
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Buddhi Gyawali
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Shikha Acharya
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Samuel Oshikoya
Kentucky State University
Droughts are periods where the precipitation is noticeably low, causing dry conditions that can harm ecosystems and agricultural areas. This study investigates drought data around the Southern Appalachian Region, which includes Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, and finding effective prevention strategies. The key objective was to identify actions for mitigating the impacts of past droughts, while also exploring successful efforts from other regions to reduce droughts that could be replicated. Drought charts were analyzed to examine the severity of impacts, duration of drought events, the longest periods with no droughts, and the annual drought patterns across the regions of interest. Our findings revealed consistent patterns, with a noticeable decline in drought frequency in certain areas over the years. Proactive methods to prevent drought were highlighted, including enhanced drought monitoring, reduced water usage, and improved water conservation practices. This research aims to provide valuable insights for state and federal agencies, non-profits, corporations, government facilities, and the public, about the significant impact of droughts and the importance of proactive measures in reducing their effects.
2:15 - Helping Small-Scale and Socially Disadvantaged Farmers with Irrigation Water Quality
First Author
Avinash Tope
Kentucky State Univeristy
Co-author
John Thomas
Kentucky State Univeristy
More than 75% of farmers in Kentucky have produce sales of less than $25,000 per year; a threshold that is below the level where growers are strongly encouraged to implement the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Many growers use surface water sources for irrigation that can lead to pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination of produce. The purpose of this project is to improve income and economic opportunities for small and socially disadvantaged farmers by helping develop tools for improving water quality and improve produce safety and thereby increase grower production.
Since November 2022, water samples were collected from farms and tested for presence and enumeration of coliform bacteria along with E. coli. Testing was performed using an IDEXX Colilert Test using Quanti-Tray/2000 system using Most Probable Number Method (quantitative, MPN/100ml); a test approved by United States Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) 21 CFR 112 method.
As of July 2024, 279 individual tests have been performed, from 87 different producers across 13 counties throughout Kentucky. Overall, 77.1% of samples were detected with E. coli counts within the permissible limits of <126 CFU/100ml, of which 60.9% were groundwater and 16.1% were surface water sources. The remaining 22.9% of samples had E. coli counts >126 CFU/100ml, with 0.7% being groundwater and 22.2% surface water. This project provides technical support for small- and mid-sized producers to become compliant with regulatory and buyer specifications and standards to increase their direct market opportunities.
Since November 2022, water samples were collected from farms and tested for presence and enumeration of coliform bacteria along with E. coli. Testing was performed using an IDEXX Colilert Test using Quanti-Tray/2000 system using Most Probable Number Method (quantitative, MPN/100ml); a test approved by United States Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) 21 CFR 112 method.
As of July 2024, 279 individual tests have been performed, from 87 different producers across 13 counties throughout Kentucky. Overall, 77.1% of samples were detected with E. coli counts within the permissible limits of <126 CFU/100ml, of which 60.9% were groundwater and 16.1% were surface water sources. The remaining 22.9% of samples had E. coli counts >126 CFU/100ml, with 0.7% being groundwater and 22.2% surface water. This project provides technical support for small- and mid-sized producers to become compliant with regulatory and buyer specifications and standards to increase their direct market opportunities.
2:30 - Effect of biochar application on physical properties and soil moisture retention in silty loam soil.
First Author
Ganga Paudel
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Maheteme Gebremedhin
kentucky State University
The relationship between biochar and soil moisture has already been established in many literatures, mostly in sandy soils. However, studies on the effect of biochar in silty-loam soil, predominantly found in most Kentucky farms, have been underexplored. The overall objective of this research is to assess the impact of different biochar application rates (10 tons/hectare, 20 tons/hectare, and 40 tons/hectare) on soil moisture retention and physical properties in silty loam soil. Undisturbed soil samples were analyzed for total porosity, bulk density, initial water content (θs), field capacity (FC), permanent wilting point (PWP), plant available water (PAW), using Van Genuchten bimodal model. The soil moisture characteristics curves were generated using advanced devices like hydraulic property analyzer (HYPROP) and dewpoint potential meter (WP4C). The result showed that there was no significant difference in porosity and bulk density between control and biochar amended soils. However, a positive trend of increased porosity and decreased bulk density was observed up to the 20t/ha biochar application rate. Further, our data revealed that biochar applied at 20t/ha significantly increased soil water content at FC (33.49 cm3/cm3) and PAW (17.86 cm3/cm3). Although θs was higher in biochar amended soil, the difference was not statistically significant. Our study suggests that biochar application at 20t/ha is considered optimum in enhancing soil moisture retention in silty loam soil. Further studies are needed to investigate the role of different feed stock, pyrolysis temperature, tillage, and residence time on soil physical and hydraulic properties.
2:45 - Assessing Dietary Additives for Enhancing the Nutrition and Growth of Juvenile Freshwater Plain Pocketbook Mussels
First Author
Ashton Schardt
Kentucky State University
Freshwater mussel nutrition research is in the infancy of discovering how certain commercial products provide essential nutrients for mussels. On a whole we still do not know exactly what nutrients they hold on to and which ones they send downstream. Commercial marine algae feeds and additives have been used in captive freshwater mussel culture as an alternative to live algae. A study is under way assessing various commercial algae feeds and additive treatments. Nine experimental treatments were formulated with a negative control, four treatments of paste algae and four treatments of freeze-dried algae with additives (probiotic, worm casing and a commercial algae replacement). 20 mussels per tank are stocked into 36 9L tanks in a static system. The mussels are fed once a day after the 30% water exchange from each tank. Water exchanges happen every 8 hours; over 24 hours the tanks receive a 100% water exchange. Every two weeks the mussels will be sampled to access length, growth, and mortalities. Pictures are taken to be used for growth analysis. Growth is measured using a computer program called Image-Pro Plus, which is an imaging software that measures the animals in millimeters. The feed is adjusted after each sampling event according to weight gain. Following the conclusion of the trial, results including final weight, biweekly growth rate, bi-weekly length measurements, and survival will be presented. Further analysis will be conducted for protein and energy.
3:00 - Determining Effective Salt (NaCl) Treatment Concentrations for Columnaris Infections in Largemouth Bass (M. nigricans)
First Author
Vincent Teye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
John Kelso
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Robert Durborow
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Tifani McKay
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Gunnar Psurny
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Lucien Blakemore
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Adetola Ogundipe
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sophia Okoh
Kentucky State University
Feed trained largemouth bass fingerlings will be transferred into aerated 10-gallon aquaria and experimentally infected with columnaris causing bacteria (CCB). Infected fish will be exposed to salt concentrations of 6, 9, and 12 parts per thousand and will be monitored for signs of CCB infections, such as skin ulcers, fin rot, and lethargy. The salt treatment levels will be monitored and maintained throughout the experiment. Each tank will be observed for mortalities and dead fish will be removed and recorded daily. In order to confirm CCB in the experimental fish, brain and kidney samples will be collected from dead fish and cultured on Tryptone Yeast Extract Salts (TYES) media. Data collected from the experiment will first be tested for normality and analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test. The optimum salt treatment level that can control CCB infections in largemouth bass will be determined based on survival percentage rate (number of fish survived x 100 / initial number of fish) and the absence of signs of CCB in the fish.
3:15 - Yield and Quality of Kale and Collard Greens Grown in Various Soil Amendments
First Author
ERIC TURLEY
Kentucky State University
Co-author
George Antonious
Kentucky State University
Kale and collard greens are two Brassica oleracea cultivars primarily grown for their edible leaves. They are extremely nutrient-rich, contributing to a substantial number of vitamins and many other health benefits. An experiment was conducted to assess the impact of soil amendments: sewage sludge (SS), chicken manure (CM), biochar (BIO), cow manure (Cow), vermicompost (Vermi), and SS, CM, BIO, Cow, and Vermi mixed with biochar at a rate of 10% kg/plot on the yield and quality of harvested kale and collard greens. Mature plants were harvested, weighed, and the number and quality of the greens were recorded. Cow mixed with BIO and SS mixed with BIO treatments produced the highest yields of 1.43 kg/plant and 1.37 kg/plant, respectively, compared to all other soil treatments. No Mulch (control) with and without biochar produced the least harvest weight with 1.00 kg/plant and 0.97 kg/plant, respectively, compared to all other soil treatments. Using USDA Grading Standards for collard and kale, collard greens produced 1.51 kg/plant of marketable plants and kale greens produced 0.66 kg/plant of marketable plants. We recommend the use of Cow or SS mixed with biochar for maximizing collard and kale yield.
2:00 - Full-length mRNA sequencing resolves novel 5' end-variant isoforms of CXCR5 in activated human CD4 T cells
First Author
Cassandra Woolley
University of Louisville
Co-author
Melissa Smith
University of Louisville
Co-author
Thomas Mitchell
University of Louisville
Isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) uses long-read technology to produce highly accurate full-length reads of mRNA transcripts. Visualization of individual mRNA molecules can reveal new details of transcript variation within understudied portions of mRNA, such as the 5' untranslated region (UTR). 5' UTRs may contain motifs, upstream open reading frames (uORFs), and secondary structures that can regulate translation. The existence of alternative 5' UTRs may also indicate differential promoter usage, where transcriptional control can further impact final protein expression levels. To begin to explore 5' UTR variation during T cell activation, we generated the first Iso-Seq reference transcriptome of activated human CD4 T cells. Two novel isoforms were discovered for CXCR5, a chemokine receptor associated with T follicular helper cell (Tfh) function and differentiation. The transcription start site for these isoforms mapped to an upstream promoter not previously annotated to known CXCR5 transcripts. Moreover, when investigated using plasmid constructs transfected into HEK293T cells, the lengthened 5' UTR conferred reduced transcript stability compared to the canonical UTR, and short uORFs introduced by the added UTR length altered protein expression kinetics for the isoforms. Although not previously reported, evidence of these isoforms was frequently found among CXCR5 transcripts in short-read RNA-seq datasets of activated CD4 T cells and transitional Tfh. However, these isoforms were less prevalent among transcripts in naïve CD4 T cells or fully differentiated Tfh. Collectively, these findings suggest a potential role for these alternative end-variant isoforms in facilitating low-level CXCR5 expression during the early intermediate stages of CD4 T cell differentiation.
2:15 - Meiotic viability of telomere-free circular chromosomes in the eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae
First Author
Rebecca Bailey
Morehead State University
Co-author
Devan Herald
Morehead State University
Co-author
Mark Wilson
Morehead State University
Co-author
Melissa Mefford
Morehead State University
Prokaryotes generally have a single circular chromosome, while eukaryotes have multiple linear chromosomes capped by specialized repetitive DNA sequences called telomeres. Telomeres shorten as we age because they cannot be completely replicated before the cell divides. To overcome this shortening, telomeres can be lengthened by the ribonucleoprotein enzyme telomerase. However, more than 85% of cancer cells upregulate telomerase, allowing the cancerous cells to divide uncontrollably. Since telomeres and telomerase contribute to aging and cancer, we set out to understand why eukaryotes have linear chromosomes with telomeres instead of circular chromosomes. To this end, we have used a genetic engineering strategy to circularize two individual chromosomes in the single-celled eukaryote Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In asexually dividing haploid cells, the circular chromosomes exhibit no obvious phenotypes. A current hypothesis posits that eukaryotes evolved linear chromosomes to permit meiosis and sexual reproduction. To test this hypothesis, we mated haploid yeast to form diploid cells with a single circular chromosome, as well as diploid cells with two copies of a circular chromosome. Upon starvation, the diploid cells will undergo meiosis to form four haploid cells, which can be dissected and tested for viability. We find that circular chromosomes decrease the number of viable spores by >30%, consistent with the hypothesis that linear chromosomes evolved to allow sexual reproduction. In the future, we plan to characterize the meiotic defects caused by the presence of a circular chromosome to shed further light on why linear chromosomes evolved in eukaryotes.
2:30 - Functional Characterization of a Bacteriophage Gene Product That is Toxic to Mycobacterium smegmatis
First Author
Ava Blackledge
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Rodney A. King
Western Kentucky University
Antibiotic resistance is a critical global health challenge, with the UN estimating that drug-resistant infection deaths will surpass cancer deaths by 2050. Bacteriophages offer a potential alternative to traditional antibiotics, which are becoming increasingly ineffective due to resistance. MooMoo is a mycobacteriophage that is genetically distinct from all known phages, exhibiting <35% DNA similarity to phage genomes in Genbank. Bioinformatic analysis identified several MooMoo genes, including MooMoo gene 51 (MM51), as having no known function. MM51 was later shown to be extremely toxic to M. smegmatis. Using a bacterial two-hybrid assay, this project aimed to characterize MM51 by identifying interactions between the phage and host proteins, revealing mechanisms of MM51's toxicity. Identifying the host-interacting partner could lead to the development of a new therapeutic. The MM51 gene sequence was previously cloned into the pExTra shuttle vector via isothermal assembly. The plasmid was moved into M. smeg cells to assess cytotoxicity, and MM51 was shown to prevent growth when overproduced. After confirming the protein's toxicity to host cells, the gene was subcloned into the p2Hα two-hybrid vector and transformed into chemically competent E. coli cells. After clone verification, the two-hybrid assay was performed. A positive interaction was detected by blue colony color in the presence of the antibiotic carbenicillin. Clones that produced a positive interaction were sequenced to identify the host gene. Six out of sixteen clones produced positive interactions, but each clone contained a different host gene fragment. These results suggest that MM51 has multiple interacting partners.
2:45 - Enhancement of a Pollen Substitute to Promote Honey Bee Health
First Author
Santosh Ghimire
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Farida Olden
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Joseph Palmer
Kentucky State University
The honey bee (Apis mellifera) faces several environmental challenges, among which poor nutrition is a significant threat. Previous research shows that commercial diets often fall short in promoting bee health compared to natural pollen. This study aims to enhance the dietary benefits of a pollen substitute on bee health by improving the manufacturer's formulation with minimal investment. The feeding trials consisted of newly emerged bees distributed into five diet groups: 1) sugar-only negative control (Control), 2) true control, the substitute MegaBee prepared according to the manufacturer's recommendation (MB), 3) MB in the presence of probiotic superDFM (MB/DFM), 4) MegaBee enhanced with invert sugar, Honey B Healthy feeding stimulant, and vitamin C (MB+), and 5) MB+ in the presence of the probiotic superDFM (MB+/DFM). The experiment lasted 2 weeks, during which samples were collected at various time points to measure diet consumption, body weight, whole body protein content, and the expression of several nutrition-responsive genes as well as the marker gene vitellogenin.
3:00 - Assessing the Role of Chemokines in Amyloid-β Plaques during the Progression of Alzheimer's Disease
First Author
Chaturya Paladugu
duPont Manual High School
Co-author
Sobha Bodduluri
University of Louisville
Alzheimer's disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β plaques, leading to disruption of neural communication and cognitive decline. It is known that chemokines, and their receptors promote amyloid-β deposition and Tau hyperphosphorylation. We tested the profile of chemokines necessary for immune cell migration in Alzheimer's disease using the 3XTG model. Using RNA isolated from the brains of 365-day-old C57BL6 (WT) and 3XTG (Alzheimer's model) mice. RT-qPCR was performed to measure the gene expression levels of several cytokines, chemokines and chemokine receptors such as CCL4, CCR5, CCR1, CCL11, CCL2, TNF, IL-6, and CXCL1. Our findings reveal a significant increase in the expression of these genes between WT and 3XTG mice, with notable changes in CCR5, CCR1, CCL4, CCL11. The upregulation of the CCL4-CCR5 axis in particular indicates its involvement in microglial activation and migration in response to amyloid-β deposition. This suggests that these chemokines play a critical role in Alzheimer's disease progression and could be considered as potential therapeutic targets.
2:00 - A Quantitative Comparison of Precipitation Observations as Measured by the COOP, ASOS and Kentucky Mesonet Networks
First Author
Olufemi Aina
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Jerald Brotzge
Western Kentucky University
This study presents a comprehensive and quantitative comparison of precipitation data collected from three statewide, in situ weather observation networks: the Kentucky Mesonet, the Cooperative Observer program (COOP) and the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) network. This work assesses the strengths and limitations of each network through identification of biases or discrepancies in the historical records peculiar to each network. Daily precipitation records from the Kentucky Mesonet for the years 2011 to 2020 will be compared with nearby (within 25 km) COOP and ASOS stations. Using simple statistical analyses such as mean, root mean square error, variance, t-test and Pearson correlation, differences between networks will be quantified and investigated in light of network differences in siting characteristics, instrumentation, and quality control. Data extremes will also be evaluated due to overreporting or underreporting as a result of instrumentation. This is the first of such comparison and results may allow for a more accurate historical record to be developed of the climate across the Commonwealth. In addition, this study will allow for a deeper understanding of the reliability and consistency of these reporting weather observing networks, thereby contributing valuable information to meteorologists, climatologists, and researchers involved in climate studies, impact assessments, and policy formulation.
2:15 - Forecast Analysis of the January 31 - February 2, 2015 Winter Storm
First Author
Kevin Riley
Western Kentucky University
During the harsh winter of 2014-2015, particularly in the Eastern half of the United States and especially in the Northeastern US, a major winter storm slammed the Midwest and Northeast from January 31 – February 2, 2015, resulting in snow totals ranging from 15-20" in Chicago, IL and Detroit, MI to 24' in Massachusetts. The stage was set for a powerful winter storm when a cold front clashed with moisture streaming up from the Gulf of Mexico and with enough cold air and moisture in place just north of a stationary front, a swath of heavy snow was forecast to impact parts of Northeast Illinois through Northern Indiana and Southern Lower Michigan, Ohio, and eventually New York and Massachusetts with 12-18" of snow forecasted in these areas. Water vapor imagery showed that a potent northern stream shortwave disturbance over Omaha, NE, and a plume of moisture associated with a southern stream shortwave disturbance over northwest Mexico became entrained into the northern wave and was advected northward overtop a retreating arctic airmass. This resulted in high precipitable water values across the affected regions and a warm conveyor belt going into a shallow cold layer over the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley. As moisture advection increased, the storm intensified as it worked its way across Illinois and Indiana with snowfall rates of 1-2" per hour. In summary, high amounts of water vapor and cold air at the surface resulted in a corridor of heavy snowfall from the Midwest to the Northeast.
2:30 - Spatial Analysis of Urban Green Spaces and Climatic Variables; Environmental Protection And Sustainability in Ibadan
First Author
Ayobami Akinleye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Biodun Areola
University of Ibadan
Green space research has been driven by an interest in the impacts that ecological factors, biodiversity and ecosystem has on life in urban areas. This study analyses and explains the relationship between green spaces and climatic variables in Ibadan metropolis. It also examines the temporal decrease in the extent of green spaces between 1984 and 2019 in Ibadan metropolis. The climatic variables used in this study include rainfall, temperature and relative humidity. Data related to this research was collected from 800 respondents selected across 104 localities in Ibadan metropolis using stratified random sampling technique of projected population of Ibadan metropolis for 2019 estimated at 1,948,520 with four sample percentages 0.05, 0.08, 0.2, 0.4 respectively. Pearson correlation analysis in SSPS version 20 was used to determine the significance of the relationship between green spaces and climatic variables at p ≤ 0.05. The Pearson correlation analysis carried out show that none of the climatic variables do not have significant relationship with green spaces as the analysis of rainfall and green spaces shows the r-value to be 0.812, for green spaces and temperature the r-value is 0.626 and for green spaces and relative humidity the r-value is 0.769. Ordinary least square analysis was also carried out in Arcgis 10.4 and the result shows that the explanatory variables used were not significant with the dependent variable i.e green spaces extent for 2019. The result shows that rainfall (0.059), temperature (0.056) and relative humidity (0.948) were not significant.
2:45 - The roles of aquatic plant communities in determining the carbon source-sink status of Kentucky wetlands and ponds
First Author
Andrew Mehring
University of Louisville
Co-author
Mark Tierney
University of Louisville
Co-author
Nathan Earl
University of Louisville
Co-author
McKenzie Goodwyn
University of Louisville
Co-author
Josh Snipes
University of Louisville
Co-author
Andrea Gaughan
University of Louisville
Small ponds and wetlands often emit greenhouse gases (GHGs) at substantially higher rates per unit area when compared to larger bodies of water, but they also have the potential to serve as sites of carbon (C) sequestration that rival forests in C storage per unit area. Kentucky has lost an estimated 81% of its wetland area since the 1780s, and while wetland restoration may return a host of lost ecosystem services, many ponds in urban and peri-urban areas contain few emergent wetland plants. This may substantially limit rates of carbon dioxide (CO2) uptake and C storage at the ecosystem scale. Here we synthesize the results of our ongoing research aimed at characterizing the roles of floating and emergent aquatic plants in determining the carbon source-sink status of Kentucky ponds and wetlands. A portable GHG analyzer and floating static flux chambers, sediment cores, and bubble traps were used to measure fluxes of CO2 and methane (CH4) fluxes over open water, emergent wetland vegetation, and floating vegetation. Plant biomass and environmental factors such as pH, temperature, photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), and dissolved oxygen were measured at each site. After flux measurements, emergent and floating plants within the footprint of the flux chamber were harvested, dried, and weighed to estimate biomass per unit area. Emergent vegetation removed more CO2 per unit area of pond than either algae or floating plants at the same light (PAR) levels, but while duckweed generated hypoxia and significantly enhanced CH4 emissions, certain species of emergent plants also appeared to enhance CH4 emissions. Using these data, we compare fluxes within vegetated and open-water areas of ponds to estimate the plant coverage needed to convert Kentucky ponds into net C sinks. The findings from this project could inform constructed and restored wetland management for the optimization of C storage.
3:00 - Evaluating Vegetation Growth Dynamics in Reclaimed Mine Sites: A Remote Sensing Approach.
First Author
Dipesh Oli
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Buddhi Gyawali
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Kabita Paudel
Kentucky State University
Vegetation indices are essential tools for both qualitative and quantitative assessment of vegetation cover and growth dynamics. These indices play a critical role in understanding and addressing environmental challenges by providing insights into vegetation conditions, particularly in sensitive areas like reclaimed mine sites. Reclaimed mine sites often degraded landscapes because of the disrupted soil properties and ecosystems. It is crucial to understand the vegetation recovery status to analyze the success of restoration efforts. With the increasing availability of high-resolution satellite imagery, vegetation indices can now be estimated more efficiently and cost-effectively, even in regions that are inaccessible to humans. In this study, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), known for its sensitivity to vegetation and reduced influence from environmental factors, is utilized as a reliable indicator of vegetation health. The research evaluates vegetation indices' spatial and temporal variability from 2010 to 2022, specifically in reclaimed mining areas. A paired t-test showed the statistical significance of changes in vegetation indices over time. NAIP imagery and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) were used as the primary data sources for vegetation index calculations. This study aims to contribute to environmental monitoring and promote sustainable practices for forest conservation and management in reclaimed mining sites.
3:15 - Influence of Biochar and animal manure on phytoremediation of heavy metal in Hot pepper fruits
First Author
Basanta Neupane
Kentucky State University
Co-author
George F. Antonious
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Mohammad H. Dawood
University of Telafer
Co-author
Anjan Nepal
Kentucky State University
Heavy metals contamination in arable land pose significant risk to environment and human health. As they are non-biodegradable and persist in environment for long period, contaminating various resources like food, water and soil. Understanding how biochar and animal manures influence metal uptake in phytoremediation process is crucial for sustainable agriculture and food safety. Currently, phytoremediation is considered as reliable technique for remediation of soil contaminants as it is ecofriendly, cost effective and sustainable approach. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum cv. Georgia Flame) grown under seven soil amendments: vermicompost, inorganic fertilizer, sewage sludge, organic fertilizer, chicken manure, horse manure and no amendment control treatment. The research was carried out under field condition in a RCBD split-plot design. The concentrations of heavy metals in soil and pepper fruits were analyzed utilizing an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results revealed that the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of Pb, Mn, and Cr was less than 1, indicating no effect on soil metals remediation. Conversely, Cd, Mg, Zn, Ni and Cu exhibited a BAF value exceeding 1, suggesting that the peppers have the potential to remediate these particular soil metals. Though Cd, Ni, Mg, Cu and Zn showed a BAF value greater than 1, their accumulation in the fruits remained within the permissible limit. Hence, hot pepper could be used for remediating Cd, Ni, Cu and Zn from contaminated sites.
3:30 - Impact of Integrated Crop and Small-Ruminant Rotation Organic System on Soil Health
First Author
Asmita Bhandari
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sandeep Airee
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Shawn Lucas
University of Vermont
Co-author
Atanu Mukherjee
Kentucky State University
Soil health plays a crucial role in agricultural productivity and ecosystem function. This study explores the impact of a corn-soybean rotation integrated with pastured small ruminants on soil health in an organic farm. The experiment follows a 5-year rotation: 2 years of crops (corn and soybean) and 3 years of goats on pasture. The first cycle ended in 2022, and the project has been extended to 10 years, currently in its seventh year. Conducted at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research Farm on certified organic land, the study includes seven treatments, replicated across four blocks. These treatments are 1) continuous corn-soybean, 2) continuous non-grazed pasture, and 3) five plots in each block that represent each year of the integrated rotation (corn, soybean, pasture years 1, 2, and 3). Winter cover crops, typically a grain/legume combination (such as rye-vetch or wheat-clover), were employed to maintain soil health. Goats are managed using the "take 50, leave 50" rule, grazing 50% of forage height before being moved to another plot. Soil samples were collected to a depth of 10 cm in spring and fall. To assess soil health, we measured total soil organic carbon (SOC), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), water-stable aggregates, total surface area, pH, and EC. In the first five years, plots with pasture and animal integration had significantly higher water-stable aggregates, labile carbon, and SOC than continuous cropping plots. This suggests the integrated organic system may improve soil health more effectively than the corn-soybean system alone.
Friday, November 1, 2024 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Special Session: Aerospace Research in Kentucky
Hathaway 130
| Organizer: Jacob Owen |
Kentucky Space Grant Consortium (KYSGC) is a diverse group of 29 affiliate members, including 18 Kentucky universities, colleges and community colleges, 5 industry partners, 4 science centers and 2 STEM educational organizations, partnered with NASA to support Kentucky college students, faculty and pre-college outreach. The national Space Grant network includes over 1,000 affiliates from universities, colleges, industry, museums, science centers, state and local agencies. The National Space Grant College & Fellowship Program was initiated by Congress in 1987 in response to the need to help maintain America's pre-eminence in aerospace science and technology.
The NASA Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) supports partnerships with higher education, government and industry designed to make lasting improvements in a state's research infrastructure and R&D competitiveness. Kentucky's NASA EPSCoR Program supports NASA-related research projects and partnerships in the state for any Kentucky institution of higher learning and their industry partners.
2:00 - NASA KY Program Opportunities and Current Projects
First Author
Jacob Owen
NASA KY Programs
The Kentucky Space Grant Consortium and NASA Kentucky EPSCoR Programs (NASA KY) will host a special session at the Kentucky Academy of Science 2024 meeting at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. The session will begin with an overview of NASA KY funding programs and follow with presentations of projects and research, with opportunity for Q&A.
The NASA KY Program supports over 60 active projects across the Commonwealth in partnership with NASA. These projects include aerospace research, higher education team projects, curriculum enhancement, student opportunities, and pre-college STEM programs.
Current research and outcomes from NASA-related projects will be presented by representatives from Kentucky engineering and science departments. Presenters will include faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students directly involved in projects that support NASA missions and Kentucky's science and technology initiatives, including Kentucky students who have interned at NASA and student leaders of Kentucky aerospace and engineering teams.
Presentation topics will include orbital and suborbital spaceflight, high-altitude science payloads, rocket development, NASA internship and fellowship experiences, computational modeling, materials science, and robotics.
The NASA KY programs help support the expertise of Kentucky faculty and students in fields including aerospace, aeronautics, space science and related disciplines such as energy, physics, geosciences, biomedical, materials science, robotics, human health and performance, and computer science.
The NASA KY Program supports over 60 active projects across the Commonwealth in partnership with NASA. These projects include aerospace research, higher education team projects, curriculum enhancement, student opportunities, and pre-college STEM programs.
Current research and outcomes from NASA-related projects will be presented by representatives from Kentucky engineering and science departments. Presenters will include faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students directly involved in projects that support NASA missions and Kentucky's science and technology initiatives, including Kentucky students who have interned at NASA and student leaders of Kentucky aerospace and engineering teams.
Presentation topics will include orbital and suborbital spaceflight, high-altitude science payloads, rocket development, NASA internship and fellowship experiences, computational modeling, materials science, and robotics.
The NASA KY programs help support the expertise of Kentucky faculty and students in fields including aerospace, aeronautics, space science and related disciplines such as energy, physics, geosciences, biomedical, materials science, robotics, human health and performance, and computer science.
2:30 - The Kentucky Re-entry Universal Payload System (KRUPS): a hypersonic re-entry experiment.
First Author
Bruno Tacchi
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Alexandre Martin
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Savio Poovathingal
University of Kentucky
The age of space exploration brought a need for viable testing methods for thermal protection system (TPS) materials used in hypersonic vehicles, as well as reliable data for validating numerical tools. For that purpose, the Kentucky Re-entry Universal Payload System (KRUPS) project develops capsules to serve as a testbed for hypersonic entry experiments in orbital and suborbital flights. Since its start in 2013, the KRUPS project has flown a total of eight missions, including six suborbital flights from a sounding rocket and a high-altitude balloon, and two orbital flights from the International Space Station (ISS). The goals of the KRUPS project are threefold: test novel TPS materials in real flight environments, collect valuable re-entry data during missions to validate numerical tools, and develop an effective and low-cost solution for hypersonic re-entry experiments. The KRUPS project has been successful in its many missions, collecting invaluable data for scientific research of hypersonic environments. Future work for KRUPS includes a third ISS flight and two more sounding rocket missions.
2:45 - A Numerical Analysis of Energy Dissipation and Failure Mechanisms in Magnesium Alloys Subjected to High-Velocity Impact
First Author
Rong Jin
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Xingsheng Sun
University of Kentucky
The analysis of high-velocity impacts is essential in fields such as defense, aerospace, and materials science, encompassing a diverse array of scenarios, including projectiles impacting land vehicles and supersonic aircraft traversing particulate-laden environments. This study presents a comprehensive computational examination of high-velocity impacts utilizing the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method. Impact scenarios involve a stainless-steel projectile colliding with a magnesium alloy target plate at velocities ranging from 1.2 km/s to 2.4 km/s. To model the behaviors of both the projectile and the target under various strain rates and temperatures, we employ meticulously calibrated plasticity, fracture, and equation of state models. Our simulations detail the evolution of von-Mises effective stress and temperature fields at different impact velocities. Principal material failure mechanisms such as spalling and adiabatic shearing are observed. Furthermore, we quantify the dissipation of the impact's kinetic energy into the kinetic and internal energies of both the projectile and the target. Additionally, we analyze the temporal evolution of these energy components during the impact process and the distribution of energy across SPH particles at critical instances. The findings indicate that the kinetic energy of the target reaches its zenith when the shock wave attains the rear face, subsequently stabilizing after complete penetration. With an escalation in impact velocity, the proportion of kinetic energy in the target and internal energy in the projectile increases in significance for energy dissipation, whereas the contribution of the target's internal energy diminishes.
3:00 - Fatigue Damage Quantification Based on Nonlinear Ultrasonics and Time-Frequency Decomposition
First Author
Gheorghe Bunget
Murray State University
Co-author
Cristina Bunget
Pulsar Systems
Co-author
Jordan Garcia
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Cade Bleidt
Murray State University
Fatigue assessment of materials, particularly of jet engine components, is critical for ensuring structural integrity, safety, and performance in demanding environments. Previous studies show that nonlinear ultrasonics (NLU) is highly sensitive to microstructural changes such as dislocations, precipitates, micro-cracks, and other damage mechanisms, even before they manifest as macroscopic defects. However, the generation of higher harmonic amplitudes that constitute the base of NLU methods is greatly diminished in highly attenuative materials like single-crystal Ni-base superalloys used in jet engine components. This current study investigates the use of wavelet transform to extract harmonic amplitudes, frequencies, and decay rates as a beneficial method to identify subtle changes in material properties due to fatigue damage. Immersion scanning is used to monitor changes around stress concentrators (round notches) with high spatial resolution. A damage index (DI) is defined as the ratio of the local interquartile and standard deviation values to the median and mean values of scan points around the notch. The DI increases monotonically with fatigue cycles suggesting that the statistical measure of the third harmonic ratio is highly sensitive to early-stage damage and microstructural damage. Our results indicate that the DI is a valuable parameter for monitoring and predicting the remaining useful life of the material.
3:15 - Buckling and Stability Evaluation of Tensegrity Aerospace Structures
First Author
Muhao Chen
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Shuo Ma
Zhejiang University of Technology
This research presents a method for evaluating the stability of tensegrity structures by analyzing local and global buckling behaviors. We utilize minimal coordinates to parameterize the tensegrity configuration, considering nodal displacements and local bending deformations. A comprehensive formulation of the potential energy for tensegrity structures is developed, addressing compression, tension, and bending forces. The equilibrium equations are derived using the principle of stationary total potential energy. Additionally, we examine the structural stiffness by constructing the tangent stiffness matrix. The equilibrium and stiffness analyses are extended to include tensegrity structures with initially crooked members. Our results indicate that, assuming perfectly straight axial force members, local and global buckling behaviors remain independent. However, these buckling modes become coupled when initially crooked members are considered. The critical buckling load of tensegrity structures under external loads can be determined by solving a generalized eigenvalue problem. Furthermore, the proposed method applies to large-scale aerospace structures, such as space antennas, habitats, and frames.
3:30 - Robust Design of Dynamic Control System in Compliant Terrestrial Origami-Robots for Aerospace applications
First Author
Minchul Shin
NKU
Co-author
Trevor Harms
NKU
The presentation will show development of methodologies for designing terrestrial origami robots with robust dynamic control systems based on combinations of active and passive flexible elements acting with multiple degrees of freedom. The flat-packed robot has smart material layers for robot morphing from sheets and locomotion without bulky power sources or accessory systems. The research team used a self-folding robot driven by multi-legged systems using the ceramic smart material have a high driving force and large moving distance for aerospace applications.
The experimental behavior of actuators attached onto the thin, multi-layer robot body, and modelling for controller design, taking into account the combination of limb materials and ground materials: thin-film piezoelectric actuator, copper, and PVC was analyzed. Robust design methodology, manufacturing of refined actuators and advanced test structures, and the tests of the developed robots on a variety of terrains and geographies were developed. Also, feedback control systems were designed by using frequency response for compensation for disturbances. The cutoff frequency for the system is ~105Hz.
In this project, we will demonstrate emerging technology in the form of a flat-sheet robot that is thermally transformed into a controllable, moving robot without outside interaction. We were able to accomplish this using inexpensive, readily available materials making it ideal for mass production. Deployment of a collection of these will result in the expanding exploration of harsh and hard-to-reach environments and will result in new discoveries not previously thought possible.
The experimental behavior of actuators attached onto the thin, multi-layer robot body, and modelling for controller design, taking into account the combination of limb materials and ground materials: thin-film piezoelectric actuator, copper, and PVC was analyzed. Robust design methodology, manufacturing of refined actuators and advanced test structures, and the tests of the developed robots on a variety of terrains and geographies were developed. Also, feedback control systems were designed by using frequency response for compensation for disturbances. The cutoff frequency for the system is ~105Hz.
In this project, we will demonstrate emerging technology in the form of a flat-sheet robot that is thermally transformed into a controllable, moving robot without outside interaction. We were able to accomplish this using inexpensive, readily available materials making it ideal for mass production. Deployment of a collection of these will result in the expanding exploration of harsh and hard-to-reach environments and will result in new discoveries not previously thought possible.
3:45 - Utilizing KATS-FD to Model the Plasma Torch Ground Facility HELMUT at the University of Kentucky
First Author
Ian Wadsworth
The University of Kentucky
Understanding the hypersonic flow conditions occurring during capsule entry into a planetary atmosphere is pertinent in the research and development of heatshield materials. To model these conditions, the University of Kentucky has developed a set of numerical modeling software called the Kentucky Aerothermodynamics and Thermal Systems Solvers (KATS). This set of software includes a computational fluid dynamic (FD) solver to model the flow conditions around the capsule, a material response (MR) solver and a Solid Mechanics (SM) solver to model material reaction to hypersonic flow, and a Universal Solver (US) used to couple these models into one. To validate and verify these numerical models experimental data must be utilized to compare results. Since experimental data from capsule entry is expensive to obtain, ground testing is used to collect this data. At the University of Kentucky, a High Enthalpy Low-Cost Multi-Use Torch (HELMUT) is utilized to collect data by simulating hypersonic conditions. The plasma torch utilizes high-enthalpy, low-speed gas flow powered by a 3kW microwave generator to create hypersonic conditions, allowing for a controlled experiment that can be numerically modeled using the solvers above. In this work, the process of modeling the HELMUT plasma torch using the KATS-FD solver is explained to show the capabilities of the KATS solvers to model hypersonic conditions present in atmospheric entry.
Friday, November 1, 2024 4:15pm - 5:45pm
Plenary - Spotlight on STEM Career Paths
Bradford 122
| Panel Moderator: LiLi Zyzak |
More than your two scents worth: using your nose and olfactometry to make sense of mass spectral data
Kurt Thaxton is an International Product Manager for GERSTEL, a German manufacturer of thermal desorption, pyrolysis, and other means of sample preparation and sample introduction for GC- and LC-MS. For over twenty years, Kurt has been a user of thermal desorption and pyrolysis as a research scientist at International Paper and later as a Product Specialist for Varian Inc. Later Kurt became involved in both the commercial and technical aspects of these techniques at Markes International and now GERSTEL.
Kurt also serves actively in different capacities at SAE, ASTM, and ISO. Kurt has an M.S. in Analytical Chemistry form The Ohio State University where he focused on using mass spectrometry to solve analytical problems; MS remains a central interest and focus of Kurt's work today.
Women in Science Panel
Moderated by Dr. LiLi Zyzak, KAS President-Elect
Jessica Carlotti, MS is a Chemist at the National Forensic Chemistry Center with the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA). She conducts and evaluates analytical methods and procedures to enforce and protect food and drug products consumed by the public. Specifically, she uses ion chromatography and HPLC-UV to determine tampering and/or economic adulteration of products. Jessica Bone is a second-year PhD student in Dr. Kenneth Graham's chemistry lab at the Univers
ity of Kentucky. Work thus far has involved using electrochemistry to investigate the stability of semiconducting polymers on modified gold electrodes. The goal is to understand degradation reactions at the polymer/electrode interface and how they affect the stability of organic electrochemical transistors. Krista
Riggins, MS is the Lab Manager for the EKU Chemistry Department. She coordinates and assists in General, Organic, and Non-major Chemistry labs. She also oversees all purchases for the department of Chemistry along with being part of the budget committee. Lucy Jones, BS is a Laboratory Technician II at Gravity Diagnostics. She oversees daily maintenance on LC-MS, and prepares urine samples for alcohol and/or barbiturate confirmation.
ntinue the conversations about careers in STEM with fellow scientists over food & beverage. 
Friday, November 1, 2024 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Science Policy Meetup
Cooperative Extension building
| Science Policy Committee Chair: Trende (Trent) Garrison | Science Policy Specialist: Madison Flory |
9:00 - Status on the Landscape Change Patterns over two decades in Kentucky
First Author
Shreesha Pandeya
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Buddhi Gyawali
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Suraj Upadhaya
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Maheteme Gebremedhin
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Demetrio Zourarakis
Kentucky State University
Each of Kentucky's major river basins, supported by Basin Teams and community partners, uses priority watersheds to address environmental issues and direct resources for focused implementation through coordinated efforts. River basins in surface mining and reclamation areas are critical concerns, particularly in eastern Kentucky. Temporal and spatial mapping of LULC at the watershed level is important for understanding landscape dynamics and ensuring sustainable resource management. This study analyzed LULC dynamics in selected priority and non-priority watersheds of the Big Sandy River Basin, utilizing the NLCD between 2001 and 2021. The results revealed significant changes in LULC over a 20-year period, indicating the effects of surface mining and reclamation activities on landscape composition. The findings could help watershed managers, land managers, and policymakers to manage land for the sustainable supply of different ecosystem services and the well-being of the local people in the study area.
9:15 - The Southern 'Warming Hole' and Temporal Instability in Climate-Growth Relationships Across a New Tree-Ring Network, KY
First Author
Jordan Sharp
University of Louisville
Co-author
Maegen Rochner
University of Louisville
The use of tree-rings as a proxy to understand paleoclimate and variations has been widely used in the past. With climate change emerging as a rapid issue, it highlights the importance of improving climate reconstructions and providing more context to future predictions and adaptation strategies. The southeast region has increased susceptibilities, with states like Kentucky particularly vulnerable to the environmental and economic consequences from climate change. To increase climate change research and improve paleoclimate reconstructions for an understudied state, this study investigates the temporal stability of the relationship between annual tree growth and climate variables: temperature and precipitation for Kentucky. I found a deteriorating relationship between annual tree-ring growth and temperature and precipitation beginning in the mid-21st century. Split-sample calibration-verification demonstrates reduced predictive performance of climate reconstructions in recent decades, underscoring the declining reliability of tree-ring data in capturing modern climate variability. This study suggests that changes in climate regimes, for Kentucky and the southeast, such as the shift from hot, dry conditions (Dust bowl era) to cooler, wetter conditions (southern warming hole), may explain the weakening growth-climate relationships. With significant non-stationarity between tree growth and climate, it poses a barrier to accurately reconstructing past climate conditions in Kentucky. Future research for improved metrics and enhancing the detection of climate signals in tree rings will provide context for modern events and informing future projections, especially in regions like Kentucky with complex and evolving climate dynamics.
9:30 - Developing a new regional tree-ring network for Kentucky using dendroarchaeological data from historic structures
First Author
Maegen Rochner
University of Louisville
Co-author
Jordan Sharp
University of Louisville
The southeastern United States (US) contains large spatial data gaps in public tree-ring records. This is especially evident in Kentucky, where only four unique sites are currently represented on the International Tree-Ring Data Bank. Like other eastern states, many of Kentucky's old-growth forests were removed for logging and agriculture during settler colonization. Dendroarchaeological data are one way to fill this gap, and provide important information on area history, but also on climate, ecology, and human-environment interactions. A long-term objective of the University of Louisville Tree-Ring Laboratory is to develop an improved and spatially extended tree-ring network across the state of Kentucky using dendroarchaeological data. This work is ongoing; so far, we have dated over 20 historic structures in Kentucky. Multiple tree species are represented by these data, including shortleaf pine, white oak, tulip poplar, white ash, eastern hemlock, black walnut, and American beech. In this presentation, we share the most up-to-date findings from ongoing efforts and story the successes and struggles of dendroarchaeological work in a region lacking abundant and long-lived reference chronologies. We also highlight observations of climate sensitivity within archaeological tree-ring datasets, as well as traits so far unique in our studies of Kentucky structures, which shed light on timber choices and workmanship, and in one case, provenancing of materials.
9:45 - A Climatology of Spring and Fall Frost/Freeze Dates in Kentucky's Bluegrass
First Author
Donald Yow
Eastern Kentucky University
Spring and fall frost/freeze dates significantly impact numerous plant species that are vital for ecology and the economy. Stakeholders such as farmers, nursery owners, garden center managers, landscapers, home gardeners, foresters, and others rely on historical frost data for planning. Late spring frosts and early fall freezes often lead to economic losses and pose challenges for ecosystems. This study analyzed the last spring and first fall frost (36°F), freeze (32°F), and hard freeze (28°F) dates across multiple weather stations in Kentucky's Bluegrass Agricultural District. Although the timing of each temperature threshold displays considerable interannual variability at all stations, trends in the occurrence of spring or fall frost/freeze dates are modest, with most lacking statistical significance. The variability of these dates was assessed using a rolling standard deviation method. Findings indicate a significant increase in the variability of spring hard freezes, suggesting that their timing is becoming less predictable. Conversely, the variability of fall dates has decreased at many sites, indicating more predictability in the occurrence of these events.
10:00 - An Evaluation of Kentucky's Surface Weather Records from 1895 to Present
First Author
Jerry Brotzge
Western Kentucky University
In an era of climate change, understanding the long-term trends and variability in air temperature and precipitation is of the utmost importance. Regular weather recordkeeping began across Kentucky with the start of the federal Cooperative Observing Program (COOP) in 1895. Since that time, daily weather observations have been collected at dozens or more sites statewide. This presentation reviews the long-term trends and annual variability in air temperature and precipitation across Kentucky. Overall, the state's climate is now warmer and wetter than in previous decades. The temperature record shows three distinct periods: (1) Rising temperatures, 1895-1939; (2) rapidly decreasing temperatures, 1940-1979; and (3) rapidly rising temperatures, 1980-2024. The precipitation record shows large annual variability with increasing rainfall with time, with a significantly wetter period noted between 2000 and present. Various reasons are explored to explain these variations.
9:00 - Aromatherapy's Impact on the Olfactory System and Stress Pathways: A Performance-Based Study on Test Anxiety
First Author
Jenalee Hinds
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Kimberly Yates
Northern Kentucky University
An aspect that affects students in college is their performance on tests. Over one-third of students struggle during testing, which leads to test anxiety. Testing anxiety can cause increased levels of stress and poor academic performance. Researchers have found that there has been an increase in stress since the COVID-19 pandemic, which includes an increase in test anxiety and a rise in mental health issues. Additionally, there is an increase seen in test anxiety among students who are from diverse backgrounds or those who have educational challenges and disabilities, which can turn into higher burnout and higher drop-out rates. Due to all these factors, instructors in K-12 and higher education are looking for alternative ways to help students manage their stress and anxiety. One is by determining the best-personalized intervention to help reduce test anxiety. This pilot study explored the use of aromatherapy to help reduce test anxiety in college students. Aromatherapy has been a growing phenomenon as a method to help lower stress levels, including those related to test anxiety. Research suggests that using aromatherapy can stimulate the limbic system through the olfactory mucosa cavities, which can potentially affect the release of cortisol and help reduce the feeling of nervousness related to stressful conditions. This can also improve the physiological response to heart rates and blood pressure. The pilot study focused on Rosemary and Adaptiv essential oils to help participants reduce their heart rates, decrease test anxiety, and increase test scores.
9:15 - Natural Bioactive Compounds for Safer Antithrombotic Therapy: Exploring Interaction Effects
First Author
Aleah Wagner
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jessie Begley
Morehead State University
Co-author
Smita Joshi
Morehead State University
Occlusive thrombosis, a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, claims the lives of 1 in 4 individuals. Developing novel antithrombotic treatments is crucial, as conventional antiplatelet drugs, despite their potency, have limitations like increased bleeding risk. Natural bioactive compounds offer a promising alternative due to their safety, efficacy, and affordability. This research project aims to identify and investigate the interaction effects of bioactive compound combinations in modulating thrombosis therapy.
This project hypothesizes that precise combinations of bioactive compounds such as ginkgo biloba (flavonoids and terpene lactones), and turmeric (curcumin) can exert synergistic antithrombotic effects. These compounds, selected based on their historical use in cardiovascular health and demonstrated antiplatelet properties, have shown individual effects on platelet activity. However, the potential for synergistic effects in combination remains unexplored. In this study, we plan to evaluate the efficacy of bioactive compound combinations in inhibiting platelet function in vitro and preventing thrombosis in vivo.
We used plate-based ATP chemiluminescence assay to monitor ATP release from dense granules of platelets. The data show that there is dose-dependent decrease in granule secretion upon ginkgo biloba treatment. This effect is more noticeable at higher thrombin stimulation than lower stimulation. Further studies with other proposed extracts and various agonists are warranted to understand interaction effects. Better insight in these interactions could be used to design new therapeutic targets.
This project hypothesizes that precise combinations of bioactive compounds such as ginkgo biloba (flavonoids and terpene lactones), and turmeric (curcumin) can exert synergistic antithrombotic effects. These compounds, selected based on their historical use in cardiovascular health and demonstrated antiplatelet properties, have shown individual effects on platelet activity. However, the potential for synergistic effects in combination remains unexplored. In this study, we plan to evaluate the efficacy of bioactive compound combinations in inhibiting platelet function in vitro and preventing thrombosis in vivo.
We used plate-based ATP chemiluminescence assay to monitor ATP release from dense granules of platelets. The data show that there is dose-dependent decrease in granule secretion upon ginkgo biloba treatment. This effect is more noticeable at higher thrombin stimulation than lower stimulation. Further studies with other proposed extracts and various agonists are warranted to understand interaction effects. Better insight in these interactions could be used to design new therapeutic targets.
9:30 - Comparing Generative Models for Augmenting Extremely Small Medical Datasets: Synthesizing MRI for Brain Tumor Analysis
First Author
Jiwoo Kim
Model Laboratory School
Co-author
Youngwoo Kim
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
Co-author
Amogh Patnaik
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
Brain cancers affect more than 300,000 people worldwide, causing over 250,000 deaths annually. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most common method of diagnosis; however, a significant barrier in diagnosing and treating brain cancers is the difficulty in acquiring MRI scans. Concerns regarding patient privacy, safety, and cost create a cumbersome process, contributing to small dataset sizes. Synthetic data, artificially generated information that mimics real data, offers a solution for expanding datasets to train artificial intelligence (AI) models. In Moya-Sáez et al. (2022), synthetic data has shown to improve model accuracy by 15-20% when augmenting limited datasets. Synthetic data can be generated with the use of semi-supervised learning models, such as generative adversarial networks (GANs), variational autoencoders (VAEs), and diffusion models. Each model presents unique advantages and challenges; however, their individual performances have not yet been compared together in a medical context using extremely small datasets, typical of many public archives. In particular, applications of AI in brain cancer classification and diagnosis show potential; in Hollon et al. (2020), AI outperformed expert pathologists in precise brain tumor diagnosis, with a 94.6% accuracy. Thus, this study aims to 1) generate synthetic MRI images of brain tumor patients from a labeled dataset of 42 MRIs using a conditional GAN (cGAN), conditional diffusion model, and conditional VAE (cVAE), incorporating traditional data augmentation techniques to assist the models, 2) evaluate the synthesized MRI images to compare the quality of generated images and effectiveness of the models, 3) train a CNN on a mix of synthetic and real data to correctly classify brain tumors.
9:45 - Exploring Eriodictyon californicum as a Potential Inhibitor of PRL3 in Colorectal Cancer
First Author
Savita Chaurasia
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Elena Stoughton
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Chase Yost
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Amanda Krzysiak
Bellarmine University
Phosphatase of regenerating liver 3 (PRL3) is a critical oncogenic target implicated in cancer metastasis and cell proliferation, particularly in colorectal cancer. Despite its therapeutic potential, effective PRL3 inhibitors are lacking. This study explores Eriodictyon californicum (Yerba Santa), a medicinal plant traditionally used for its healing properties, as a potential source of PRL3 inhibitors through compound identification and assessment of biological activity. LC-MS was used to identify components of the Eriodictyon californicum ethanolic leaf extract (ECE). To assess the inhibitory effect of ECE on PRL3 activity and its impact on HCT-116 colorectal cancer cells that express PRL3, we conducted a PRL3 fluorescence assay, along with MTS and scratch cellular assays. The ECE exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of PRL3 activity, with an IC50 of 249.8 µg/mL, using thienopyridone as the standard. MTS assays demonstrated that ECE reduced HCT-116 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, the scratch assay showed a substantial reduction in cell migration. LC-MS analysis of our bioactive extract identified six key compounds. These findings suggest that Eriodictyon californicum may serve as a source of promising therapeutic agents against colorectal cancer by targeting PRL3 phosphatase. The study lays the groundwork for further research into the bioactive compounds of E. californicum for targeting oncogenic phosphatases.
10:00 - Determining the role of the tRNA methyltransferase Trm7:Trm734 in the repression of TY1 elements in yeast
First Author
Natalie Creech
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Ruofei Ding
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Holly Funk
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Faith Meghrian
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Michael Guy
Northern Kentucky University
Post-transcriptional tRNA modifications are required for efficient protein translation. In yeast, the Trm7 methyltransferase forms a complex with Trm734 to modify tRNA at position 34. In humans, mutations in the TRM7 homolog FTSJ1 cause intellectual disability. In yeast, retrotransposons replicate through reverse transcription of a region of RNA that can then integrate into new sites throughout the genome. Increased TY1 transposition can lead to damage of once-functional genes. In a previous screen, TRM7 and TRM734 were identified as being involved in repression of TY1 transposition, although it is unclear whether this effect is direct or indirect. We hypothesize that loss of TRM7 or TRM734 leads to increased TY1 transposition because of lowered expression due to defects in the translation of other genes involved in limiting TY1 transposition. We analyzed the codon content of genes known to suppress TY1 transposition and selected four genes which had higher than expected Phe codon content, becauseTrm7 and Trm734 are important for post-transcriptional modification of the tRNAPhe anti-codon loop. We are testing genetic interactions to determine if TRM7 and TRM734 are directly or indirectly involved in TY1 transposition. In a parallel approach, to test expression levels in yeast, tagged proteins of interest will be transformed into strains lacking TRM7 and TRM734. Expression of the four TY1-associated genes will then be compared to that in wild-type strains. By performing these experiments, we will better understand the role of Trm7 and Trm734 in the translation of Phe-rich genes.
10:15 - The effects of temperature and overexpression of the TRPA1 ion channel on mechanosensory responses
First Author
Jiwoo Kim
Model Laboratory School
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
Temperature is a critical factor in the survival, development, and physiological functions of ectotherms. Smaller ectotherms such as flies are known to exhibit escape behavior to exogenously regulate their body temperatures; in particular, the mechanosensory system in Drosophila melanogaster larvae has been extensively studied. In addition, the TRPA1 channel, a homolog found in both Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) and humans, is linked to the sensing of temperature change in Drosophila larvae. However, there is limited research on how temperature affects sensory stimuli. Thus, this study attempts to comparatively understand how temperature impacts the mechanosensory responsiveness of Drosophila larvae without and with the overexpression of the TRPA1 channel in sensory neurons, as well as to compare the responses to a different species, Lucilia sericata (blow fly). The head-abdomen-tail (HAT) assay was performed by a tap to each respective area with the end of a monofilament to characterize responses to localized tactile stimuli. The HAT assay was performed in 20°C and 33°C, each in the second instar and the late third instar stages. Other sets of larvae were grown in 15°C or 33°C to investigate how development in different temperatures affects responses to touch. The responses were recorded quantitatively according to an ethogram. The results will reveal the differences in mechanosensory responsiveness due to localized stimuli, temperature, larval stages, species, and overexpression of the TRPA1 channel. This study is important for connecting studies of temperature, genetics, neural circuitry, mechanisms in behavior, and fitness.
9:00 - Noyce Knights Scholars Program (NKSP): Preparing and Supporting Certified STEM Teachers in Kentucky
First Author
Akhtar Mahmood
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Samia Mahmood
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Kristin Cook
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Jung Colen
Bellarmine University
Noyce Knights Scholars Program (NKSP) at Bellarmine University, a five-year grant funded by the National Science Foundation aims to certify highly qualified diverse middle school science and high school Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics teachers in Kentucky. We have built partnerships with the community colleges under the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) district, JCPS STEM Academies of Louisville, the Kentucky Science Center, and UK to increase the number of qualified STEM teachers in Kentucky's high-need schools. NKSP provides scholarships/stipends to undergraduate students majoring in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology (BMB), Environmental Science, and Mathematics, and to STEM graduates/professionals or career changers with a Bachelor's degree in any STEM discipline who are interested in becoming middle school science and high school Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics teachers. We have implemented a STEM Teacher Education Learning Community (STELC) to support our Noyce scholars. STELC also hosts various activities and provides paid summer internship in STEM education in an informal setting at the Kentucky Science Center, to encourage STEM students to consider a career as a middle or high school STEM teacher. NKSP offers experimental teaching and learning opportunities, and pre-service field experience in the diverse classrooms in high-need schools, professional development workshop with UK's Noyce program, and seminars/workshops on Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRT), as part of the Noyce scholars' training to help Noyce scholars develop as highly qualified STEM teachers. We will share our achievements, success stories, and challenges during NKSP's first two years.
9:15 - Climate Change Education in K-12 Social Studies Standards
First Author
Zachary Suriano
Western Kentucky University
Incorporating climate change information into the curriculum of the K-12 educational system has been shown as a meaningful way to increase student understanding, not just physical science but also social studies disciplines. While much research has focused on climate change educational inclusion within the physical sciences, there remains very little understanding how it is incorporated within social studies. This research will quantify the frequency of climate change standards within K-12 education at a state level, seeking to establish viable explanations behind the spatial variability observed, through the use of a content analysis. Here we find that less than half of all states include climate change language within their K-12 social studies standards. Within those 23 states, approximately 60% of all climate change standards focus on topics associated with climate change impacts, politics, and solutions. This compared to prior research in the physical sciences that focuses on the causes and evidence of climate change, found in all states. Spatial variability exists between the frequency climate change standards by state, with standards written prior to 2017 having significantly fewer climate change standards than those written after. Further, the frequency at which any climate-related standard occurs within a state is significantly correlated tot he percentage of public support for climate change education, such that states with higher support have a greater frequency of climate change standards. These results can be utilized to inform states as to their current integration of climate change into social studies standards in comparison to their peers.
9:30 - There are Too Many C's in TRUE ACCCESS: Competence, Connection, and Career Through the Practice of Co-Mentoring
First Author
Charlisa Daniels
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Madhura Kulkarni
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Betty Russell
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Chris Curran
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Cynthia Thomas
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Nicole Dillard
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Co-author
Seth Adjei
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Amanda Brockman
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Kenneth Simonson
Northern Kentucky University
There are Too Many C's in TRUE ACCCESS: Highlighting Autonomy, Competence, Connection, and Career Through the Practice of Co-mentoring
TRUE ACCCESS (TRansfer & Underrepresented minority Experiences for Autonomy, Competence, Connection, and Career: Enhancing Systemic change in STEM) is a new programmatic and research effort at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) supported by the National Science Foundation. Its overall goal is to design, implement, and assess a structure and programming to increase direct participation of underrepresented groups (URG) and transfer students in STEM research and professionalization as measured using several metrics including retention, graduation, and transition to careers. This project creates a '4C model' for systemic change in STEM education that features students as co-creators, highlighting the importance of student agency and leadership in change efforts. The 4 'Cs' are co-mentoring (a non-hierarchical approach to mentoring), community-building, career development, and content-area experiences; these are all evidence-based strategies to support students' transitions into and through college and to prepare them for post-graduation transitions. A major focus of the project is the co-mentoring process and the resulting information gleaned from it. This presentation will give an overview of the project and go further in depth about the co-mentoring aspect, including faculty and student co-mentors' perspectives. We will also share preliminary research about impacts of the program. Because the program is informed by Self Determination Theory (SDT) and Four Frames Theory, the project will be valuable to educators and researchers by developing and assessing an actionable theory-into-practice program (the 4C model).
TRUE ACCCESS (TRansfer & Underrepresented minority Experiences for Autonomy, Competence, Connection, and Career: Enhancing Systemic change in STEM) is a new programmatic and research effort at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) supported by the National Science Foundation. Its overall goal is to design, implement, and assess a structure and programming to increase direct participation of underrepresented groups (URG) and transfer students in STEM research and professionalization as measured using several metrics including retention, graduation, and transition to careers. This project creates a '4C model' for systemic change in STEM education that features students as co-creators, highlighting the importance of student agency and leadership in change efforts. The 4 'Cs' are co-mentoring (a non-hierarchical approach to mentoring), community-building, career development, and content-area experiences; these are all evidence-based strategies to support students' transitions into and through college and to prepare them for post-graduation transitions. A major focus of the project is the co-mentoring process and the resulting information gleaned from it. This presentation will give an overview of the project and go further in depth about the co-mentoring aspect, including faculty and student co-mentors' perspectives. We will also share preliminary research about impacts of the program. Because the program is informed by Self Determination Theory (SDT) and Four Frames Theory, the project will be valuable to educators and researchers by developing and assessing an actionable theory-into-practice program (the 4C model).
9:45 - Female Puerto Rican scientists: How to successfully flow and thrive through the STEM 'leaky' pipeline
First Author
Wilson Gonzalez-Espada
Morehead State University
Co-author
Joan Roque-Peña
University of Puerto Rico Cayey Campus
Women of color (WOC) are underrepresented across all STEM levels. Two issues further complicate the understanding of WOC in STEM. First, most studies focus on college STEM pipelines, not on STEM professionals. Second, the construct of WOC may mask potential advantages and hindrances to successful STEM careers for specific subgroups.
This research project used a case study approach to understand better the professional status of four mid-career Puertorriqueñas who completed their Ph.D. in STEM in Puerto Rico and to explore implications for STEM-interested undergraduate Latinas. The research questions were: (a) What intersectional challenges did the participants face in graduate school and continue to face? and (b) What would they recommend to WOC to avoid STEM attrition?
It was found that academics and experience do not fully shield mid-career Puertorriqueñas from intersectional challenges and microaggressions. Compared with their male counterparts, participants experienced reduced personal and professional networking opportunities, continuing gender stereotyping, fewer opportunities to grow within their profession, and longer timelines for job mobility. They were asked to demonstrate their expertise more often, and their opinions were not as valued as those of men. The lack of role models also added to the challenges experienced by these women. Based on the participants' experiences, young Latinas can persist in STEM by (a) developing toughness, grit, and strong communication skills; (b) finding mentors; (c) participating in STEM outreach and research; and (d) overcoming the sense of guilt when they perceive that they are not giving maximum time to family.
This research project used a case study approach to understand better the professional status of four mid-career Puertorriqueñas who completed their Ph.D. in STEM in Puerto Rico and to explore implications for STEM-interested undergraduate Latinas. The research questions were: (a) What intersectional challenges did the participants face in graduate school and continue to face? and (b) What would they recommend to WOC to avoid STEM attrition?
It was found that academics and experience do not fully shield mid-career Puertorriqueñas from intersectional challenges and microaggressions. Compared with their male counterparts, participants experienced reduced personal and professional networking opportunities, continuing gender stereotyping, fewer opportunities to grow within their profession, and longer timelines for job mobility. They were asked to demonstrate their expertise more often, and their opinions were not as valued as those of men. The lack of role models also added to the challenges experienced by these women. Based on the participants' experiences, young Latinas can persist in STEM by (a) developing toughness, grit, and strong communication skills; (b) finding mentors; (c) participating in STEM outreach and research; and (d) overcoming the sense of guilt when they perceive that they are not giving maximum time to family.
10:00 - Assessing an international summer STEM enrichment program: Implications for self-efficacy and graduate school interest
First Author
Wilson Gonzalez-Espada
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jorge Ortega-Moody
Dept. of Engineering Sciences, Morehead State University
Co-author
Neftali Villanueva-Perez
CICATA, National Polytechnic Institute, Querétaro, Mexico
Co-author
Nilesh Joshi
Dept. of Engineering Sciences, Morehead State University
Co-author
Miescha Bycura
Dept. English & Modern Languages, Morehead State University
Being admitted to a university to pursue a STEM major is both an achievement and the starting point of an uncertain process. STEM-interested Latino students from low socioeconomic communities who are the first in their families to access higher education are likely to experience push factors, STEM attrition, and college departures. Fortunately, successful summer interventions to improve graduation rates and self-efficacy of Latino undergraduates have been reported in the literature.
This study described the key features and assessment of the Beca Embajadores Global Education Program (GEP), a 10-day residential summer enrichment program designed by faculty in the Department of Engineering Sciences, Morehead State University (MSU). The Querétaro State Government selected the 29 participants from the Polytechnic University of Querétaro, the Aeronautic University of Querétaro, and the Technological University of San Juan del Río. A mixed methods approach was used to collect assessment data, mediated by a locally designed pre- and post-survey.
The participants reported increased self-efficacy and motivation to finish college and pursue graduate studies. For the workshops (Appalachian and U.S. Culture, Soft Skills for Business and Economics, STEM Communication, Engineering Economics, Industrial Robotics, Drone Design, CAD SolidWorks, CanSat Design, Quality Management, Innovative Global Entrepreneurship), most pre- and post-survey content scores by objective showed statistically significant improvements. Because Latino students tend to leave STEM majors at considerable rates, government-sponsored summer opportunities like the GEP can help improve STEM retention and, ultimately, lead to a more diverse workforce.
This study described the key features and assessment of the Beca Embajadores Global Education Program (GEP), a 10-day residential summer enrichment program designed by faculty in the Department of Engineering Sciences, Morehead State University (MSU). The Querétaro State Government selected the 29 participants from the Polytechnic University of Querétaro, the Aeronautic University of Querétaro, and the Technological University of San Juan del Río. A mixed methods approach was used to collect assessment data, mediated by a locally designed pre- and post-survey.
The participants reported increased self-efficacy and motivation to finish college and pursue graduate studies. For the workshops (Appalachian and U.S. Culture, Soft Skills for Business and Economics, STEM Communication, Engineering Economics, Industrial Robotics, Drone Design, CAD SolidWorks, CanSat Design, Quality Management, Innovative Global Entrepreneurship), most pre- and post-survey content scores by objective showed statistically significant improvements. Because Latino students tend to leave STEM majors at considerable rates, government-sponsored summer opportunities like the GEP can help improve STEM retention and, ultimately, lead to a more diverse workforce.
9:00 - A spatial and temporal analysis of stonefly (Insecta, Plecoptera) biodiversity of Pennsylvania
First Author
Jack Merola-Lapson
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Scott Grubbs
Western Kentucky University
Insects are in decline globally in abundance and diversity across aquatic and terrestrial orders. Stoneflies (order Plecoptera), the most environmentally sensitive order of aquatic insects, have experienced declines in regions of North America, Europe, and Australia. To address this issue, focused documentation efforts are important for better understanding biodiversity patterns both spatially and temporally to shape appropriate conservation efforts. State-level stonefly richness and diversity patterns have been studied in detail for only three U.S. states (Indiana, Maryland, and Ohio). The Pennsylvania fauna has not been holistically studied, but much data exists in institutional collections, personal collections, and the peer-reviewed literature. Currently, nearly 3660 individual species records from approximately 880 unique localities have been documented with the earliest dating back to 1899. As recent fieldwork collections and institutional loans are processed, this total is likely to increase by at least 20%. This volume of records has allowed for a well-covered distribution of collections across the state. Currently, 158 species, 44 genera, and nine families have been reported from Pennsylvania including a new state record for Soyedina kondratieffi. The genera Acroneuria, Allocapnia, Alloperla, Isoperla, and Leuctra account for 43% of species found in the state. Notably, 21 species are listed as Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in the 2015 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan (PWAP). Distributional modeling has allowed for a better understanding of the distribution of SGCN Soyedina merritti. Given this updated distribution, conservation assessments for the 2025 PWAP will be updated and assist with future collection efforts.
9:15 - How a Salamander Gets its Spots: Predation Risk as a Carryover Effect on Aposematic Coloration in Ambystoma maculatum
First Author
Madeline Mann
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Cy Mott
Eastern Kentucky University
Early experience in many species can induce the expression of traits that subsequently influence fitness later in life, a phenomenon known as carryover effects (COEs). Some COEs influence phenotype expression in both early and late life stages, which then influence expression of additional secondary traits developed in later stages, called indirect COEs. Previous research has highlighted indirect COEs of food availability on body condition and aposematic coloration in amphibians, but little is known of how predation risk experienced during larval stages affects later stage coloration. We hypothesized increased predation risk in larval stages decreases larval body condition, subsequent juvenile body condition, and leads to reduced secondary defensive coloration. To better understand the interplay between larval predation risk, growth and development, and subsequent aposematic coloration as a potential indirect COE in larval amphibians, we are currently monitoring a suite of growth, development, and color variables among larval Spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) under a predator present/absent mesocosm design. In accordance with expectations, larvae in predator mesocosms exhibit significantly less boldness as measured by vertical stratification in the water column, yet in opposition to predictions, those larvae exhibited equivalent growth to larvae in predator-absent mesocosms. The proposed research will shed light on if larval adaptive responses to predation risk (decrease in foraging and body condition) lead to maladaptive juvenile defensive coloration and later implications of fitness.
9:30 - How Fungal Endophyte Communities Colonize and Alter Plant Host Chemistry in the Wildflower White Snakeroot
First Author
Noelle Visser
University of Louisville
Co-author
Naomi Frese
University of Louisville
Co-author
Natalie Christian
University of Louisville
Throughout a plant's growing season, leaves are colonized by diverse communities of endophytic fungi. The fungal communities that assemble can have broad benefits for plants, including increased resistance against herbivores and pathogens. It remains unclear how endophyte communities assemble in host plants, and if microbial community interactions within their host affect plant chemistry. We used culture-based methods to describe foliar endophytic fungal communities throughout the growing season of white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima), a native Kentucky wildflower known for its toxicity to macro-herbivores. At each sampling point, we collected a new leaf and a leaf that flushed the previous month. We found endophyte communities changed through the growing season. Dominant fungal endophyte genera throughout the growing season included Colletotrichum, Annulohypoxyln, Neopestalotiopsis, and Daldinia. We then tested how endophyte inoculation alters host secondary chemistry. We inoculated endophyte-free white snakeroot seedlings with one of four treatments: 1) a dominant endophyte 2) a heat-killed endophyte 3) a microbiome "plant transplant" of endophytes, 4) and sterile water as a control. We extracted phenolics from leaf tissue and performed liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Comparing phenolic profiles across the four treatments revealed microbial colonizers altered the production of secondary metabolites in plants. Plants inoculated with endophytes had a significantly larger breadth of chemical compounds in their tissues compared to uninoculated seedlings. Additionally, abundance of individual phenolic compounds varied between treatments. We also examined how white snakeroot's plant chemistry affects fungal endophyte growth, observing dominant endophytes growing significantly faster than rare endophytes. Together, our results highlight how a plant's fungal microbiome changes during the plant's life and how this may subsequently alter plant host chemistry.
9:45 - Understanding the behavioral variation of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) as an indicator of human elephant conflict
First Author
Julia Brzezicki
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Bruce A. Schulte
North Carolina State University
Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) is an increasingly common event that arises from resource competition due to large overlaps in human and elephant environments. Using a conservation behavior approach, the personality type and sociability of elephants can be studied to enhance conservation efforts to mitigate HEC by better predicting which elephants engage in HEC. In order to understand the factors that affect individual personality with both female and male adult Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), my project examines the association and behavioral patterns displayed by an elephant population in Sri Lanka. I collected demographical, locational, and behavioral data of the adult elephants to determine individual differences in temperaments on a bold/shy continuum along with consistency in group associations. Data collection occurred between May and August of 2024 throughout Minneriya National Park in Northeast Sri Lanka. Behavioral observations were conducted weekly by recording state and event behaviors for one adult during a 10-minute focal observation period. My project is addressing three different questions: 1) Do individual elephants show a consistent behavioral type (bold or shy)? 2) Do the behaviors that are categorized as being bold or shy correlate to the interaction between two individual elephants? 3) Do the elephants show consistent associations and interaction types with specific conspecifics? I will use a PCA and further analyses to see if these behaviors result in bold-shy groupings independent of group type or sex, or alternatively, if these behaviors sort best by group membership and to determine what elephants are engaging in bold and shy behaviors. Understanding an Asian elephant's behavioral type and social associations with risk taking behaviors within populations that live in close proximity to human populations is another step towards alleviating HEC in Sri Lanka.
10:00 - Burial disturbance and reduced nitrogen stress interactively shape plant strategy in two dominant plants
First Author
Shannon Walker
Department of Biology, University of Louisville
Co-author
Sarah Emery
Department of Biology, University of Louisville
Global change is altering patterns of disturbance and stress, with significant consequences for plant species and communities. Plant functional traits can provide insights into plant responses to global change. We examined how traits and strategies responded to nitrogen enrichment and sediment burial between two plant species-Ammophila breviligulata (Fern.) and Juncus balticus (Willd.). We hypothesized that 1) plants experiencing burial disturbance would exhibit a fast, avoidance growth strategy, 2) plants experiencing nitrogen enrichment would exhibit a tolerant, competitive growth strategy, and 3) plants experiencing the combination of these two factors would have unique combination of traits and strategies.
Field-collected plants were propagated in a greenhouse, and then clonal units were planted in pots using a 1:3 mixture of local sand and play sand. Plants were arranged randomly in a growth chamber and allowed to establish for several months before applying slow-release urea fertilizer to half of the plants. One week later, half of the nitrogen enrichment and control plants received a one-time burial treatment of 7 cm. Plants were monitored for six weeks and then assessed for a variety of plant traits. Plants exhibited complex responses to treatments. Plants in the combined burial and nitrogen enrichment treatments generally exhibited fast, avoidance growth strategies without significant negative effects on measures of plant success. Our findings demonstrate that stress and disturbance may have unexpected interactive effects. Evaluating shifts in functional traits may provide insights into how plants respond to interacting factors in a changing world.
Field-collected plants were propagated in a greenhouse, and then clonal units were planted in pots using a 1:3 mixture of local sand and play sand. Plants were arranged randomly in a growth chamber and allowed to establish for several months before applying slow-release urea fertilizer to half of the plants. One week later, half of the nitrogen enrichment and control plants received a one-time burial treatment of 7 cm. Plants were monitored for six weeks and then assessed for a variety of plant traits. Plants exhibited complex responses to treatments. Plants in the combined burial and nitrogen enrichment treatments generally exhibited fast, avoidance growth strategies without significant negative effects on measures of plant success. Our findings demonstrate that stress and disturbance may have unexpected interactive effects. Evaluating shifts in functional traits may provide insights into how plants respond to interacting factors in a changing world.
10:15 - Population range and distribution assessment of the Karst Snowfly (Allocapnia cunninghami)
First Author
Rianna Soltis
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Scott Grubbs
Western Kentucky University
Allocapnia cunninghami (Karst Snowfly), a rare species designated as Critically Imperiled Globally by NatureServe in 2009, is considered endemic to a small region encompassing southern Kentucky and northern Tennessee. This species has also been recognized at the state level as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in the 2015 Tennessee Wildlife Action Plan (WAP) with an S1 state ranking and will be included as an SGCN in the forthcoming 2025 Kentucky WAP. Allocapnia cunninghami was first discovered during the mid-1960s from approximately 20 localities between two states. Focused fieldwork efforts for this species in winters 2019–2020, however, revealed that several historical localities no longer supported this species. Subsequent research during winters 2021 through 2024 found the same pattern as 2019–2020 and that this species was usually represented by only 1–2 individuals per locality. Several new and historical localities will again be sampled in winter 2025 in advance of a Species Status Assessment that will coincide with a formal petition to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to garner federal protection as either as Threatened or Endangered. Once the winter 2025 sampling is complete, the entire dataset will be analyzed to (a) build iterative distributional models to assess changes in distribution over time and (b) quantify genetic structure between at least two locality clusters using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I ("DNA barcode") gene sequence data.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 9:00am - 10:30am
Special Session: Applied Bioinformatics: Research, Education and Multi-disciplinary Collaboration
Hathaway 223
| Organizer: Jerzy Jaromczyk |
This session focuses on the subject of applied bioinformatics, a field that is essential to modern life sciences research. The session features three invited talks and several additional presentations submitted by researchers and students.
The invited talks introduce collaborative projects based at the University of Kentucky and associated institutions, focused on study questions vital to the Kentucky ecosystem, plants, fungi, and their economic implications. These multi-disciplinary projects engage multiple colleges and regional universities in Kentucky and beyond and demonstrate and promote synergy and collaboration among life sciences research projects across Kentucky.
The themes of the talks are:
1. History and the current status of research on grass-fungal symbioses
2. Bioinformatics training across the Commonwealth of Kentucky through summer workshops and undergraduate instruction
3. Developing and using bioinformatics software in the university environment
The additional presentations serve to illustrate the above themes further. They include examples of undergraduate and graduate research and studies on life science and public health data, providing insights into the current directions of bioinformatics projects in our schools.
9:00 - History and the Current Status of Research on Grass-Fungus Symbioses
First Author
Christopher Schardl
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Patrick Calie
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Neil Moore
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Andrew Tapia
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Jerzy Jaromczyk
University of Kentucky
For decades, the fungal endophytes of cool-season grasses have served as an inspiration to Kentucky researchers for application and refinement of genomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics. The Epichloe species are seed-transmissible symbionts of Pooideae, the most speciose subfamily of grasses, to which the endophytes provide several fitness enhancements. Some have been found to cause livestock toxicosis, but more generally Epichloe species combat invertebrate herbivores and protect against drought and other stresses. Epichloe strains can produce alkaloids in up to four different classes: ergot alkaloids (EA; e.g., ergovaline), indole-diterpenes (IDT; e.g., lolitrems), 1-aminopyrrolizidines (AP; e.g., lolines), and pyrrolopyrazines (PPZ; e.g., peramine), of which the latter two classes are selectively protective against invertebrates. We have applied state-of-the-art DNA-sequencing technologies, plus bioinformatic tools including several of our own devising, to a worldwide collection of Epichloe species. Among our findings, we have discovered and characterized the alkaloid biosynthesis gene clusters, which we also found to be surprisingly unstable, a feature that promotes endophyte diversity and evolution in response to environmental variation. For example, in our recent survey of Epichloe brachyelytri in the native woodland grass Brachyelytrum erectum (bearded shorthusk), we identified a common alkaloid profile that includes the unusual EA chanoclavine I, the unusual AP 1-acetamidopyrrolizine, and peramine. Although this profile dominates most of Kentucky, escarpments such as The Knobs and the Kentucky River Palisades are hotspots of alkaloid diversity. Furthermore, applying a novel method to B. erectum transcriptomes, we found considerable differentiation of populations. These findings have important implications for conservation biology.
9:30 - Bioinformatics training across the Commonwealth of Kentucky through summer workshops and undergraduate instruction
First Author
Mark Farman
University of Kentucky
The KY-INBRE Essentials of Next Generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Summer Workshop was developed through a partnership between the University of Kentucky Plant Pathology and Computer Science departments and has been taught for more than 10 years. The four-day workshop originally covered both wet lab and computational aspects of Next Generation Sequencing, but the wet lab component is now taught separately at the University of Louisville's sequencing core. The bioinformatics workshop trains participants in how to use common, open-source software tools for key steps in DNA sequence analysis, including assessment of sequence quality, genome assembly, sequence comparison, gene prediction, variant identification, differential gene expression analysis, and the use of a genome browser. Through ongoing refinement of workshop content and methods of delivery, we find that even novice participants are comfortable navigating the command line after just two or three days and are capable of analyzing their own datasets after workshop completion.
Motivated by successful research projects conducted by undergraduate interns who were trained using workshop materials, Farman and Jaromczyk adapted the workshop training environment for a research-focused, undergraduate course that is cross-listed at UK under Agricultural Biotechnology and Computer Science. Each student is provided their own never-before-analyzed dataset and learns how to process sequence data to generate a genome assembly, query the genome for specific sequences, and predict genes. Students submit their results to the National Center for Biotechnology Information data archive and record their procedures in a publicly accessible GitHub repository, which provides demonstrable outputs for their resumes.
Motivated by successful research projects conducted by undergraduate interns who were trained using workshop materials, Farman and Jaromczyk adapted the workshop training environment for a research-focused, undergraduate course that is cross-listed at UK under Agricultural Biotechnology and Computer Science. Each student is provided their own never-before-analyzed dataset and learns how to process sequence data to generate a genome assembly, query the genome for specific sequences, and predict genes. Students submit their results to the National Center for Biotechnology Information data archive and record their procedures in a publicly accessible GitHub repository, which provides demonstrable outputs for their resumes.
10:00 - Developing and using bioinformatics software in the university environment
First Author
Neil Moore
University of Kentucky, Department of Computer Science
Co-author
Andrew Tapia
University of Kentucky
Developing and deploying software solutions for bioinformatics problems in the university environment presents a unique set of challenges. Bioinformatics software is often complex, and developing and using such software requires an understanding of both biology and computer science topics, beyond what most students from either background are likely to learn in classes alone. Furthermore, each student can only work on a project during the limited-often short-time they are students. Having new students work on developing and maintaining existing software can be difficult, since time must be dedicated to familiarizing students with the technologies used and current state of the project, and existing code and requirements might not be well-documented. In some cases, the precise requirements for a tool might not be known up-front, only being discovered and revealed as research proceeds. Finally, budgeting for long-term maintenance of software and hardware can be challenging.
Our presentation discusses these challenges and how we have addressed them, and continue to do so, for three bioinformatics projects at the University of Kentucky. The first project is the ongoing development of RNA-clique, a recent piece of software written by one of the presenters. The second is the continuing maintenance of software to support the annual KY INBRE Essentials of Next Generation Sequencing Workshop. The third and final project is the migration of data in the Fungal Project Database genome browser, originally stored using a custom schema developed several years ago, to a standard database schema usable with off-the-shelf genome browsing software.
Our presentation discusses these challenges and how we have addressed them, and continue to do so, for three bioinformatics projects at the University of Kentucky. The first project is the ongoing development of RNA-clique, a recent piece of software written by one of the presenters. The second is the continuing maintenance of software to support the annual KY INBRE Essentials of Next Generation Sequencing Workshop. The third and final project is the migration of data in the Fungal Project Database genome browser, originally stored using a custom schema developed several years ago, to a standard database schema usable with off-the-shelf genome browsing software.
9:00 - Assessment of the Dietary Available Lysine Requirement for Largemouth bass (Micropterus nigricans)
First Author
Ravi Bhatta
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Kasondra Miller
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Tifani Watson
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Waldemar Rossi
Kentucky State University
Lysine (Lys) is an indispensable amino acid that can be first limiting in fish diets. A dietary deficiency of Lys in the diet can lead to detrimental effects on fish growth, immunocompetence, and carnitine synthesis, and the dietary requirement for juvenile largemouth bass (LMB) has not been determined. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary available Lys requirement of juvenile LMB.
A 10-week growth trial was conducted to assess the production performance of the LMB in response to incremental levels of dietary Lys. Nine experimental diets were formulated, including basal diet to generate dietary Lys concentrations ranging from 1.10% to 2.40%. A group of fifteen feed-trained juvenile LMB (5.82 ± 0.02 g) were stocked into a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) comprised of 36, 110-L glass aquaria. Each experimental diet was randomly assigned to four tanks, and fish were handfed to apparent satiation twice daily for 70 days. Results of fish growth performance metrics, including final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency (FE), exhibited significant differences among the treatments (P < 0.0001). Protein retention efficiency (PRE) and lysine retention efficiency (LRE) significantly varied with dietary Lys levels (P < 0.0001). Dietary Lys requirements for juvenile LMB, based on FW, WG, SGR, FE, PRE, and LRE, using five regression models, were estimated at 1.60-1.70% and 1.65-1.76% for optimal growth performance and nutrient retention. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing dietary Lys in aquafeed formulations to enhance production efficiency in juvenile LMB.
A 10-week growth trial was conducted to assess the production performance of the LMB in response to incremental levels of dietary Lys. Nine experimental diets were formulated, including basal diet to generate dietary Lys concentrations ranging from 1.10% to 2.40%. A group of fifteen feed-trained juvenile LMB (5.82 ± 0.02 g) were stocked into a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) comprised of 36, 110-L glass aquaria. Each experimental diet was randomly assigned to four tanks, and fish were handfed to apparent satiation twice daily for 70 days. Results of fish growth performance metrics, including final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR), and feed efficiency (FE), exhibited significant differences among the treatments (P < 0.0001). Protein retention efficiency (PRE) and lysine retention efficiency (LRE) significantly varied with dietary Lys levels (P < 0.0001). Dietary Lys requirements for juvenile LMB, based on FW, WG, SGR, FE, PRE, and LRE, using five regression models, were estimated at 1.60-1.70% and 1.65-1.76% for optimal growth performance and nutrient retention. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing dietary Lys in aquafeed formulations to enhance production efficiency in juvenile LMB.
9:15 - Determination of the Efficacy of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources on Agronomic Performance of Common Beans
First Author
Germaine Akeza Nkunzurwanda
Kentucky State University
Determination of the Efficacy of Organic and Inorganic Nutrient Sources On Agronomic Performance of Common Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris)
Excessive agrochemical use causes environmental and health issues. This study evaluates organic and inorganic nutrient sources application on common beans to identify sustainable inputs that boost productivity without harming ecosystems. This study was conducted in Rwanda at RICA. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments was applied as
follow: organic nutrition from Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower), inorganic 17-17-17 NPK fertilizers, and a zero nutrient application and four replications. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to investigate the effects of different nutrient sources on the agronomic performance of bean plants, including plant height, number of pods, and leaves. Results showed that there was
no statistically significant difference between nutrient applications and number of pods with p-value (p=0.11) and plant height (p=0.16) as both p > 0.05. However, there was a statistical significance difference between nutrients application and number of leaves (p = 0.03). Mean differences observed for Tithonia diversifolia outperformed the other treatments; 43.6 for plant
height, 8.2 and 6.0 for number of leaves and pods respectively. These findings suggest that plant based organic nutrients like Tithonia diversifolia offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, promoting productivity while reducing environmental effects. Further research is recommended to investigate long-term effects on soil health and crop quality.
Keywords: Nutrients, Tithonia diversifolia, Common Beans
Excessive agrochemical use causes environmental and health issues. This study evaluates organic and inorganic nutrient sources application on common beans to identify sustainable inputs that boost productivity without harming ecosystems. This study was conducted in Rwanda at RICA. A randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments was applied as
follow: organic nutrition from Tithonia diversifolia (Mexican sunflower), inorganic 17-17-17 NPK fertilizers, and a zero nutrient application and four replications. A two-way ANOVA was conducted to investigate the effects of different nutrient sources on the agronomic performance of bean plants, including plant height, number of pods, and leaves. Results showed that there was
no statistically significant difference between nutrient applications and number of pods with p-value (p=0.11) and plant height (p=0.16) as both p > 0.05. However, there was a statistical significance difference between nutrients application and number of leaves (p = 0.03). Mean differences observed for Tithonia diversifolia outperformed the other treatments; 43.6 for plant
height, 8.2 and 6.0 for number of leaves and pods respectively. These findings suggest that plant based organic nutrients like Tithonia diversifolia offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, promoting productivity while reducing environmental effects. Further research is recommended to investigate long-term effects on soil health and crop quality.
Keywords: Nutrients, Tithonia diversifolia, Common Beans
9:30 - Development of 'EZA', a new Pesticide suitable for Organic Production of Horticultural Crops
First Author
Marie Merci Uwimbabazi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Theoneste Nzaramyimana
Kentucky State University
Production of economically important horticultural crops in the world, especially in developing countries, is faced with major challenges, including pests, and diseases. As a result, producers rely heavily on excessive use of synthetic pesticides, which often leads to negative impact to the environment, human health, and pesticide resistance. There is a need to develop environmentally friendly products to manage pests and diseases to increase crop yield sustainably. Research was conducted in Rwanda to develop 'EZA', a new organic pesticide acting as an insect repellent, made of essential oils from local invasive plants such as Lantana camara, Tagetes minuta, and wastes of chili pepper and garlic. Trials were conducted in the field to evaluate EZA insecticidal efficacy on tomatoes. The experiment aimed to control thrips by using EZA. The experimental design consisted of plots of 1 square meter with 5 tomato plants each. Treatments consisted of different rates of EZA application, and control (without EZA) replicated twice each. Results showed that EZA was effective in controlling thrips at the rate of 90% and above at the optimum application rate of 200ml/m2. Information from this study demonstrates that EZA could significantly benefit horticultural producers, especially smallholder farmers in developing countries such as Rwanda, to effectively manage insect pests and increase crop yield.
9:45 - Effect of elderberry on growth and yield of bell peppers in alley-cropping system
First Author
Santosh Paudel
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Suraj Upadhaya
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sudha Bhandari
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Theoneste Nzaramyimana
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Anuj Chiluwal
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Srijana Thapa Magar
Kentucky State University
Elderberry is a shrub that has gained renewed interest among researchers and producers due to its high potential value. However, its adoption as an agroforestry crop is very low. This study assesses and compares elderberry-based alley-cropping's growth and food production potential with bell peppers in alleys. The study was conducted at West Farm in Frankfort, Kentucky. Organized in a randomized complete block design with four blocks, our study included two factors elderberry vs without elderberry, and three varieties of bell peppers. The three varieties of bell peppers were randomized in three rows within each block. The growth parameters and yield data were collected separately on elderberry and non-elderberry sections of the block at 24 days after transplanting (DAT) and biweekly after that for four observations. The leaf area index (LAI) and stem diameter were measured using Li-2200C and a digital caliper. The plant height was significant on 28 and 42 DAT on the elderberry plot with a mean height of 26.43cm and 35.38cm respectively. The stem diameter and LAI were found insignificant at all observation dates with an average stem diameter of 16.7mm and LAI of 6.68 at 74 DAT. The yield was found highly significant for the bell pepper variety and marginally significant for the presence of elderberry. These results will help to assess elderberry's potential in crop growth and yields with overall productivity.
10:00 - Impact of Organic Fertilizers on Phytochemicals
First Author
George Antonious
Kentucky State University
There is a lack of information on monitoring the impact of animal manure used as organic fertilizers on plants' phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties. Researchers have focused on the plant yield and soil's physical and chemical characteristics following the incorporation of organic and inorganic fertilizers with very little focus on the plant's contents. Health benefits of Brassicaceae plants are attributed to glucosinolates (GSLs) vitamin C, and phenol compounds due to their antioxidant activity. A randomized complete block design with four treatments (sewage sludge SS, chicken manure CM, horse manure HM, and native soil NS used as a control treatment) were used for growing turnips, arugula and mustard plants. The study aimed to assess the impact of animal manure on the concentration of GSLs, vitamin C, total phenols, and soluble sugars in field grown Brassica vegetables. The results revealed that ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and phenol concentrations in arugula were greater in plants grown in SS-, CM-, and HM-amended soils compared to plants grown in the control treatment. Mustard greens contained higher concentrations of GSLs (974 µg g−1 fresh shoots) than arugula (651 µg g−1 fresh shoots). Additionally, soil amended with SS, CM, and HM significantly increased the vitamin C content in mustard shoots by 82%, 90%, and 31%, respectively, and total phenols by 77%, 70%, and 36%, respectively, compared to the control treatment. The increased cost of NPK inorganic fertilizers and the excess availability of large amounts of animal manure demonstrated its application as an attractive option for vegetable growers.
10:15 - Investigating the potential of mineralized aquaculture effluent as a nutrient addition in aquaponic systems
First Author
Achieng Akuak
Kentucky State University
Small-scale aquaponics producers are often challenged by high fish feed costs. To offset this cost, it has been suggested that farmers reduce feed rates at the expense of plant production. However, a significant portion of the nutrients from feed are excreted by the fish and bound in solid waste. Nutrients in this solid waste are inaccessible to the plants but can become soluble through a microbe-driven digestion process called mineralization. Use of this mineralized effluent in aquaponics may offset reductions in feed rates and allow farmers to maintain plant production while reducing costs.
To test effectiveness of mineralized aquaculture effluent on plant production, 21-day research was conducted. Six 1500L aquaponic systems were stocked with 120g tilapia and fed at a rate of 15g of feed per square meter of growing area (2.3m2) per day. Three tanks were supplied with mineralized aquaculture effluent along with fish feed while the other 3 tanks were only provided with feed. Water quality parameters including temperature, DO. pH, and conductivity were monitored daily. The total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, iron and alkalinity were recorded twice per week.
As of this writing the study is still ongoing. The data from this production cycle will be compared based on total fresh weight (kg), CCI, height and nutrients content of the lettuce, along with changes in water quality and nutrient load. Preliminary plant growth data suggests that the use of mineralized effluent may offset lower feeding rates in aquaponic systems.
To test effectiveness of mineralized aquaculture effluent on plant production, 21-day research was conducted. Six 1500L aquaponic systems were stocked with 120g tilapia and fed at a rate of 15g of feed per square meter of growing area (2.3m2) per day. Three tanks were supplied with mineralized aquaculture effluent along with fish feed while the other 3 tanks were only provided with feed. Water quality parameters including temperature, DO. pH, and conductivity were monitored daily. The total ammonia nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, iron and alkalinity were recorded twice per week.
As of this writing the study is still ongoing. The data from this production cycle will be compared based on total fresh weight (kg), CCI, height and nutrients content of the lettuce, along with changes in water quality and nutrient load. Preliminary plant growth data suggests that the use of mineralized effluent may offset lower feeding rates in aquaponic systems.
10:30 - Medium term effect of an established integrated organic crop- livestock rotation system on sub-surface water quality
First Author
Binaya Baral
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Anuj Chiluwal
Kentucky State University
Excessive nutrient loading particularly from agricultural production system contributed to eutrophication in water bodies. Integrating organic crops and livestock offers a sustainable alternative that promotes biodiversity, nutrient cycling, and soil health. Little research has been done on the nutrient dynamics of these systems. This is particularly true with goats in organic systems. This study evaluates the effects of an integrated crop-livestock (goat) rotation on groundwater nitrate and dissolved phosphate levels. A randomized complete block design experiment was implemented with four blocks and seven treatments, including perennial pasture, continuous corn/soybean without goat grazing, and five treatments representing different stages of a five-year integrated rotation. Results from collected water samples from 2018-2022 indicated that goat grazing did not significantly impact nitrate or phosphorus levels in the first two years. However, nitrate concentrations were higher under cropped plots (13.9mg/L) compared to pasture plots (2.4 mg/L), while greater phosphorus concentrations were observed under pastured plots (0.62 mg/L) than cropped (0.28 mg/L). Results suggest that a five-year rotational plan is unlikely to increase nitrate leaching with proper grazing management. Continuous plant cover, reduced tillage, and the presence of perennial roots may have contributed to phosphorus leaching, while tillage influenced nitrate leaching during the crop phase of the rotation. This study is ongoing (2023-2025) to quantify the long-term effect of this system on nitrate and dissolved phosphorous in sub-soil water. The findings will provide insights into the integrated organic crop-livestock rotation and its influence on water quality.
10:45 - Potential pollinators of flowers of the Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) cultivars 'Sunflower' and 'Susquehanna'
First Author
Subas Thapa Magar
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Jeremy Lowe
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sheri Crabtree
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Kirk Pomper
Kentucky State University
Pawpaw (Asimina Triloba) is a temperate deciduous native tree species of the tropical Annonaceae family that is in commercial production in Kentucky and the Southeastern United States. Its flowers bloom from late March to April. Being protogynous and self-incompatible, fruit sets can be limited. Pawpaws need to be cross-pollinated and are thought to be pollinated by insects, although this has not been well documented. Identifying the pollinators of pawpaw could lead to strategies for increasing fruit set and production. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify the various insect orders for insects visiting both flowering and non-flowering branches of two pawpaw cultivars (Sunflower and Susquehanna). At flowering, ten trees from each pawpaw cultivar were selected for investigation. Using a completely randomized design, 40 wire cage traps coated with tangle trap adhesive were placed on each chosen cultivar's flowering and non-flowering branches. After 18 days of the flowering period, the traps were collected, and the captured insects were identified to the order and counted. The data were analyzed using R software (R 4.3.2) and subjected to ANOVA and, Least Significant Difference (LSD) tests. In 2023, the Sunflower had more Diptera and total insects (p-value: 0.4936 NS and 0.5084 NS respectively). In contrast, Coleoptera was significantly more abundant on the flowering branches of Susquehanna (p-value: 0.0255*), with a notable interaction between cultivar and branch type (p-value: 0.04767*). Data from 2024 will be compared to 2023 to examine the year-to-year variability of the presence of various insect orders during flowering.
9:00 - Artificial Intelligence in the Imaging Sciences
First Author
Brandon Hughes
Morehead State University
Artificial intelligence is a rapidly growing field of study with implications throughout society. Although the field is seemingly of relatively recent origin, AI has been utilized in medical diagnostic imaging and radiation treatment planning for decades. This lecture presents an overview of the history of artificial intelligence in medical diagnostic imaging and radiation treatment planning, including its applications, advantages, limitations, and any potential disadvantages from the use. Multiple modalities will be discussed, along with the use of AI from various vendors. Historical, current, and future utilization of AI will be examined.
9:15 - Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS)
First Author
Jennifer Clark
Morehead State University
Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound (CEUS) is an advanced imaging technique created to better serve the patient population. The purpose of this review is to highlight the capabilities of CEUS, emphasize the patient care benefits, and compare CEUS to other imaging modalities. The eligibility for this review consists of peer-reviewed published CEUS manuscripts in health-related journals within the last five years. CEUS is an innovative imaging modality that can delineate malignant from benign structures. CEUS is noninvasive, safe, cost effective, and accessible. Incorporating CEUS for tumor investigation can improve patient care by identifying early-stage malignancies in a more effective setting.
9:30 - Investigating the impacts of Annonacin and 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose on Non-small cell lung cancer
First Author
Bhoj Raj Bhattarai
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Cora Teets
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Avinash Tope
Kentucky State University
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer, contributing significantly to cancer-related mortality worldwide. The dependence of NSCLC on altered energy metabolism of upregulation of glycolysis and reduction in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation presents a potential therapeutic target. This study explored the effects of combining Annonacin, an inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, with 2-deoxy-d-glucose (2DG), a glycolysis inhibitor, on A549 NSCLC cells. Simultaneous inhibition of these metabolic pathways was hypothesized to enhance treatment efficacy. NSCLC A549 cells were exposed to various concentrations of Annonacin and 2DG, individually and in combination. Cell viability was assessed using the MTT assay. Oxidative stresses were measured by analyzing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes activity. Colony formation assays were performed to evaluate the long-term proliferative ability of the treated cells. The results revealed that dose-dependent decrease in cell viability, with combination showing more pronounced cytotoxic effects compared to the individual application. Elevated oxidative stress and reduced colony formation indicated impaired cell proliferation. Findings suggest that dual inhibition of glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation holds promise as a therapeutic strategy for NSCLC. Further, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of this combination therapy.
9:45 - Living with Parkinson's During COVID-19: A Survey of Parkinson's Patients During COVID-19
First Author
Sia Pilgaonkar
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Paul Kiser
Bellarmine University
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD), raising concerns about exacerbation of symptoms and vulnerability of the patients. This project first reviews existing literature on the interconnections between COVID-19 and PD, focusing on the physiological, psychological, and treatment-related challenges faced by patients. Then it analyzes survey data examining increased severity of COVID-19 in individuals with PD, alongside the literature researching potential mechanisms linking the two, such as inflammation and neurodegeneration. The survey's key areas of focus included symptom management, treatment satisfaction, the impact of PD on daily living, and the impact of Covid-19 on motor and non-motor symptoms of PD. Furthermore, the implications of pandemic-related disruptions in care and the urgency for tailored interventions are explored. Finally, the project examines the need for ongoing research to understand the long-term effects of COVID-19 on Parkinson's patients. The study itself calls for enhanced healthcare strategies to ensure continuity of care and improved mental health support for individuals with Parkinson's disease during and after the pandemic.
10:00 - MRI and Breast Cancer Screening - Benefits and Limitations
First Author
Savannah Blair
Morehead State University
In the United States, 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2022, 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer, and as of now, there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone. With such high diagnosis rates, awareness and screenings have increased and advanced, creating a yearly examination that can reduce the risk of mortality by 65%, allowing earlier detection and treatments, thus less chance of death. Mammography is the main source of these screenings, a radiographic examination of the breast tissue, however, other screening tools could be used. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) breast examinations have an increased sensitivity for breast cancer screenings of 71-100% compared to mammography, creating a detection rate that is much higher with MRI screenings. If MRI is a much better tool for screenings of cancer that is so common, why wouldn't it be the tool of choice? The experience of an MRI, the accessibility of an MRI, and the cost of an MRI are the main reasons mammography is chosen as a screening method. However, with raising awareness of what MRI offers, patients may consider adding MRI to their yearly screening methods.
10:15 - Novel, Low-Cost, and Wearable Device for Monitoring Neurological Disorders using Multi-Modal Sensing Technologies
First Author
Aishwarya Ramasamy
duPont Manual High School
Novel, Low-Cost, Wearable, and Portable Device for Monitoring Neurological Disorders using Multi-Modal Sensing Technologies
This project designs a fieldable device for monitoring psychological health in army, navy, air force soldiers, and civilians affordably in remote locations in an easy, affordable way. With nearly a billion people worldwide suffering from neurological disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and sleep disorders, there is a need for affordable ways to monitor neurological health. Traditional methods like MRI scans and EEG tests are expensive, hard to access, and require specialized experts. My invention tackles these challenges.
I set out to create a wearable device that is low-cost and easy-to-use in any setting, including for soldiers in remote locations. This device uses a variety of sensors, including EEG, temperature, humidity, accelerometer, gyroscope, acoustic, and piezoelectric sensing technologies to track neurological health in real time. Through careful testing, comparing the device's readings with those from standard hospital equipment, my device was found to accurately measure brain activity.
The results showed that brain temperature rises during times of intense concentration which matches up with higher brain wave activity measured by EEG. Accelerometer and gyroscope technology was used to successfully detect Parkinson's Disease. Acoustic and piezoelectric sensors were also used to detect sleep apnea. These findings show that my device can monitor brain health effectively.
In summary, this project is a step forward in accessible neurological health monitoring, promising a future where monitoring brain health is as simple as checking the time on a watch. This could offer those in remote areas an accessible and easy-to-use way to detect health issues early on.
This project designs a fieldable device for monitoring psychological health in army, navy, air force soldiers, and civilians affordably in remote locations in an easy, affordable way. With nearly a billion people worldwide suffering from neurological disorders like epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and sleep disorders, there is a need for affordable ways to monitor neurological health. Traditional methods like MRI scans and EEG tests are expensive, hard to access, and require specialized experts. My invention tackles these challenges.
I set out to create a wearable device that is low-cost and easy-to-use in any setting, including for soldiers in remote locations. This device uses a variety of sensors, including EEG, temperature, humidity, accelerometer, gyroscope, acoustic, and piezoelectric sensing technologies to track neurological health in real time. Through careful testing, comparing the device's readings with those from standard hospital equipment, my device was found to accurately measure brain activity.
The results showed that brain temperature rises during times of intense concentration which matches up with higher brain wave activity measured by EEG. Accelerometer and gyroscope technology was used to successfully detect Parkinson's Disease. Acoustic and piezoelectric sensors were also used to detect sleep apnea. These findings show that my device can monitor brain health effectively.
In summary, this project is a step forward in accessible neurological health monitoring, promising a future where monitoring brain health is as simple as checking the time on a watch. This could offer those in remote areas an accessible and easy-to-use way to detect health issues early on.
10:30 - Radiation therapy followed by immunotherapy in advanced head, neck, and lung cancers
First Author
Julia Magsam
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Susanne Arnold
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Ralph Zinner
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Zin Myint
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Zhonglin Hao
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Ronald McGarry
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Ellen Reusch
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Rachael Morgan
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Leigh Faul
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Co-author
Subbarao Bondada
University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center
Modern cancer treatments often combine radiation therapy (RT), immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. RT uses targeted proton beams to destroy cancer cells, while immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) help T cells recognize and attack tumors. Combining RT and ICIs enhances the T-cell response, leading to significant tumor shrinkage. Sequential RT and ICIs may release tumor antigens, promoting a strong immune response. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of this combination in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Patients received RT within 14 days of their first ICI dose. The primary objective was 6-month progression-free survival, with secondary goals of safety, tolerability, 1-year progression free survival, and overall survival. In this interim analysis of 38 patients, the 6-month PFS was 49.19% with a median PFS of 5.5 months and a median overall survival of 39.6 months. Fifty-two moderate to severe adverse events were reported among 21 patients. The combination therapy showed acceptable 6-month progression free survival, was tolerable, and presented no unexpected side effects. Further investigation is warranted, and enrollment will continue.
10:45 - The role of K2P channels in cellular membrane potential: the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation approach
First Author
Youngwoo Kim
Model Laboratory School
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
K2P channels (two-pore domain potassium channels) play an important role in cellular function by facilitating the flow of potassium ions across cell membranes to maintain cellular electrochemical balance. Their overexpression is commonly observed in cancerous cells, prompting questions regarding their role in cancer development or progression. Using the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation (measures the membrane potential based on the intracellular and extracellular values of key ions), this research aims to quantify membrane potential changes resulting from K2P overexpression. The methodology involves overexpressing the K2P channels of a specific muscle line in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). Having an experimental group of conducting K2P channels and a control group of nonconducting K2P channels, saline solutions with different potassium concentrations were used to insert microelectrodes into specific larval muscle cells (m6m7). Then, the membrane potential of the muscle cells was recorded based on responses in potassium permeability between nonconducting and overexpressing lines. Based on twenty preparations, results suggested that overexpression of K2P channels increases its permeability to potassium, rendering the cell membrane potential more sensitive to potassium fluctuations. This increased sensitivity may contribute to differing activity patterns observed in cancerous cells compared to healthier cells. By identifying selective blockers for certain K2P channels and understanding their sensitivity to other pharmaceutical agents, there's potential to target cancer cells specifically. However, achieving this requires further simulations using MATLAB by trying different fitting parameters in the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation, which will result in a deeper understanding of how cells respond to overexpressing K2P channels.
11:00 - Unveiling anti-inflammatory effects of Neem leaf bioactives: a novel breakthrough for sustainable disease treatment
First Author
Arjun Sharma
DuPont Manual High School
Co-author
Silvia Uriarte
University of Louisville
Chronic inflammation is a leading cause of morbidity worldwide, complicating conditions such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and autoimmune disorders. Current anti-inflammatory treatments are unhealthy, costly, and unsustainable for long-term use, highlighting the need for safer, more accessible, and eco-friendly alternatives. Consequently, there is increasing interest in investigating natural plant compounds, yet the anti-inflammatory potential of Azadirachta indica (Neem) remains underexplored. This project aimed to discover novel anti-inflammatory effects of bioactive compounds from Neem leaves on neutrophil and macrophage function to eventually develop an effective natural medication.
To validate the therapeutic properties of Neem, a methanolic leaf extract was prepared and tested for toxicity and inflammatory cell function downregulation. The toxicity assessment revealed no necrosis in either cell type, and Flow Cytometry analysis showed enhanced inflammatory-site clearance. Additionally, the extract significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species production (icROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β, CXCL-1), and degranulation in neutrophils. In macrophages, lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β) was downregulated, and efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils was increased.
Building on these promising findings, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis identified three key compounds in the Neem extract: quercetin (flavonoid), nimbolide (limonoid), and nimbin (terpenoid). Each was tested individually and in combination to assess their anti-inflammatory effects and potential synergistic interactions. Quercetin exhibited strong antioxidant activity, significantly reducing icROS levels, while nimbolide and nimbin inhibited pro-inflammatory responses. When combined, these compounds enhanced each other's effects and further increased the efficacy of corticosteroids, suggesting potential for creating targeted, cost-effective, and sustainable treatments or supplements tailored to specific inflammatory diseases.
To validate the therapeutic properties of Neem, a methanolic leaf extract was prepared and tested for toxicity and inflammatory cell function downregulation. The toxicity assessment revealed no necrosis in either cell type, and Flow Cytometry analysis showed enhanced inflammatory-site clearance. Additionally, the extract significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species production (icROS), pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-1β, CXCL-1), and degranulation in neutrophils. In macrophages, lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β) was downregulated, and efferocytosis of apoptotic neutrophils was increased.
Building on these promising findings, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography analysis identified three key compounds in the Neem extract: quercetin (flavonoid), nimbolide (limonoid), and nimbin (terpenoid). Each was tested individually and in combination to assess their anti-inflammatory effects and potential synergistic interactions. Quercetin exhibited strong antioxidant activity, significantly reducing icROS levels, while nimbolide and nimbin inhibited pro-inflammatory responses. When combined, these compounds enhanced each other's effects and further increased the efficacy of corticosteroids, suggesting potential for creating targeted, cost-effective, and sustainable treatments or supplements tailored to specific inflammatory diseases.
9:00 - Two-Photon Absorption in Ruby and Alexandrite
First Author
Cole Perdue
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Katherine Stephens
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Kassidy Burke
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Thomas Jarvis
Eastern Kentucky University
Multi-photon phenomena in crystalline materials have gained significant attention due to their applications in nonlinear optics, quantum information processing, and laser technology. We report the first known observations of two-photon absorption (TPA) in crystals of alexandrite excited by ultrafast femtosecond laser pulses. Our lab previously observed a giant TPA effect in ruby, attributed to a multi-photon excitation of the Cr3+ ion in ruby's sapphire matrix. Following that measurement, we have studied similar systems, and have been able to detect a TPA process in alexandrite (chrysoberyl doped with Cr3+). Alexandrite exhibits a substantially weaker TPA process than ruby, which might be due to meaningful differences in the interaction of the chromium ion with the host matrix, but may be attributed to inferior optical quality of synthetic alexandrite crystals. Both ruby and alexandrite possess long-lived metastable states, which can be measured with trivially simple instrumentation. We present our plans for future TPA measurements in Cr3+ materials and consider potential long-term applications for our work.
9:15 - Improving photodeactivation rate of pathogens using nanoparticles and efflux pump inhibitors
First Author
Mahmood Ateyeh
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
Co-author
Yaran Allamyradov
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Justice ben Yosef
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Ali Er
Western Kentucky University
Photosensitizing agents are essential in deactivating multidrug-resistant pathogens and tumor treatments. In this work, silver and gold nanoparticles were produced using picosecond and nanosecond laser pulses and later combined with methylene blue, a standard photosensitizer, to improve reactive oxygen species generation. Furthermore, efflux inhibitors reserpine and 5- Nitro-2-phenyl-1H-indole (INF-55) were also examined as they can increase the retained photosensitizer load in bacteria. Our results show that combining nanoparticles and methylene blue is more effective at producing reactive oxygen species than either nanoparticles or methylene blue individually. Additionally, the combination of silver nanoparticles and Reserpine was found to reduce bacterial load by 90% as compared to each individually. Gold nanoparticles and INF-55 were found to produce significantly more reactive oxygen species than either could alone. Infrared spectroscopy was used to examine how the solvent in which the nanoparticles were produced was affected by the different pulse powers and the effect on the respective nanoparticles. Finally, molecular docking simulation showed that Reserpine and INF-55 could competitively inhibit the binding of methylene blue to an efflux pump, maintaining a higher retained photosensitizer load in the pathogen.
9:30 - Object-Brightness Analyzer for Rubin Observatory (OBARO) Using Machine Learning (ML)
First Author
Samia Mahmood
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Akhtar Mahmood
Bellarmine University
Co-author
Jordan Dowdy
University of Louisville
We have developed and written a software called Object-Brightness Analyzer for Rubin Observatory(OBARO) in Python using the Gaussian Model Mixture(GMM) machine learning(ML) algorithm that can automatically detect and calculate the brightness of all astronomical objects from the Rubin Observatory's PhoSim (Photon Simulation) data sets and from Rubin Observatory's Data Preview (DP0.2) simulation data sets. The PhoSim Rubin(LSST)-Survey-#1 data sets were generated using Bellarmine University's Tier2 Grid Supercomputer that is linked to the Open Science Grid (OSG) cyberinfrastructure. The OBARO software uses statistical analysis and machine learning to plough through and scan all the astronomical objects and calculate the mean pixel value, mean pixel value error, surface brightness, surface brightness error, area, pixel count for both the object and its background as well as the flux and magnitude for the astronomical object. Once the OBARO software runs all the FITS files, it will produce an output file in XML format for analysis. The OBARO software can run on a PC/laptop. We will present the results of brightness studies of astronomical objects in some of the PhoSim Rubin (LSST) Simulated Survey #1 data sets using Phosim versions 5.1.7 and 5.3.23 and in some of the Rubin Observatory's Data Preview 0.2 data sets.
9:45 - Reflections on a standards-based assessment introductory physics course
First Author
Scott Bonham
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Travis Oliver
Western Kentucky University
In the Fall of 2020 I faced a dilemma of how to restructure my course due to pandemic response policies. I had to switch my large introductory algebra-based physics course to a hybrid instructional format, dramatically reducing contact with students who enter with a wide range of previous preparation. Among my instructional responses was to adopt a standards-based assessment (SBA), a form of mastery learning, for evaluating student progress. SBA made a huge difference for my students and myself, allowing most of them to achieve their course goals without requiring me to lower course standards. Therefore, I kept using SBA even after returning to a fully face-to-face format. The use of SBA has led to significant pedagogical benefits, including increased student engagement, improvement of student self-efficacy, and empowering underprepared students to 'close the gap' with those better prepared, while at the same time allowing me to maintain high expectations for students. However, the way it was implemented over the last several years also had significant drawbacks that are common in SBA approaches. Students wound up spending significantly more time in taking assessments and reassessments, both inside and outside of class time, and I found myself spending much more time both developing and grading them. The increased assessment load (common in SBA) was partially mitigated by the use of technology. This semester we are experimenting with a revised SBA structure and greater technology use to further mitigate the assessment load on students and instructors. This current effort will be briefly described.
10:00 - Self-efficacy growth in a standards-based introductory physics course
First Author
Travis Oliver
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Scott Bonham
Western Kentucky University
Student self-efficacy, or confidence to perform a task, is an important factor in students' motivation to learn and subsequent course success. In physics, traditional instructional techniques often negatively affect students' physics self-efficacy, while mastery learning approaches are expected to produce self-efficacy gains. Standards-based assessment is a mastery approach that has been little studied in introductory physics courses. We have implemented standards-based assessment in an introductory physics course servicing life sciences majors at Western Kentucky University. Students in the course took a pre-and-post course self-efficacy survey which was validated across multiple measures and student work was collected for analysis throughout the semester. We found that students in this course experienced a statistically significant growth in physics self-efficacy (p<0.01). Additionally, students who reported no previous physics experience experienced the greatest growth in self-efficacy as well as growth in mastery on course assessments. At the end of the course, the differences in self-efficacy and assessment performance between students with and without prior physics experience were no longer statistically significant.
10:15 - Student attitudes and perceptions of a standards-based introductory physics course
First Author
Elena Ley
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Scott Bonham
Western Kentucky University
We have implemented a standards-based approach in an introductory physics course at Western Kentucky University. Standards based assessment is a nontraditional instructional approach where student performance is assessed based on mastery of course learning objectives. We have found that this approach has several benefits but also has drawbacks, particularly a heavy assessment load on students and instructors. To address this we are revising both instruction and assessment in this course. In addition to collecting data on student performance in the course, we are collecting data on student perceptions and experience, which is beneficial for assessing the effectiveness of and revising instructional methods. We held several focus groups with different students from two sections of this course to receive student feedback on the curricular approach taken. These were recorded, transcribed, and are being systematically analyzed. Preliminary results based on observations from the focus groups will be presented, and further analysis will be done to identify themes in student attitudes and perspectives that can guide the revision.
10:30 - Double Trapezoid Trigger for the Nab Data Acquisition System
First Author
Lincoln Potts
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Chris Crawford
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Kyle Feist
University of Kentucky
The Nab experiment will determine the neutron decay correlation parameters 'a' and 'b' by reconstructing the full kinematics of each event from the electron energy and proton time of flight. A high efficiency, low energy trigger is needed to detect the protons, which are electrostatically accelerated to 30 keV at the end of the spectrometer to pass through the dead layer of the silicon detector. The logic to determine the timing and energy of both particles is crucial to control systematics associated with particle kinematics. The double trapezoid filter is beneficial because of it has energy-independent timing, accounts for ballistic deficit, and subtracts both exponential and constant background. We measured the efficiency of the trigger based on this filter, by simulating the trigger on zero-bias traces.
10:45 - SWIFT Monitoring of Seyfert narrow line 1 Galaxy IRAS 1239-7333
First Author
Bryn Connelly
University of Louisville
IRAS 1239 is a narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy discovered with the ROSAT All-Sky survey. It is interesting because it shows very high polarization, but very little cold X-ray absorption, potentially revealing more insight into the classification of Seyfert galaxies. An Active Galactic Nucleus, or AGN, is an accreting black hole at the center of a galaxy. Galaxies containing these AGNs are known as active galaxies. There are several different types of active galaxies, including Seyfert galaxies. These are a common galaxy type, making up around 10% of galaxies. They are classified by having strong emission lines and detectable host galaxies. There are several subtypes of Seyfert galaxies, separated by the presence of broad line regions. However, the question has arisen as to whether all of these subtypes are truly different, or if they are simply obscured. As mentioned, IRAS 1239 is a narrow line Seyfert 1 galaxy, but several of its qualities, especially the high polarization, suggest potential dust blocking our line of sight.
11:00 - Analyzing X-ray variability in Active Galactic Nuclei
First Author
Salem Wolsing
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Dirk Grupe
Northern Kentucky University
Active galactic nuclei (AGN) are actively accreting supermassive black holes at the center of galaxies. AGN vary in X-ray and UV brightness overtime. Focusing on the X-ray portion, we want to see if a correlation can be found between X-ray variability and black hole mass or accretion rate. We are able to study AGN with the use of the Swift mission. We predict that AGN with small black hole masses and high accretion rates will have a higher X-ray variability than AGN with a low black hole mass or a low accretion rate. This result was not found with our sample size of 103 AGN. I will still correlate variability with other AGN properties.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 9:30am - 12:00pm
Scientists' Tour of the State Capitol
Meet outside Student Center
| Science Policy Specialist: Madison Flory |
ou can use to help give the science community a strong voice at the State Capitol and everywhere else policy decisions are made. Madison will also review top issues under consideration in Frankfort and offer a brief preview of the Kentucky General Assembly's 2025 legislative session. Participants will carpool the short distance to the Capitol.AGR15 - An examination of meat and poultry safety knowledge among Kentucky farmers market vendors
First Author
Samantha Massey
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
John Khouryieh
Western Kentucky University
Farmers markets are popular across the United States, offering consumers the opportunity to purchase food from local vendors. While many farmers sell meat and poultry at these markets, vendors exhibit varying levels of knowledge, practices, and attitudes regarding meat safety. This study assessed Kentucky farmers market vendors' knowledge, practices, and attitudes through a face-to-face survey. Thirty-three vendors from eleven different farmers markets participated. With a response rate of 84.8%, the results demonstrate that vendors generally understand that improperly chilled poultry (above 40°F) can foster pathogen growth, posing health risks. Additionally, 72.7% of respondents identified feathers, feces, internal organs, equipment, and water as potential sources of contamination during raw poultry processing. However, only 27.3% of vendors correctly identified Campylobacter as a harmful pathogen associated with raw poultry. Regarding vendor practices, 15.2% transport their poultry meat to farmers markets in a cooler without ice. Furthermore, 77.7% of vendors agreed (33.3%) or strongly agreed (44.4%) that their poultry products sold at farmers markets are safer than those found in supermarkets. Despite this, 69.7% of vendors expressed a desire for more HACCP training, with 37.5% favoring online video training. These findings suggest a knowledge gap regarding pathogens associated with meat and poultry, indicating a need for additional training to improve awareness.
AGR16 - Incorporating AI/Machine Learning Into a Mobile Responsive Clinical Fish Health Database
First Author
Sophia Okoh
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Vicent Teye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Robert Durborow
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Adetola Ogundipe
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Gunnar Psurny
Kentucky state University
Aquaculture plays a crucial role in food security but faces challenges like infectious diseases. Pathogens, including viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites, can cause significant losses, especially in closed systems like Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS). Early disease detection is crucial to prevent mortality that can even be up to 100%.
This project aims to integrate machine learning/AI into the current Mobile Responsive Clinical Fish Health Database created at Kentucky State University (KSU). This integration will allow the database to analyze images and videos of fish to identify disease progression in different species, including clinical signs such as scale loss, abnormal skin growth, and the early stages of lesions. In addition, abnormal fish behavior will be documented and compared to healthy fish.
The project initially focuses on the early detection of columnaris disease in largemouth bass, caused by Flavobacterium columnare, using machine learning. This approach would help detect diseases several days earlier than usual, giving fish farmers a head start on treatment and reducing fish mortalities. The project will also expand the database's capabilities to include other pathogens such as Saprolegnia fungus, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, and Aeromonas bacteria. Data from U.S. diagnostic labs will enhance a database for proactive fish health management, benefiting aquaculturists worldwide by improving disease management and reducing losses.
This project aims to integrate machine learning/AI into the current Mobile Responsive Clinical Fish Health Database created at Kentucky State University (KSU). This integration will allow the database to analyze images and videos of fish to identify disease progression in different species, including clinical signs such as scale loss, abnormal skin growth, and the early stages of lesions. In addition, abnormal fish behavior will be documented and compared to healthy fish.
The project initially focuses on the early detection of columnaris disease in largemouth bass, caused by Flavobacterium columnare, using machine learning. This approach would help detect diseases several days earlier than usual, giving fish farmers a head start on treatment and reducing fish mortalities. The project will also expand the database's capabilities to include other pathogens such as Saprolegnia fungus, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, and Aeromonas bacteria. Data from U.S. diagnostic labs will enhance a database for proactive fish health management, benefiting aquaculturists worldwide by improving disease management and reducing losses.
AGR17 - Identifying the Optimal Timing for Supplemental Nitrogen Application to Enhance Soybean Seed Composition
First Author
Manish Pandit
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Anuj Chiluwal
Kentucky State University
Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is one of the most important crops for the diet of humans and animals in the world as it is one of the richest and cheapest protein sources. Soybean is a multi-product crop, as the remaining byproduct solids after oil extraction are used as protein sources in animal feeds. Although soybean yield in the United States has increased gradually over the past few decades, there is also a constant decline in seed protein concentration which has become one of the concerns for the U.S. soybean industry. Recent studies have suggested that nitrogen (N) limitation during its seed growth and development is the main reason for lower seed protein concentration in modern high-yielding soybean cultivars. Hence, supplemental N during its reproductive growth is necessary to improve soybean seed protein concentration. However, the most effective time for additional N application is not known.
Hence, a field experiment is being conducted at Kentucky State University's Harold Benson Farm, Frankfort, KY with nitrogen application (80 kg N/ha) during five different reproductive growth stages (R1, R3, R5+7 days, and R5+14 days). Plant growth (plant height, leaf area index) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll content, leaf photosynthetic efficiency) were recorded at multiple time points during crop growth. The composition of the harvested seeds will be analyzed using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRs). The effect of N application during different reproductive stages on soybean growth, physiology, yield, and seed composition will be presented and discussed.
Hence, a field experiment is being conducted at Kentucky State University's Harold Benson Farm, Frankfort, KY with nitrogen application (80 kg N/ha) during five different reproductive growth stages (R1, R3, R5+7 days, and R5+14 days). Plant growth (plant height, leaf area index) and physiological parameters (chlorophyll content, leaf photosynthetic efficiency) were recorded at multiple time points during crop growth. The composition of the harvested seeds will be analyzed using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRs). The effect of N application during different reproductive stages on soybean growth, physiology, yield, and seed composition will be presented and discussed.
AGR18 - Final seed size determining stage in soybean
First Author
Sudip Poudel
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Anuj Chiluwal
Kentucky State Unversity
Seed size is determined by the photoassimilates produced in the source and their transport to the sink, and any limitation in these source-sink dynamics can reduce grain yield. Potential seed size in many crops, including cereals, is determined in early seed development stages. However, in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.), previous studies indicate that final seed size is determined later stage during the seed filling phase and is more dependent on assimilate supply. However, the stage when the final seed size is determined in soybeans, remains unclear, especially under the field conditions.
Hence, to address this, experiments with two soybean cultivars (Maturity groups 2 and 4) under increased assimilate supply during different seed-filling periods are performed in field conditions at Frankfort, KY. Treatments consisted of a control, and depodding (pod removal) treatments at weekly intervals after R5 (beginning of seed filling stage) until maturity, leaving only 4 to 6 pods (one pod in a node) to provide a higher assimilate supply to remaining seeds. Final unit seed weight, pod weight, seed filling rate and duration across the treatments were analyzed. Results showed that the final seed size is determined during the mid-seed filling stage, approx. 3 weeks after R5 stage. Increasing assimilate supply until this period significantly enhanced seed size, while additional assimilate beyond this period had minimal impact. This finding suggests potential source limitations in soybeans during the early seed-filling and indicates an opportunity to improve yield via. enhanced assimilate supply during this specific timeframe.
Hence, to address this, experiments with two soybean cultivars (Maturity groups 2 and 4) under increased assimilate supply during different seed-filling periods are performed in field conditions at Frankfort, KY. Treatments consisted of a control, and depodding (pod removal) treatments at weekly intervals after R5 (beginning of seed filling stage) until maturity, leaving only 4 to 6 pods (one pod in a node) to provide a higher assimilate supply to remaining seeds. Final unit seed weight, pod weight, seed filling rate and duration across the treatments were analyzed. Results showed that the final seed size is determined during the mid-seed filling stage, approx. 3 weeks after R5 stage. Increasing assimilate supply until this period significantly enhanced seed size, while additional assimilate beyond this period had minimal impact. This finding suggests potential source limitations in soybeans during the early seed-filling and indicates an opportunity to improve yield via. enhanced assimilate supply during this specific timeframe.
AGR19 - Plant Height Measurement using UAV-Based Aerial RGB and Lidar Images in Soybean
First Author
Lalit Pun Magar
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Jeremy Sandifer
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Anuj Chiluwal
Kentucky State University
Phenotypic trait like plant height is crucial in assessing plant growth and physiological performance. Manual plant height measurement is labor and time-intensive, low throughput, and error-prone. Hence, aerial phenotyping using aerial imagery-based sensors combined with image processing technique is quickly emerging as a more effective alternative to estimate plant height and other morphophysiological parameters. Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of both RGB and LiDAR images in estimating plant height in several crops. However, there is limited information on the comparison between them especially in soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). As a result, there is not enough information to decide on the appropriate sensor for plant height estimation in soybean. Hence, we conducted this study to identify the most effective sensor and stage for high throughput aerial phenotyping to estimate plant height in soybean. Aerial images were collected at multiple time points during soybean growing season in 2023 using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV or drone) equipped with RGB and LiDAR sensors in a field experiment at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm. Our method established the relationship between manually measured plant height and the height obtained from aerial platforms. We found that the LiDAR sensor performed better (R2=0.75) specifically at the R3 and R5 stages. However, a low-cost RGB still showed more reliability in estimating plant height at the later stages than the LiDAR. The study highlights the importance of aerial data collection at the appropriate stage to obtain accurate plant height information using an RGB and LiDAR sensor.
AGR20 - Investigating the effects of xanthan gum and locust bean gum on the quality properties of low-fat sausages
First Author
Samantha Massey
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
John Khouryieh
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Luiz Silva
Western Kentucky University
Sausages are widely consumed across the United States, but their high fat content is a concern for health-conscious consumers seeking healthier options. This study aimed to explore the impact of replacing fat with various combinations of xanthan gum and locust bean gum (XLB) on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of low-fat sausages. Six sausage formulations were tested: a high-fat control (HF, 20% fat), a low-fat control (LF, 10% fat), and four low-fat variants with increasing XLB concentrations (LF+0.5%XLB, LF+1%XLB, LF+1.5%XLB, and LF+2%XLB). Results showed that protein content was significantly higher in HF compared to the low-fat formulations (p < 0.05). Color measurements revealed no significant differences in L* and a* values among treatments, but b* values on day 28 were notably lower in HF, LF, LF+0.5%XLB, and LF+1%XLB compared to LF+1.5%XLB and LF+2%XLB (p < 0.05). Texture profile analysis indicated that hardness on day 1 was higher in HF than in LF+0.5%XLB, LF+1%XLB, LF+1.5%XLB, and LF+2%XLB (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in hardness were found on day 28 across all treatments. Sensory evaluation revealed no significant differences in flavor intensity or juiciness among HF, LF, LF+0.5%XLB, and LF+1%XLB (p > 0.05). Adding up to 1% XLB produced satisfactory sensory results, highlighting its potential as a viable fat substitute in low-fat sausages.
AGR21 - Investigating arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-cover crop interactions to improve sustainable agricultural practices
First Author
Isabel Zanartu
University of Louisville
Co-author
Connor Morozumi
University of Louisville
Co-author
Natalie Christian
University of Louisville
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are fungal species that can form beneficial relationships with plants. AMFs are known to help crops acquire important nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil, and in return the plants provide sugars to the fungi. While at least 80% of all plants partner with AMFs including staple crops such as soybeans, the interactions that build these mutualistic relationships are poorly understood. A current issue arising from conventional farming such as fallow overwintering is the pressure they exert on these mutualisms. One such sustainable agricultural practice which may influence AMF is the application of cover crops. These plants are grown in off seasons, intending to protect fields from soil erosion. Previous research has yet to investigate how cover crops and AMF interact to improve field conditions for the growing season. We examined how multispecies mixes of cover crops interacted with multiple strains of AMF to effect cover crop growth in a greenhouse experiment. Our plant communities consisted of three cover crop species: cereal rye (Secale cereale), crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) which we paired with 3-species mixes of different AMF. After harvesting, we found responses to different AMF suites differed between the three plant species, and between aboveground and belowground productivity. These results indicate that the context in which AMF species live matters for their function. This work has implications on agronomists' efforts to utilize AMF to create more sustainable methods for agriculture.
AGR22 - Effects of TVP and TPP Mixtures on the Color and Cooking Loss of Hybrid Beef Burger Patties
First Author
Clark Pullen
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Luiz Silva
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
John Khouryieh
Western Kentucky University
Effects of Soy-based Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP) and Textured Pea Protein (TPP) Mixtures on the Color and Cooking Loss of Hybrid Beef Burger Patties
The incorporation of plant-based proteins into meat products offers a pathway toward more sustainable food systems. However, such modifications may affect critical quality attributes that influence consumer acceptance. This study investigated the effects of partial beef substitution with textured vegetable protein (TVP) and textured pea protein (TPP) on the color stability and cooking performance of hybrid beef burger patties. Six formulations were evaluated: 100% beef (control), 100% TVP, 100% TPP, and three TVP:TPP mixtures (75:25, 50:50, 25:75). Color parameters (L*, a*, b*) were measured using a MiniScan EZ colorimeter for both raw and cooked patties, while cooking loss was determined by changes in weight and diameter after grilling to an internal temperature of 71°C. Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA. Thermal processing significantly decreased all color variables (P < 0.05). Raw 100% beef patties exhibited lower lightness (L*) compared to other treatments (P < 0.05), though this difference disappeared after cooking (P > 0.05). A significant treatment × cooking interaction was observed for redness (a*), with raw 100% beef patties showing the highest values but the lowest after cooking (P < 0.05). Plant protein-containing formulations demonstrated higher yellowness (b*). While cooking loss was consistent across treatments (P > 0.05), 100% beef patties exhibited greater diameter reduction. These findings suggest that incorporating TVP and TPP into beef patties significantly alters color properties while maintaining consistent cooking performance, offering the potential for developing more sustainable meat products.
The incorporation of plant-based proteins into meat products offers a pathway toward more sustainable food systems. However, such modifications may affect critical quality attributes that influence consumer acceptance. This study investigated the effects of partial beef substitution with textured vegetable protein (TVP) and textured pea protein (TPP) on the color stability and cooking performance of hybrid beef burger patties. Six formulations were evaluated: 100% beef (control), 100% TVP, 100% TPP, and three TVP:TPP mixtures (75:25, 50:50, 25:75). Color parameters (L*, a*, b*) were measured using a MiniScan EZ colorimeter for both raw and cooked patties, while cooking loss was determined by changes in weight and diameter after grilling to an internal temperature of 71°C. Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA. Thermal processing significantly decreased all color variables (P < 0.05). Raw 100% beef patties exhibited lower lightness (L*) compared to other treatments (P < 0.05), though this difference disappeared after cooking (P > 0.05). A significant treatment × cooking interaction was observed for redness (a*), with raw 100% beef patties showing the highest values but the lowest after cooking (P < 0.05). Plant protein-containing formulations demonstrated higher yellowness (b*). While cooking loss was consistent across treatments (P > 0.05), 100% beef patties exhibited greater diameter reduction. These findings suggest that incorporating TVP and TPP into beef patties significantly alters color properties while maintaining consistent cooking performance, offering the potential for developing more sustainable meat products.
AGR23 - Evaluating the Efficacy of Plastic Packaging of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Fruits to Prolong Shelf-life.
First Author
Kshitij Shahi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Kirk Pomper
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Jeremy Lowe
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sheri Crabtree
Kentucky State University
Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) is a temperate native North American tree fruit with a flavor resembling mango, banana, and pineapple. Pawpaw's commercial fresh market potential is limited by its high perishability despite having nutritional value and unique flavor. It can be stored for 2-5 days under non-refrigerated conditions. Cold storage extends shelf-life to one month at 4℃, but results in poor ripening and internal black discoloration. This research aims to expand options in pawpaw postharvest handling and enhance its marketability by developing an optimized storage protocol. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of plastic packaging to extend pawpaw fruit shelf-life. Treatments included plastic bags, plastic bags with ethylene absorbers, and plastic bags with a gas mix [12% Oxygen (O₂), 10% Carbon dioxide (CO₂), and the balance nitrogen], with three replicate bags in each treatment, with three replicate fruits per treatment bag. Data on physical (weight, firmness, color), chemical (sugar content), and gas present in bag attributes have been collected at 5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 days. It is expected that plastic bags with the gas mix will be effective in prolonging the shelf-life of pawpaw.
AGR24 - Unlocking the potential of Maypop Cultivars, 'PinkPop' and 'SnowPop', as Kentucky's potential High-value crop
First Author
Dipesh Shrestha
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Richard Maiti
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Srijana Thapa Magar
Kentucky State University
Maypop (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial vine native to North America, known for its attractive flowers and tropical fruit flavor, closely resembling Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis). Passion fruit is a high-value crop but only adapted to tropical and subtropical climates. In contrast, Maypop is highly adaptable to varying soil and environmental conditions coupled with excellent cold tolerance, and drought resistance. This study aimed to evaluate Maypop's potential as an alternative high-value fruit crop for Kentucky growers. A field trial was established at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research Farm, evaluating two cultivars 'PinkPop' and 'SnowPop', using a randomized complete block design to evaluate plant growth, fruit yield, and fruit quality in 2024. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.4 software. Preliminary results indicated that both 'PinkPop' and 'SnowPop' produced comparable plant height and stem diameter. Although 'SnowPop' yielded more fruits than 'PinkPop', the difference was not statistically significant. 'PinkPop' (30.6 g) produced significantly larger fruits, with an average weight of 30.6 g compared to 25.8 g for 'SnowPop', and both cultivars had similar fruit diameters ranging ~ 36 mm. The average Brix value was also comparable, with 'PinkPop' at 13.6 and 'SnowPop' at 12.9 degrees Brix. Data collection will continue into the 2025 growing season, with the goal of exploring Maypop as a potential high-value crop for Kentucky growers, offering practical recommendations to maximize fruit yield and quality.
AGR25 - Growth Performance of Lotus Plants Fertilized at Different Rates in Containers
First Author
Changzheng Wang
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Olusoji Ayoola
Kentucky State University
Supply of adequate amounts of nutrients is important for the growth of lotus leaves and tubers. The objective of this project was to determine the effect of fertilization rate on the growth performance of lotus plants in containers. Plastic containers (40 cm in diameter and 28 cm in depth) used in the experiment were filled with garden soil to 13 cm deep and water was added into the containers to cover the soil to a depth 10 cm below the rim of the containers. One lotus tuber with three growing tips was planted into each container, which was assigned to one of three treatment groups (4 containers per group). The experimental groups were fertilized with a granular fertilizer containing 13% nitrogen, 13% phosphorus and 13% potassium at 4g, 8g or 12g per container (equivalent to 1.6g, 3.2g or 4.8g per gallon of soil) after at least one standing leave had grown up in each container, and every two weeks after that. The number of standing leaves and flowers was counted each week. At the end of the experiment, lotus tubers were harvested from each container. The total number of standing leaves was not different among the treatment groups. The leaves died earlier and the weight of edible lotus tuber produced was lower in the group fertilized with 12 g of the fertilizer than in the other two groups. These results suggest that 4.8 g per gallon soil may be excessive for the growth of lotus plants in containers.
AGR26 - Evaluating Growth of Cherry tomatoes at varying fertilization rates in Greenhouse
First Author
AFFOUE SEPHORA YAO
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
Co-author
Adekunle Adeyeye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Alex Kofi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Theoneste Nzaramyimana
Kentucky State University
This study investigated the effects of varying rates of NPK (20:20:20) fertilization on the growth of cherry tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in a controlled greenhouse environment in Kentucky. Four fertilization treatments were applied: 0 g/L (Control), 0.66 g/L (Low), 1.32 g/L (Medium), and 1.98 g/L (High). Key growth parameters, including plant height, fruit yield, and chlorophyll content, were measured. The experiment utilized a completely randomized design with three replications at Kentucky State University's Harold Benson Research and Demonstration Farm. Results indicated statistically significant differences in plant height (p = 0.019) due to fertilization treatments, with the low treatment resulting in the most substantial height increase. Post hoc comparisons revealed a significant difference between the control and low treatments (p = 0.018), while differences between the control and both medium and high treatments were not statistically significant. Although yield differences were observed, they did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.092), with the medium treatment exhibiting the highest yield, but no significant differences in post hoc comparisons. Conversely, chlorophyll content was significantly affected by the treatments (p < 0.001), with the control group showing lower levels than the low (p = 0.026), medium (p < 0.001), and high (p < 0.001) treatments. These findings suggest that NPK fertilization significantly enhances plant height and chlorophyll content in cherry tomatoes, while its effect on yield was not statistically significant. This research contributes to understanding optimal fertilization strategies for improving growth and chlorophyll accumulation in cherry tomato cultivation
AS1 - Learning histories of Kentucky's Cumberland River waterscape through multiple ways of knowing
First Author
Ann Kingsolver
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Kathryn Engle
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Edward Lo
Georgia Southern University
Co-author
Grace Yi
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Sydney Schweitzer
University of Kentucky
This poster illustrates examples from a transdisciplinary and community-informed project to draw equally from different forms of knowledge to gain novel understandings of Kentucky's Cumberland River waterscape. The forms of knowledge serving as lenses for this project included Traditional Ecological Knowledge, geoscientific knowledge, and local experiential knowledge. This 2024 project united an oral history project, 'Environment and Heritage Along the Cumberland River,' focusing on the multicultural Daniel Boone Festival and the exchange of river cane at its center in Knox County, Kentucky, and a transdisciplinary project, 'Using Sedimentary Records and Traditional Ecological Knowledge to Understand Climate Change Impacts in Southeastern Kentucky,' to apply knowledge equally from different domains to understand some of the possible geological, beyond-human, and human temporal interpretations of the life of the Cumberland River and interactions in the watershed over time. The impetus for the united projects was the proposition that in order to best prepare for resilient responses to climate change, it will be important to draw from forms of knowledge that are seldom well or equitably integrated: especially geoscientific knowledge and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. This working transdisciplinary group used mixed methods to explore the waterscape of Kentucky's Cumberland River through oral historical and geochronological (specifically, sedimentary-related) methods. Examples of what was learned through the lenses of multiple ways of knowing will be shared and some initial suggestions for reading across and beyond the grain to see the watershed in enhanced temporal perspective to inform conversations about the future in a region increasingly prone to flooding with climate change.
AS2 - Where should I go: juvenile grooming networks foreshadow future troop fission in wild olive baboons (Papio anubis)
First Author
Marissa Vestal
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Ansley Cahill
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Ashley Wood
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Grace Pfanstiel
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Jay Utz
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Monica Wakefield
Northern Kentucky University
Social grooming is integral to social relationship development for olive baboons (Papio anubis). Social network analysis allows us to analyze grooming relationships; however, juveniles are often excluded from these analyses. We used 1-0 ad libitum data of grooming bouts collected by trained observers at the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project in Laikipia, Kenya (January 2021 to December 2023). In 2022 the focal study troop began to undergo spatial fission, which can take several years in baboons. As of 2023 affiliative social interactions across the two sub-troops are rare even though they still overlap in range and frequently share sleeping sites. For this analysis, we focused on 35 juveniles that survived for the study duration to explore how the process of social fissioning coincided with the spatial fission and the impact the fission had on juvenile social relationships. Data analysis showed that the juveniles had already developed concentrated grooming networks along fission lines in 2021, grooming significantly more within the future sub-troop than between (t = -13.7462, p < .00001, n = 35) at a rate that remained constant with no significant change (t = .9198, p >.05, n = 35). Thus, juveniles began to socially fission prior to any spatial fission in the troop. As juveniles are often excluded from social grooming analyses, our results contribute to a broader understanding of the grooming and developmental processes of baboon social dynamics during group fission. This data also lends to further understanding of the expansion and concentration of social networks during troop fission.
AS3 - Baboon Bonding: Male Juvenile Olive Baboons and Their Grooming Partner Preferences at the Uaso Ngiro Baboon Project
First Author
Ashley Wood
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Grace Pfanstiel
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Jay Utz
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Marissa Vestal
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Ansley Cahill
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Monica Wakefield
Northern Kentucky University
Social grooming in primates is an important indicator of strength of social bonds. Among adult olive baboons (Papio anubis), there are distinct sex differences in grooming partner preferences. Notably, among adult males, social grooming with other males is highly uncommon. We tested if sex-typic grooming partner preferences are present at the juvenile stage of social development, and further examined the kinship/ friendship between these preferred partners. We utilized one year of grooming data, January - December 2022, collected at the UNBP to calculate dyadic grooming indices for all bouts involving a target juvenile (n=46). We defined preferred partners as dyads that had an index greater than one SD above the sample mean. We found that age and sex together significantly influenced the number of grooming partners among juveniles (F(3,42) = 17.5163, p <0.00001). Specifically, older females had significantly more partners than any other age-sex group. 54% of juveniles had their mother as one of their preferred partners, but this was more likely within females (86% of all females) than males (36% of all males). Comparatively, the most common preferred kin partner for juvenile males was a maternal brother (50% of younger males and 65% of older males). The results for females fit what we predict based on adult grooming preferences, however, the results for males are intriguing given that even when adult brothers share the same troop, grooming is rare to absent. We consider possible explanations for this within the context of baboon social behavior and structure.
ECO1 - Aboveground endophytes and nitrogen enrichment interact to enhance belowground fungal mutualisms
First Author
Leah Cohen
Univeristy of Louisville Department of Biology
Co-author
Shannon Walker
Univeristy of Louisville Biology Department
Co-author
Sarah Emery
Univeristy of Louisville Departement of Biology
Fungal mutualists are part of the plant microbiome, both above- and belowground,and are crucial for plant functioning. Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) associate with plant roots and enhance nutrient uptake, while aboveground endophytes (such as those in the genus Epichloë ) increase plant resistance to stress and pathogens. The presence of Epichloë endophytes has been shown to suppress plant associations with AMF, but it is unknown how these mutualisms may interact under conditions of global change, such as nutrient enrichment. In this study, we tested the effects of the fungal endophyte Epichloë amarillans (White) and N availability on root colonization by AMF in the common dune grass, Ammophia breviligulata (Fern.). We hypothesized that N enrichment coupled with the presence of E. amarillans would lead to decreased AMF colonization.
In 2010, we established a factorial experiment w in Leelanau State Park, Michigan to test the effects of E. amarillans on A. breviligulata. In 2016, we added nitrogen (N) enrichment treatments to a subset of this experiment. Individual tillers of A. breviligulata from each plot were collected in 2021 and AMF colonization in the rootmswas quantified. Results showed that contrary to our hypothesis, N enrichment enhanced AMF colonization in plants with E. amarillans. Our data provide new insights regarding the complex interactions of the plant mycobiome and N availability in our changing world
In 2010, we established a factorial experiment w in Leelanau State Park, Michigan to test the effects of E. amarillans on A. breviligulata. In 2016, we added nitrogen (N) enrichment treatments to a subset of this experiment. Individual tillers of A. breviligulata from each plot were collected in 2021 and AMF colonization in the rootmswas quantified. Results showed that contrary to our hypothesis, N enrichment enhanced AMF colonization in plants with E. amarillans. Our data provide new insights regarding the complex interactions of the plant mycobiome and N availability in our changing world
ECO2 - Impact of Weather on Big Brown/Silver Haired Bat Activity Patterns Using Ultrasonic Audio Recordings in Boone County, Ky
First Author
Jaron Cooper
Department of Biological Sciences
Co-author
Susan Brown
Boone County Conservation District
Co-author
Stephen Sumithran
EKU Department of Biological Sciences
Bat species have been experiencing population declines for the past decade due to anthropogenic factors. Conservation efforts to protect bats involve understanding and monitoring populations and behavior. Ultrasonic audio recordings are a tool used to help researchers interpret bat activity. With ultrasonic audio, scientists can create solutions and improve research design for the modern conservation issues bats face. While presence-absence studies have been conducted in Northern Kentucky, bat activity patterns in this region have not been thoroughly investigated. Using data collected by passive audio devices, ultrasonic audio can give key insights into when bats are active, paving way to extrapolating daily activity patterns. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of local weather conditions on nocturnal activity of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and silver-haired bats (Lasionycteris noctivagans) in Northern Kentucky. A positive correlation was found between bat activity and air temperature as well as dewpoint, but not wind speed average. Finding correlation in activity and climate could provide opportunities for developing further research techniques and monitoring efforts.
ECO3 - Oak regeneration in invasive honeysuckle restoration plots in Kentucky forests
First Author
Eliza Crawford
Asbury
Co-author
Marvin Ruffner
Asbury
Oaks (Quercus spp.) are an extremely valuable tree taxa globally and in the U.S. as they provide many ecological and economical benefits. In addition, invasive species such as bush honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) further exacerbate the problem and outcompete oak seedlings for light and other resources. As such, the objective of this study was to investigate the natural regeneration of oaks in experimental L. maackii restoration plots. The restoration experiments were established in 2019 and 2022. We predicted if L. maackii is removed from the forest understory, then a greater number of oak seedlings would germinate, survive, and establish compared to areas where L. maackii remained the dominant understory species. In summer 2024, 5,500 m2 of forest restoration plots were monitored for oak regeneration and over 100 oak seedlings were located. We measured the height of each oak seedling monthly as measure of growth rate from June – September 2024 in restoration plots of each experimental series (2019 and 2022) with one of three different treatments: a) untreated (no L. maackii removal); b) L. maackii removal + cut-stump herbicide (C/H plots); or c) L. maackii removal + cut-stump herbicide + restoration plantings of Elymus spp., Lindera benzoin, and/or Cornus drummondii (C/H/P plots). For spring 2019 plots, we identified 28, 13, and 12 oak seedlings in the untreated, C/H, and C/H/P plots with growth rates of 0.29, 0.37, and 0.14 cm/month, respectively. For spring 2022 plots, we identified 6, 16, and 7 oak seedlings in the untreated, C/H, and C/H/P plots with growth rates of 0.0, 0.21, and 0.40 cm/month, respectively. Overall, our results were variable yet we are observing a trend of higher oak seedling growth in plots where L. maackii has been removed. Long-term monitoring of oak seedling growth may further strengthen our study prediction.
ECO4 - Evaluating ecological restoration efforts in the inner Bluegrass through eDNA assessment of invertebrate communities
First Author
Karsner Fetter
Asbury University
Co-author
Sara Brewer
Asbury University
Co-author
Lauren Slone
Asbury University
Co-author
Ethan Hoogerheide
Asbury University
Co-author
Ben McLaughlin
Asbury University
Co-author
Kenton Sena
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Ben Brammell
Asbury University
Despite the growing acknowledgement of the need for urban lotic system restoration, one of the recognized issues with these efforts is the lack of standardized evaluation of restoration success. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, which utilizes massively parallel sequencing to characterize community composition, has been recognized as a highly promising tool for urban restoration assessment. We utilized eDNA metabarcoding of invertebrate communities to evaluate stream restoration efforts in seven streams in Lexington, Kentucky that have undergone reforestation or reforestation and channel restoration. eDNA water samples (2-liters) were taken at the base of the restored area and at a site 100-m above the start of the restored area in December 2023, March 2024, and June 2024. In addition, samples were collected in three relatively pristine and two heavily degraded sites within the ecoregion to provide reference data. DNA was extracted following established protocols, and invertebrate DNA amplified utilizing primers demonstrated to selectively amplify Arthropod DNA (>97%). Primers were modified with tails, which include Illumina sequencing primer binding sites and spacers (0-3) to increase amplicon size diversity. Illumina flow cell binding sites (p5 and p7) and i5 and i7 indices for sample identification were added with a second PCR, and samples were sequenced to a depth of 420,000 reads/sample (Illumina NextSeq 2000). To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first utilization of metabarcoding in the evaluation of urban restoration projects. These data should provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of restoration projects and guidance for future restoration efforts.
ECO5 - Snakes in the City: What slithering reptiles call local parks home?
First Author
Mallory Harmel
University of Louisville
Co-author
Sarah Bridges
University of Louisville
Co-author
Rachel Pigg
University of Louisville
Snakes play important roles in ecosystems, including population control of prey species like rodents and other small mammals. This could be viewed as an ecosystem service, as rodents can both carry disease and cause property damage. However, the conservation of snakes is complicated by their unique traits (such as their means of locomotion) and by negative human perceptions of snakes. Therefore, snake occurrence may be low in highly transformed landscapes with high human population densities, such as urban areas. Here, we present planned sampling and preliminary data on snake diversity and abundance at public parks in Louisville, Kentucky. Our aims are to compare snake diversity and abundance among parks and to investigate the effect of canopy cover, temperature, and light intensity on urban snakes. Using citizen science data downloaded from iNaturalist, we found that park visitors observed a variety of snake species across Louisville parks. We also found that canopy cover of Louisville parks was significantly different (p <0.05). To further investigate these patterns, we placed over 50 drift net fences and coverboards at 10 different parks and will mark-recapture snakes throughout 2025. By understanding how characteristics of urban parks affect snakes, city and park officials can better manage areas to conserve snakes and their ecosystem services.
ECO6 - The Impact on Water Quality Due to Cattle Grazing in Stoner Creek, North Middletown, Kentucky.
First Author
Logan Stigall
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Stephen Sumithran
Eastern Kentucky University
This study aims to identify the impact of cattle grazing on the water quality of Stoner Creek, located in North Middletown, KY. Cattle grazing can impact water quality in numerous ways. In this study, water quality was examined using the following parameters: water temperature (°C), pH (SU), dissolved oxygen (mg/L), conductivity (μS/cm), and Escherichia coli (E. coli) colonies per 100 mL of water. Visual observations were also included such as watercolor, odor, appearance of surface water, stream flow, trash, and turbidity. Results show that pH was higher upstream than downstream from the cattle access point. Similarly, conductivity was higher downstream than upstream due to increased sediment from cattle access. However, at this time results regarding E. coli colonies are inconclusive but sampling is still being conducted.
ECO7 - Ponyo and Opal sittin' in a tree: Insights into titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) life history revealed by banding
First Author
Celestine Hewitt
Taking Flight Next Level (University of Kentucky)
Co-author
Kaylan Herzog
Taking FLight Next Level
Co-author
Lathan Herzog
Taking FLight Next Level
Co-author
Anna Holder
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Franklin Matics
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Xathan Morgehhan
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Byrum Richardson
Taking FLight Next Level
Co-author
Blue Rudick
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Kedley Zimmerman
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
David Westneat
Taking Flight Next Level
Understanding the life events of a wild animal requires individually marking them and tracking them. The Taking Flight Next Level Program has been banding birds at the University of Kentucky's Ecological Research and Education Center since 2018. On October 22, 2019, we caught two tufted titmice in seed-baited traps. They were banded with color bands and nicknamed 'Ponyo' (purple band) and 'Opal' (white band). Since then, Ponyo has been recaptured at least 31 times and Opal at least 17 times. Three other titmice have been captured and banded but seen only 1-4 times. We could not tell the sex of any titmouse the first time we caught them, but Ponyo was caught in April 2021 with a brood patch so is a female, and Opal was seen singing and so is a male. They are often caught or seen together, suggesting they are a breeding pair. They have lived at least 5 years, have a wide area of use, and their nest site was observed in two different years. This pair reaffirms and extends results from a small number of other studies of banded tufted titmice and provides useful insights into the life history of a Kentucky native species.
ECO8 - Avian diversity in areas of differing fire cycles on reclaimed coal mines in Bell County, Ky
First Author
james Ledford
Eastern Kentucky Unitversity
Grasslands are dynamic in space and time evolving in disturbances from fire and herbivores. However, studies on the responses of birds and other wildlife populations to fire and post-fire habitat changes are minimal. This study was conducted in the Appalachian mountains atop one of the first reclaimed mountaintop removal coal mines. We used the Merlin Bird ID app to record bird calls and identify their species. We recorded at three different sites i.e. current year burn, burned five years ago, and never burned. The results show that species richness and Shannon Weaver Diversity Index were highest in sites that were burned five years ago compared to unburned sites.
ECO9 - Evaluating effects of ecological restoration efforts on amphibians in lotic systems in the inner bluegrass: a proposal
First Author
Ethan Hoogerheide
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Cy Mott
Eastern Kentucky University
Due to increased urbanization in the United States, there is a demand for urban ecological studies to characterize the challenges urbanization places on native species. Rapid infrastructure development has harmful impacts on urban streams, as it removes habitat, increases sedimentation, alters stream flow, and negatively impacts aquatic communities. Amphibian communities are some of the most susceptible organisms to such alterations in their environment and are collectively the most imperiled vertebrate group; habitat loss has been the primary driver of their global declines. Amphibians are of great ecological importance as they comprise a significant portion of ecosystem biomass, play significant roles in trophic nutrient transfer, and serve as indicator species. They have extremely low tolerances for alterations in their environment, such as pollutants and habitat degradation. Lexington's Reforest the Bluegrass program has done extensive work to remediate damage to lotic ecosystems caused by urbanization. This study will monitor larval salamander density and diversity at seven restored, two unrestored, and seven minimally impaired reference streams to determine whether stream remediation has impacted amphibian populations. The results of this study will inform urban stream restoration efforts based on their associated effects on amphibian populations, providing insight into the coexistence of humans and amphibians in urban areas.
ECO10 - Surveying amphibian biodiversity in ephemeral habitats: The use of eDNA metabarcoding in amphibian monitoring.
First Author
Natalie Hill
Asbury University
Co-author
Sara Brewer
Asbury University
Co-author
Cy Mott
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Ben McLaughlin
Asbury University
Co-author
Karsner Fetter
Asbury University
Co-author
Lauren Slone
Asbury University
Co-author
Ethan Hoogerheide
Asbury University
Co-author
Ben Brammell
Asbury University
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging tool that promises to greatly increase the ease, efficacy, and scope of ecological studies. The relatively recent coupling of next generation sequencing with eDNA (metabarcoding) affords rapid quantification of species assemblages through the use of metagenomics. However, numerous questions remain regarding the use of this technique in various habitats, particularly how it correlates with field-based methods of organismal quantification. We collected water samples for eDNA extraction from thirty ephemeral systems in central and eastern Kentucky; sample collection was interspersed between March through December in twenty-four lentic and six lotic habitats. Field surveys were conducted at the time of sample collection and a total of nine amphibian species observed, primarily in larval form. DNA was extracted following established protocols, and amphibian DNA amplified utilizing primers demonstrated to preferentially amplify amphibian DNA in previous studies. Primers were modified with tails which included Illumina sequencing primer binding sites as well as internal barcodes with spacing bases (0-3) to increase amplicon size diversity. Illumina flow cell binding sites (p5 and p7) and i5 and i7 indices were added with a second PCR, and samples were sequenced to an expected depth of 420,000 reads/sample (Illumina NextSeq 2000, P1, 300 cycles). These data should provide valuable insight into the effectiveness of eDNA metabarcoding in amphibian community assessment in ephemeral habitats as well as insight into the relationship between eDNA metagenomic and field-based collecting data.
ECO11 - Trichome density is affected by fungal endophyte and nitrogen enrichment
First Author
Elizabeth Oakes
University of Louisville Department of Biology
Co-author
Shannon Walker
University of Louisville Department of Biology
Co-author
Sarah Emery
University of Louisville Department of Biology
Fungal endophytes are symbionts that live inside plant tissues and can have effects on plant function. Epichloë amarillans endophytes have been shown to increase physical defense traits in plants. Ammophila breviligulata (Fern.) is a host for E. amarillans (White). E. amarillans has been shown to positively affect the growth of A. breviligulata by increasing clonal growth and altering leaf traits. Trichomes function as a protective barrier against herbivores, excess sunlight, and water loss. Nitrogen enrichment may affect the physical defense traits by alleviating nitrogen limitation. We hypothesized that both E. amarillans and nitrogen enrichment will increase the number of trichomes in A. breviligulata.
In 2010 we established 90 4m2 plots in Leelanau State Park, Michigan. Half of the plots were planted with E. amarillans -inoculated A. breviligulata and half planted with sham-inoculated A. breviligulata. In 2016, two nitrogen enrichment treatments (low and high) and control plots were established in a subset of this experiment. In 2021 individual tillers of A. breviligulata were collected from each plot and analyzed for a variety of traits, including trichome density. We found that there was a trend of higher trichome density in E. amarillans -inoculated plants. We also found that nitrogen enrichment groups tended to have greater trichome density than controls, with high nitrogen enrichment having the highest trichome density. Studying the interactions between fungal endophytes and nitrogen availability on plant traits such as trichomes may provide insights into plant responses to various stressors.
In 2010 we established 90 4m2 plots in Leelanau State Park, Michigan. Half of the plots were planted with E. amarillans -inoculated A. breviligulata and half planted with sham-inoculated A. breviligulata. In 2016, two nitrogen enrichment treatments (low and high) and control plots were established in a subset of this experiment. In 2021 individual tillers of A. breviligulata were collected from each plot and analyzed for a variety of traits, including trichome density. We found that there was a trend of higher trichome density in E. amarillans -inoculated plants. We also found that nitrogen enrichment groups tended to have greater trichome density than controls, with high nitrogen enrichment having the highest trichome density. Studying the interactions between fungal endophytes and nitrogen availability on plant traits such as trichomes may provide insights into plant responses to various stressors.
ECO12 - Singing in the rain: A study of bird activity and the impact of weather
First Author
Blue Rudick
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Celestine DeWitt
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Kindle Zimmerman
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Lathan Herzog
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Franklin Matics
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Anna Holder
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Kedley Zimmerman
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Kolton Zimmerman
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Xathan Morgenhan
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
David Westneat
Taking Flight Next Level
Weather patterns are changing quickly. The impact on animals is not known but is difficult to uncover because it is hard to observe animals under all conditions. We used an electronic listening device (birdweather.com PUC device) to monitor vocal activity of birds continuously. The device uses AI to identify species and also records some basic weather data. We started recording in March 2024 and collected data until September 2024. We then divided the data in Spring (April & May) and summer (June-August) seasons. We looked for relationships between overall species numbers per day and temperature, precipitation, and humidity. We also asked if the number of detections per day of some resident species (Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, and Brown-headed Cowbirds) and all migratory birds were influenced by the weather variables. We evaluated both the ability of the device to provide accurate data and how weather affected bird activity.
ECO13 - Climate change impacts on the phenology of spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) in eastern North America.
First Author
Rebecca Perkins
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Yingying Xie
Northern Kentucky University
The spotted salamander, Ambystoma maculatum, is a pond-breeding amphibian that is under environmental threats globally. Altered temperature patterns associated with climate change causes shifts in the timing of amphibians' phenology (i.e., timing of life cycle events) which can affect their survival and reproduction and may reduce their fitness to the environment. Declines of amphibians have profound effects on ecosystems, including disruption of food chains and nutrient cycling. We integrated large amounts of observations from community science networks (iNaturalist) and natural history collections and annotated each image to determine life stages. Temperatures and precipitation in winter and spring were obtained for each observation record. This allows us to comprehensively assess climate change impacts on the breeding phenology across ecoregions. Statistical models and analysis showed phenology across all life stages (egg, larva, juvenile, and adult) became earlier from 2008 to 2023 and their advancements varied across ecoregions. Earlier life stages (adult and egg) showed slower advancement than later life stages (larva and juvenile), as warming accelerated amphibian development and metamorphosis. We also found that the responses to warming from different life stages varied among ecoregions. This project suggests that context-dependent conservation efforts should consider the local environment along amphibian life stages.
ECO14 - Development of an eDNA assay for use in detection of four-toed salamanders (Hemidactylium scutatum)
First Author
Lauren Slone
Asbury University
Co-author
Sara Brewer
Asbury University
Co-author
Karsner Fetter
Asbury University
Co-author
Cy Mott
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Rebecca Piche
Asbury University
Co-author
Elizabeth Strasko
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Jarrett Johnson
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Kenton Sena
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Bryce Wade
University of Tennessee
Co-author
Ben Brammell
Asbury University
Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an emerging tool expanding the scope of ecological studies. Recent works have highlighted the need for carefully tested assays for use in species-specific eDNA studies, but relatively little focus has been devoted to the region of mitochondrial DNA targeted in such studies. We developed a species-specific assay (primers and probe) for use in qPCR eDNA detection of Hemidactylium scutatum and tested these primers in silico (21 species) and in vitro (7 species) against sympatric species to ensure specificity. We field tested our assay at 15 field sites in central and eastern Kentucky and detected H. scutatum DNA at 10/15 sites in a manner mostly consistent with field observations. Additionally, we obtained DNA from eleven H. scutatum specimens from central and eastern KY, central and eastern Tennessee, New York, and Alabama; our assay was successful in amplifying H. scutatum DNA from each locality tested. A previously published H. scutatum eDNA assay was used to detect specimens from NY but failed to detect specimens from KY, TN, and AL. This assay targets the rapidly evolving intergenic spacer region (IGS), while our assay targets a section of the gene cytochrome b (cytb). We completed sequencing of the cytb region from all H. scutatum specimens, confirming conservation of this gene across the H. scutatum range. Completion of IGS sequencing is expected soon. These results appear consistent with our understanding of mitochondrial evolution and highlight the importance of locus selection in eDNA assay development.
ECO15 - Effect of spider web inclination on prey interception in forest understory
First Author
Stephen Houvenagle
University of Louisville
Co-author
Sarah Fortner
University of Louisville
Co-author
Lexy Wright
University of Louisville
Co-author
Stephen Yanoviak
University of Louisville
The structure and orientation of spider webs differ among species, habitats, populations, and individuals. This variation likely is the result of multiple ecological factors, including trade-offs between prey capture rates and the cost of web construction and maintenance. Unlike most other orb-weaving species, the forest-dwelling spider Leucauge venusta (Walckenaer) builds horizontally inclined webs. Here, we investigated the potential effect of web inclination on prey interception in a secondary forest at Horner Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary near Louisville, Kentucky. In May, July, and September 2024 we placed sticky traps at three inclinations (vertical, 45 degrees, or horizontal) along three 100 meter transects in the forest understory. Preliminary analyses showed that 95% of prey are small insects (< 5 mm body length); most (70%) were true flies, especially fungus gnats (Diptera: Mycetophilidae). Average prey body length was larger in horizontal traps, and prey abundance differed by season and trap orientation. The results of this study suggest that web orientation affects the quality of prey available to orb-weaving spiders like L. venusta.
ECO16 - Effects of environmental conditions during seed dormancy to promote Northern Spicebush seed germination
First Author
Cameron Johnson
Asbury University
Co-author
Marvin Ruffner
Asbury University
Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) is a native shrub commonly found inhabiting the understory of mesophytic forests of the eastern U.S. L. benzoin is dioecious and it provides several wildlife benefits as well as commercial value of essential oils and teas. It occupies the same niche as the highly invasive, introduced bush honeysuckle (Loniciera maackii) making it an ideal candidate for restoration plantings to forest understories invaded by L. maackii. Current knowledge suggests L. benzoin can be propagated by cuttings; however, it can also be propagated by seed. Research indicates L. benzoin seed requires an extended period of cold, moist stratification (CMS) (i.e., up to 12 weeks of) to break seed dormancy. Further, recent research has shown removing L. benzoin fruit pulp results in higher percentage seed germination compared to un-pulped seed. Nonetheless, in our opinion the knowledge of a consistently effective L. benzoin seed germination protocol enabling one to efficiently propagate large numbers of L. benzoin shrubs is not widely available. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate both substrate type (forest soil vs. artificial potting soil) and environment location (outdoors vs. artificial, i.e., ~ 4°C refrigeration) during seed dormancy to promote L. benzoin seed germination. In Fall 2024, L. benzoin fruit was collected from wild populations in central KY and all seed was counted and de-pulped prior to experimental treatments. The following experimental treatments were implemented with four replications of 20 seeds each: a) forest soil + 12 weeks outdoor CMS; b) artificial soil + 12 weeks outdoor CMS; c) forest soil + 12 weeks 4°C CMS; and d) artificial soil + 12 weeks 4°C CMS. Results from this study will further contribute important scientific knowledge regarding dormancy conditions to promote L. benzoin seed germination as efficient propagation method for its commercial and ecological restoration values.
ECO17 - Is your nest successful? Breeding success of Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) by height and plant type
First Author
Kolton Zimmerman
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Celestine DeWitt
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Emerson Cooper
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Anna Holder
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Kedley Zimmerman
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Franklin Matics
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Xathan Morgenhan
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Bryum Richardson
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
Dexter Vilt
Taking Flight Next Level
Co-author
David Westneat
Taking Flight Next Level
Northern Cardinals are an intriguing case of a native species that has adjusted to humans. We were curious as to whether where they nest affects their success at producing offspring. We surveyed nesting habitat at three locations (UK's Ecological Research and Education Center, UK's campus, and the Arboretum) and noted the plant type and height of any cardinal nest. We revisited nests until they either failed (eggs or nestlings disappeared) or 'succeeded' if the nestlings reached 8 or 9 days of age, just before they usually jump out of the nest. We then asked if success depended on plant type or height. The sites differed a lot in plant types, with EREC having mostly invasive honeysuckle and the other sites a variety of trees and shrubs but no honeysuckle. Nest success was relatively low across all sites. Understanding the factors that have allowed cardinals to succeed in cities like Lexington may help us understand why other species have trouble with humans.
ECO18 - Balancing levels of vigilance under different levels of predation risk to maximize foraging success in grey squirrels
First Author
Koda Wilson
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jeremy Gibson
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Balancing levels of vigilance under different levels of predation risk to maximize foraging success in grey squirrels using an individual-based model approach
Squirrels commonly display vigilance behavior while foraging which affects their foraging efficacy. Vigilance behavior is necessary if there is a non-zero risk of predation. Thus, there is a tradeoff between vigilance behavior and foraging efficiency which must be balanced against predation risk. We hypothesized that vigilance would affect foraging success. To test this hypothesis, we used a custom-built individual-based model in NetLogo. We predicted that moderate levels of vigilance would be the most effective strategy to maximize the number of nuts cached under different levels of predation risk. The simulations we ran focused on 3 different scenarios: 1) no competition for nuts and low predation risk, 2) high competition for nuts and moderate predation risk, and 3) low competition for nuts and high predation risk. We ran each scenario using 3 different levels of vigilance, 2 levels we set (med and high) and the 3rd level (low) was based on field observations of grey squirrels on KWC's campus. We found that squirrels who engaged in high amounts of vigilance were too observant to forage and collect food; conversely, squirrels with too low vigilance were not attentive enough and therefore were consumed. These findings imply that moderate levels of vigilance, in simulated squirrels, may be a successful strategy when faced with different levels of predation risk.
Squirrels commonly display vigilance behavior while foraging which affects their foraging efficacy. Vigilance behavior is necessary if there is a non-zero risk of predation. Thus, there is a tradeoff between vigilance behavior and foraging efficiency which must be balanced against predation risk. We hypothesized that vigilance would affect foraging success. To test this hypothesis, we used a custom-built individual-based model in NetLogo. We predicted that moderate levels of vigilance would be the most effective strategy to maximize the number of nuts cached under different levels of predation risk. The simulations we ran focused on 3 different scenarios: 1) no competition for nuts and low predation risk, 2) high competition for nuts and moderate predation risk, and 3) low competition for nuts and high predation risk. We ran each scenario using 3 different levels of vigilance, 2 levels we set (med and high) and the 3rd level (low) was based on field observations of grey squirrels on KWC's campus. We found that squirrels who engaged in high amounts of vigilance were too observant to forage and collect food; conversely, squirrels with too low vigilance were not attentive enough and therefore were consumed. These findings imply that moderate levels of vigilance, in simulated squirrels, may be a successful strategy when faced with different levels of predation risk.
ECO19 - Analyzing patterns of genetic structure in Leuctra stoneflies
First Author
Andrew Jackson
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Jarrett Johnson
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Madison Layer
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Scott Grubbs
Western Kentucky University
Many aquatic insect species, such as stoneflies found in the genus Leuctra, have experienced population declines due to their sensitivity to habitat alteration, including water pollution. Accurate species identification is crucial to the delineation of imperiled populations and taxa. Traditionally, stonefly taxonomists have relied on male morphological differences to classify species, leading to partial and preliminary classification of females and difficulty assessing species assemblages. Molecular sequencing for the purposes of species identification can enhance conservation efforts by including female stoneflies and individuals in the nymph stage, potentially clarifying classifications. This study builds upon previous efforts to classify Leuctra using mtDNA and explores variation in nuclear DNA markers. We constructed genomic DNA libraries using the 3RAD strategy and obtained next-generation-sequence data to identify tens of thousands of SNPs across the sequenced individuals. We used population genetic strategies to reveal patterns of population structure and identify species boundaries. We compared our data to current understanding of Leuctra taxonomy and a recent mtDNA study of the same samples. Our findings using nuclear genomic DNA suggest that modification to the existing Leuctra taxonomy is warranted and supports the conclusion of the mtDNA study that cryptic and synonymous species are present in the genus. Continued testing should be continued further to shed light on the complexities of stonefly genetics.
ECO20 - Effects of controlled fires on ruminant nutrition
First Author
Promise Willhite
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Michael Stokes
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Paul Allin
Transfrontier Africa
In South Africa, a major sector of the economy is ecotourism, due to the attractive biodiversity. Many wildlife species, such as giraffe, buffalo, and antelope, are ruminants, a group of ungulate herbivores. Most of these species rely on grasses as a large part of their diet, meaning the quality of grass is crucial to both the biodiversity and the economy.
Controlled fires are a common land management technique; however, they are not always accepted due to skepticism around their effectiveness or perceived negative impact on tourism. In October 2022, a controlled fire was set in Olifants West Nature Reserve, a subsection of the greater Kruger Park ecosystem,. In June 2023, I travelled to Olifants West to collect samples of the grasses along transects penetrating deep within the burned area, with matching samples taken from adjacent, unburned area. These samples were analyzed by ChemNutri, an agricultural lab in the using standard techniques for assessing animal feed, including fiber, fat, and protein. Samples were taken again in April 2024 and tested at the same lab.
The samples collected in the burned area in June 2023 had higher levels of protein and fiber than those in the unburned area, as the controlled burn encouraged more nutritional growth in this area versus the control area. The samples collected in the burned area in 2024 had a lower nutritional value than those collected in August as the nutrients returned to the soil by burning were depleted.
Controlled fires are a common land management technique; however, they are not always accepted due to skepticism around their effectiveness or perceived negative impact on tourism. In October 2022, a controlled fire was set in Olifants West Nature Reserve, a subsection of the greater Kruger Park ecosystem,. In June 2023, I travelled to Olifants West to collect samples of the grasses along transects penetrating deep within the burned area, with matching samples taken from adjacent, unburned area. These samples were analyzed by ChemNutri, an agricultural lab in the using standard techniques for assessing animal feed, including fiber, fat, and protein. Samples were taken again in April 2024 and tested at the same lab.
The samples collected in the burned area in June 2023 had higher levels of protein and fiber than those in the unburned area, as the controlled burn encouraged more nutritional growth in this area versus the control area. The samples collected in the burned area in 2024 had a lower nutritional value than those collected in August as the nutrients returned to the soil by burning were depleted.
GEOG1 - How do visitor preferences and invasive species awareness shape forest recreation in Kentucky?
First Author
Suraj Upadhaya
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Kasia Bradley
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Jody Thompson
Kentucky State University
As society individualizes, communities' perceptions and attitudes towards nature and forest management are changing. Understanding why the public visits forestlands and their perceptions and attitudes towards forests can assist in active forest management and outreach strategies. This study investigates visitor preferences and perceptions of forest recreation areas in Kentucky through the 2024 Forest Recreation Survey. Data from eight key recreation sites, including Natural Bridge and Cumberland Falls State Parks, indicate that visitors primarily seek nature experiences, scenic beauty, and stress relief. Significant respondents frequently visit Natural Bridge State Park and Cumberland Falls State Park, with hiking, nature viewing, and camping as the preferred activities. Despite high awareness of invasive species (82%), only 48.68% of visitors are confident in identifying them, with nearly half expressing significant concern about forest safety due to invasive species. The findings highlight the need for targeted educational initiatives on invasive species and their management to enhance visitor experience and foster sustainable forest management practices. Forest areas can better support Kentuckian's recreational preferences and conservation efforts by aligning recreation management with user preferences and enhancing ecological education.
GEOL 1 - Understanding the distribution of nutrients in karst systems using biogeochemical methods
First Author
Emelia Harris
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Sierra Ison
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Abbie Grzynkowicz
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
John Gribbins
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Darryl Woods Jr.
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Madison High
Kentucky Geological Survey
The small town of Lee County, Kentucky, has countless oil monitoring sites and numerous cave systems within the karst landscape. Many of these caves host a broad range of wildlife, such as insects, salamanders, and bats. The relationship between such cave biota and groundwater in karst systems has not been the topic of extensive study. A biological assessment using a unique zoning technique was done to inventory the cave before water sampling began.
In this study, water was determinatively sampled to assess the geochemical environment. Samples were evaluated by conducting a general water quality analysis, a total CNP (Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorous) analysis, and an fDOM (fluorescent dissolved organic material) spectroscopic analysis. fDOM data was statistically manipulated using a PARAFAC analysis of EEM (excitation-emission matrix) from the Rstudio staRdom (spectroscopic analysis of dissolved organic matter) package. The results suggested that there was no noticeable correlation between droppings from cave biota and geochemical groundwater tracers. An unexpected correlation was exhibited, suggesting that there is a nutrient source located upstream of Big Sinking Creek at the study site. Water composition is similar for Sites 3-8, but drastically different for Sites 9-11. Future studies could further evaluate this area for potential drainage sources and nutrient influxes.
In this study, water was determinatively sampled to assess the geochemical environment. Samples were evaluated by conducting a general water quality analysis, a total CNP (Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorous) analysis, and an fDOM (fluorescent dissolved organic material) spectroscopic analysis. fDOM data was statistically manipulated using a PARAFAC analysis of EEM (excitation-emission matrix) from the Rstudio staRdom (spectroscopic analysis of dissolved organic matter) package. The results suggested that there was no noticeable correlation between droppings from cave biota and geochemical groundwater tracers. An unexpected correlation was exhibited, suggesting that there is a nutrient source located upstream of Big Sinking Creek at the study site. Water composition is similar for Sites 3-8, but drastically different for Sites 9-11. Future studies could further evaluate this area for potential drainage sources and nutrient influxes.
GEOL2 - Using Quantitative Dye Trace and Discharge Measurements to Locate Groundwater Storage
First Author
Darryl Woods
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Abbie Grzynkowicz
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
John Gribbons
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Madison High
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Sierra Ison
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Emelia Harris
Kentucky Geological Survey
Knowledge of water storage throughout eastern Kentucky is important to find fresh groundwater sources for drinking. During the summer of 2024, research was conducted in Lee County, Kentucky in the Red River Gorge Geological Area along the Big Sinking Creek. Two methods were used to find groundwater sources in this region.
First, Big Sinking Creek stream's discharge was measured in ten randomly placed sites in June of 2024 starting towards the north at Stillhouse Cave, eventually leading to a stream heading south, leading into the Big Sinking Creek heading eastward. The discharge of each site was measured in 10-foot increments perpendicular to the stream. There was a discharge increase heading southward into the Big Sinking Creek until the 9th site heading eastward where there was a dip in discharge and another increase at the 10th site heading eastward. The decreasing discharge at site 9 indicated water is being stored within the gravel deposits.
Then, Rhodamine Water Tracer (WT) dye was poured on June 2024, in a stream at Stillhouse Cave, and the dye traveled through the ten different sites following the stream, leading to Big Sinking Creek. Data loggers were placed at three sites (site seven, midpoint, and site eight) heading southwards to detect dye concentration throughout the stream. In the midpoint of the stream, there was a decrease in dye concentration detected by the data loggers, and dye later reappeared downstream. This determined that water is being stored at the midpoint of the stream within the sand deposit.
First, Big Sinking Creek stream's discharge was measured in ten randomly placed sites in June of 2024 starting towards the north at Stillhouse Cave, eventually leading to a stream heading south, leading into the Big Sinking Creek heading eastward. The discharge of each site was measured in 10-foot increments perpendicular to the stream. There was a discharge increase heading southward into the Big Sinking Creek until the 9th site heading eastward where there was a dip in discharge and another increase at the 10th site heading eastward. The decreasing discharge at site 9 indicated water is being stored within the gravel deposits.
Then, Rhodamine Water Tracer (WT) dye was poured on June 2024, in a stream at Stillhouse Cave, and the dye traveled through the ten different sites following the stream, leading to Big Sinking Creek. Data loggers were placed at three sites (site seven, midpoint, and site eight) heading southwards to detect dye concentration throughout the stream. In the midpoint of the stream, there was a decrease in dye concentration detected by the data loggers, and dye later reappeared downstream. This determined that water is being stored at the midpoint of the stream within the sand deposit.
GEOL3 - Preliminary Investigation on stream flow variations in the Easy Way Passage, Roppel Section of the Mammoth Cave System
First Author
Ljubomir Risteski
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Dr. Patricia Kambesis
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
James Borden
Cave Research Foundation
Scallops are asymmetrical, scoop-like indentations with a steep slope on the upstream side and a gentler slope on the downstream side, bounded by crests that are also angled in the downstream direction. These features can vary greatly from the millimeter to the decameter in scale. Work done initially by Rane L. Curl in 1974 showed that these features were not only directional but could be used to deduce flow velocity. Scallops were measured in a 2-meter high by half-meter wide canyon in the Roppel section of Mammoth Cave System named the 'Easy Way.' Here, scallops vary in size but are generally in two stages: base and high flow. Furthermore, the localized stratigraphy of the passage also seems to be a controlling factor. Measurements were taken of both base and high flow stage scallops and input into the program ScallopEx (Woodward & Sasowsky, 2009) with the following parameters: scallop length, temperature, and average passage width. Our analysis yielded four different velocity calculations representing high flow and base flow from measurements taken in an upper and lower bed. Velocity calculations ranged from 290.87 cm/s to 193.66 cm/s during high flow and 35.42 cm/s to 28.79 cm/s. This study is preliminary but may one day indicate the beginning of drainage to the north, towards Pike Spring, possibly indicative of a shift from southward drainage towards Turnhole Bend Spring.
GEOL4 - Mangrove Peats from the Miocene Climatic Optimum of Western Peru
First Author
Christopher Marsh
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jen O'Keefe
Morehead State University
As climate change is occurring, coastal peatlands are becoming increasingly threatened and in need of protection and understanding. Little is known about fungal communities' relationships to peat taphonomy in mangrove peats during the Miocene Climate Optimum (~18-13 MA). Miocene site P6 from the Fungi in a Warmer World sampling campaign in northwestern Peru provides us with an especially diverse array of fungal palynomorphs that, together with the pollen recovered from the sediments, indicate deposition in and adjacent to a Rhizophora-dominated (mangrove) ecosystem. While fungal proxy paleoclimate estimates are in line with today's temperatures, the entire system reconstructs much wetter than the present-day. with signs of increasing temperatures and moisture levels. Of note, portions of the exposure that reconstruct cooler temperatures are siliciclastic dominated and likely represent input of upland taxa, rather than episodes of actual cooling.
GEOL5 - CLIMBS: Finding the Peat!
First Author
Hannah Sprinkle
Morehead State University
Co-author
Margaret Alden
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jen O'Keefe
Morehead State University
The CLIMBS Project seeks to strengthen Kentucky's climate resiliency and hazard engineering. Project 2 (P2) focuses on bettering our understanding of Kentucky's past environmental history, using biological and geological proxies to study major flood events. As we build a palynological Holocene climate reconstruction for Kentucky, the Morehead State University team needs to locate and sample datable deposits that have undergone little alteration so that we can establish a baseline. By coring peat deposits, we plan to collect a thorough, highly localized Holocene paleoclimate and paleoecology record in Eastern Kentucky. Currently, work is focused on locating possible study sites. Here we present plans and early outcomes in the mapping of modern peat deposits in Kentucky, with an initial focus on four clusters of counties adjacent to current and proposed P2 study sites.
GEOL6 - All is Not Lost! The Revision of the Morehead State Fossil and Rock Collection
First Author
Shelby Turner
Morehead State University
Co-author
June Lennex-Stone
Morehead State University
Co-author
Ava Fluharty
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jen O'Keefe
Morehead State University
Since the mid-1990's, the Morehead State Geological Specimen Archive has not been curated and no new specimens have been accessioned since at least 1981. With the impending move to a new building, students and faculty are working to organize and consolidate the Geological Specimen collection. The process has three main goals: 1) digitize the physical catalog; 2) sort and organize physical holdings; 3) reduce holdings to fit the space available in the new building. Catalog digitization is nearing completion, and in the process of sorting and organizing the physical holdings, they are being cross-checked against the catalog. Once this process is complete, specimens will be photographed and the complete catalog uploaded to SESAR, an online service that aims to make the collection much more accessible. The sorting process is also identifying many uncatalogued specimens. Those with no contextual data are automatically discarded unless they represent prime teaching specimens; those with enough contextual data to be scientifically useful or prime teaching specimens are accessioned into the catalog. Discarded items fall into three categories: those to become kits for teachers, those to be re-homed with students, and those destined for the campus rock pile. Here we present an update on the process.
GEOL7 - A Virtual 3D Scanning and Microscopy Geologic Library
First Author
Larissa Scott
NKU
Northern Kentucky University owns thousands of rocks, minerals, and fossils that are waiting to be explored. Because the collection is so extensive, samples are stored in cabinets. By creating a digital library anyone on-campus or off may explore the collection. This will serve as an educational resource for students and faculty by providing interactive access to high-resolution images combined with detailed information about various specimens. This project provides an enhanced learning experience that will offer valuable tools for both in-class teaching and remote learning.
The library will be created using an Einscan-SE SD scanner. Photogrammetric software will be used to create three dimensional models of rock, fossil, and mineral specimens. Once specimens are scanned and converted into the 3D software, they will be uploaded to a virtual library. This library will broaden the access of our collection so it may be accessible to anyone.
Three-dimensional scanning allows users to rotate samples and apply zoom features. Other tools may be included. Introductory minerals and rocks will be included in the study because they are critical to understanding the basics of minerology and how rocks are formed. Each sample has a corresponding thin section that will be included in the virtual library, allowing users to view samples without a microscope.
The proposed virtual library will not only preserve valuable geological specimens but also make them more accessible to students, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Earth's natural resources. It represents a significant step forward in educational technology for NKU's Geology department.
The library will be created using an Einscan-SE SD scanner. Photogrammetric software will be used to create three dimensional models of rock, fossil, and mineral specimens. Once specimens are scanned and converted into the 3D software, they will be uploaded to a virtual library. This library will broaden the access of our collection so it may be accessible to anyone.
Three-dimensional scanning allows users to rotate samples and apply zoom features. Other tools may be included. Introductory minerals and rocks will be included in the study because they are critical to understanding the basics of minerology and how rocks are formed. Each sample has a corresponding thin section that will be included in the virtual library, allowing users to view samples without a microscope.
The proposed virtual library will not only preserve valuable geological specimens but also make them more accessible to students, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Earth's natural resources. It represents a significant step forward in educational technology for NKU's Geology department.
GEOL8 - CLIMBS: Revisiting Big Bone Lick to develop a Holocene Climate Record for Kentucky
First Author
Tori Reid
Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics
Co-author
Avery Wasinger
Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics
Co-author
Margaret Alden
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jen O'Keefe
Morehead State University
Climate change has led to more extreme and frequent natural disasters. To predict and prepare for these events, we must understand the patterns of Kentucky's historical climate. CLIMBS (Climate Resilience through Multidisciplinary Big Data Learning, Prediction, and Building Response Systems) Project 2: Paleoperspectives aims to improve our current understanding of Kentucky's historical climate through the analysis of paleorecords, such as proxy materials preserved in sediments, with a goal of improving our ability to recognize past natural disasters, such as flooding or mudslides and the climate conditions under which they occur. To do this, we must build a Holocene climate record for Kentucky. Sediments from Big Bone Lick State Historic Site record late Pleistocene to mid-Holocene climate history of Northern Kentucky. Famous since the 1700's as the birthplace of North American Vertebrate Paleontology, it was only in 2015 that abundant plant, fungal, and other organic-walled microfossils (palynomorphs) are present. To build capacity in paleoclimate and paleoecology research, we are re-examining legacy slides from Kentucky Geological Survey core BBL 3. The core contains a diverse palynoflora, with abundant non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), primarily fungi, that can be used to reconstruct the local microclimate and provide details about past ecosystems. While generally cooler than today, the palynology of samples from BBL 3 provide an important record of ecological change during a time of past warming.
HS1 - Empowering future aquaculture food safety experts: Student food health certification
First Author
Toheeb Falakin
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Tanaboon Junlaprom
Kentucky State University
Every year, thousands of people die, and many millions fall ill due to the consumption of unsafe food. As seafood consumption is increasing in the United States, the aquaculture industry needs well-trained food safety experts to minimize risks of foodborne diseases and contamination.
This project aims to enhance food safety knowledge and practical skills among aquaculture students at Kentucky State University (KSU) by providing professional food health certification and fish processing training. This project will support the certification of four KSU students as Food Safety Managers and twelve students with Food Handlers Cards through the state-approved platform. Also, the project will focus on the purchase of essential fish processing tools, allowing students to practice their newly acquired skills within KSU's USDA-Certified Food Processing Facility.
This project will build capacity in food safety certification and practical fish processing. The students will have greater skill diversity, which is highly useful in a competitive job market, and also be empowered to process seafood safely, contribute to public health, and participate in educational events like product demonstrations, fostering a safer aquaculture practice and raising more certified experts in aquaculture.
This project aims to enhance food safety knowledge and practical skills among aquaculture students at Kentucky State University (KSU) by providing professional food health certification and fish processing training. This project will support the certification of four KSU students as Food Safety Managers and twelve students with Food Handlers Cards through the state-approved platform. Also, the project will focus on the purchase of essential fish processing tools, allowing students to practice their newly acquired skills within KSU's USDA-Certified Food Processing Facility.
This project will build capacity in food safety certification and practical fish processing. The students will have greater skill diversity, which is highly useful in a competitive job market, and also be empowered to process seafood safely, contribute to public health, and participate in educational events like product demonstrations, fostering a safer aquaculture practice and raising more certified experts in aquaculture.
HS2 - The Obesity Paradox and its effect on sepsis survival within a university hospital in Kentucky
First Author
Carter Gibson
Georgetown College
Co-author
Marlene Starr
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Dan Davenport
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Lance Butler
University of Kentucky
Every year, 350,000 Americans perish from a sepsis-related hospitalization. Interestingly, the obesity paradox states that there is an increased survival percentage in obese people when fighting sepsis. This experiment was conducted to determine whether the obesity paradox improved sepsis survival rates in patients at a university hospital in Kentucky. Using a database of more than 10,500 patients who had been diagnosed with sepsis, we analyzed patients based upon their BMI, the severity of their symptoms, and their discharge status. We also noted the septic status of patients at the time of admission. We found that the majority of patients diagnosed with mild symptoms of sepsis had improved long-term survival rates when they were of normal weight. However, we found that patients diagnosed with severe sepsis and patients that required ventilation excelled in their rate of survival if they were overweight or obese. Research on the obesity paradox will continue to be observed at this institution and holds potential to determine a treatment for normal people with severe sepsis or those that require ventilation.
HS3 - Cholinesterase inhibitory activity of paeoniflorin: justification for use in dementia of Alzheimer's disease
First Author
Muhammad Nabeel Ghayur
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Mohnad Abdalla
Shandong University
Co-author
Asaad Khalid
Jazan University
Co-author
Jasmine Hedayati
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Ayesha Ghayur
University of Pikeville
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) dementia is the number one cause of neurodegenerative dementia in the world. AD is characterized by a sequela of cognitive and functional decline caused by brain cell degeneration. Since AD symptoms are caused by lack of acetylcholine (ACh), symptomatic treatments include donepezil, rivastigmine, or galantamine, used for their known role in the inhibition of acetylcholine esterase (AChE) enzyme. Paeoniflorin (PF) is a monoterpenoid glycoside found in plants of the Paeoniaceae family, which are valued for their medicinal value including dementia. We present our findings on the effect of PF on ChE enzymes like AChE and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). PF in a dose-dependent manner inhibited both AChE and BChE enzymes. This inhibitory effect was comparable to the effect produced by a standard AChE inhibitor physostigmine. Interaction between PF and the ChE enzymes was further investigated by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations for 100 ns, which showed that PF interacted with the active-site gorge of AChE through hydrophobic, pi-pi stacking, and hydrogen bonds with various amino acids of the AChE and BChE enzymes. The results show that PF has ChE inhibitory activity which shows its potential for use in dementia of AD.
HS4 - Medicinal plants from South Asia and their potential for use in memory loss
First Author
Muhammad Nabeel Ghayur
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Fawad Alam-Siddiqui
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Ayesha Ghayur
University of Pikeville
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia are common disorders that have significant impacts on individuals, their loved ones, and societies. Current pharmaceutical interventions have shown some improvement in an individual's quality of life, but much must be done to reduce the burden of AD. This paper investigates herbal remedies for these illnesses. The first part of our study involved going through several local South Asian (India and Pakistan) books and finding plants that are used to help with memory issues and then to search scientific databases (such as PubMed, and Google Scholar) to see if any of those plants have dementia and memory loss-related activities already reported. We were able to find a total of thirteen traditionally used South Asian plants, from the books searched, with memory enhancing properties. For these plants, all kinds of their parts are utilized as medicine to help with memory enhancement. Most plants belonged to the Umbelliferae family. When we searched the known databases like PubMed and Google Scholar, all these plants were reported to have some sort of activity related to AD like acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective activities. Our search shows the existence and potential of medicinal plants in enhancing memory and thus for use in dementia and AD although much more research is needed to elucidate the exact scientific basis of use of these plants in these conditions.
HS5 - Aspalathus linearis 70% ethanolic extract vasodilates porcine coronary artery
First Author
Muhammad Wali Ghayur
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Jacob Doman
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Ishfaq Ali Bukhari
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Thomas R. Hess
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Guichun Han
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Muhammad Nabeel Ghayur
University of Pikeville
Aspalathus linearis (Fabaceae), commonly known as rooibos, is an indigenous South African plant. A tea made of dried leaves of rooibos, is known as a traditional remedy in certain gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. In this study, we report a vasodilator effect of rooibos. Dried rooibos leaves (87 g) were acquired from an online supplier. They were soaked in 1 L of solvent (70% aqueous ethanol) for 3 days, thrice. The solvent was filtered and then concentrated in a rotary evaporator. The extract was tested on porcine left anterior descending (LAD) artery, which is the largest coronary artery. Different chemicals like U-46619 (1 micM; thromboxane mimetic) and KCl (60 mM) were used to constrict the artery. The extract, up to the dose of 1 mg/ml, did not show any constrictor effect while when tested on contractions induced by KCl and U-46619, the extract dose-dependently (0.1-1 mg/ml) relaxed the vessels. There was no significant difference between the relaxant effect of the extract against both the constrictors. The relaxant effect of the extract was not blocked by indomethacin (COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitor) but was partially blocked by L-NAME (non-selective NO synthase inhibitor), indicating that the relaxant effect was to a certain extent endothelium-dependent. Results show a clear vasodilator effect of the rooibos extract, providing scientific evidence for the traditional use of this herb in cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension.
HS6 - Effect of Zingiber Officinale 70% ethanolic extract on bovine left anterior descending artery
First Author
Muhammad Wali Ghayur
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Jacob Doman
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Ishfaq Ali Bukhari
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Thomas R. Hess
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Guichun Han
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Muhammad Nabeel Ghayur
University of Pikeville
Zingiber officinale (ginger) rhizome is used worldwide for its culinary properties and as a medicinal plant for benefits on cardiovascular system. In this investigation, we provide evidence for vasorelaxant activity of ginger. Dried ginger (157 g) was acquired from a local supplier in Kentucky. It was soaked in 1 L of solvent (70% aq. ethanol) for 3 days, thrice. The solvent was filtered and concentrated in a rotary evaporator to obtain an extract that was tested on bovine left anterior descending (LAD) artery. Different chemicals like U-46619 (1 micM; thromboxane mimetic) and KCl (60 mM) were used to constrict the artery. The extract, up to the dose of 1 mg/ml, did not show any constrictor effect when tested on the baseline of the artery. When tested on U-46619 (1 micM)-induced contraction, the extract dose-dependently (0.02-1.5 mg/ml) relaxed the vessels. The EC50 value for this relaxant effect was 0.77 mg/ml (0.43-1.41, 95% CI, n=8). When tested on KCl (60 mM)-induced contraction, the extract dose-dependently (0.02-1.0 mg/ml) relaxed the vessels. The EC50 value for this relaxant effect was 0.51 mg/ml (0.29-0.88, 95% CI, n=8). There was no significant difference between the relaxant effect of the extract against both the constrictors. The relaxant effect was specifically mediated by the extract as when the vehicle alone was tested, it did not show any relaxant effect on the induced contractions. Results exhibit evidence for a vasorelaxant effect ginger. These results show the promise of this herb as a potential agent for its antihypertensive benefits.
HS7 - Recombinant Human Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) derived from Tobacco Plants Dissolving Fibrin
First Author
Ethan Slone
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Kassidy Blackburn
University of Pikeville
Tissue Plasminogen Activator (t-PA) is a crucial enzyme in thrombolytic therapy, used to treat acute myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke by catalyzing the conversion of plasminogen to plasmin, the primary enzyme responsible for clot breakdown. However, traditional recombinant t-PA production methods, such as mammalian cell cultures, present challenges like high costs and complex purification processes. This study explores a novel, plant-based transient expression system for producing recombinant t-PA, offering a more scalable and cost-effective solution.
We engineered Nicotiana benthamiana tobacco plants to transiently express a human codon-optimized t-PA gene using a geminivirus-based single replicon vector. The gene construct also included a signal peptide to promote secretion, enhancing expression and stability. After agroinfiltration, the plants successfully produced high levels of t-PA, which was then extracted and purified. Preliminary assays confirmed the plant-derived t-PA's ability to dissolve fibrin, demonstrating its functional activity.
This plant-based method not only lowers production costs but also reduces the risk of contamination with human pathogens, marking a significant advancement in the production of pharmaceutical-grade t-PA. Furthermore, the approach could be adapted for the production of other therapeutic proteins, highlighting the potential of plant-based biomanufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry. This project was partially supported by grant P20GM103436-24 (KY INBRE) from the National Institute of General Medical Science.
We engineered Nicotiana benthamiana tobacco plants to transiently express a human codon-optimized t-PA gene using a geminivirus-based single replicon vector. The gene construct also included a signal peptide to promote secretion, enhancing expression and stability. After agroinfiltration, the plants successfully produced high levels of t-PA, which was then extracted and purified. Preliminary assays confirmed the plant-derived t-PA's ability to dissolve fibrin, demonstrating its functional activity.
This plant-based method not only lowers production costs but also reduces the risk of contamination with human pathogens, marking a significant advancement in the production of pharmaceutical-grade t-PA. Furthermore, the approach could be adapted for the production of other therapeutic proteins, highlighting the potential of plant-based biomanufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry. This project was partially supported by grant P20GM103436-24 (KY INBRE) from the National Institute of General Medical Science.
HS8 - Alkaline Phosphatase Role in Combating LPS-Induced Inflammation in the Placenta
First Author
Adrian Castaneda
Berea College
Co-author
Bibhash Paria
Vanderbilt Medical Center
Preterm birth (PTB, births < 37 weeks of pregnancy) is a global health issue accounting for ~40% of infant deaths and long-term co-morbidities in survivors. Inflammation induced by pathogenic bacterial exposure during pregnancy is a leading cause of PTB. There are no FDA-approved treatments for PTB prevention. Additionally, antibiotic treatment is controversial due to evidence of harm to the fetus. One of the placenta's roles is to protect the fetus from harmful maternal substances. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a virulence factor of gram-negative bacteria. It causes PTB by inducing inflammatory cytokines production via interacting with TLR4. There is no evidence that the placenta-derived factors defend against LPS-induced inflammation at the maternal-fetal interface. Alkaline phosphatase (AP) detoxifies LPS via dephosphorylation, thus making it a molecule of interest for combating LPS-induced inflammatory responses. Our lab has characterized the expression of APs in the placenta and found that the placental labyrinth zone expresses TNAP suggesting this AP's role in LPS detoxification. In this study, we investigated the anti-inflammatory potential of AP in LPS-induced placental labyrinth in vitro. Our findings indicated that the production of LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, and Il-6) was attenuated by treatment with AP suggesting LPS dephosphorylation participated in an anti-inflammatory effect. Overall, we demonstrate that AP plays a role in attenuating LPS-induced inflammatory responses in the placenta by LPS dephosphorylation and downregulation of the TLR4-MyD88-dependent signaling pathway. Improved knowledge regarding AP's anti-inflammatory role will further expand the pharmacological treatment of E. coli-induced pregnancy complications.
HS9 - A Comparative Study of the Association Between Hard Drug Use and Periodontitis
First Author
Angela Chen
Berea College
Background: The goal of this study is to examine the correlation between hard drug usage and periodontitis in adults using the 2013-2014 NHANES medication and health examination datasets. By employing R Studio to make stratified analyses using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey dataset, this study can provide further context behind dental health gaps across America.
Methodology: The presence of periodontal disease will be defined by the CDC's guidelines based on attachment loss and probing depth measures (dependent variable). The independent variables are usage or non-usage of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Welch Two Sample t-test will be utilized in bivariate data analysis and will be done in the RStudio statistical software (version 4.4.0).
Hypotheses: H0: There is not a significant association between hard drug use and periodontitis prevalence. H1: There is a significant association between hard drug use and periodontitis prevalence.
Results: The analysis will focus on participants who have completed a full periodontal exam and use the individual mean of LOA (loss of attachment) to compare users of hard drugs to non-users. The results will be presented with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values.
Conclusion: This biostatistical study examines the potential association between two public health concerns: substance abuse and periodontitis. By utilizing the NHANES datasets, this research strives to contribute to the understanding of dental health disparities across the US. Findings may result in implications in both dental care practice and substance abuse treatment, potentially leading to more comprehensive healthcare strategies.
Methodology: The presence of periodontal disease will be defined by the CDC's guidelines based on attachment loss and probing depth measures (dependent variable). The independent variables are usage or non-usage of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. Welch Two Sample t-test will be utilized in bivariate data analysis and will be done in the RStudio statistical software (version 4.4.0).
Hypotheses: H0: There is not a significant association between hard drug use and periodontitis prevalence. H1: There is a significant association between hard drug use and periodontitis prevalence.
Results: The analysis will focus on participants who have completed a full periodontal exam and use the individual mean of LOA (loss of attachment) to compare users of hard drugs to non-users. The results will be presented with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals and p-values.
Conclusion: This biostatistical study examines the potential association between two public health concerns: substance abuse and periodontitis. By utilizing the NHANES datasets, this research strives to contribute to the understanding of dental health disparities across the US. Findings may result in implications in both dental care practice and substance abuse treatment, potentially leading to more comprehensive healthcare strategies.
HS10 - Dual-Target Theragnostic Efficacy of Varenicline Tartrate in Alcohol Use Disorder Alleviating Alcohol Cravings in Patien
First Author
ANJALI KUMARI
University of Louisville
Introduction: Alcohol Use Disorder involves a consumption of alcohol despite adverse consequences. Metabolic Alcohol-associated Liver Disease represents a severe form of liver pathology driven by excessive alcohol intake compounded by metabolic dysfunction, resulting in significant hepatic inflammation and steatosis. Met-ALD involves consuming 140–350 g of alcohol weekly for females and 210–420 g for males, along with experiencing other metabolic disturbances. This study explores the potential of Varenicline in mitigating alcohol cravings in patients with AUD who also present with Met-ALD.
Objective: The hypothesis is that Varenicline, by targeting both neural mechanisms related to addiction and metabolic disturbances associated with excessive alcohol intake, will significantly decrease alcohol cravings and intake in this comorbid patient population, thereby potentially improving overall hepatic health and reducing the progression of Met-ALD.
Methods: Thirty-one patients participated in this study who met the diagnosis criteria for Met-ALD and obesity and exhibited elevated liver enzymes. Patients received varenicline tartrate with an initial 1-week dose-titration followed by a maintenance dose (1 mg BID) for the rest 12 weeks (total of 3 months). Based on the alleviation of the liver injury at the treatment end, patients were identified as responders (Group 1, n=20) and non-responders (Group 2, n=11) to therapy. Alcohol intake data was collected using Timeline Follow Back assessment for the past 90 days averaged for per month as, total drinks (TD90/3), heavy drinking days (HDD90), average drinks per day (AvgDPD90), and the number of drinking days (NDD90/3). After treatment, we collected data for the penultimate month on the treatment for the same drinking markers identified as TD3M, HDD3M, AvgDPD3M, and NDD3M. Craving was assessed using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) along with the liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, AST ratio) both at the baseline and treatment end.
Results: Baseline demographic characteristics, notably age and BMI, were comparable
Objective: The hypothesis is that Varenicline, by targeting both neural mechanisms related to addiction and metabolic disturbances associated with excessive alcohol intake, will significantly decrease alcohol cravings and intake in this comorbid patient population, thereby potentially improving overall hepatic health and reducing the progression of Met-ALD.
Methods: Thirty-one patients participated in this study who met the diagnosis criteria for Met-ALD and obesity and exhibited elevated liver enzymes. Patients received varenicline tartrate with an initial 1-week dose-titration followed by a maintenance dose (1 mg BID) for the rest 12 weeks (total of 3 months). Based on the alleviation of the liver injury at the treatment end, patients were identified as responders (Group 1, n=20) and non-responders (Group 2, n=11) to therapy. Alcohol intake data was collected using Timeline Follow Back assessment for the past 90 days averaged for per month as, total drinks (TD90/3), heavy drinking days (HDD90), average drinks per day (AvgDPD90), and the number of drinking days (NDD90/3). After treatment, we collected data for the penultimate month on the treatment for the same drinking markers identified as TD3M, HDD3M, AvgDPD3M, and NDD3M. Craving was assessed using the Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) along with the liver enzyme levels (AST, ALT, AST ratio) both at the baseline and treatment end.
Results: Baseline demographic characteristics, notably age and BMI, were comparable
HS11 - Effects of a commercial jerky cure and seasoning and a new spice mixture on the weight loss and water activity of jerky
First Author
Kayla West
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Olusoji Ayoola
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Changzheng Wang
Kentucky State University
Preparing jerky from deboned Asian carp meat has the potential to expand the market for Asian carp meat. The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of a commercial cure and seasoning mix and a new spice mixture on the weight loss and water activity of jerky prepared from Asian carp meat. Asian carp harvested from Lake Barkley was deboned through a drum with 3 mm orifice by Two Rivers Fishery (Wickliffe, KY). The deboned meat was divided into two equal portions and mixed thoroughly with a commercial jerky cure and seasonings or a new spice mixture. The meat was filled into a jerky maker, which was squeezed manually to produce 4 mm thick and 5 mm wide strips onto the drying tray of a food dehydrator. The strips were dried at 145 F and the weight of the strips was measured every hour and the water activity of the jerky produced was determined with a Pawkit water activity analyzer at the end of the study. After 4.5 hours of drying, the product lost over 55% to 65% of its initial weight with water activity at 0.70 to 0.76. The jerky tended to lose less weight with the commercial cure and seasoning mixture in comparison to the new spice mixture. The use of the commercial cure appeared to delay the time when mold was observed in the jerky products. These results suggest that use of a cure would increase the shelf stability of jerky prepared from Asian carp meat.
PA1 - Building a Legacy Sample of Active Galactic Nuclei with Swift
First Author
Bailey Landrum
Northern Kentucky University
We are presenting a legacy sample of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) that was build but using the NASA Niel Gehrels Swift mission in order to study the long-term variability of AGN. This sample contains about 120 AGN and Swift has monitored these over the last two decades. In this poster we will describe the sample and what makes it unique, and we will display the statistics on the number of observations and exposure times. This huge sample with simultaneous X-ray and UV observations allows a detailed study of how the AGN variability links to other AGN properties such as black hole mass and accretion rate.
PA2 - What Compact Binary Gravitational-Wave Signals are We Missing?
First Author
Kelly Humphrey
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Surabhi Sachdev
Georgia Institute of Technology
Co-author
Meg Millhouse
George Institute of Technology
All gravitational-wave (GW) signals detected by LIGO and Virgo so far have been from compact binary coalescences (CBCs). CBCs can consist of binary black holes (BBHs), binary neutron stars (BNSs), and neutron star and black hole binaries (NSBHs). These systems have several parameters that can change the form of the signals that are detected including component masses and component spins. GstLAL, one GW search pipeline uses match-filtering to match signals with one of many signal templates in the parameter-space calculated using numerical-relativistic models. The template banks used do not include templates with eccentric orbits and in-plane spins. This greatly reduces the needed size of the template bank and the computing resources needed. Furthermore, the template banks only include neutron stars with dimensionless spins up to 0.05. It may be possible that some signals are not being detected because of this. To examine this, a series of simulated signals over different parameter sets were run over different GstLAL template banks. Each template bank covers a different area of the parameter space. For each simulated signal and template that was matched with it, the fraction of SNR recovered was found. We conclude by reporting the fraction of signals missed in each category.
PA3 - Use of CAD to CSG conversion tool for MCNP simulation of a sodium iodide gamma detector array
First Author
Lincoln Joseph Potts
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Ivan Novikov
Western Kentucky University
When polarized neutrons pass through a nucleus target, the magnitude of fundamental symmetry violation (P- or P- and T-) effects increases near p-resonance [1]. This was confirmed for heavy nuclei, including a 10^6 P-violation enhancement in 139Lanthunum [2]. Given p-resonance neutron widths are extremely narrow, the total width is dominated by radiative capture. This makes gamma-ray capture asymmetry measurements viable for studying P-violation in compound nuclei. The gamma detector efficiency is studied by simulating the experimental setup using MCNP code [3]. The problem in doing this is due to the creation of MCNP constructive solid geometry (CSG) files since it requires a rigorous process. We present the preliminary results showing a workflow to study designs for a sodium iodide (NaI) gamma detector array. In this workflow, the gamma array is 1) modeled using the SolidWorks, 2) converted to the CSG MCNP file using GEOUNED Python library, [4] , 3) the MCNP simulation with particle track output (PTRAC) is performed, and 4) obtaining realistic detector response using Detector Response Function Toolkit, [5].
1. Bunakov VE, Gudkov VP., Zeitschrift für Physik A., 321(2):271-41,1985
2. G. M. Mitchell, et al, Phys. Rep. 354, 157 (2001).
3. Kulesza, Joel A., et al. MCNP® code version 6.3. theory & user manual.LA-UR-22-30006. LANL, 2022
4. Harb, M., at al, J. Nucl. Eng. 2023, 4, 436-447.
5. M.T. Andrews, et al., NIM A, 830, 2016, pp 466-472
1. Bunakov VE, Gudkov VP., Zeitschrift für Physik A., 321(2):271-41,1985
2. G. M. Mitchell, et al, Phys. Rep. 354, 157 (2001).
3. Kulesza, Joel A., et al. MCNP® code version 6.3. theory & user manual.LA-UR-22-30006. LANL, 2022
4. Harb, M., at al, J. Nucl. Eng. 2023, 4, 436-447.
5. M.T. Andrews, et al., NIM A, 830, 2016, pp 466-472
PA4 - TESS Exoplanet Candidate Follow-Ups with the Bell Observatory
First Author
Dylan Berry
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Maxx Haehn
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Freshta Ensafi
Western Kentucky University
We are currently living in the golden age of astronomy, with an unprecedented amount of data being collected thanks to wide-field surveys like the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). These surveys generate far more data than can be immediately analyzed by astronomers, creating the need for follow-up observations and refinements. Our observatory, a 0.7-meter telescope, is located in a rural area with minimal light pollution and is equipped with prime imaging technology. We are capable of performing sub-percent differential photometry on targets with magnitudes as faint as magnitude 17. This level of precision allows us to confirm and refine exoplanet transit detections originally observed given candidate status by TESS, providing crucial follow-up data that can help constrain orbital parameters, transit depths, and other key characteristics of these systems. By conducting independent observations and analyses, we aim to verify TESS's findings and contribute to the growing database of confirmed exoplanets and their parameters. Our work not only supports the ongoing efforts of exoplanet discovery but also enhances the overall understanding of planetary systems beyond our own. In this paper, we present the results of our recent follow-up observations on selected TESS exoplanet candidates and discuss their implications for refining the parameters of these distant worlds.
PA5 - Use of Video-based DAQ System to Study Rolling Motion of a Liquid Filled Cylinder
First Author
Lincoln Joseph Potts
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Ivan Novikov
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Doug Harper
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Alper Er
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
Co-author
Logan Potts
Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
The race of rolling objects down an incline is a demonstration in many introductory physics courses. It displays the idea that objects with lower moments of inertia roll faster than those with higher moments of inertia. Adding viscous fluids inside rolling objects changes characteristics of their rolling motion by changing the fluid's interaction with the container it is rolling in (see Phys. Educ., 38-39, (2004)). To test the characteristics of the rolling motion based on the liquid inside of a cylinder, other factors must be negated, which is why a cycloidal ramp was chosen for the experiment. The ramp's cycloidal path ensures the rolling oscillations of a solid cylinder are isochronous for any amplitude. Thus, any changes in period are most likely due to the fluid inside of the cylinder. The experimental setup also contains a video camera to collect data on the translational motion of the rolling objects. Video data was postprocessed and analyzed using the Vernier Video Analysis Tool which outputs position and velocity as a function of time. By fitting this motion to a damped harmonic oscillation model, we can determine the oscillation period. In this presentation, we discuss the development of an experimental setup design, and preliminary results obtained for various viscosities.
PA6 - Microcanonical Analysis of Semiflexible Homopolymer Model With Variable Width Bending Potential
First Author
Michael Gray
Murray State University
Co-author
Matthew Williams
Murray State University
I have developed an algorithm for finding phase transition in microcanonical data of simulations of homopolymers. These simulations model the behavior of homopolymers in an array of different conditions. This algorithm is generalized and can be applied to a variety of different systems. It works by taking repeated derivatives of the microcanonical entropy of the system and applying several filters, whose parameters are tuned algorithmically as well. Identification of phase transitions allows for the construction of a phase diagram.
PB1 - Effects of Mg2+ on heart rate in larval Drosophila
First Author
Joy Bidros
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Kaitlyn Brock
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Jaycie Gard
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
The larval heart tube of Drosophila serves as a model preparation in addressing the myogenic properties of the cardiac function across species. Genetic mutations known in humans can be mimicked in Drosophila to examine potential therapies as well as to better understand the effect of a particular mutation. The pacing of the larval heart is very dependent on a tight regulation of ionic flux through ion channels, pumps, and exchangers. As in mammals, the larval heart is susceptible to humeral modulation by compounds such as dopamine and serotonin. Thus, pharmacological agents which affect ionic transport, second messenger cascades, and variation in ion concentration on cardiac function can be investigated in this model. To support in situ function, the larval heart tube needs to remain viable; thus, a physiological saline is required. The salines used in Drosophila physiology are continually being developed for physiological studies. We found that a reduced Mg2+ level from the standard salines provides a more stable heartbeat and can maintain function better in stressful conditions such as heat. This was observed by the over-expression of TRPA1 receptors. We are extending the studies to investigate if lowered Mg2+ also alters the function of channel rhodopsin in genetically modified lines.
PB2 - Usage of Solid Phase Extraction Techniques to Separate Salts from Products of One-Pot Reactions for Mass Spectrometry
First Author
Anthony Bloomer
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Catherine Shelton
Northern Kentucky University
A growing problem that exists in the medical field is the increased antibiotic resistance of many forms of bacteria. Among those bacteria that continue to grow increasingly resistant to antibiotics is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The main goal of the Shelton lab is the characterization of potential inhibition targets in P. aeruginosa. The isochorismate pyruvate lyase PchB is one such target. To probe the mechanism of PchB isotopically labeled chorismate is needed. Using in vivo reconstitution of enzymatic pathways the Shelton lab has demonstrated conversion of pyruvate to phosphoenolpyruvate, and further, conversion of phosphoenolpyruvate to the chorismate precursor 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate (DAHP). Separate evidence also shows synthesis of shikimate from phosphoenolpyruvate. In order to determine optimal conditions for these reactions, mass spectrometry is being used to detect the presence of product. During the course of testing, the frequent formation of adducts has complicated analysis. This leads to issues involving identification of the product, as well as issues with viability. The current work explores the use of ion exchange solid phase extraction (SPE) techniques after the incubation of the reaction, in an attempt to bind our product out from the remains of the biocatalytic cascade. This would allow for more accurate and precise data to be obtained from the mass spectrometer. Specifically, Waters Corporation WAX and MAX SPE cartridges were evaluated for their ability to desalt the shikimate product prior to running samples on LC-MS.
PB3 - Determination of the effect on translation of 2'-O-methylation at positions 32 and 34 in eukaryotic tRNA
First Author
Anh Bui
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Danika Maki
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Holly Funk
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Michael Guy
Northern Kentucky University
Post-transcriptional modification of tRNA is vital for efficient protein translation, with many human diseases associated with modification defects. Mutations in the widely conserved eukaryotic methyltransferase TRM7 causes non-syndromic X-linked intellectual disability in humans and slow growth in yeast. Yeast Trm7 interacts with Trm732 and Trm734 to perform 2'-O-methylation at C32 and G34, respectively, on tRNAPhe, and corresponding proteins are responsible for these modifications on human tRNA. In budding yeast, lack of 2'-O-methylation at both C32 and G34 causes growth defects, but if only one modification is missing, cells are still healthy. Consequently, the individual role of Cm32 and Gm34 is not clear. Furthermore, because both UUU and UUC code for Phe, it is not clear how each modification affects translation of each codon. Bidirectional expression of red and green fluorescent proteins (RFP and GFP) via the RNA-ID reporter system in yeast allows for the quantitative analysis of the effect of tRNA modifications on the translation of codons in cells. We have placed additional UUU and UUC codons at the start of the GFP, allowing us to test the effect of Cm32 and Gm34 on translation of these codons by determining the GFP/RFP ratio of reporters in trm734∆ and trm732∆ mutants, and then comparing those values to the reporters in wildtype strains. We are also determining the effect of UGG and UUA codons on GFP expression in these mutants, because these codons are decoded by other tRNAs that receive Nm32 and Nm34 modifications.
PB4 - Investing the Interaction Between tRNA Modification Proteins Trm7 and Trm734
First Author
Alisha Detmer
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Julia Verhoff
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Holly Funk
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Michael Guy
Northern Kentucky University
In the anticodon loop of tRNAPhe, the modification of nucleotide G34 is fundamental for translation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, humans, and other eukaryotes. In S. cerevisiae, the 2'-O-methylation of G34 is done by the Trm7:Trm734 complex. We study this complex because it is not fully understood why Trm7 needs Trm734 to function. The TRM7 human homolog is FTSJ1, and the TRM734 homolog is WDR6. Loss of function mutations in FTSJ1 that cause loss of Gm34 modification in patients result in non-syndromic x-linked intellectual disability. Through sequence alignment of Trm7 homologs in a variety of species and analysis of the crystal structure of the yeast Trm7:734 complex, Trm7 variants were made by changing amino acids which were conserved in different species, or that had a salt bridge, hydrogen bond, or high buried surface area with Trm734. A growth test that forces Trm7 to interact with only Trm734 or only its other binding partner Trm732 in yeast cells showed that some of the chosen amino acids were important for the Trm7:Trm734 interaction, but not for the Trm7:Trm732 interaction. Subsequent immunoprecipitation experiments further showed that these Trm7 residues were important only for Trm734 interactions, although addition of a tag to Trm7 appeared to result in some interference with Trm734 binding.
PB5 - Determining Critical Binding Sites of the Trm7-Trm732 Complex
First Author
Ruofei Ding
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Ashton Davey
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Alisha Detmer
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Holly Funk
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Michael Guy
Northern Kentucky University
In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, methyltransferase Trm7 interacts with proteins Trm732 and Trm734 to catalyze the 2'-O-methylation of residues 32 and 34, respectively, in the tRNAPPhe anticodon loop. These post-transcriptional tRNA modifications by Trm7-Trm732 and Trm7-Trm734 protein complexes are crucial for protein synthesis. In humans, mutations in the TRM7 homolog (FTSJ1) lead to intellectual disabilities, highlighting the importance of understanding Trm7's molecular interactions. We aimed to use AlphaFold3 to identify residues involved in the Trm7 binding interface with Trm732. AlphaFold3 combines deep learning and diffusion networks, enabling the generation of a predicted Trm7-Trm732 structure. A PYMOL script was then used to highlight Trm7 residues in the predicted Trm7-Trm732 interface, allowing the selection of Trm7 residues potentially involved in Trm7-Trm732 binding for site-directed mutagenesis. To test the binding of Trm7 variants to Trm732 and Trm734, a genetic assay was used to test the ability of Trm7 to interact with only Trm732 or only Trm734. Based on the assay we have identified a Trm7 residue required for Trm732 binding, but not for Trm734 binding. In an alternative approach to identify Trm7 residues important for protein binding, we are optimizing a Yeast Two-Hybrid (Y2H) assay, which allows high-throughput testing of the ability of a library of Trm7 variants to bind to Trm732 and Trm734. We are currently optimizing the conditions for detecting Trm7 interactions with Trm732 and Trm734 for further high throughput experiments. These approaches will enhance our understanding of the Trm7 binding interfaces, providing valuable insights for post-transcriptional tRNAPhe modification mechanisms and their broader biological implications.
PB6 - Understanding the differential impact of K2P channel overexpression on cellular membrane potential
First Author
Elizabeth Elliott
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Youngwoo Kim
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
Two-pore domain potassium (K2p) channels are known to play an important role in cellular function, as they are involved in the maintenance of resting membrane potential by facilitating the flow of potassium ions across cell membranes. Expression of these channels is known to alter under certain pathological conditions - such as diseased/cancerous tissues - so it is of great interest to understand the effects of overexpression in these channels. Two Drosophila melanogaster lines were used, with an experimental group comprising an overexpression of conducting K2p channels and a control group with nonconducting K2p channels, as well as a parental line. Preparations were exposed to saline solutions containing varied concentrations of potassium and the membrane potential measured throughout. A minimum of ten preparations were examined each. The results suggest that overexpression of K2p channels increases potassium permeability, as would be expected, which may contribute to the altered activity patterns visible in unhealthy cells. Parallel work is being done in lab to compare these results to MATLAB simulations of the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz equation, which will be presented in a separate poster.
PB7 - Hyperpolarization of plasma membrane by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) depends on the expression level of K2P channels
First Author
Maria Hadjisavva
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
Bacterial septicemia is a global issue, primarily caused by Gram-negative bacteria, with immune responses triggered by lipopolysaccharides (LPS). LPS from Serratia marcescens (S.m.) on the larval Drosophila body wall muscle results in an immediate hyperpolarization of the membrane potential in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, LPS blocks the glutamatergic receptors in this model, which are pharmacologically classified as a quisqualate subtype. LPS transiently activates K2P K+ channels. These channels are constituently active and are primarily responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential. Overexpression of K2P channels makes the membrane potential more negative and reduces the hyperpolarizing response to LPS, thus demonstrating that LPS does indeed activate K2P channels to drive the membrane potential to the equilibrium potential of K+ (EK). Therefore, the direct response of cells to LPS depends on the density of K2P channels, the membrane potential, and the EK. Since the expression level of K2P channels normally varies among cells of different types in a physiological state and can have altered expression in pathological states, it is important to understand how cells respond to changes in extracellular concentration of potassium and endotoxins such as LPS levels with differences in expression of K2P channels and the varied subtypes.
PB8 - Investigating Cell Division in E. coli using MinE and Fluorescent Proteins
First Author
Kimberly Hoang
Berea College
Co-author
Benjamin P. Bratton
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Co-author
Melissa Herring
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Understanding bacterial adaptation and growth is crucial in addressing the rising dilemma of antibiotic resistance and the efficacy of infection control. By examining Escherichia coli (E. coli), this research investigates its ability to divide using MinE and fluorescent proteins. The MinE protein is one of the three proteins in the Min system that works to ensure the correct alignment of essential cell division proteins at the middle of the cell. Together, the MinCDE system provides accurate division at the middle of the cell by inhibiting FtsZ polymerization at incorrect sites. Present in the cell is dynamic oscillation of MinE between two bacterial poles to help identify the middle of the cell for FtsZ to allow the cell to accurately divide into two daughter cells. Our study utilized the terminal fusion technique with fluorescent proteins to fuse fluorescent proteins (FPs) to MinE to visualize the MinE protein localization and function. The overall approach of this project is to create tools for characterizing the Min system using an array of different fluorescent protein colors fused to the C-terminus end of MinE. We utilized Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) to create overhangs and performed Gibson Assembly to create a plasmid that was transformed and heat-shocked into competent E. coli cells. Previous work from other groups has studied the impact of the filamentation-inducing antibiotic cephalexin in a similar fashion, but was limited to single-color probes. By generating multiple colors of this MinE fusion, we will be able to perform multi-color imaging with MinE and other probes of interest, such as DNA or membrane stains. We anticipate this collection of probes will allow us to understand how bacteria die when treated with antibiotics that target membrane biosynthesis or cell division, with a potential future of screening chemical libraries for novel antibiotics.
PB9 - Determining the role of Trm7, Trm732, and Trm734 in tRNA binding
First Author
Anabel Lillie
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Ashton Davey
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Holly Funk
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Micheal Guy
Northern Kentucky University
Modifications of the tRNA anticodon loop are important to translation. Proteins Trm7, Trm732, and Trm734 work together to modify the anticodon loop of tRNAPhe. Trm7 plays a catalytic role in methylation activity, and Trm732 and Trm734 are predicted to bind and position tRNAPhe for methylation at nucleotides C32 and G34 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Lack of Trm7 causes a sick phenotype in S.cerevisiae, and mutations in the TRM7 human ortholog, FTSJI, cause non-syndromic X-linked intellectual disability. We are working to determine whether individual Trm7, Trm732, and Trm734 proteins can bind to tRNAPhe, or whether Trm7:Trm732 and Trm7:Trm734 complexes are required for binding. Tagged proteins of interest are pulled down and the RNA bound to the proteins is analyzed by Northern Blot. This approach will also allow us to determine if our previously identified non-functional variants of Trm732 and Trm734 are still able to bind to tRNAPhe. Due to the high conservation between the yeast and human proteins, the results will likely be applicable to the orthologous proteins in humans.
PB10 - the physiological effects of cobalt on physiological functions in Drosophila, crayfish and crab: behavior,cardiac,neural
First Author
Ryson Neeley
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Kaitlyn Brock
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Jaycie Gard
university of kentucky
Co-author
Elizabeth Elliott
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
Cobalt, a metallic element found naturally in the earth's crust, is essential to survival. It is the active center of cobalamins such as vitamin B12 and is also a micronutrient for bacteria, algae, and fungi. The effects of cobalt (II) chloride, CoCl2, are dependent on the dosage. High dosage or chronic exposure to CoCl2 can have negative effects such as carcinogenic properties, intoxication, and 'beer drinker's cardiomyopathy.' This investigation was designed to test the effects of acute, high-concentration cobalt exposure on physiological functions in Drosophila, crayfish, and crab, particularly in terms of behavioral, cardiac, neural, and synaptic properties. When exposed to 1 mM of CoCl2, decreased neural transmission was observed at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) of both crayfish and Drosophila larvae. Within the crayfish proprioceptive organ, no conclusive changes in activity were observed due to the high variability among individuals, but activity was observed to increase in the crab proprioceptive organ after 10 minutes immersion the CoCl2. In larval Drosophila, heart rate decreased to near-cessation, though the in situ preparations were able to recover regular heart rates after sufficient saline rinsing. Systemic injections of CoCl2 into crayfish hemolymph produced no significant effects on heart rate or tail flip response. In larval Drosophila that had consumed food tainted with CoCl2, no effects were observed on behavior, mouth hook movements, or body wall movements; however, this lead to adults bearing a slightly decreased lifespan, which indicates that 1 mM CoCl2 has differing effects by tissue and organism. These experiments were replicated and tested for reproductivity by students in a neurophysiology lab.
PB11 - Con-FLIC and Con-DAM: Platforms for the Simultaneous Measurement of Feeding Behaviors, Sleep, and Food Intake in Insects
First Author
Mubaraq Opoola
University of Louisville
Co-author
Breanna Beard
University of Louisville
Co-author
Dae-Sung Hwangbo
University of Louisville
Accurate quantification of food intake and feeding behavior is essential for understanding various physiological and behavioral processes, such as metabolism, sleep, and aging. While insect models, especially the fruit fly, have been widely used to study these processes across diverse disciplines-from ecology and evolutionary biology to molecular genetics-precisely measuring food consumption, along with feeding-related behaviors and sleep, in the same individual animals has been challenging. We have developed new tools, termed Con-FLIC and Con-DAM, which integrate the Consumption-Excretion (Con-Ex) method with the Drosophila Activity Monitor (DAM) system and the Fly Liquid-food Interaction Counter (FLIC), respectively, into a single platform. At single-fly resolution, the Con-DAM enables the measurement of food consumption and various sleep parameters, while the Con-FLIC allows for the correlation of food consumption with various feeding-related parameters. These tools offer a straightforward solution for simultaneously quantifying food consumption and sleep/feeding patterns in individual flies and small insect models over an extended period.
PB12 - Impacts of Temporal Circadian Misalignment on Physiology, Behavior, and Lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster
First Author
Aubrey Reitzel
University of Louisville
Co-author
Krish Patel
University of Louisville
Co-author
Breanna Beard
University of Louisville
Co-author
Dae-Sung Hwangbo
University of Louisville
In the modern world, light has begun to serve as an environmental toxin, causing a misalignment between an organism's internal circadian clock and external time signals. A misalignment of the rhythms that control sleep/wake patterns, physiology, and behaviors can be caused by erratic sleep schedules, shift work, or jet lag. It is well understood that the circadian clock regulates many rhythmic behaviors, including feeding, sleep, and starvation resistance, in Drosophila melanogaster. In this study, the role of temporal misalignment on physiology, feeding and sleep behavior, starvation resistance, and lifespan were investigated utilizing a control (12L12D) and experimental (10L10D) light schedule. The results of this study indicate that temporal misalignment of the circadian clock in D. melanogaster significantly decreases lifespan, disrupts and repatterns sleep and activity, and reduces starvation resistance in a diet-dependent manner. Preliminary data also indicates a tendency that temporal misalignment can alter gut health and metabolism. Overall, these results suggest that light is an environmental toxin and may cause altered health, behavior, and lifespan after both acute and chronic exposure.
PB13 - Physiological effects of sodium selenite on Drosophila, crayfish, and crab: behavior, cardiac, and synaptic properties
First Author
Diksha Satish
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Jaycie Gard
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Kaitlyn Brock
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
Selenium is an essential element, comprising the 21st amino acid (selenocysteine) and ensuring the functionality of selenoproteins. Selenoproteins maintain cellular health and support the immune system. Additionally, sodium selenite can be beneficial when used in therapeutic treatments, as it has been shown to inhibit ferroptosis during spinal cord injury. However, it can also be biologically harmful depending on its concentration and method of exposure. Overexposure can lead to death, but the mechanisms and pathological actions are not fully understood. This investigation examined the effects of acute sodium selenite exposure in relatively high concentrations (1 mM and 5 mM) on sensory nerves of the marine crab (Callinectes sapidus); stretch-activated channels (SACs) in the muscle receptor organ of a freshwater crayfish; synaptic transmission at the neuromuscular junctions of crayfish and larval Drosophila; and the myogenic heart of larval Drosophila. Systemic exposure of sodium selenite in crayfish hemolymph resulted in organism death after 2 hours. The development and survival of Drosophila through dietary exposure to sodium selenite was observed as well; when the food was laced to a 1 mM concentration, larvae died in 24 hours and adults died in 3 days. This indicates that the effects vary between acute exposure on tissue and chronic exposure of one or two days in intact animals. These experiments were repeated by neurophysiology laboratory students and maintained reproducibility.
PB14 - The effect of GV-58, a P-type calcium channel modifier, on synaptic transmission at the larval Drosophila and crayfish n
First Author
Jackson Schwamburger
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Kaitlyn Brock
University Of Kentucky
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
The compound named GV-58 is being examined in rodent models as a proof of concept for a possible therapeutic agent in patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome or ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). It is suggested that GV-58 targets presynaptic voltage gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) of the 'P-subtype'. The VGCCs at the presynaptic motor nerve terminals of the larval Drosophila and crayfish neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) are also of a 'P-subtype'. Some evidence suggests that GV-58 is a modifier of these types of calcium channels and keeps the channels open longer. Thus, more Ca2+ would enter into the presynaptic nerve terminal and result in an enhanced amount of transmitter release when the nerve is stimulated. To extend the proof of concept to other model organisms for experimentation, we used the larval Drosophila and crayfish neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) to examine the effects of exposure to GV-58 while evoking synaptic transmission. The synaptic responses at the larval Drosophila NMJs and crayfish have shown mixed responses to exposure of 0.1 mM with no consistent trend. The importance of these two model preparations is that the synaptic responses on the muscle do not produce action potentials but are graded responses. There are no consistent effects on facilitation at the larval Drosophila or the crayfish NMJs. Thus, potentially the P-type Ca2+ channels on the presynaptic terminal are a different subtype than those in mammals and not responsive to GV-58 and thus will not serve as a model preparation to further investigate its effect at these NMJs.
PB15 - How altering the expression of genes forming K+ and Na+ ion channels influence physiological behaviors in D.melanogaster
First Author
Alaina Taul
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Elizabeth Elliott
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
Two-pore-domain K+ channels (K2P) are responsible for maintaining the resting membrane potential of cells, and were previously referred to as leak channels. There appears to be 15 known types of K2P channels in humans and 11 known types in Drosophila melanogaster, as well as six subfamilies, although little is known about the expression of these subtypes in various animal tissues. The D. melanogaster model allows for selective misexpression in selective cells, providing insight into individual cell types and the animal's physiology as a whole. For example, glial cells within the nervous system play an important role in the development and function of the nervous system, as they release gliotransmitters and cytokines. As a result, glial cells among other cell types, were studied for potential impacts.Prior research on overexpressed glial K2P channels and their influence on behavior and neuronal function was limited, but yielded results that were uncharacteristic of the model. This project expands upon previous research conducted on D. melanogaster pan-glia cells and motor neurons to examine the effects of K2P overexpression on behavior and physiology. After conducting various assays, it was concluded that overexpression in motor neurons had the most prominent effects on D. melanogaster functioning; with glial, sensory, cardiac and chordotonal neurons also generating statistically significant differences in behavioral activity. Due to these findings, it is established that K2P channel overexpression has an ability to influence D. melanogaster behaviors. Funding provide by Undergraduate Summer Training in Cardiovascular Research, USTiCR (ACT) and Beckman foundation (ERE).
PB16 - Palmitoylation of the p75 neurotrophin receptor is essential in carrying out apoptosis in mice superior cervical ganglia
First Author
Eun Jun Wang
Berea College
Co-author
Hrishita Das
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Co-author
Bruce Carter
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) plays an important role in the development of the nervous system, regulating a wide range of cellular functions such as programmed cell survival and death, axonal growth and degeneration, and synaptic pruning and plasticity. While there is extensive research on p75 expression in neuronal apoptosis, the multifaceted signaling receptor still requires more studies. Here, we conducted immunohistochemistry on superior cervical ganglia (SCG) isolated from two types of P0 mice pups: wild type and p75NTR cys281-palmitoylation mutant, cut into 20 um tissue sections with a cryostat. Each sample was stained with Cleaved Caspase-3 (Cl-Cas3), TuJ1, p75, and DAPI as markers for apoptosis, neurons, p75, and nuclei, respectively. The GFAP antibody, a marker for glial cells, was also used to identify other non-neuronal cells and determine whether they were undergoing apoptosis. Through the palmitoylation-mutant sample, we aimed to identify whether the palmitoylation mutation of converting cysteine 281 to alanine changes the function of p75NTR. We observed approximately twice the Cl-Cas3 (apoptosis) expression in the wild type compared to the palmitoylation-mutant type. Apoptosis is reduced by 52.1% in the palmitoylation-mutant SCG compared to the wild type. Additionally, there is a 59.9% reduction in neuronal apoptosis in the mutant SCG samples compared to the wild type. These results indicate that palmitoylation is essential in carrying out one of the canonical roles of p75NTR, such as developmental apoptosis. Further studies on how this mutation contributes to the function of p75NTR may shed new light on how this receptor contributes to many neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease.
PSY1 - Amphetamine and Morphine Reduce Activity During Acute Withdrawal by Modifying Bout Organization Similarly in Rats
First Author
Trinity Pangallo
Morehead State University
Co-author
Gabby Blackburn
Morehead State University
Co-author
Olyvia Conn
Morehead State University
Co-author
Kinsey Duncan
Morehead State University
Co-author
Caroline Fish
Morehead State University
Co-author
Timo Klausnitzer
Morehead State University
Co-author
Chloe Senters
Morehead State University
Co-author
Haley Simpkins
Morehead State University
Co-author
Wesley White
Morehead State University
In prior research, when rats were given 2.0 mg/kg amphetamine or 5.0 mg/kg morphine, they had reduced activity 13-24 hours following treatment, a sign of acute withdrawal. Rats are typically active in bouts separated by intervals of inactivity. The purpose of this research was to identify how amphetamine and morphine changed bout organization to reduce activity. The subjects were 51 adult, male Wistar rats. The activity of animals was monitored in open fields having bedding, food, water, and a 12-12 hour light-dark cycle. Each animal received one test. On day 1 of the test, rats were treated with saline, and 2 or 3 days later rats were treated with drug. Drug treatments were 2.0 mg/kg amphetamine (N=26) or 5.0 mg/kg morphine (N=25). Treatments were given at light onset, and activity was monitored for 24 hours following each treatment. Amphetamine and morphine reduced activity 13-24 hours post-treatment similarly, primarily by reducing bout amplitude. The similarity suggests amphetamine and morphine produce acute withdrawal through a shared mechanism.
PSY2 - Barriers to Treatment among Pregnant and Postpartum Women with Polydrug Use
First Author
Shawn Jamison
Berea College
Co-author
Megan F. Dickson
University of Kentucky
Despite literature highlighting barriers to substance use treatment among pregnant and postpartum women who use drugs (PPW) and evidence of polydrug use rates increasing among PPW, barriers specifically impacting PPW engaging in polydrug use remain understudied. Thus, this study examines self-reported barriers to substance use treatment among PPW reporting polydrug use. Participants (N=267) were PPW receiving services at a residential treatment facility between 2017 and 2021. Lifetime treatment barriers among PPW reporting polydrug use 30 days prior to treatment (45.7%; n=122) were compared to PPW who did not report polydrug use (54.3%; n=144). Though not significant, barriers were more commonly reported by PPW engaging in polydrug use (98.4% vs. 95.1%), including barriers related to motivation (39.3% vs. 34.5%) and family/relationships (23.0% vs. 16.6%). Results suggest that although past barriers to treatment may be more prevalent among PPW reporting recent polydrug use, barriers to treatment are highly prevalent among all PPW, indicating a need for expanded PPW services to improve treatment accessibility and reduce barriers.
PSY3 - The Influence of Negative Network Orientation in the Relationship Between Shame and Perceived Social Support
First Author
Dalton Dickerson
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Lily Milam
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Hannah Forrest
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Kelsey Woodward
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Matthew Woodward
Western Kentucky University
Negative network orientation can be defined as the perspective that the utilization of social support networks is harmful, unhelpful, or useless. Separate studies have shown that shame can negatively impact trauma survivors' network orientation, and that shame is associated with lower social support. However, studies have yet to investigate the interrelationship between shame, negative network orientation, and social support. The current study sought to compare levels of shame and negative network orientation between male and female sexual assault survivors, as well as examine the mediating effect of negative network orientation on the relationship between shame and perceived social support. Participants (n= 616) were young adults (mean age=19.73) with a history of sexual assault (85% Female, 82% White). Results demonstrated that female sexual assault survivors experienced significantly higher levels of shame than male sexual assault survivors. However, there was no difference in network orientation between males and females. Finally, three separate mediation models were conducted examining the relationships between shame, network orientation, and perceived support from family, friends, and significant others. Network orientation significantly mediated the relationship between shame and all three subscales of perceived social support, such that individuals with higher levels of shame exhibited higher levels of negative network orientation, which in turn was linked with lower perceived social support. Findings suggest that shame may reduce levels of social support in trauma survivors by discouraging use of interpersonal support systems and that interventions targeting shame may also improve social support.
PSY4 - Effects of SSRI on Psychostimulant Withdrawal in Rats
First Author
Maggie Davis
Morehead State University
Co-author
Wesley White
Morehead State University
Co-author
Ilsun White
Morehead State University
Previously, we reported that addictive drugs, such as amphetamine or morphine, decrease activity during early withdrawal. This sign of withdrawal resembles a symptom of depression in humans. Using a rodent model, we examined the effects of escitalopram, an antidepressant, on amphetamine withdrawal. Escitalopram is a common SSRI used in treating depression in humans. Wistar rats received saline and drug treatments with coadministration of amphetamine and escitalopram (2.5-10mg) near light-onset of a 12/12 light/dark cycle. Activity of rats was monitored in an open field for 24 hours. Consistent with our previous reports, amphetamine reliably produced a decrease in activity during early withdrawal. The acute effects of escitalopram on activity were biphasic: a suppression of amphetamine-induced activity during the first 2 hours of injection, followed by an extended bout of activity 4-6 hours after injection in a dose-dependent manner. Initial suppression of activity during the acute state may have reflected stereotypy associated with enhanced dopamine and serotonin, whereas the subsequent increase may have reflected enhanced locomotor activity. The effects of escitalopram on amphetamine withdrawal were also dose-dependent: the low dose effectively blocked amphetamine-induced suppression of activity, the moderate dose produced a non-significant decrease, and the high dose failed to block the decrease in activity. Escitalopram delayed the increase in amphetamine activity during the acute phase, and it partially reversed amphetamine withdrawal, suggesting amphetamine withdrawal and major depression may share similar mechanisms. Further examination of amphetamine withdrawal might provide insight into the underlying mechanisms of depression and a possible link with drug abuse.
SCED1 - Enhancing Science Education with GFP Transformation in E. coli and Transient Expression in Tobacco Plants
First Author
Kylie Hall
University of Pikeville
Co-author
Kevin Wang
University of Pikeville
Abstract: In our educational strategy, we integrated the Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) system to create an engaging, hands-on learning experience. By introducing the pGLO plasmid into E. coli, students observed GFP fluorescence within a day, providing an immediate and practical introduction to genetic engineering. Building on this success, we extended the approach to transient GFP expression in tobacco plants, where fluorescence was expected within four days of agroinfiltration. This method offers quick, visible results, significantly boosting student interest and excitement for science. These GFP-based activities help students understand complex biological concepts more effectively, fostering deeper engagement with molecular biology in both microbial and plant systems. The success of this approach highlights the power of practical, visual learning in enhancing student interest and comprehension in science. This project was partially supported by grant P20GM103436-24 (KY INBRE) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health (NIH).
SCED2 - Using a Classroom Aquaponics Project to Improve Urban Students' Perception of STEM Disciplines and Career Pathways
First Author
Kenneth Thompson
Kentucky State University
There is a need for secondary schools to provide more hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and specifically, more contextualized project-based investigation (PBI) environments in the classroom that manifest the next generation science standards. This study investigated how, and to what extent, a 10-week contextualized aquaponics project-based investigation (APBI) affected urban (city) high school students' attitudes toward STEM, aquaculture and aquaponics, and interest in future STEM-related disciplines and/or STEM career pathways. Currently, there is little research published in technical literature on how APBI may engage students in increasing attitudes and interest in aquaculture/aquaponics fields as a career choice and, more generally, STEM disciplines.
Using a quantitative quasi-experimental research design, two different student groups participated in a hands-on APBI project and were given pre- and post-attitude/interest surveys (n=22). The 12 survey items were rated by a 5-point Likert-type scale that measured changes in student interest and attitudes toward STEM as discipline and as an area of interest. In addition, the survey included a profile of the respondents with the demographic items.
The results revealed that the intervention contributed to the treatment group students' positive attitudes toward STEM in general, and aquaculture and aquaponics specifically, and to students' developing an interest in the disciplines of STEM and/or as career pursuits. Results suggest that APBI models may be effective in attracting urban (city) students to STEM-related disciplines and careers.
Using a quantitative quasi-experimental research design, two different student groups participated in a hands-on APBI project and were given pre- and post-attitude/interest surveys (n=22). The 12 survey items were rated by a 5-point Likert-type scale that measured changes in student interest and attitudes toward STEM as discipline and as an area of interest. In addition, the survey included a profile of the respondents with the demographic items.
The results revealed that the intervention contributed to the treatment group students' positive attitudes toward STEM in general, and aquaculture and aquaponics specifically, and to students' developing an interest in the disciplines of STEM and/or as career pursuits. Results suggest that APBI models may be effective in attracting urban (city) students to STEM-related disciplines and careers.
ZOO1 - Investigating interactions between foraging success, vigilance and predation in grey squirrels using a model approach
First Author
Taylor Emmick
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jeremy Gibson
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Miranda Brown
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Foraging grey squirrels must balance predation risk with foraging success and one way to do this is by exhibiting vigilance. In this study we investigated the relationship between vigilance levels and foraging success in grey squirrels. We hypothesized that increased vigilance leads to greater nut consumption. Using a custom built individual based model in NetLogo, we simulated various scenarios to assess these dynamics. We predicted that higher levels of vigilance will lead to squirrels collecting more nuts while lowering the number of times they experience predation. The simulations we ran focused on 3 different scenarios: 1) no competition for nuts and low predation risk, 2) high competition for nuts and moderate predation risk, and 3) low competition for nuts and high predation risk. We ran each scenario using 3 different levels of vigilance, 2 levels we set (med and high) and the 3rd level (low) was based on field observations of grey squirrels on KWC's campus. Our findings revealed a trade-off between vigilance and foraging success: squirrels exhibiting higher vigilance levels consistently collected more acorns. Data analysis indicates that with no competition squirrels with high and medium vigilance achieved the highest foraging success compared to those with the observed levels of vigilance from field observations. The other 2 simulated scenarios exhibited the same trends. These results highlight the importance of vigilance behavior in enhancing foraging efficiency in the scenarios tested; allowing grey squirrels to locate and consume more nuts while minimizing predation risks.
ZOO2 - Age and growth of the Highland Shiner (Notropis micropteryx) in the Rockcastle River, Kentucky
First Author
Caitlyn Senters
Morehead State University
Co-author
Zoe Baker
Morehead State University
Co-author
David Eisenhour
Morehead State University
The Highland Shiner (Notropis micropteryx) is a minnow species common in the Cumberland, Tennessee, and upper Green River drainages, typically inhabiting rocky riffles of streams. Changes in populations of this species can serve as important metrics for gauging ecological disturbance, but little research has been done to document its life history. The objective of this study is to determine the age and growth of Highland Shiners in the Rockcastle River, Kentucky, based on monthly samples from June 2022 to July 2023. We assessed ages of fish using length frequency analysis, corroborated with examination of scale annuli. Our results suggest N. micropteryx has a lifespan of about two years. Highland Shiners reach an average standard length (SL) of 45.8 mm at 12 months and 55.2 mm at 24 months. Using data from a sample collected in April 2023, two t-tests comparing SL of males and females for age 1 and age 2 individuals indicated a significant size difference between males and females for both age classes, with females growing faster than males.
ZOO3 - The effect of fly parasitism on the calling activity of two katydid hosts
First Author
Kayla Murphy
Murray State University
Co-author
Oliver Beckers
Murray State University
In parasitism, some parasites use the host as a resource by exploiting host signaling. However, multiple parasitism of the same host (i.e., superparasitism) can be costly for the parasite if it limits the available resources. The fly Ormia lineifrons (Sabrosky, 1953) uses the mating calls of its katydid hosts for localization. The same host individual can be parasitized multiple times by the different individuals as long as it is detectable through its calling. The parasite deposits larvae on the host and the larvae feed on the host until they emerge and pupate. We hypothesized that selection would favor differences in the hosts' calls and calling activity for the flies to be able to detect and avoid already parasitized hosts. We predicted that the call features of parasitized host would change and/or calling activity would be reduced. We tested the effect of parasitism on the calling activity and call features of the two hosts Neoconocephalus velox (Rehn & Hebard, 1914) and Neoconocephalus retusus (Scudder, 1878). Parasitized individuals of both host species displayed reduced calling activity and preliminary analyses indicate that the calls of N. velox changed in its temporal features supporting our hypothesis. These differences in the calls and calling activity could prevent flies from superparasitizing hosts and thus avoid the costs of offspring of dying inside the already parasitized host.
ZOO4 - Investigating the effect of avian cues on wolf spider courtship behavior
First Author
Paige Anderson
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Miranda Brown
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Abigail Lesniak
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Raven Sullivan
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jeremy Gibson
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Brush-legged wolf spiders (Schizocosa ocreata) are commonly found on leaf litter in the mid-west's eastern deciduous forests. During their breeding season, male wolf spiders have been shown to respond to predatory avian cues by ceasing courtship and engaging in antipredator behavior. Given the widespread distribution of S. ocreata and the variety of bird species that consume them, we aimed to investigate this relationship further. We hypothesized that wolf spiders would switch from courtship to antipredator behavior when exposed to acoustic avian cues. To test this, we exposed adult males to female silk draglines in a playback arena. When males detected female silk, they often engaged in jerky-tapping behavior. After a given duration, one of three acoustic stimuli was played: 1) predatory bird call, 2) non-predatory bird call, or 3) non-threatening call. Using BORIS, we plan to score each trial (n=60, 30 / treatment) and analyze courtship behavior before and after the stimuli. We expect to find that male spiders reduce jerky-tapping behavior in response to predatory bird calls. If confirmed, we will further investigate the relationship between their response to avian cues and local bird species that consume them, providing insight into whether aversion to avian cues is locally relevant or a general innate response.
ZOO5 - Development of a DNA Barcoding Protocol to Identify Previously Unknown Populations of Forelius Ants in Kentucky Forests
First Author
Danika Da Fieno
Morehead State University
Co-author
Josiah Kilburn
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jonah Gibson
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jack McFarland
Morehead State University
Co-author
Dr. David Peyton
Morehead State University
Forelius is a genus of minuscule, heat-loving ants found in sandy areas in the Americas. Members of this genus have not been reported in Kentucky, but several putative specimens were collected from various locations in Rowan County in 2023. As part of the Kentucky Ant Project's initiative to report all species of ants occuring in the state of Kentucky, we have begun to develop a protocol to identify ant taxa at the species level using a combination of morphological observations and DNA barcodes from the cytochrome-c oxidase I (COI) gene.
After sequencing 2 separate populations of Forelius, we found that one species was 99% identical to an undescribed species of Forelius found in Texas, with only five nucleotides differing. The other also had a 99% match with Forelius pruinosus, only two nucleotides varying. Comparing the nucleotide sequences between the two populations of Forelius, there was only a 96% match. Since a difference of less than 98% is considered two separate species, this indicates that the two populations of Forelius are distinct. Continuing with this project in the future, we would like to utilize this process to diagnose more difficult-to-identify ant specimens including those ants which are members of the genera Solenopsis, Aphaenogaster, Formica, Lasius, and Myrmica.
After sequencing 2 separate populations of Forelius, we found that one species was 99% identical to an undescribed species of Forelius found in Texas, with only five nucleotides differing. The other also had a 99% match with Forelius pruinosus, only two nucleotides varying. Comparing the nucleotide sequences between the two populations of Forelius, there was only a 96% match. Since a difference of less than 98% is considered two separate species, this indicates that the two populations of Forelius are distinct. Continuing with this project in the future, we would like to utilize this process to diagnose more difficult-to-identify ant specimens including those ants which are members of the genera Solenopsis, Aphaenogaster, Formica, Lasius, and Myrmica.
ZOO6 - Foraging success vs. vigilance under different levels of predation risk in grey squirrels using an individual based mode
First Author
Raven Sullivan
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Olivia Picurro
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Co-author
Jeremy Gibson
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Grey squirrels must balance vigilance against foraging success especially if there is a risk of predation. High levels of vigilance may be effective at reducing predation risk but at the cost of foraging success and vice versa. Here we investigated this relationship between vigilance behavior and foraging success in grey squirrels under different levels of predation risk using a custom-built individual based model in NetLogo. We ran 3 different predation risk scenarios: 1) low predation risk, 2) moderate predation risk, and 3) high predation risk. Within each scenario, we tested 3 different levels of vigilance: low – based on field observations of grey squirrel on KWC's campus, medium, and high - the latter two were set to give a range of amounts of vigilance behavior. We found that higher levels of vigilance, regardless of predation risk, resulted in greater nut caches. However, we expected foraging success to be highest under low predation risk with squirrels that exhibited less vigilance. Given these unexpected results, we think the custom-built model used for this experiment may not be functioning correctly under the conditions we tested. Further investigation into a wider range of parameter values may result in uncovering the reasons why the results contradicted our predictions.
ZOO7 - Life History of a Minnow: Age and Growth of the Popeye Shiner (Notropis ariommus) in the Rockcastle River, Kentucky.
First Author
Shelbie Black
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jared Vise
Morehead State University
Co-author
David Eisenhour
Morehead State University
The Popeye Shiner (Notropis ariommus) is a minnow with a spotty distribution, mostly in clear, undisturbed streams of the Ohio River basin. The Popeye Shiner has declined or been extirpated in several states but lacks published information on its ecology including growth and reproduction. We used scale annuli and length frequency analysis to age specimens captured in monthly sampling from May 2022 to October 2023. Popeye Shiners average 52 mm standard length (SL) at one year and 62 mm SL at two years. Maximum lifespan is about 3 years, although few survive past 24 months. Males and females grow at the same rate, and sexual dimorphism is only seen in the breeding season. Compared to other similar-size minnows, this species appears fast-growing and short-lived.
ZOO8 - Effects of Exposure to Prescription/Illicit Drugs/Drug Metabolites on Zebrafish Behavioral/Motor Function Development
First Author
Jacob Thomas
Murray State University
Co-author
Dena Weinberger
Murray State University
Co-author
Bikram Subedi
Murray State University
Co-author
Brandon Capps
Murray State University
The Effects of Exposure to Prescription and Illicit Drugs/Drug Metabolites on Larval Zebrafish Behavioral and Motor Function Development
The rise of prescription and illicit psychoactive drug use in the 21st century has brought along with it a host of problematic effects, ranging from sociological to psychological to even environmental. While the problems caused by use itself are well understood at this point, it is the byproducts of use that have received less attention. The drug metabolites and unaltered drugs excreted after use have to end up somewhere, typically in municipal water systems. The waste treatment facilities are not designed to remove or treat these compounds and as such they will frequently make their way out into the watershed where their long term environmental impact is not well documented. This contamination of the water supply may have detrimental physiological and psychological effects on its users, as several of these byproducts are documented as toxic and/or teratogenic in a high enough concentration. Furthermore, many of these drugs and their metabolites have overlapping targets, leading to potential synergism of effects. To understand the potential risks of this type of exposure, zebrafish larvae were dosed with a cocktail of psychoactive drug byproducts with concentrations based on samples taken from waste treatment facilities in western Kentucky and subjected to several assays intended to identify changes in motor function and stereotypical behaviors when compared to untreated larvae. Several differences were detected between untreated and dosed larvae, but further testing is required to explore the root cause and to expand the testing paradigm to detect behavioral and sensory alterations not explored in this initial analysis.
The rise of prescription and illicit psychoactive drug use in the 21st century has brought along with it a host of problematic effects, ranging from sociological to psychological to even environmental. While the problems caused by use itself are well understood at this point, it is the byproducts of use that have received less attention. The drug metabolites and unaltered drugs excreted after use have to end up somewhere, typically in municipal water systems. The waste treatment facilities are not designed to remove or treat these compounds and as such they will frequently make their way out into the watershed where their long term environmental impact is not well documented. This contamination of the water supply may have detrimental physiological and psychological effects on its users, as several of these byproducts are documented as toxic and/or teratogenic in a high enough concentration. Furthermore, many of these drugs and their metabolites have overlapping targets, leading to potential synergism of effects. To understand the potential risks of this type of exposure, zebrafish larvae were dosed with a cocktail of psychoactive drug byproducts with concentrations based on samples taken from waste treatment facilities in western Kentucky and subjected to several assays intended to identify changes in motor function and stereotypical behaviors when compared to untreated larvae. Several differences were detected between untreated and dosed larvae, but further testing is required to explore the root cause and to expand the testing paradigm to detect behavioral and sensory alterations not explored in this initial analysis.
ZOO9 - The Effects of Electric Stimulation on the Movement of Drosophila and Blow Fly Larvae
First Author
Ainjini Patra
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Co-author
Robin Cooper
University of Kentucky
It is known that various animals can sense electric fields, but the pattern of their preference for the electric poles is elusive. Insects and pests live on soil or decaying materials, which stores electrical potential differences. Static electric fields induce physiological and behavioral changes in insects thereby affecting their electrotaxis. Electric screening has also been used to repel insects from agricultural facilities. Regardless of why some larval insects and worms are attracted to electric fields, to understand the rationale behind this behavior, it is necessary to know how insects and pests at their different developmental stages show sensitivity to electric fields. Larvae of different species tend to show different preferences for electrical fields, just like how different species of flies are attracted to different decaying matter. The knowledge would be beneficial for agricultural purposes, food storage such as for fruits, and control of pests such as termites. In this current study, we have used two different fly species: Drosophila melanogaster (Canton S) and larvae of green bottle blow flies (Phaenicia sericata) to test the preference between positive and negative electrical poles in a controlled environment. We found that the majority of both drosophila and blowfly larvae at the different developmental stages (1st , 2nd , and 3rd instars) preferred the negative pole. This observation can be useful in strategically using a positive electric field can be used as a physical deterrence and the negative pole as an attraction of fruit fly larvae infestations to avoid loss of agricultural products.
ZOO10 - Life history of a minnow: Reproductive cycle of the Popeye Shiner (Notropis ariommus) in the Rockcastle River, Kentucky.
First Author
Jared Vise
Morehead State University
Co-author
Shelbie Black
Morehead State University
The Popeye Shiner (Notropis ariommus) is a mid-sized minnow species with a spotty distribution in the Ohio River basin, where it occupies clear, rocky, undisturbed streams. It has declined or been extirpated in several states but has almost no published information on its ecology. This study's main objective is to determine the reproductive cycle of this fish by examining the gonads and breeding tubercles of specimens captured from May 2022 to July 2023. Individuals of this species have the highest ratio of gonad mass to somatic body weight (GSI) in mid-to-late spring, with a rapid decline in size as they approach mid-summer. Most females from May and June presented large ovaries, categorized as late maturing. By July, all females were categorized as resting, due to their drastically reduced reproductive organs. This suggests spawning starts no later than early May and ends before July, a spawning period similar to that of other Notropis minnows.At age 1, 83% of females were sexually mature, with all females reaching maturity by age 2. In contrast, only 22% of males were mature at age 1, though this increased to 80% by age 2. By age 3, both males and females were fully mature.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 12:15pm - 1:15am
KAS Business Meeting Luncheon
Cooperative Extension 238
| KAS President: Noel Novelo | KAS President- Elect: LiLi Zyzak |
The Cooperative Extension building is a short stroll down the hill from Bradford Hall.
Saturday, November 2, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Saturday Afternoon Posters
Student Center 4th fl.
Poster Presentations continue for Agriculture group B, Anthropology/ Sociology, Ecology, Geography, Geology, Health Sciences, Physics/Astronomy, Physiology/ Biochemistry, Psychology, Science Education, and Zoology
Odd Number Posters Present from 11:00-12:00, Even Numbers present from 1:30-2:30
Odd Number Posters Present from 11:00-12:00, Even Numbers present from 1:30-2:30
2:30 - Effect of black soldier fly meal diets on production performance of Pacific white shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei.
First Author
Oluwafemi Adebayo
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Kasondra Miller
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Waldemar Rossi
Kentucky State University
The increasing high cost of fish meal as an animal protein source in the diet of aquatic animals has necessitated the need for alternative protein sources that will be cheaper and nutritionally viable for marine species. Black soldier fly meal (BSFM) has been found to be rich in nutrients such as protein and lauric acid, the latter being found to have virucidal and bactericidal properties. An 8-week growth trial was conducted to access the responses of Pacific white shrimp to two BSFMs, comprising a control meal with basal levels of lauric acid (C12) and another C12 enriched. The experiment was designed with seven diets (5 replicates/diet), comprising a BSFM- and C12-free free control diet (CTL), three diets with different levels of each BSFM, and three additional BSFM-free diets supplemented with purified C12. Groups of 12 shrimp (1g/shrimp) were stocked in 35, 110L-glass aquaria and fed four times a day with one of the randomly assigned diet. At the conclusion of the feeding trial production parameters were evaluated. The growth of the shrimp (g/week) in the BSFM diets was significantly higher than in the C12 diets. The diet with a combination the BSFMs supported higher protein retention efficiency than the diet with the highest level of purified C12. The diet containing BSFM with basal levels of C12 exhibited higher energy retention than the diets containing purified C12 and C12-enriched BSFM. Overall, the shrimp performed well when fed diets containing BSFMs with different levels of C12.
2:45 - Growth Response of Two Tomato Varieties to Varying NPK Rates in A Controlled Environment.
First Author
Adekunle Adeyeye
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Alex Kofi
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Theoneste Nzaramyiomana
Kentucky State University
The growth of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) heavily depends on fertilization levels and growing conditions like greenhouse and hydroponics systems. This study examined effect of varying rates of NPK fertilizer application on key growth parameters of two commonly grown tomato varieties (Cherry & Heirloom vars.) in Kentucky under a controlled environment (greenhouse). NPK (20:20:20) fertilization varied from 0 g/L (Control), 0.66 g/L (Low), 1.32 g/L (Medium), and 1.98 g/L (High); while growth parameters observed were plant height, fruit yield, and chlorophyll content. The experiment employed a completely randomized design with three replications at the Harold Benson Research and Demonstration Farm of Kentucky State University. Results showed statistically significant differences in plant height based on both tomato varieties (p < 0.001) and fertilizer treatment (p = 0.006), with no interaction between the two. Yield analysis revealed substantial variations across the varieties, treatments, and their interactions (p < 0.001). However, only fertilizer treatment had a statistically significant impact on chlorophyll content (p < 0.001). Post hoc analysis showed that cherry tomatoes exhibited a greater average height (71.6 inches), while heirloom tomatoes produced higher yields (332 g), with no statistically significant difference in chlorophyll content between the two varieties (p = 0.357). Higher fertilization levels increased height, yield, and chlorophyll contents regardless of tomato varieties. The study demonstrated that increasing fertilizer concentrations consistently improved plant height, yield, and chlorophyll content in both tomato varieties under controlled environment. These results underscore the importance of optimal NPK fertilization in enhancing tomato productivity in controlled environments.
3:00 - Impacts of fertility practices on soil health and water quality in Kentucky
First Author
Sandeep Airee
Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
Co-author
Asmita Bhandari
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Olufisayo Obebe
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Prakriti Paudel
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Chizuluoke Nwazuluoke
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Ngozi Benjamin
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Atanu Mukherjee
Kentucky State University
Synthetic chemical use in crop production significantly impacts soil and water quality in Kentucky, contributing to eutrophication and pollution. However, field data is limited. This four-year study examines the effects of manure, compost, and synthetic fertilizer on soil and leachate water quality under Kentucky's corn-soybean cropping system. The methodology employed a Randomized Complete Block design (RCBD) in a 1.7-acre field with three treatments and four replications. Soil samples from each plot at depths of 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm were collected using bulk-density core samplers. Critical compaction depth and surface area were measured using a penetrometer and an Autosorb surface area analyzer. Additional soil health parameters were assessed, including aggregate stability, pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, and nutrient content. Leachate water samples were collected over time using suction cup lysimeters installed at 10 and 20-cm depths in the field. Water quality parameters, such as nitrate, phosphates, and potassium, were analyzed using a Dual Channel Ion Chromatograph instrument. Other water quality parameters measured included pH and electrical conductivity. While most other soil health parameters were not significantly different by the treatments, soil compaction was reduced considerably by manure and compost-amended soils. Water samples collected from suction cup lysimeters indicated that nitrate-N (10 cm and 20 cm) and Phosphate-P (20cm only) were percolated at higher concentrations under fertilizer followed by compost and manure fertility practices. These findings aim to guide the best management practices for farmers and policymakers to reduce water pollution without sacrificing agricultural productivity.
3:15 - Comparing aerobic and anaerobic mineralization of aquaculture effluent at different pH levels to maximize nutrient recov
First Author
Veonn Caines
Kentucky State University
Recirculating aquaculture systems often struggle with accumulation nitrogenous waste from fish effluent. While aquaponic systems utilize plants to filter excess nutrients, this is not feasible for some aquaculture operations. Nutrient recovery strategies such as mineralization may allow producers to mitigate waste accumulation while supplying a marketable product. As many fertilizer sources are finite, recovering nutrients from aquaculture effluent presents a sustainable alternative. This study focuses on nutrient recovery from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) effluent.
A 21-day research project was conducted to determine the optimum oxygen and pH level in low-cost mineralization systems. Twenty-four 20L tanks were divided into 12 aerobic and 12 anaerobic systems. Aerobic tanks were supplied with air to maintain dissolved oxygen levels above 4.0mg/L, while anaerobic tanks were sealed from air infiltration and used water pumps to circulate effluent to prevent solids from settling. Three pH levels were tested (5.0, 7.0, 9.0) at each aeration level with 4 replicates each.
As of this writing the study is still in progress. Water quality parameters, including pH and nutrient concentrations, were measured on day 0 and biweekly thereafter. Initial results indicate higher nitrogen recovery in aerobic systems while nitrogen decreased in anerobic systems. Micro-nutrients including calcium, magnesium, and potassium showed increased in both system types. Overall nutrient recovery appears to increase as pH levels decrease. Further data collection will evaluate phosphate, pH dynamics during mineralization, heavy metal concentrations, and solids.
A 21-day research project was conducted to determine the optimum oxygen and pH level in low-cost mineralization systems. Twenty-four 20L tanks were divided into 12 aerobic and 12 anaerobic systems. Aerobic tanks were supplied with air to maintain dissolved oxygen levels above 4.0mg/L, while anaerobic tanks were sealed from air infiltration and used water pumps to circulate effluent to prevent solids from settling. Three pH levels were tested (5.0, 7.0, 9.0) at each aeration level with 4 replicates each.
As of this writing the study is still in progress. Water quality parameters, including pH and nutrient concentrations, were measured on day 0 and biweekly thereafter. Initial results indicate higher nitrogen recovery in aerobic systems while nitrogen decreased in anerobic systems. Micro-nutrients including calcium, magnesium, and potassium showed increased in both system types. Overall nutrient recovery appears to increase as pH levels decrease. Further data collection will evaluate phosphate, pH dynamics during mineralization, heavy metal concentrations, and solids.
3:30 - The Effect of Stocking Density on the Production and Health of Olive Flounder in a Nursery level RAS
First Author
Sagun Chhetri
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Andrew J. Ray
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
The Effect of Stocking Density on the Production and Health of Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus in a Nursery-level Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS)
The olive flounder has the potential to be a lucrative aquaculture fish in the U.S. due to its rapid growth, excellent aquaculture performance, and high market value. Stocking density is one of the major factors affecting animal welfare and productivity. The level of stress resulting from high stocking density may affect growth rates and suppress immune response. This project (~90 days long) focused on assessing the effect of stocking density on production and health of olive flounder in RAS. Fingerlings (~55 g) of olive flounder were stocked at three different densities: 2.4, 4.2 and 7.2 kg/m2 in 1.2 m2 fiberglass tanks. Each of these treatments were replicated in three randomly assigned tanks connected to a common sump and shared solids and ammonia filtration systems.
To assess the health of olive flounder, stress indicators including glucose, cortisol, Growth hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) were analyzed using an automated ELISA processor. At the end of the experiment, we observed significantly high average weight and growth rate in Low Density (LD) tanks followed by Medium Density (MD), and High-Density (HD). Similarly, significantly high biomass was found in HD compared to MD and LD. In terms of stress hormones, no significant difference has been observed in cortisol, GH and IGF-1. Based on this trial, we can say that with appropriate management practices the olive flounder can be grown to final stocking density of ~54 kg/m2 from the initial stocking density of 7.2 kg/m2 in RAS without any negative impact on their health.
The olive flounder has the potential to be a lucrative aquaculture fish in the U.S. due to its rapid growth, excellent aquaculture performance, and high market value. Stocking density is one of the major factors affecting animal welfare and productivity. The level of stress resulting from high stocking density may affect growth rates and suppress immune response. This project (~90 days long) focused on assessing the effect of stocking density on production and health of olive flounder in RAS. Fingerlings (~55 g) of olive flounder were stocked at three different densities: 2.4, 4.2 and 7.2 kg/m2 in 1.2 m2 fiberglass tanks. Each of these treatments were replicated in three randomly assigned tanks connected to a common sump and shared solids and ammonia filtration systems.
To assess the health of olive flounder, stress indicators including glucose, cortisol, Growth hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1) were analyzed using an automated ELISA processor. At the end of the experiment, we observed significantly high average weight and growth rate in Low Density (LD) tanks followed by Medium Density (MD), and High-Density (HD). Similarly, significantly high biomass was found in HD compared to MD and LD. In terms of stress hormones, no significant difference has been observed in cortisol, GH and IGF-1. Based on this trial, we can say that with appropriate management practices the olive flounder can be grown to final stocking density of ~54 kg/m2 from the initial stocking density of 7.2 kg/m2 in RAS without any negative impact on their health.
3:45 - Floating Raceways: A novel approach for nursery production of phase one Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans).
First Author
Andrew Stephanus
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Sandhya Lamichhane
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Ken Semmens
Kentucky State University
Largemouth bass (LMB) are an important recreational game fish and are increasingly grown as a food fish. There is a growing need for reliable methods to consistently produce greater numbers of LMB fingerlings among aquaculture producers in Kentucky. Floating raceway system represent a novel approach to raise small LMB fingerlings ready for feed training. These systems feature presentation of live foods required by fry, protection from predators, convenient monitoring, and ease of harvest.
This study used eight 0.1-acre ponds fertilized to enhance the spring zooplankton bloom. In the control treatment fish swim throughout the pond and in the raceway treatment fish are confined in a floating raceway with water pumped from the pond. Each treatment was stocked with 6000 LMB. Fish and zooplankton samples were collected on a weekly basis and fish were harvested after 35 days. Water quality parameters were monitored on a weekly basis.
Fish were recovered from both treatments. Average weight was 3.57±0.54 grams in the control treatment and 0.86±0.18 grams in the raceway treatment. This represents a respective instantaneous growth rate of 20 and 16 % body weight/day. Mean weight was significantly higher in control treatment than in the raceway treatment (P-value 0.003). Mean recovery was 785±352 fish in the control treatment and 2234±886 fish in the raceway treatment. The mean rate of recovery was not significantly different between treatments (P-value 0.179). Results of this experiment indicate floating raceways show promise as a novel system for production of phase one LMB.
This study used eight 0.1-acre ponds fertilized to enhance the spring zooplankton bloom. In the control treatment fish swim throughout the pond and in the raceway treatment fish are confined in a floating raceway with water pumped from the pond. Each treatment was stocked with 6000 LMB. Fish and zooplankton samples were collected on a weekly basis and fish were harvested after 35 days. Water quality parameters were monitored on a weekly basis.
Fish were recovered from both treatments. Average weight was 3.57±0.54 grams in the control treatment and 0.86±0.18 grams in the raceway treatment. This represents a respective instantaneous growth rate of 20 and 16 % body weight/day. Mean weight was significantly higher in control treatment than in the raceway treatment (P-value 0.003). Mean recovery was 785±352 fish in the control treatment and 2234±886 fish in the raceway treatment. The mean rate of recovery was not significantly different between treatments (P-value 0.179). Results of this experiment indicate floating raceways show promise as a novel system for production of phase one LMB.
2:30 - A Road, A Park, and A Community Center: Environmental Justice and Promises Kept
First Author
Juliana McDonald
University of Kentucky
The historical neighborhood of Davis Bottom in downtown Lexington, KY was founded in 1866. Over the years, a park, small baseball field, basketball court, and a small mission church became focal points of the neighborhood, symbolic of community spirit and cohesion. Planned from the 1930s, the Newtown Pike Extension is a road into downtown Lexington. From the beginning this project was controversial. The neighborhood fought back to stop the road and was initially successful. However, in the late 1990s, the city returned to the project out of the necessity to deal with traffic issues. In the early 2000s, the plans for the construction of the new corridor into the downtown area also created the necessity to address environmental justice for the community as required by federal regulations. After many years of neglect of Davis Bottom, the mitigation included plans for new affordable housing organized around a land trust model. The original houses were destroyed in this process which included razing the 25 acres of land acquired by the land trust. For residents, loss of the park and mission church were synonymous with loss of community. This paper details how the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government in cooperation and collaboration with the Lexington Community Land Trust rebuilt the park and community center as a final completion of their commitment to environmental justice to rebuild not just houses but the community, why this is important, and the role of the anthropologist in this long-term project.
2:45 - Finding community through music - Summer Shade Pickers - Cultural revitalization through social media sharing
First Author
Kristin Dale
Western Kentucky University
This project presents original ethnographic research on the Summer Shade Pickers, a Kentucky-based community centered around informal music sessions open to all skill levels. Through methods such as participant observation, interviews, and material object analysis, the study documents how these picking sessions foster community by promoting inclusivity, informality, and familiarity. The research highlights how the shared passion for music strengthens relationships and cultural identity. Additionally, the study examines the evolving role of social media, which became prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social media has expanded access to these sessions, connecting the local tradition to global audiences and younger generations while revitalizing interest in folk music practices. However, this digital engagement also introduces significant challenges, such as concerns over the authenticity and commercialization of traditions. The Summer Shade community's use of social media exemplifies how grassroots efforts can leverage modern technologies to sustain cultural practices while fostering community bonds. The findings contribute to broader anthropological discussions on the role of music in community-building, identity formation, and cultural transmission in a globalized world.
3:00 - Visualizing Artifact and Structural Distributions across Mayapan's Urban Core
First Author
Jaxson Brewer
Craft Academy
Co-author
Gillian Collins
Craft Academy
Co-author
Charles Gunn
Craft Academy
Co-author
Timothy Hare
Morehead State University
We examine the architectural and artifactual patterns distributed across the Postclassic city of Mayapan (A.D. 1150-1450), located in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, by analyzing artifacts recovered from middens (refuse deposits located in the trenches between structures) throughout the city. We synthesize data collected by the Carnegie Institute, which conducted extensive mapping and excavation at Mayapan during the 1950s and 1960s. We compile and classify data for analysis. By displaying the distribution of several features and artifact classes, we explore variations in their distributions across the city to reveal key patterns in urban organization, settlement history, social stratification, and economic activity. However, by examining several key items, such as spindle whorls, obsidian blades, and lithic fragments, we can identify areas of craft production, and their distributions. We focus on the variations in the distribution of tools, craft items, foreign products, and pottery to highlight key areas of craft production and consumption. Furthermore, by identifying where foreign products are most densely located and where those objects were produced, we enhance our understanding of trade and regional interconnectivity in the Postclassic period across economic and social classes. The study's findings aid in understanding the nature of production activities and social structure throughout the city and how they reflect broader regional and interregional interactions.
3:30 - Survival Strategies and Self-making among Displaced People in Anse-a-Pitres, Haiti
First Author
Daniel Joseph
Eastern Kentucky University
In 2013, the Dominican state officially upheld a 2010 constitutional amendment that stripped tens of thousands of Dominicans of Haitian descent of their citizenship and forced them out of the country. During the months of June and July, 2015, an estimated 2,200 of these people became displaced in the border town of Anse-a-Pitres, Haiti, where they took up residence in temporary camps and were determined to start a new life. Amid fundamental survival challenges and the inability to work in the formal economy, they undertook informal economic practices to create livelihoods in Haiti, a country that has experienced decades of social, political, and economic deterioration. Drawing on fourteen months of ethnographic fieldwork with this displaced population, I examined how they mobilized resources within and across their communities and developed survival strategies in the face of displacement and statelessness.
3:45 - Movement On and Off the Ice
First Author
Melony Stambaugh
Mountain Mission School
The movement of players within their league and up into the AHL and NHL is a means to create and strengthen social and professional ties. This movement is facilitated through many means, however, connections based on affiliations with NHL and AHL teams create expected pathways which promote career development and advancements.
3:15 - The Application of Decision Trees and Random Forest Modeling for Estimating Sex from Measurements of the Skull
First Author
Morgan Ferrell
University of Kentucky
Co-author
John Schultz
University of Kentucky
The Application of Decision Trees and Random Forest Modeling for Estimating Osteological Sex from Measurements of the Skull
Osteological sex estimation from measurements of the skull is a commonly utilized method in forensic anthropology. Metric methods for the skull typically involve taking cranial and mandibular measurements and applying statistical classification methods to produce a sex estimate. The goal of the present study was to assess whether increased sex classification accuracies from measurements of the skull could be achieved using two machine learning classification methods: decision trees and random forest (RF) modeling. Thus, the main objective of this research was to generate multiple decision trees and RF models which incorporate various combinations of metric variables for estimating osteological sex from the skull. A total of 403 individuals of European American and African American population affinities were randomly sampled from four U.S.-based skeletal collections. The sample consisted of 220 males and 183 females with an age-at-death between 20 and 99 years old. Twenty-one standard metric variables of the skull were measured for each individual. To generate the trees and RF models, 80% of the sample was used as the model training data and 20% was used for holdout validation testing. The final decision trees achieved holdout validation accuracies ranging from 84 to 95%, while the RF models achieved slightly lower accuracies ranging from 81.5 to 90%. Additionally, the population specific models achieved higher accuracies compared to the pooled sample models. Methods with sex classification accuracies over 80% are ideal for forensic applications, and therefore the models generated in this research have the potential to be utilized for forensic anthropology casework.
Osteological sex estimation from measurements of the skull is a commonly utilized method in forensic anthropology. Metric methods for the skull typically involve taking cranial and mandibular measurements and applying statistical classification methods to produce a sex estimate. The goal of the present study was to assess whether increased sex classification accuracies from measurements of the skull could be achieved using two machine learning classification methods: decision trees and random forest (RF) modeling. Thus, the main objective of this research was to generate multiple decision trees and RF models which incorporate various combinations of metric variables for estimating osteological sex from the skull. A total of 403 individuals of European American and African American population affinities were randomly sampled from four U.S.-based skeletal collections. The sample consisted of 220 males and 183 females with an age-at-death between 20 and 99 years old. Twenty-one standard metric variables of the skull were measured for each individual. To generate the trees and RF models, 80% of the sample was used as the model training data and 20% was used for holdout validation testing. The final decision trees achieved holdout validation accuracies ranging from 84 to 95%, while the RF models achieved slightly lower accuracies ranging from 81.5 to 90%. Additionally, the population specific models achieved higher accuracies compared to the pooled sample models. Methods with sex classification accuracies over 80% are ideal for forensic applications, and therefore the models generated in this research have the potential to be utilized for forensic anthropology casework.
4:00 - The Reproductive Currency: Sperm Trafficking and Rituals in Ghana
First Author
Jessica Nwafor
University of Kentucky
This paper leverages investigative journalistic reports to analyze the illegal sale of semen-filled condoms in Ghana, mainly for rituals. I argue that semen, a reproductive cell, adopts a transactional value in Ghana's shadow economy, elevating it to a 'reproductive currency.' I intersect poverty and illicit economies to challenge traditional notions of reproduction. I also raise critical questions about bodily autonomy and spiritual exploitation detrimental to men's health and wellbeing.
4:15 - An autoethnography on the pressure to preserve the heritage language: Negotiating between internal and external desires
First Author
Amber Wu
Gatton Academy
When an immigrant family has a child in a strictly monolingual community, there is not an apparent reason for the child to learn the heritage language (HL) without external pressure (EP). This autoethnography explores EP and its emotional effects on the author and her desire to learn the HL language.
Narratives on key events impacting the author's HL journey were analyzed through the concepts of feeling rules and emotional labor (Hochschild, 1983), with focus on how EPs influenced her desire to learn and maintain the Korean HL.
It was revealed that there are two types of EP that can influence a child's desire to learn the HL: societal and generational. Societal pressure is from outside the family and can be generated from both broader society and peers. Feeling rules on the genuineness of desire to learn the HL led to deep acting. Fear of shame and embarrassment from not meeting racial expectations, like the expectation of bilingualism from a non-white living in a white community or from an HL speaker in an HL speaking community, further extends that pressure. Immigrant parents generationally pressure their child to learn their HL out of obligation or perceived future benefit. However, over time, the recognition of cultural and career benefits transformed the external desire into the author's, leading to the construction of her own bilingual identity. This study provides a nuanced view of HL learning from a child's perspective, highlighting how children's motivations are shaped by both societal and generational pressures.
Narratives on key events impacting the author's HL journey were analyzed through the concepts of feeling rules and emotional labor (Hochschild, 1983), with focus on how EPs influenced her desire to learn and maintain the Korean HL.
It was revealed that there are two types of EP that can influence a child's desire to learn the HL: societal and generational. Societal pressure is from outside the family and can be generated from both broader society and peers. Feeling rules on the genuineness of desire to learn the HL led to deep acting. Fear of shame and embarrassment from not meeting racial expectations, like the expectation of bilingualism from a non-white living in a white community or from an HL speaker in an HL speaking community, further extends that pressure. Immigrant parents generationally pressure their child to learn their HL out of obligation or perceived future benefit. However, over time, the recognition of cultural and career benefits transformed the external desire into the author's, leading to the construction of her own bilingual identity. This study provides a nuanced view of HL learning from a child's perspective, highlighting how children's motivations are shaped by both societal and generational pressures.
2:30 - Bald cypress emit methane even when their surrounding soils consume it - completing the hardwood forest carbon balance
First Author
Jessica Moon
Murray State University, Biological and Watershed Sciences
Co-author
Skylar Ross
Murray State University, Watershed Science
Co-author
Marissa Miles
Murray State University, Watershed Science
Co-author
Rose Carey
Murray State University, Biological Sciences
Co-author
Niklas Klauss
Murray State University, Biological Sciences
Co-author
Bassil El Masri
Murray State University, Earth and Environmental Science
Co-author
Gary Stinchcomb
The University of Memphis, Earth Sciences
Co-author
Benjamin Runkle
University of Arkansas, Biological and Agricultural Engineer
Co-author
Kabiraj Khatiwada
University of Arkansas, Biological and Agricultural Engineer
Restoration of forested wetlands is expected to improve carbon storage through the growth of new tree biomass. However, over the last decade, studies have revealed that trees and their exposed woody root structures can act as significant sources of methane (CH4). These emissions are not captured in regional climate models, increasing uncertainty in our predictions of carbon cycle source-sink dynamics. We aimed to identify patterns in CH4 source-sink dynamics on the stems and exposed woody root structures ('knees') of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum), a dominant species in hydric soils of southeastern U.S. We measured CH4 fluxes across a range of tree properties (e.g., stem and knee height and size), landscape positions (e.g., microtopographic and hydrogeomorphic settings), and time scales (e.g., diurnal, flooding events, drought/non-drought years) from bald cypress within the upper Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Our results suggest that even during moderate to severe drought conditions when soils act as sinks for CH4, stems and knees can act as sources. Shifts in CH4 emissions appear to be more pronounced across seasons than across diurnal cycles and they are linked to changes in water level and temperature. Although temporally dynamic, CH4 emissions can also vary across stem or knee height and within and across hydrogeomorphic settings. While we continue to identify the biotic and abiotic factors driving patterns in tree emissions, our initial findings suggest that tree CH4 gas exchange should be included in the bookkeeping when developing carbon budgets in landscapes with forested freshwater wetlands.
2:45 - Investigating Differences in the Reproductive Phenology of Temperate Spring Ephemerals and Solitary Bees
First Author
Alissandra Ayala
University of Louisville
Co-author
Perri Eason
University of Louisville
For many interspecies interactions, timing is everything. The mutualistic relationship between pollinators and angiosperms is no exception to this rule. Particularly sensitive to a successful phenological overlap are spring ephemeral flowers, which only bloom between the last snowmelt and forest canopy closure. Their opportunity for reproduction is very temporally limited. Native pollinators such as solitary cavity-nesting bees depend on these early spring floral resources after emergence for sustenance and reproduction. Temperature is an important indicator of the season for both plants and pollinators. I am interested in studying whether the Urban Heat Island Effect (UHI), the phenomenon in which urban areas experience heightened temperatures compared to their surrounding rural areas, influences both groups' reproductive schedule shape. If the UHI indeed affects their phenology, I plan to investigate differences in the variation and skew of their shapes.
The UHI can be used to model the rise in temperature we expect to experience in the next few decades. Louisville has one of the strongest UHIs in the United States, with average temperatures being 3 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than surrounding natural areas. This encompasses the 1.5-2 degrees Celsius rise in temperature predicted by the IPCC between 2030 and 2052. Because temperature is an important common determinant of both floral and insect phenology, it is worthwhile to investigate how each group responds to the UHI.
To answer these questions, I monitored clear-sided trap nests for reproductive activity of solitary bees in 15 sites across an urban-rural gradient. Each nest contains 10 potential cavities which were colonized in the springs of 2022 and 2023 and visited weekly. 4 transects were established in the cardinal directions radiating from the trap nests. Along these transects, 1 meter quadrats were used to assess the spring ephemeral floral resources available to pollinators.
The UHI can be used to model the rise in temperature we expect to experience in the next few decades. Louisville has one of the strongest UHIs in the United States, with average temperatures being 3 to 5 degrees Celsius higher than surrounding natural areas. This encompasses the 1.5-2 degrees Celsius rise in temperature predicted by the IPCC between 2030 and 2052. Because temperature is an important common determinant of both floral and insect phenology, it is worthwhile to investigate how each group responds to the UHI.
To answer these questions, I monitored clear-sided trap nests for reproductive activity of solitary bees in 15 sites across an urban-rural gradient. Each nest contains 10 potential cavities which were colonized in the springs of 2022 and 2023 and visited weekly. 4 transects were established in the cardinal directions radiating from the trap nests. Along these transects, 1 meter quadrats were used to assess the spring ephemeral floral resources available to pollinators.
3:00 - The effects of two common herbicides on the wood frog (Rana sylvatica)
First Author
Jerica Eaton
Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Jarrett Johnson
Western Kentucky University
Amphibian populations have been declining globally since the 1950s. Many species that have experienced declines are viewed as 'environmental indicators' that reveal habitat degradation. Declines can be attributed to several factors, including chemicals used in agriculture, such as Roundup and Atrazine. Agrochemicals contaminate water bodies through runoff or leaching and cause alterations to aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluated the effects of herbicide usage on wild populations using wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) as a model. We determined the effect of the herbicides at two concentrations, a high concentration that simulated a pulse dosage during a runoff event and low concentration that simulated a background level of exposure and identified synergistic effects resulting from the mixture of both herbicides at the high or low concentration. Effects of herbicide on larval growth and development were measured by recording variation in survival-to-, size-at-, and time-to-metamorphosis across treatment levels. Differences between treatments were assessed using a two-way factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Roundup and Atrazine concentrations as factor levels. We determined that these agrochemicals induce negative effects in amphibian taxa, including metamorphic size and mortality. This research provides a better understanding of the environmental implications resulting from the effects of combined stressors on wild populations. Understanding how anthropogenic land use impacts amphibians is paramount in preventing amphibian populations declines and environmental degradation.
3:15 - Development of relative temperature growth index (RTGI) for Largemouth Bass (Micropterus nigricans)
First Author
Faith Ohwofasa
Kentucky State University
Co-author
Uchechukwu Ohajiudu
The University of Southern Mississippi
Co-author
Ken Semmens
Kentucky State University
Growth of Largemouth Bass (LMB) as a food fish in Kentucky is constrained by a modest growing season. Understanding the relationship between temperature and growth is instrumental in developing a practical feeding protocol for LMB to take full advantage of growth potential throughout the year.
Two studies were conducted over a 9-week period at the Aquaculture Research Center at KSU. In each study, seven recirculating systems were randomly assigned temperature treatments. Study 1 evaluated 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33 °C and Study 2 evaluated 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 °C. Both studies utilized feed-trained juvenile LMB. The first study featured six fish per tank (57.5±1 g), while the second study used 10 fish per tank (56.2±1.8 g). Fish were hand-fed once daily to apparent satiation using a slow-sinking 6.5 mm commercial trout feed (45% protein, 20% fat). Water quality was monitored weekly to ensure optimal conditions for growth. Weight and length were recorded for each fish at stocking and harvest.
Regression analysis of the combined data revealed the following equation:
SGR = 0.0187 - 0.00367 C + 0.000243 C2 - 0.00000434 C3 where C is temperature (°C) and SGR is specific growth rate (%BW/day). Maximum SGR was 1.113 at 26.8 °C and R2 was 0.91.
RTGI was created by assigning this maximum SGR a value of 100% and generating a data set across the temperature range for SGR values divided by 1.113. The resulting relationship creates an equation describing relative growth and temperature.
Two studies were conducted over a 9-week period at the Aquaculture Research Center at KSU. In each study, seven recirculating systems were randomly assigned temperature treatments. Study 1 evaluated 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, and 33 °C and Study 2 evaluated 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 °C. Both studies utilized feed-trained juvenile LMB. The first study featured six fish per tank (57.5±1 g), while the second study used 10 fish per tank (56.2±1.8 g). Fish were hand-fed once daily to apparent satiation using a slow-sinking 6.5 mm commercial trout feed (45% protein, 20% fat). Water quality was monitored weekly to ensure optimal conditions for growth. Weight and length were recorded for each fish at stocking and harvest.
Regression analysis of the combined data revealed the following equation:
SGR = 0.0187 - 0.00367 C + 0.000243 C2 - 0.00000434 C3 where C is temperature (°C) and SGR is specific growth rate (%BW/day). Maximum SGR was 1.113 at 26.8 °C and R2 was 0.91.
RTGI was created by assigning this maximum SGR a value of 100% and generating a data set across the temperature range for SGR values divided by 1.113. The resulting relationship creates an equation describing relative growth and temperature.
3:30 - What's all this tick talk about? Exploring how different abiotic factors affect tick abundance and presence
First Author
Emma Staples
University of Louisville
Co-author
Mallory Harmel
University of Louisville
Co-author
Rachel Pigg
University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky houses an extensive urban park system, with up to 1 million visitors per year at some parks. However, little is known about the tick populations in these parks. Ticks are a human health concern because they can carry many diseases, including Lyme disease and Ehrlichiosis. Identifying environmental factors predictive of tick presence and abundance would help Louisville park officials better manage this human health risk. We hypothesized that temperature at ground level, presence of leaf litter, depth of leaf litter, and relative humidity (rh) would affect tick presence and abundance. We collected ticks and environmental data from 30 sampling plots in one urban park in Louisville (Iroquois Park). Across all plots, we found adult and nymphal ticks of two species (Ixodes scapularis & Amblyomma americanum). We found that leaf litter depth affected the presence and abundance of ticks (p < 0.0001), but there was no effect of canopy cover, rh, or temperature (p >0.05). The knowledge gained from this research can help city and park managers control tick populations and educate the public about the potential risk of encountering ticks in their parks.
3:45 - The Kentucky Ant Project: An Attempt to Report all the Ant Species in Kentucky.
First Author
Josiah Kilburn
Morehead State University
Co-author
Dr. David Peyton
Morehead state university
Co-author
Danika Da Fieno
Morehead State University
Co-author
Dr. Sean O'Keefe
Morehead State University
Ants… you may see them as a house pest, but they are much more important. Not only are they often agricultural pests, but they may be the most important predatory insect on earth. For these reasons (and many more) we need to catalog and study ants. In the US alone, we know there are about 900 species of ants.
Kentucky is home to some of the most biologically diverse areas in the US, but there is little information on the ant species in the state. The sparse data that is present states that there are about half as many species of ants in Kentucky as there are in each of its bordering states. The goal of the Kentucky Ant Project is to remedy this data disparity.
Last year we predicted that there were 30 ant genera in Kentucky, from 6 subfamilies. This year we report 2 new genera to the state (Forelius and Dorymyrmex), and around a dozen new species records, with 2 appearing to be undescribed. We also will report the future plans for the project including student participation in collecting ant specimens.
Kentucky is home to some of the most biologically diverse areas in the US, but there is little information on the ant species in the state. The sparse data that is present states that there are about half as many species of ants in Kentucky as there are in each of its bordering states. The goal of the Kentucky Ant Project is to remedy this data disparity.
Last year we predicted that there were 30 ant genera in Kentucky, from 6 subfamilies. This year we report 2 new genera to the state (Forelius and Dorymyrmex), and around a dozen new species records, with 2 appearing to be undescribed. We also will report the future plans for the project including student participation in collecting ant specimens.
2:30 - Fungi in a Warmer World: Findings from the Zhangpu Biota of Southeastern China
First Author
Margaret Alden
Morehead State University
Co-author
Jen O'Keefe
Morehead State University
As anthropogenic climate change progresses, it is critical to understand how fungi will react. The Miocene Climate Optimum (~18-13 Ma) is a known analog for the projected repercussions of global warming. By studying fossil fungal assemblages (fungas) with the nearest living relative method, the Fungi in a Warmer World team has been able to generate a global data set of fungal climate reconstructions at and around the MCO, in addition to supporting the value and validity of fungas as a paleoclimate and paleoecological proxy. Here we present a record of the fungas recovered from the Middle Miocene (~14.7 Ma) Zhangpu Biota from the Fotan formation of Southeastern China and discuss paleoclimate and paleoecological interpretations. While tropical to subtropical forest saprophytes are predominant, all ecological niches excepting keritophilous (fur-dwelling) have been identified, suggesting a more diverse ecosystem than previously interpreted from plant-based reconstructions.
2:45 - Out of Africa: Fungi in a Warmer World from the Niger Delta, Nigeria
First Author
Palmer Schmidt
Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics
Co-author
Jen O'Keefe
Morehead State University
Fungal populations are essential parts of any ecosystem. However, many fungi have hyperspecific climate requirements that closely mirror that of their botanical hosts. Because many live in restricted environments, fungal palynomorphs can be used to estimate past climates. As climates change, so will fungal populations, and it is imperative that we develop long-term, large-scale datasets that document past population changes to enable realistic forecasting of future changes. The Fungi in a Warmer World project has been engaged in building these datasets for the last four years and has now turned its attention to African systems. Here we focus on changes indicated by fungi preserved in middle Miocene-age samples from the Agbada Formation in the Kolo Creek Oilfield in the Niger River Delta. The sediments preserve diverse fungas that show variations in climate through the column, ranging from tropical savannahs and rain forest to sub-tropical forests.
3:00 - Four Years of Fungi in A Warmer World: An overview of Past Fungas and Microclimates during the Miocene
First Author
Jen O'Keefe
Morehead State University
In an era of rapidly changing climates, it has become vital to understand how fungas will react and adapt. This requires long-term, large-scale datasets that are largely unavailable to mycologists, who focus on studying extant taxa and those in fungaria. While what we know about impacts of recent climate and environmental change, especially guild structure response to perturbations, has increased almost exponentially since the first 'State of the World's Fungi' report in 2018, we must still examine fossil records to capture climate-related changes. For the past four years, the Fungi in a Warmer World project (FiaWW) has been examining changes in fungas across the Miocene Climate Optimum (MCO). Here we present a synthesis of our results. Fungal distributions are driven in part by plant distributions, and both tend to track climate space shifts. In the fungal fossil record, this is most easily seen at the assemblage scale, especially where taxa with restricted climatic and environmental tolerances are present. Structural variations within fungal guilds can be challenging to examine due to taphonomy of spore preservation (non-melanized spores, thus most of the ectomycorrhizal spores and many mildews are not preserved). Within these limitations, however, variations in the relative proportion of saprotrophs, parasites, endphytes, and soil fungi occur with both warming and cooling. Climate space shifts captured by fossil fungas likely represent local microclimates and provide site-specific, rather than broad-scale records of change.
3:15 - Updated terrestrial biostratigraphy of the type Coon Creek Section, Tennessee
First Author
Ethan Lung
Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics
Co-author
Jen O'Keefe
Morehead State University
The Campanian Coon Creek Formation type locality in McNairy County, Tennessee, is a lagerstätte known for exceptionally preserved remains of verterbrates, invertebrates, and microfossils. Subjected to alternating cool and warm water conditions, which were likely caused by oceanic currents from the Tethys and Western Interior Seaway, the type locality was a shallow embayment near the western edge of the Appalachia province. Although entirely marine, the sediments contain substantial quantities of terrestrial palynomorphs, particularly near the upper section, offering a rare glimpse into nearby Upper Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems, which are otherwise not found in this region. A previous biostratigraphic study of widely spaced samples throughout the section indicated the need for a more in-depth analysis of terrestrial palynomorphs to better refine the first and last occurrences of taxa and investigate variations in the terrestrial ecosystems that contributed to the assemblages. In 2023, 27 evenly-spaced samples were collected for this purpose. Here we present the most up-to-date results and interpretations from our biostratigraphic and paleoecological analysis of terrestrial palynomorphs from the site.
3:30 - Re-Examination of a Middle Mississippian Carbonate Mud-Mound Complex from the Fort Payne Formation in Kentucky
First Author
Frank Ettensohn
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Maxwell Mickelson
University of Kentucky
This study examines the origin of a 213-m (700-ft) long, Middle Mississippian, carbonate mud-mound complex in the Fort Payne Formation of south-central Kentucky. The complex's well-exposed, easily accessible, and well-preserved nature provides an opportunity to understand how mounds like this developed during a time of sediment starvation, basinward of the largely abandoned Borden-Grainger Delta complex.
The mound complex is formed of small, accretionary mounds that accreted onto the flanks of an eroded structural high and onto the backs of each other, apparently for protection from storms. Each sub-mound is composed of micrite-rich wackestone, comprising one of two lithofacies: 1) alternating layers of microbial micrite and storm-razed communities of fenestrate bryozoans, crinoids and sponges, and 2.) irregularly arranged accumulations of microbial micrite and small intercalated bryozoan-dominated communities, the former generating more massive wackestone lithofacies, and the latter, a vuggier lithofacies. The mound complex is also divided by three thin shale intervals overlying reworked surfaces that appear to represent flooding surfaces at parasequence boundaries.
So much microbial micrite suggests occurrence in the photic zone. Additionally, presence of dascyclad algae indicates depths no deeper than 40 m (130 ft). Overall, Fort Payne carbonate mound development and the related proliferation of mound communities is related to a period of sediment starvation and a paleoclimatic/paleogeographic setting that allowed for the upwelling of nutrient-rich waters. Repeated storms were major contributors to mound growth.
The mound complex is formed of small, accretionary mounds that accreted onto the flanks of an eroded structural high and onto the backs of each other, apparently for protection from storms. Each sub-mound is composed of micrite-rich wackestone, comprising one of two lithofacies: 1) alternating layers of microbial micrite and storm-razed communities of fenestrate bryozoans, crinoids and sponges, and 2.) irregularly arranged accumulations of microbial micrite and small intercalated bryozoan-dominated communities, the former generating more massive wackestone lithofacies, and the latter, a vuggier lithofacies. The mound complex is also divided by three thin shale intervals overlying reworked surfaces that appear to represent flooding surfaces at parasequence boundaries.
So much microbial micrite suggests occurrence in the photic zone. Additionally, presence of dascyclad algae indicates depths no deeper than 40 m (130 ft). Overall, Fort Payne carbonate mound development and the related proliferation of mound communities is related to a period of sediment starvation and a paleoclimatic/paleogeographic setting that allowed for the upwelling of nutrient-rich waters. Repeated storms were major contributors to mound growth.
3:45 - The Nature and Origin of the Strodes Creek Member of the Lexington Limestone
First Author
Claire Mendenall
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Frank Ettensohn
University of Kentucky
The Strodes Creek Member of the Lexington Limestone is a largely unstudied member of the Lexington Limestone that is largely enveloped by the Millersburg Member. It contains unique features such as ball-and-pillow structures, pinch-and-swell bedding, hummocky cross stratification, and stromatoporoids, both in-place and reworked. Previous research suggests that some of these features may be related to synsedimentary structural movement on the faults that bound the unit. The unique, dark, fine-grained nature of the unit, compared with adjacent Lexington units, indicates that the Strodes Creek was probably deposited in a deeper-water, lagoonal setting that is probably related to movement on the bounding faults. Using the literature, geologic maps and our own observations, we interpret the Strodes Creek to have been deposited in a deeper-water setting that was frequently disrupted by local seismicity and storms. Hummocky cross stratification indicates the presence of storms, whereas the irregular bedding and overturned stromatoporoids may indicate the presence of seismicity. It is well-known that storms were frequent, and that seismicity was common during deposition of the Lexington Limestone, and hence, it would not be unusual to expect similar events during deposition of the Strodes Creek. However, future work will be necessary to determine other aspects of Strodes Creek deposition and to determine if possible seismites in the Strodes Creek can be correlated with seismites elsewhere in coeval parts of the Millersburg Member.
4:00 - Variations in growth rates of ceratopsian dinosaurs compared to ancient latitude
First Author
Sadie Ellis
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Julie Reizner
Northern Kentucky University
Paleolatitude likely played an important role in the metabolic rates and growth of ceratopsian dinosaurs as it does in modern animals, but there are few studies on the correlation. Understanding how growth changes based on paleolatitude provides insight into the lifestyle and behaviors of ceratopsians, or horned dinosaurs. To document this, three ceratopsian dinosaurs from three locations across Laramidia, or the present-day West coast of the United States, were investigated. Einiosaurus procurvicornis was the central subject of the study, with samples of the tibiae (shin bones) being analyzed under a microscope to determine each specimen's age, size and metabolic rate at the time of death. specimen's age, size, and metabolic rate at time of death. This is largely assessed by counting lines of arrested growth (LAGs) where growth slows markedly each year, and other details of the shape and orientation of bone cells. Then, photographs of tibiae and femur (thigh bone) thin sections from Pachyrhinosaurus from Alaska, and Kosmoceratops from Utah, are examined similarly. Bone tissue microtexture indicates that all three species grew relatively quickly in adolescence, but each show significant differences in the number of LAGs deposited, which may be due to the latitude at which they lived.
4:15 - Using geochemical analyses to compare Big Sinking Creek and Cave Hollow Spring
First Author
Sierra Ison
Northern Kentucky University
Co-author
Darryl Woods Jr.
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Abbie Grzynkowicz
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
John Gribbins
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Madison High
Kentucky Geological Survey
Co-author
Emelia Harris
Kentucky Geological Survey
Oil has been extracted in Kentucky since 1818, with approximately 190,000 wells drilled over the years. Our study area lies in Lee County as part of the Red River Gorge Geological Area. This area is characterized by its karst landscape and is prone to the formation of caves and sinkholes. The Big Sinking oil field, Kentucky's only giant oil field, lies just 1.5 km East of our study area. Discovered in 1916, the Big Sinking oil field produced over 100 million barrels of oil from 1918 to 2000, with peak production occurring in 1919. Contamination by material from the oil field could lead to increased salinity, which would lead to issues for agriculture, water quality, wildlife, and aquatic ecosystems. Due to the proximity of the Big Sinking oil field to our study area, we aimed to determine if local water resources might be affected by contamination from the oil field through geochemical analyses. We hypothesized that there will be a difference when comparing the sites along Big Sinking Creek to the sites in Cave Hollow Spring because the oil field lies upstream of Big Sinking Creek but not Cave Hollow Spring. The sites along Big Sinking Creek were determined to have higher concentrations of calcium, chloride, sodium, magnesium, and total organic carbon (TOC). These results suggest that material from the oil field could be contaminating the water sources downstream of the oil field.
4:30 - Quantitative Analysis of Geochemistry and Flow Dynamics in the Great Onyx Groundwater Basin, Mammoth Cave National Park
First Author
Daniel Thelen
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Lee Ann Bledsoe
Crawford Hydrology Laboratory, Western Kentucky University
Co-author
Chris Groves
Western Kentucky University
Quantitative Analysis of Geochemistry and Flow Dynamics in the Great Onyx Groundwater Basin, Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Due to their unpredictable nature and large area that they cover, much energy has been put into developing the knowledge of karst landscapes and the vulnerable aquifer systems they contain. Many techniques have been developed over time that allow groundwater to be traced through underground passages. This research project utilized fluorescent dye tracing, water chemistry monitoring, and flow measurements to better understand the Great Onyx Groundwater Basin, a continuation of a long-term hydrogeological study started in 2017 by Crawford Hydrology Laboratory. Specifically, high-resolution data sondes were used to collect pH, specific conductivity, temperature, and water level at Great Onyx Spring and Cascade Falls within Great Onyx Cave. Two separate dye traces were conducted using Fluorescein to determine the time of travel between Great Onyx Cave and Great Onyx Spring. The first injection was unexpectedly followed by a storm event, and the second was conducted during fall base flow conditions . Analysis of quantitative data revealed average flow velocity, allowed comparison of breakthrough curves during different antecedent conditions, and the evaluation of temporal differences between geochemical parameters at Cascade Falls and Great Onyx Spring. The data collected within this study adds to the overall knowledge of karst landscapes, provides resource managers within Mammoth Cave National Park with crucial information and paves the way for many studies to come.
Due to their unpredictable nature and large area that they cover, much energy has been put into developing the knowledge of karst landscapes and the vulnerable aquifer systems they contain. Many techniques have been developed over time that allow groundwater to be traced through underground passages. This research project utilized fluorescent dye tracing, water chemistry monitoring, and flow measurements to better understand the Great Onyx Groundwater Basin, a continuation of a long-term hydrogeological study started in 2017 by Crawford Hydrology Laboratory. Specifically, high-resolution data sondes were used to collect pH, specific conductivity, temperature, and water level at Great Onyx Spring and Cascade Falls within Great Onyx Cave. Two separate dye traces were conducted using Fluorescein to determine the time of travel between Great Onyx Cave and Great Onyx Spring. The first injection was unexpectedly followed by a storm event, and the second was conducted during fall base flow conditions . Analysis of quantitative data revealed average flow velocity, allowed comparison of breakthrough curves during different antecedent conditions, and the evaluation of temporal differences between geochemical parameters at Cascade Falls and Great Onyx Spring. The data collected within this study adds to the overall knowledge of karst landscapes, provides resource managers within Mammoth Cave National Park with crucial information and paves the way for many studies to come.
2:30 - Machine Learning Analysis of Seismic Coda Signals to Monitor Hydraulic Stimulation in Fractured Rock at SURF
First Author
Alexis Hensley
Berea College
Co-author
David Nolte
Purdue University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Co-author
Laura Pyrak-Nolte
Purdue University, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Co-author
Chet Hopp
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, GO Geophysics Dept.
Co-author
Todd Wood
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Geophysics Dept.
Co-author
Veronica Rodriguez Tribaldos
Helmholtz German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ)
TITLE: Machine Learning Analysis of Seismic Coda Signals to Monitor Hydraulic Stimulation in Fractured Rock at the Sanford Underground Research Facility
Geothermal energy production from the Earth's subsurface often relies on the flow of fluids through fracture networks to extract heat. However, these fracture networks are sensitive to engineered and natural processes that open and close fractures in response to changes in stress, fluid pressures, and geochemical interactions. A challenge is linking information in geophysical data to changes in network permeability to update numerical simulators to predict and control long-term energy production.
We use machine learning (ML) to explore data from Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Collab experiments at Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. Experiments at the 4100' level were monitored using a Continuous Active-Source Seismic Monitoring (CASSM) system. The CASSM system used 20 piezoceramic sources and 72 receiver channels to provide near-continuous observations during induced fracturing and shearing of known fractures. The full waveforms contained codas from multiple reflections from fractures. We utilized a triplet loss neural network for signature identification of induced fractures during injection and pressurization tests.
During constant rate-increasing injections, a fracture was induced that intersected the upper monitoring borehole (AMU). The fracture was detected by AMU's distributed temperature system (DTS) and distributed acoustic system (DAS). Moreover, the evolving conditions of the crystalline rock, suggested by DAS and DTS observations, are reflected within the CASSM data as features of similarity matrices from source and receivers. This analysis demonstrates that the coda signal is rich in information on the evolving condition of fractured rock, suggesting the potential for remote monitoring of subsurface geothermal fracture systems.
Geothermal energy production from the Earth's subsurface often relies on the flow of fluids through fracture networks to extract heat. However, these fracture networks are sensitive to engineered and natural processes that open and close fractures in response to changes in stress, fluid pressures, and geochemical interactions. A challenge is linking information in geophysical data to changes in network permeability to update numerical simulators to predict and control long-term energy production.
We use machine learning (ML) to explore data from Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) Collab experiments at Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) in Lead, South Dakota. Experiments at the 4100' level were monitored using a Continuous Active-Source Seismic Monitoring (CASSM) system. The CASSM system used 20 piezoceramic sources and 72 receiver channels to provide near-continuous observations during induced fracturing and shearing of known fractures. The full waveforms contained codas from multiple reflections from fractures. We utilized a triplet loss neural network for signature identification of induced fractures during injection and pressurization tests.
During constant rate-increasing injections, a fracture was induced that intersected the upper monitoring borehole (AMU). The fracture was detected by AMU's distributed temperature system (DTS) and distributed acoustic system (DAS). Moreover, the evolving conditions of the crystalline rock, suggested by DAS and DTS observations, are reflected within the CASSM data as features of similarity matrices from source and receivers. This analysis demonstrates that the coda signal is rich in information on the evolving condition of fractured rock, suggesting the potential for remote monitoring of subsurface geothermal fracture systems.
2:45 - On the Nature of the December 2022 Flare in the changing-Look AGN IC 3599
First Author
Dirk Grupe
Northern Kentucky University
The Seyfert 1.9 galaxy IC 3599 has been a very unusual Active Galactic Nucleus since its discovery as a
very bright soft X-ray AGN in December 1990 by ROSAT. Not only did IC 3599 exhibited another X-ray outburst
two decades later, but most recently it has shown a very unusual flare in December 2022 during our
monitoring campaign with Swift. What makes this flare interesting is that it did not just show a very soft
X-ray spectrum, but displayed a very unusual hardening of the spectrum after the flare. I will discuss
possible explanations of this flare including a fast build up of an accretion disk corona.
very bright soft X-ray AGN in December 1990 by ROSAT. Not only did IC 3599 exhibited another X-ray outburst
two decades later, but most recently it has shown a very unusual flare in December 2022 during our
monitoring campaign with Swift. What makes this flare interesting is that it did not just show a very soft
X-ray spectrum, but displayed a very unusual hardening of the spectrum after the flare. I will discuss
possible explanations of this flare including a fast build up of an accretion disk corona.
3:00 - Formation of picosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures on steel for knee arthroplasty prosthetics
First Author
Alper Er
Gatton Academy
Co-author
zikrulloh khuzhakulov
WKU
Co-author
inomjon majidov
WKU
Co-author
Yaran Allamyradov
WKU
Co-author
salizhan kylychbekov
WKU
Co-author
Ali Er
WKU
The formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on mirrorpolished
304-grade stainless steel sheets with dimensions 25mm × 25mm ×
0.8mm upon irradiation with picosecond laser pulses in air and water
environments at different wavelengths, number of pulses, and laser energy
densities was investigated. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the LIPSS. Tunable
periodicity of the LIPSS was observed in both media at different wavelengths
and fluence. Fluence was shown to be the main formation parameter of LIPSS;
however, the medium was also demonstrated to play an important role. Our
results show that LIPSS can be successfully generated on stainless steel in a
single-step process and that they can be easily modified by adjusting laser
parameters.
304-grade stainless steel sheets with dimensions 25mm × 25mm ×
0.8mm upon irradiation with picosecond laser pulses in air and water
environments at different wavelengths, number of pulses, and laser energy
densities was investigated. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the LIPSS. Tunable
periodicity of the LIPSS was observed in both media at different wavelengths
and fluence. Fluence was shown to be the main formation parameter of LIPSS;
however, the medium was also demonstrated to play an important role. Our
results show that LIPSS can be successfully generated on stainless steel in a
single-step process and that they can be easily modified by adjusting laser
parameters.
3:15 - Enhancing Photon Detection for Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering at the Electron-Ion Collider
First Author
Savannah Isaacs
Gatton Academy- WKU
Co-author
Renee Fatemi
University of Kentucky
The ePIC Collaboration is developing a sophisticated detector for the Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) hosted by Brookhaven National Laboratory and Jefferson Lab, aimed at studying interactions between the fundamental building blocks of the universe through collisions of beams of polarized electrons with polarized proton and ion beams. While the scientific program of the EIC is broad, one physics process of interest is Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering (DVCS), a process that involves the absorption of a virtual photon by a quark within a proton and the subsequent emission of a real photon. A DVCS measurement requires the accurate detection and differentiation of photons and electrons. This project presents the development of a photon identification algorithm within the ePIC software framework, using information from the backward electromagnetic endcap calorimeter and central trackers. The results reveal difficulties in distinguishing between photons and electrons solely from energy deposits in the calorimeter and demonstrates the importance of tracking information when isolating a photon signal.
3:30 - The Efficiency of Chaotic Capture of Trojans by a Jupiter-like Exoplanet Migrating to the Habitable Zone
First Author
Jeremy Wood
Bluegrass Community and Technical College
Co-author
Tobias Hinse
University of southern Denmark
Co-author
Jonti Horner
University of Southern Queensland
It is possible that terrestrial planets could exist as Trojans of giant exoplanets in the habitable zone of a star. Giant planets can form outside of the snow line and migrate inward to the habitable zone. During this migration, it is possible that terrestrial bodies capable of supporting life could be captured as Trojans via chaotic capture. In this study, we integrate 15,000 massless, non-interacting test particles in a dynamically cold disk interior to the snow line in the 4-body problem (Jupiter-like planet, nearly Saturn-like planet, test particle, and solar-mass star). A Jupiter-mass planet migrates inward from outside the snow line to the habitable zone and crosses the 2:1 mean motion resonance with the other planet of mass 0.3 Jupiter mass. We find that only one test particle is captured as a permanent Trojan via chaotic capture and is transported to the habitable zone. This yields an efficiency of 0.007% which we deem as inefficient. However, we find that shepherding is much more efficient at transporting test particles to the habitable zone. We find shepherded test particles in the 3:1, 5:2, 2:1, 5:3, and 3:2 mean motion resonances and 68% of surviving test particles in orbits overlapping the habitable zone.
3:45 - Relativistic Fermion Dynamics in Noncommutative Space Time: The Fuzzy Dirac Equation
First Author
Asa Ashley
Gatton Academy
Co-author
Asa Ashley
Western Kentucky University
We present the derivation of a wave equation for the relativistic description of massive spin 1/2 particles in finite-noncommutative spacetime. We first construct a complex projective space CP^n and define a Kähler structure, extending the assumptions of Affine Quantum Mechanics to a complex coordinate space and establish the isomorphic embedding of CP^n to the relativistic spinning top. A worldsheet effective non-abelian action in the 11-D configuration space is described then made conformally invariant by replacing particle mass with scalar pseudo-Weyl curvature. As a beautiful result, the Lagrangians are shown to be sheet fibrations between the complex and real space. Characterizing separable coordinates in terms of the first homology group, we obtain the bundles of extremals belonging to the family of equidistant hypersurfaces, yielding a parity-invariant semilinear eigenvalue equation. We then formalize the transition to Hydrodynamical Quantum Mechanics then modern Quantum Field Theory via the facile transformation of complex Poisson structures to Dirac brackets and quantization of antiparticles via a Foldy-Wouthuysen transformation of the Newton-Wigner representation of the inhomogeneous coordinates, permitting the discussion of CPT symmetry, respectively. Finally, we show complete physical equivalence with the ordinary Dirac equation at sufficiently large scales beyond the Planck length. This theory is compared with quantum loop gravity and the noncommutative Yang Mills framework of M-theory in respect to gauge invariances. Holistically, the presented theory leverages insights from contemporary superstring theories to provide a direct analytical framework for the dynamics of fermions at minimal scales, a unique perspective in the ongoing pursuit of unification.
2:30 - Visualizing life science and public health data: from surveillance of genomes to epidemics
First Author
Daniel Harris
University of Kentucky
Data visualization aids in both the exploration of big data and in the communication of findings generated from these complex data sources; the vast growth of data in the science and public health domains presents challenges and opportunities for researchers. Large, unwieldy data sets can be systematically distilled into more intuitive views of the data, which may reveal new insights or assist in data-driven decision making.
Data visualization predates modern computing; this presentation will review the historical context of data visualization and illustrate how different perspectives of visualization shape our modern implementations and best practices. These perspectives may define visualization through human perception, as visual narratives and storytelling, as practice-driven communication of data, or as a computational task.
Using these visualization perspectives, we will identify commonalities across different domains, from browsing big data at small scales (genomes) to browsing small data at large scales (public health overdose data). We will highlight RADOR-KY (Rapid Actionable Data for Opioid Response in Kentucky) and ongoing efforts to create data-driven dashboards for public health surveillance, prediction of opioid-related events, and risk modeling using complex and varied data sources.
Data visualization predates modern computing; this presentation will review the historical context of data visualization and illustrate how different perspectives of visualization shape our modern implementations and best practices. These perspectives may define visualization through human perception, as visual narratives and storytelling, as practice-driven communication of data, or as a computational task.
Using these visualization perspectives, we will identify commonalities across different domains, from browsing big data at small scales (genomes) to browsing small data at large scales (public health overdose data). We will highlight RADOR-KY (Rapid Actionable Data for Opioid Response in Kentucky) and ongoing efforts to create data-driven dashboards for public health surveillance, prediction of opioid-related events, and risk modeling using complex and varied data sources.
2:45 - Expanding CURatio Software for Optimization, Visualization, and Comparison of Phylogenetic Trees in Fungal Genomes
First Author
Joanna Cholewo
University of Kentucky
Co-author
Neil Moore
University of Kentucky
CURatio is a command-line tool to identify phylogenetic outliers by analyzing branch length ratios in gene trees. The initial published method, as described by Kang et al. (2018), identifies outlier gene phylogenies by comparing branch lengths of gene trees that are constrained to the species tree topology with those of unconstrained gene trees. Since 2021, changes to enhance the original program have led to improved algorithms and options for constructing, optimizing, and visualizing trees.
CURatio uses a command-line interface that integrates into a few script pipelines. Some options allow the generation of PNG files for both constrained and unconstrained gene trees provided and for filtering input data based on present taxa and other features. The algorithm can accommodate genes that are unrepresented or duplicated in some genomes in comparison to the generated consensus tree by removing or duplicating leaves to match the gene tree structure. Tests resulted in constrained/unconstrained ratios close to one for most genes, further validating the method, however outliers with much higher ratios stand out as potential anomalies.
The method can support comparisons between constraint trees built on one specific gene's sequences, such as those between two CURatio value distributions for a desired gene. Another option allows for trees from one taxon to be sequentially optimized or constrained against all other taxa, one at a time.
Future plans include testing more data, adding a command template, creating a GUI, or streamlining image generation with options for multi-dataset operations.
CURatio uses a command-line interface that integrates into a few script pipelines. Some options allow the generation of PNG files for both constrained and unconstrained gene trees provided and for filtering input data based on present taxa and other features. The algorithm can accommodate genes that are unrepresented or duplicated in some genomes in comparison to the generated consensus tree by removing or duplicating leaves to match the gene tree structure. Tests resulted in constrained/unconstrained ratios close to one for most genes, further validating the method, however outliers with much higher ratios stand out as potential anomalies.
The method can support comparisons between constraint trees built on one specific gene's sequences, such as those between two CURatio value distributions for a desired gene. Another option allows for trees from one taxon to be sequentially optimized or constrained against all other taxa, one at a time.
Future plans include testing more data, adding a command template, creating a GUI, or streamlining image generation with options for multi-dataset operations.
3:00 - Foundation models for Genomic Data
First Author
Abraham Dutch
University of Kentucky
Foundation models utilize transformer architectures to learn long and short-range associations between words or tokens in an extended input. They have led to recent advances in machine learning, particularly in natural language processing where large language models, a type of foundation model, have enabled applications like ChatGPT to achieve near-human-level use of language. These models, trained on large quantities of unlabeled data, are able to learn abstract representations of the vocabulary and grammar for a domain. These representations can be adapted to supervised learning problems and yield superior performance to machine learning models trained only using labeled data. Additionally these models require a smaller amount of labeled data in order to achieve superior performance on a number of DNA-classification tasks by leveraging unsupervised learning on unlabeled data. While these techniques are well established in many areas of machine learning, efforts to build models in the domain of genomics are still new. This presentation will explain a method for adapting advances in foundation models to focus on genomic data, where foundation models trained on nucleotide input have outperformed existing machine learning models at predicting features of the DNA sequences. In this talk I will discuss using foundation models for exon discovery.
3:15 - Initial Characterization of Magneporthe Oryzae Starships
First Author
Raina Boggs
Eastern Kentucky university
Co-author
Christina Mitchel
Eastern Kentucky univeristy
Co-author
Morgan Morrow
Eastern kKentucky Univeristy
Co-author
Brianna Neilan
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Pat Calie
Eastern Kentucky Univeristy
Co-author
Mark Farman
University of Kentucky
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are largely autonomous genomic entities (nucleotide sequences) of interest due to their ability to autonomously relocate (transpose) to different sites in the host genome. MGEs have the capacity to influence genome evolution through the induction of chromosomal structural alterations and their ability to relocate genes both within and between genomes. In 2020 a new set of massive MGEs was described in the fungal superfamily Pezizomycotina, designated as Starships and containing five families of these transposons. Starships contain 5-7 'core' genes (responsible for Starship transposition) and can 'carry' a number of host accessory genes as 'cargo'. Our focus has been on Starships of the Voyager class found in the ascomycete Magnaporthe (Pyricularia). To date, we have discovered 27 Starships in 10 fully assembled strain genomes. We first located the Starships through the software program Blastn using Starship core sequences as 'queries' and then mapped the Starships individually on the 10 fungal genomes with the graphic visualization software program Integrated Genome Viewer. Multiple genome alignments (to visualize synteny among the separate genomes) were conducted through the software programs MAUVE and minimap2 (in the UNIX environment). Our investigations have revealed a remarkable level of chromosomal structural evolution among the 10 different strains and have implicated the Starships (or associated sequences) as playing a role in this genetic phenomenon.
3:30 - Gene determination approaches for Starship mobile genetic elements.
First Author
Morgan Morrow
Eastern Kentucky University
Starships are a novel class of eukaryotic transposable elements (10Kb ->300Kb), analogous to bacterial integrative conjugative elements, found in Ascomycete fungi. Recent research suggests Starships are involved with the rapid genome evolution of the plant pathogen Pyricularia oryzae and other Ascomycetes. A specific type of Starship is termed the Voyager element, which inserts into the 5sRNA genes of P. oryzae. These insertion events are associated with massive structural genome rearrangements and evolution, leading to phenotypic novelty and subsequent host expansion. Several gene prediction programs were used to determine the unique gene content of twenty-seven Voyager elements documented in ten P. oryzae strains. To generate de novo gene predictions, the Starship sequences were analyzed with Fgenesh. The protein predictions were then compared to the NCBI protein database using the software program blastp, which yielded little information on gene content and function. To resolve this issue, RIP mutations were accounted for, and multiple gene prediction programs were used to generate quality gene predictions. The P. oryzae genes from GenBank were used to train SNAP, and AUGUSTUS using MAKER to generate gene annotations. Fgenesh and FgenesB were both run on the deRIPed Starship sequences as well. After the gene predictions were analyzed through Blastp, the results suggest that the Starship fungal genes consist primarily of fungal secondary metabolite (e.g., sugar utilization) genes, with some predicted proteins exhibiting DNA binding properties. Current analyses suggest that the Pyricularia Starships serve as gene transport vectors, potentially relocating genes within and among different strain genomes.
3:45 - Intergenomic Comparison of Chromosomal Structural Alterations Among Ten Magnaporthe Strains
First Author
Kaylyn Cunningham
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Raina Boggs
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Christina Mitchell
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Morgan Morrow
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Patrick Calie
Eastern Kentucky University
Co-author
Mark Farman
University of Kentucky
Mobile genetic elements (MGEs) are autonomous DNA transposons that relocate freely among (intergenomic) and within (intragenomic) prokaryotic and eukaryotic lineages. In 2020 a new set of MGEs named Starships was identified in the fungal ascomycete superfamily Perizomycotina. The interest of our team has been on the Starships found within the plant pathogen Magnaporthe. The investigation started by identifying starship sequences and locations using the Integrated Genome Viewer (IGV) for graphic visualization of the seven core Magnaporthe chromosomes (and several associated minichromosomes) and the multiple genome alignment program Mauve (for intergenomic comparisons of synteny). Mauve is a program used for constructing genome alignments with a focus on structural evolutionary events e.g. translocations, inversions and other rearrangements. Fully assembled genomes from 10 Magnaporthe strains (B71, Arcadia, Bm88324, FHSS2, Guy11, LpKY, U233, US71, FR13, and CD156) were aligned using Mauve. Mauve displayed the syntenic conservation among the seven core chromosomes among 10 different strains. Strain chromosomal differences were manifest primarily by intrachromosomal inversions and deletions. Major gaps in the alignments were indicative of Starship presence. The genome browser Integrative Genome Viewer was used to confirm the location of the Starships and compared to the location found in the alignments shown in Mauve. The Mauve alignments showed relative chromosome stability (i.e. conserved synteny) among chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, and minichromosome 8. Among the ten strains Chromosomes 3 and 7 exhibited high amounts of rearrangements and are relatively dynamic in their structural evolution.
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