The words you are searching are inside this book. To get more targeted content, please make full-text search by clicking here.

At today’s Showcase, we will recognize and honor undergraduate and graduate research, scholarship, and creative works. The Showcase is a celebration of the University of Denver as a place where students and faculty become partners in the co-production of knowledge. The Showcase is sponsored by the Undergraduate Research Center, the Office of Research and Graduate Education, the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning, the Interdisciplinary Research Institute for the Study of (In)Equality, and University Advancement.

Discover the best professional documents and content resources in AnyFlip Document Base.
Search
Published by CCESL, 2019-05-06 13:15:40

2019 DU Research and Scholarship Showcase

At today’s Showcase, we will recognize and honor undergraduate and graduate research, scholarship, and creative works. The Showcase is a celebration of the University of Denver as a place where students and faculty become partners in the co-production of knowledge. The Showcase is sponsored by the Undergraduate Research Center, the Office of Research and Graduate Education, the Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning, the Interdisciplinary Research Institute for the Study of (In)Equality, and University Advancement.

Keywords: Research

Keynote Presentations

Student Name: Elizabeth Karney
Program: Music with Concentration in Performance
Project Title: Before the Stage

Working up a piece of music for a major performance can have lots of components to keep track of, especially for
percussionists. Acquiring instruments, finding a rehearsal space, memorization, setting instruments up, staying focused,
and building up endurance are just a few of the hurdles they face to make the performance truly great. However, the
struggle becomes not only how to be fully prepared for a performance, but also how to stay mentally and physically
healthy throughout that process. The solution? Lots of practice, planning, and potentially some help from Dialectical
Behavioral Therapy. Find out what a musicians job really entails, long before you see them take the stage.

Student Name: Katie Massey Combs
Program: Social Work
Project Title: Evaluation of a Sexual Health Training for Child Welfare Workers

Background: Elevated rates of early pregnancy and parenting among youth in foster care (YFC) are well documented.
Traditional prevention efforts for early pregnancy utilize parents, schools, and community-based centers to provide
services to youth directly or to support a system in which youth are nested. However, for YFC, traditional systems may
be problematic, as they often experience disruptions in relationships with their schools, families, and communities.
Training child welfare workers to provide sexual health information and resources is stated throughout the extant
literature as a pressing need. However, few child welfare agencies offer such training to their workers and little is
known about its effectiveness. Thus, this quasi-experimental study (N=156) aimed to evaluate whether a sexual health
training influences child welfare workers’ attitudes, knowledge of services, and communication with YFC regarding
sexual health topics.

Methods: All participants were registered learners of trainings through the Colorado Child Welfare Training System
between August and December 2018. Baseline and three-month follow-up survey data were collected from intervention
participants (n=69) who registered for the sexual health training and from date-and-region matched comparison
participants who registered for non-sexual health trainings (n=87). The sexual health training was designed to increase
awareness of YFC’s risk, expand knowledge of sexual health resources, and cultivate comfort and skills in discussing
sexual health topics with YFC. Baseline and 3-month follow-up surveys included three to eight items measuring
behavioral beliefs, subjective norms, self-efficacy, knowledge, intentions to communicate, and past month
communication. Items comprising each construct had strong internal consistency and were combined as mean scores.
Regressions were conducted on each of the study constructs controlling for the respective baseline measure.

Results: At the 3-month follow-up, participants in the sexual health training showed more positive behavioral beliefs,
increased knowledge of resources, and greater self-efficacy to communicate with YFC about sexual health matters
compared to date-and-region matched comparison participants. No differences were found on subjective norms,
intentions, or communication.

Conclusions: Results demonstrate that this low-cost, feasible intervention holds promise for child welfare systems to
address the urgent sexual and reproductive health issues among YFC and to support child welfare workers who
encounter these sensitive topics with few resources. In order to produce effects on the main outcome (i.e.,
communication) refinement of the training is likely needed. Additionally, a shift in child welfare community norms that
clearly support and provide guidance on such communication may be necessary to realize effects on communication.

50

Undergraduate Project Presentations

UNDERGRADUATE 2:00-3:30 PM
PROJECT Graduate
Presentations
PRESENTATIONS

3:30-4:30 PM
Keynote
Presentations

4:30-6:30 PM
Undergraduate
Presentations 51

Undergraduate Project Presentations

True Cubes

Miles Alldritt | Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Co-Presenter(s): Ben Muratov, Ariana Almirol, Roger Rigger, Ubrano Zea
Revolutionizing conventional trade show equipment creates a market that Comsero True Cubes aims to impact.
Trade shows rely on aesthetically pleasing, stable structures to create raised platforms and custom display
walls. Typical trade show equipment is an expensive investment, difficult to transport, and quickly goes out of
style. They are subject to damage, resulting in booth failures, and are often discarded in landfills. The True
Cube system is designed as a portable cubic foot assembly that is capable of magnetically connecting cubes to
construct walls and platforms, eliminating assembly issues of current trade show designs. Each True Cube is
delivered as a flat-shipped unit that reduces shipping costs and packaging waste. This design will not require
professional assembly teams or tools, saving businesses time and money. The True Cube product will provide
business with an inexpensive, efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing trade show assemblies to promote
their companies with pride.
Faculty Advisor: Ann Deml, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering
& Computer Science
Keyword(s): Engineering, Modular, Design | Location: A1

Restriction Enzyme Cloning With Xrn1 Resistant Structures

Kara Anders | Major(s): Biochemistry
Co-Presenter(s): Ana Franklin
The purpose of this research was to quantify the effectiveness of the Xrn1 resistant RNA structures in preventing
the decay of specifically engineered messenger RNAs in the model organism S. cerevisiae. These xrRNA
structures exist in Flaviviruses such as Dengue and Zika and resist 5’—>3’ RNA decay. This property
may be useful in extending the cellular lifetimes of mRNAs and make them an attractive tool in the design of
RNA-based medicines. The ultimate goal of this research was to design and create the mRNA and then use the
dual-luciferase reporter as a control and an experimental reporter to monitor protein expression from xrRNA-
protected mRNAs. The research plan designed to accomplish this involved using PCR, double digests, ligation
and transformation techniques. My hypothesis was that by using viral RNA structures we can prevent RNAs
from being decayed. Thus downstream genetic information is be preserved and then able to produce protein in
the cell at a much higher quantity. In the experiments described here, I used molecular cloning techniques to
amplify important DNA sequences and isolate and linearize the plasmid that they were to be inserted into.
Faculty Advisor: Erich Chapman, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Biochemistry, RNA | Location: A2

52

Undergraduate Project Presentations

The Neuroprotective Effects of Pyrroloquinoline Quinone Against Oxidative
Stress and Amyloid-beta Peptide Damage

Cassidy Anderson | Major(s): Molecular Biology, Philosophy
Deterioration of brain cells occurs as a result of neurodegenerative diseases. Neurodegenerative diseases, such
as Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS), are linked to aging and have drawn a significant amount of attention in recent years due to a
growing aging population. Many studies have suggested a link between oxidative stress and
neurodegenerative disease. Amyloid β-peptide (Aβ) has oxidative stress and is specifically linked to pathology
of AD. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) has been found to regulate oxidative stress through its roles both as a
pro-oxidant and as an antioxidant. This study investigates whether PQQ could protect against the presence of
oxidative stress (H2O2) and Aβ. The hypothesis was correct as PQQ showed increased levels of protection with
increasing concentrations for both insults. The results show that PQQ has potential use as a therapeutic agent
in neurodegenerative diseases.
Faculty Advisor: Daniel Linseman, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Neurodegeneration, Nutraceuticals, Oxidative Stress | Location: A3

Drugs And Where To Find Them: A Case Study Of The Denver Illicit Drug
Market

Brenn Anderson-Gregson | Major(s): Economics, Geography
Technological developments and infrastructure improvements over the past few decades have altered the
landscape in which drugs are sold. As the new urban environment unfolds, policing strategies need to change
to identify the high-risk areas for drug trafficking and sales. This project looks at the specific urbanization
factors that have changed the geospatial layout of crime. The analysis was a panel multivariate regression
analysis of both static and dynamic geospatial variables to see the effects of changes in urbanization over time
as well as the effects of established design features. This regression created a model for the spatial density
distribution of drug crime risk in Denver and a statistical analysis of the effects of each urbanization factor in
the model. This model can be used to predict changes in the dispersion of drug crime in the future with
increased urbanization and development. This has implications for changing policing and monitoring
development to help reduce future drug crime and increase safety.
Faculty Advisor: Juan Carlos Lopez, Economics, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Drugs, Geospatial Analysis, Underground Market Analysis | Location: A4

53

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Geospatial Risk Indexing for Homeless Prevention in Denver

Brenn Anderson-Gregson | Major(s): Economics, Geography
Co-Presenter(s): Elizabeth Lochhead
Temporary, short-term homelessness affects thousands of residents of the city of Denver, and while services for
homeless people have increased over the last several years, there are fewer programs for homeless prevention.
Prevention remains a challenge due to the difficulty of targeting assistance to those at highest risk of
homelessness, and there is a need for better understanding of displacement risk in Denver. This project includes
a case study of the services for at-risk and homeless people in the city as well as two maps to introduce the
geospatial component of risk. The maps show a categorical and continuous perspective with an interpolated
risk value assigned to each census block group, which demonstrate how displacement risk is distributed in
Denver’s neighborhoods. This study gives direction for future research on how to best target prevention and
introduces a method to target outreach based on geography. This new approach could help to improve how
prevention assistance is administered in Denver.
Faculty Advisor: Juan Carlos Lopez, Economics, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Homeless Prevention, Housing Displacement, Geospatial Analysis | Location: A5

Effects Of Advanced Maternal Age On Sperm And Reproductive Tissue Mass In
Male Offspring

Sophia Anner | Major(s): Biological Sciences
Co-Presenter(s): Jacob Wilson
Maternal age has noteworthy impacts on offspring fitness, as there is support for both the benefits of having a
young mother and the benefits of having an older mother. Research in this area, however, tends to focus on
fitness consequences for female offspring, rather than effects on both sexes. This thesis addresses that gap by
investigating the effects of advanced maternal and grand maternal age on fitness-related traits of male
offspring in the Pacific field cricket Teleogryllus oceanicus. I measured three components of male reproductive
investment in replicate lines of crickets that either had old mothers and grandmothers (N = 48) or young
mothers and grandmothers (N= 7). I assessed sperm viability by counting the proportion of live to dead sperm
cells in a spermatophore. Then, I dissected the testes and accessory glands of the same crickets. There were no
significant differences in testes mass, accessory gland mass, or sperm viability between maternal age
treatments. The data suggest that maternal age does not affect variables of reproductive investment in this
system, though these results may be limited by the imbalance in numbers of crickets within each treatment.
Faculty Advisor: Robin Tinghitella, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Aging, Maternal Effect, Offspring Fitness | Location: A7

54

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Mending the Relationship Between the African American Community and Law
Enforcement

James Artis | Major(s): Business Information Analytics
As an African American male, I have seen and been a victim of the injustices plaguing our justice system.
These intuitions were not designed to accommodate marginalized communities but more so to disenfranchise
them. Having personally been impacted by the abuse and mistrust of those in positions of power, it is my goal
to help both sides understand one another and help reconcile differences. My project is based in the Denver
community working with Denver Public Schools, Denver Police Department, residents, community members and
city officials hoping to increase the communication and trust between the parties.
Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Ferrick, Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning,
University Academic Programs
Keyword(s): Race, Community, Reconcile | Location: M22

Global Shape Perception

Andrew Bates | Major(s): Psychology
Co-Presenter(s): Elric Elias, Julie Campbell
Everything we see has global and local properties. Like a person who is “unable to see the forest for the trees,”
it is often assumed that people have access to local or global aspects of an image, but not both. We examined
if, counterintuitively, information at one level could impact perception at the other. In our experiment,
perceivers viewed sets of shapes. Each shape in the set varied in terms of its flatness and tallness. On each
trial, perceivers evaluated how flat or tall the shapes were, on average. Importantly, the shapes in each set
were arranged in globally tall or flat configuration. We found that shapes seen in the globally-tall
configuration were perceived as being taller than when seen in a globally-flat orientation, but only when the
global arrangement was difficult to see. Indeed, evaluations people make about the visual world at one level
(the trees) are impacted by the larger, global level (the forest).
Faculty Advisor: Timothy Sweeny, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Location: A8

55

Undergraduate Project Presentations

The Effect of Nucleic Acid Sequence On Protein Aggregation

Adam Begeman | Major(s): Biochemistry, Computer Science
Protein aggregation is one of the leading causes of debilitating neurodegenerative diseases such as
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s disease. Previous research has shown that nucleic acids possess the
ability to prevent aggregation. We build on this understanding by exploring the sequence specificity of nucleic
acid anti-aggregation properties. We created a high throughput protein heat denaturation assay to determine
the chaperone effects of random nucleic acids. Using a regression matrix-based bioinformatics model, we were
then able to discern specific sequence motifs responsible for preventing protein aggregation. When testing the
motifs in a similar chemical denaturation assay, we observed that most sequences had chaperone like function;
however, a portion of the target motifs either increased aggregation or formed oligomers with the protein. This
unique behavior was then classified by analyzing the nucleic acids’ secondary structure. Through this
understanding, we hope to shed light on possible nucleic acid based anti–aggregation therapeutics.
Faculty Advisor: Scott Horowitz, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Neurodegenerative Disease, Protein Aggregation, Molecular Chaperone | Location: A9

Developing a Social Robot Capable of More Effectively Helping Children with
Autism Spectrum Disorder

Andrew Benton | Major(s): Computer Engineering
Co-Presenter(s): Dan Stoianovici
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have difficulties with social interaction in multiple contexts including
social-emotional reciprocity, non-verbal communication behaviors, and relationship development. These social
deficits can hamper the ability to learn common social skills and diminish the effectiveness of traditional therapy.
Fortunately, in recent years, large strides have been made towards providing an alternative in the form of robotic-
assisted therapy (RAT).
The purpose of this project is to create an open-source social robot capable of significant contributions to ongoing
research on RAT. The small, animal-like robot will utilize emotive movement, one-way video transmission, and two-
way audio transmission to connect with the subject and help social progression.
This project serves to fill multiple gaps in RAT. It will provide a mid-priced alternative to current options, an option
capable of curation and customization, and a unique opportunity for a more controlled study on the effects of robot
appearance and communication techniques.
Faculty Advisor: Mohammad Mahoor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of
Engineering & Computer Science
Keyword(s): Robotics, Therapy, Communication | Location: A10

56

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Analysis of Syntaxin Proteins Using Single Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy

Ronald Berry III | Major(s): Biochemistry
Co-Presenter(s): Alan Weisgerber
The goal of this research was to identify how molecules in cellular membranes move to give rise to the complex
organization of the plasma membrane. Specifically, the proteins involved with creating docking and fusion sites
(Syntaxin proteins) for neurotransmitters were measured using single molecule fluorescence microscopy. The
question we asked was: why do Syntaxin proteins cluster in such large numbers and how their movement is
mediated in cells. Through using GFP tracking techniques, these clusters were tracked by using Syx-GFP
expression levels through cellular imaging processes. Over the past two years, I have mapped these clusters
and their expression using MATLAB to determine the location and intensity of the GFP on images of cells. The
data collected has shown a clear connection between exocytosis and the clustering of Syx proteins within cells,
and has led to new questions of how and why this happens.
Faculty Advisor: Michelle Knowles, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Lab Research, TIRF | Location: A11

Seedlings Strengths and Needs Assessment

Anne Berset | Major(s): Psychology, English
Co-Presenter(s): Bristi Basu
Child Health & Development (CHAD) studies how various risk and protective factors, such as the deep-rooted
inequities and strength of parental bonds respectively, affect the course of a child’s healthy development. Dr.
Watamura is the director of the CHAD lab and recently developed a curriculum for Parents (Seedlings©),
which offers the science of adversity in the context of stress management techniques. This curriculum helps
parents build social connections and utilize tools to process experienced trauma. We seek to address the public
program of elevated rates of domestic violence and trauma in the Chaffee/Fremont and Eagle counties
towards ultimately improve healthy development among underserved children and families. We are working
towards implementing the Seedlings program in two new areas. We conducted strengths and needs
assessments to engage more deeply with the different counties in order to analyze how best to integrate
Seedlings, what program adaptations might be beneficial, and how to evaluate its impact. We hope to have a
better grasp of how adverse circumstances affect the well-being of families in each community.
Faculty Advisor: Sarah Watamura, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Community-Engaged, Implementation, Adversity | Location: A12

57

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Into the Light, We Stand Up Week, CAPE Survivor Fund

Ciera Blehm | Major(s): Finance, Socio-Legal Studies
Over the course of my time as a student at the University of Denver, I have created three different projects that
all have focused on sexual assault prevention. Into the Light was an initiative that included all voices during the
planning phase of the event. We Stand Up week was a week of student led events that raised awareness
regarding sexual assault prevention and relationship violence. The CAPE Survivor Fund was created for the DU
community and is the first of its kind (to our knowledge) in the State of Colorado as it does not require the
survivor to report to university or local authorities to access resources. Each project has tied together to
establish impact on campus, and all have seen success during their growth over the past few years.
Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Ferrick, Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning,
Univeristy Academic Programs
Keyword(s): Gender, Community-Engaged | Location: M23

Exploring the Roles of Men in Feminist Movements in Argentina

Skyler Bowden | Major(s): International Studies, Gender and Women's Studies, Spanish
The role of men in feminist movements has long been a point of contention within feminist and masculinities’
studies. With growing involvement in feminist movements worldwide, the question as to what men’s role can
and should look like within these movements becomes increasingly vital and varies greatly between regions
and movements, especially that of the Ni Una Menos movement in Argentina. The movement, whose ultimate
mission is to put an end to cases of femicide in Argentina, began with the case of Chiara Páez, a pregnant
fourteen year-old girl who was killed by her teenage boyfriend. Through seventeen interviews with various
Argentine citizens and permanent residents, this research explores common perceptions and opinions
surrounding how the Argentine public views feminist movements, what men’s role is within these movements,
and what men’s role should be in supporting these movements. From active participants within the movement,
common responses as to what men’s role within the movement should be are those of support, listening, and
not always acting as a visible presence, but rather as one that encourages self-reflection and the deconstruction
of internalized sexism.
Faculty Advisor: Lynn Holland, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Keyword(s): Interdisciplinary, Feminism, Masculinity Studies | Location: A13

58

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Between New York and Taos: The Importance of Place in the Lives of Modernist
Artists Beatrice Mandelman and Louis Ribak

Madeleine Boyson | Major(s): History, Art History
As American Modernism shifted from Social Realism to Abstraction in the early- to mid-twentieth century,
artists around the country pursued inspiration and recognition in a variety of settings. Yet few scholars have
addressed the importance of geographic location in artistic style and success or failure in American art. This
thesis investigates Beatrice Mandelman and Louis Ribak, two relatively unknown artists who worked in New
York City during the 1920s and 1930s before moving to Taos, New Mexico, in 1944. Through relevant
interviews, archival material, and their own artwork, this study reveals that though they found creative freedom
in Taos, the longer Mandelman and Ribak lived away from New York’s professional network, the weaker their
critical success became. Additionally, locational choices caught Mandelman and Ribak in the aesthetic
expectations for urban “Universal” or rural “Regionalist” art that dominated at mid-century. This thesis
therefore demonstrates not only the complexities of geographic location on American artists’ successes or
failures, but also the effects of place on Modernist style.
Faculty Advisor: William Philpott, History, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): American Art, Modernism, Taos, New Mexico | Location: A14

Crafting Beer: A Biochemical Analysis of Early Corn Beer Fermentation

Delaney Brink | Major(s): Biochemistry, Anthropology
Archeological evidence suggests the process of fermenting alcohol is as old as agriculture itself. In order to test
this, archeologists have theorized examining trace residues of fermentation on pottery samples at known sites
of corn domestication. This theory was put to the test using pottery from a local site with archeological traces of
corn domestication that is located in an area unsuitable for agriculture. The question became was it possible
that this small crop was used for fermentation and not farming? In order to determine this, an interdisciplinary
project centered on chemical analysis of the prehistoric pottery was proposed; these analyses included spot
testing, CG-MS, and GC-C-IRMS. However, after beginning experimentation it was determined that the
analytical techniques attempted were too destructive for the prehistoric pottery. Thus, in the name of preserving
the samples it became important to take a step back and reevaluate. At present, the project has been placed on
hiatus for further consultation and evaluation with University of Denver faculty experienced in non-destructive
residue analysis.
Faculty Advisor: Bonnie Clark, Anthropology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Interdisciplinary, Residue Analysis | Location: M24

59

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Biomechanical Test Fixture for Multi-Axial Alignment and Fixation

Brinn Busch | Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Co-Presenter(s): Gary Doan, Luke O'brien, Ian Follette, Michael Scinto
Approximately 31 million Americans suffer from lower back pain, the leading culprit of disability worldwide.
The treatment for extreme cases includes a posterior fixation system where pedicle screws are inserted in the
lumbar vertebrae and rods anchor them together to eliminate motion. Zimmer Biomet Spine tests the strength of
the bone-screw interface to ensure a patient can return to physical activity and withstand the large loads
required for the rigors of daily life. An existing system tests peak load and stiffness of the bone-screw interface.
This current fixture allows for multi-axial alignment and fixation of the specimen to facilitate biomechanical
axial pullout testing, but it is manually adjusted with squandered time for each test. Our design team produced
a multi-axial clamping fixture that will detect, display, and allow the user to automatically adjust the vertebrae
containing the pedicle screw such that the screw can align with the pullout actuator. The electro-mechanical
fixture provides alignment of the specimen in a fraction of the time and effort when compared to the manual
positioning vise.
Faculty Advisor: Ann Deml, Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering &
Computer Science
Keyword(s): Biomechanical, Alignment | Location: B1

DU While Native

Grace Carson | Major(s): Journalism, Political Science
DU While Native is a series, including five long form journalistic articles, explaining the unique situation that
Indigenous students are place in by attending DU, considering the institution’s history in the Sand Creek
Massacre; highlighting the struggles these students face on campus and on their journey through higher
education; telling stories of their resistance and survival on campus; and more. It serves as a space in which
Native students at DU can tell their own stories — stories often shared by many Native students around the
country. It serves to educate those outside of the community, and give insight to the devastating national
statistics about the retention of Indigenous students in higher education.
Faculty Advisor: Lynn Schofield Clark, Media, Film and Journalism Studies, College of Arts, Humanities &
Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Native Studies, Higher Education, Race and Ethnic Studies | Location: B2

60

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Pregnant Women’s Narrative Coherence About Their Babies’ Fathers in a Low-
Income, Ethnically-Diverse Sample

Miriam Castillo | Major(s): Psychology, Sociology
Co-Presenter(s): Laura M. River, Angela J. Narayan, Efrat Sher-Censor, Alicia F. Lieberman
Narrative coherence (NC) refers to the ability to speak about close relationships in a clear, comprehensive, and
balanced way. NC is typically assessed with the Five-Minute Speech Sample (FMSS; Magana et al., 1986).
Parents’ NC about children has been linked to parent-child relationship quality, but no studies have measured
NC about romantic partners. This project adapted the FMSS in order to assess pregnant women’s NC about
their romantic partners and test associations with mother-infant interaction quality following the birth of the
babies. In this study, 101-ethnically-diverse, low-income mothers-to-be completed the FMSS, other measures of
romantic quality, and mother-infant interactions. The results indicate that pregnant women’s NC about partners
is closely related to romantic quality, and predicts postnatal parenting behavior. NC can be quickly
administered and may be a useful indicator of women’s risk for relationship and parenting problems.
Faculty Advisor: Angela Narayan, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Narrative Coherence, Low-Income, Ethically-Diverse | Location: B3

The Best Explosions in the Universe: A Twofold Study of Supernova 2012au

June Churchill | Major(s): Physics and Astronomy
Co-Presenter(s): Kevin Cooper, Sophia DeKlotz
Very little is understood about the mechanisms behind extremely bright supernovae, the massive galaxy-
shaking explosions that end a gigantic star’s life. Understanding how supernovae happen is vital to
understanding the history of our universe, and they create all heavy elements, and serve a fundamental role in
the formation of the current structure of the universe. SN 2012au, a type 1b supernova, was analyzed for this
project as it was proposed as a link between superluminous and non-superluminous supernovae. Analysis was
conducted in the programming language Python. Graphs were created to visualize the distribution of material,
the concentration and abundance of elements, and how the properties of the supernova changed over time.
Multiple elements were identified within the supernova and some peculiar polarization signatures were
observed. Further research will be conducted to determine the inner cause of these signatures and find the link
between superluminous and non-superluminous supernovae.
Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Hoffman, Physics & Astronomy, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Astrophysics, Python, Interdisciplinary | Location: B4

61

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Dn’A For DIY: Digital And Analog Recording for Do It Yourself Demos

Kevin Cincotta | Major(s): Recording and Production
Co-Presenter(s): Adriana Perez
The music industry has changed in the past decade, making it imperative for musicians to know how to record
and produce their own music. With this surplus of rising bands, music has also witnessed a rise in creative
freedom. This project focuses on new ways to synthesize, and construct modern sounds to be used in music. It
focuses on digital, and analog techniques in combination with each other in order to produce textures that
listeners have never heard, but are still intrigued by. Through our experimentation, we have produced lots of
music that has been very well received in venues around Colorado, and we have been invited to play at
Denver's biggest music festival, UMS. We have also been asked to make more promotional videos to
demonstrate how other pieces of both analog and digital music technology work.
Faculty Advisor: Art Bouton, Lamont School of Music
Keyword(s): Music, Innovation, Entrepreneurship | Location: F3

Role of Synaptotagmin-Like Protein 2-a in Vascular Lumen Formation

Shea Claflin | Major(s): Biological Science, Chemistry, Leadership Studies
Co-Presenter(s): Caitlin Francis
During angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), endothelial cells form a central hollow opening, or
lumen, for transportation of blood during development. In other cell types, synaptotagmin-like protein 2-a
(Sytl2-a) plays a role in trafficking vesicles containing cell-cell de-adhesion molecules to the apical cell
membrane for lumen formation. We hypothesized that loss of Sytl2-a will reduce vascular lumen formation
both in vitro and in vivo in zebrafish (danio rerio) blood vessel development. In a 3D sprouting angiogenesis
model, our results demonstrate that Sytl2-a localizes to the apical cell membrane and that Sytl2-a knockdown
results in decreased lumen formation in vitro. Furthermore, Sytl2-a localization at the apical membrane was
downstream of apical PIP2 (a phospholipid) recruitment in cultured human endothelial cells. In vivo, Sytl2-a
genetic null zebrafish exhibited decreased lumen formation and blood perfusion in their developing blood
vessels. Together, these findings suggest that Sytl2-a is a significant player in vascular lumen formation.
Faculty Advisor: Erich Kushner, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Biological Sciences, Angiogenesis, Zebrafish | Location: B5

62

Undergraduate Project Presentations

"Me Too--But Not You" : Sexuality and Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities

Rosie Contino | Major(s): International Studies, Economics
Co-Presenter(s): Laurel Snider, Jill Talley
Despite the acclaimed inclusivity of the “Me-Too” and “Sex Positive” movements, one group which is
particularly burdened by sexual issues has remained voiceless. Individuals with intellectual and developmental
disabilities (I/DD) live at a greater risk of sexual abuse, of engaging in and being punished for inappropriate
sociosexual behaviors, and of developing unhealthy and overwhelmingly negative perceptions of sex. The
present study addresses the gap in current literature on sexuality and intellectual disability through a
comprehensive review, identifying and synthesizing critical themes in the existing literature to cast a light on the
sexual issues faced by individuals with I/DD. Existing studies indicate that increased sexual health education
for young people with I/DD may be a solution to these issues. Direct sexual education has proven to increase
consent capability, decrease inappropriate sexual habits, and overall promote a more positive view of self. This
literature review is part of an ongoing research study which will conduct a gap analysis of existing sexual
health curriculums for students with intellectual disabilities.
Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Ferrick, Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning,
University Academic Programs
Keyword(s): Intellectual Disability, Sexuality, Sexual Education| Location: B6

Growing Together

Cate Daniels | Major(s): International Studies, Spanish
Co-Presenter(s): Annee Lorentzen
The goal of this research was to identify how molecules in cellular membranes move to give rise to the complex
organization of the plasma membrane. Specifically, the proteins involved with creating docking and fusion sites
(Syntaxin proteins) for neurotransmitters were measured using single molecule fluorescence microscopy. We
explored why Syntaxin proteins cluster in such large numbers and how their movement is mediated in cells.
Through using GFP tracking techniques, these clusters were tracked by using Syx-GFP expression levels through
cellular imaging processes. Over the past two years, I have mapped these clusters and their expression using
MATLAB to determine the location and intensity of the GFP on images of cells. The data collected has shown a
clear connection between exocytosis and the clustering of Syx proteins within cells, and has led to new
questions of how and why this happens.
Faculty Advisor: Barbekka Hurtt, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Sustainability, Community-Engaged, Social Justice | Location: M25

63

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Fresh beats: Correlation Between Song Variation And Male Fitness In A Cricket

Makenzie Day | Major(s): Molecular Biology
The goal of this research is to better understand how female preferences drive the evolution of male sexual
signals, as well as whether signals reflect male quality. This requires a system with much variation in signals,
preferably in the early stages after the signal arises. Recently the Tinghitella lab discovered a new population of
the field cricket, Teleogryllus oceanicus, with vast variation in songs, ranging from a loud typical ancestral call
to a derived silent morph with everything in between, including a new intermediate purring call. I characterized
variation in the song of the new purring morph and determined if there is a relationship between song
components, success in courtship, and hemocyte counts (a measure of male immunity). At this early stage of
evolution, my preliminary data suggest there is no relationship between courtship song characteristics and
hemocyte count or between hemocyte counts and success in courtship.
Faculty Advisor: Robin Tinghitella, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Evolution | Location: B7

Structure/Function Studies on the Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) Accessory Protein,
MRAP1

Sophia DeKlotz | Major(s): Molecular Biology
The melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2R) is expressed on adrenal cortex cells and plays a crucial role in the
hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. When stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), MC2R induces
a 2nd messenger cascade within target cells, ending with the release cortisol, which plays an important role in
the stress response. MC2R forms a complex with its accessory protein, MRAP1, which is necessary for
trafficking to the plasma membrane and functional activation. Our study sought to identify the activation motifs
within the primary structure of the gar MRAP1 and to compare them to motifs isolated in the mammalian
MRAP1 with the goal of better understanding the evolution of MRAP1 activation motifs during the radiation of
the chordates. We were able to isolate an activation motif within the gar MRAP1 primary structure that was
different from activation motifs that had previously been identified in mammalian MRAP1. This finding
indicates that functional activation motifs between MRAP1 have evolved during the radiation of the chordates
and has possible implications in understanding pathologies that occur when this system is disrupted in humans.
Faculty Advisor: Robert Dores, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Molecular Biology, Structure and Function Studies, Stress Response | Location: B8

64

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Deforestation and Local Governance: A Comparison between Mt. Kasigau and
Wundanyi, Kenya

Lane Dickey | Major(s): International Studies, Music
Deforestation, an anthropogenic contributor to climate change, is a pressing case of the “tragedy of the
commons,” a problem that requires joint action and effective governance systems to mitigate. Through
purposively sampled, semi-structured interviews with various community stakeholders, my research compares
the local governance institutions and cultural practices in Wundanyi and Kasigau, localities in Taita-Taveta
County, Kenya, relative to their success in mitigating deforestation. It was found that Kasigau was more
effective in forest management due to the cultural traditions surrounding forest use. This research demonstrates
the salience of local communities in addressing deforestation and subsequently climate change as well as
contributes to the creation of model in which to approach collective action problems.
Faculty Advisor: Robert Uttaro, International Studies, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Keyword(s): Deforestation, Governance, Climate Change | Location: B9

Delivering Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Using A Conversational Social Robot

Francesca Dino | Major(s): Biology, Psychology
Co-Presenter(s): Rohola Zandie, Hojjat Abdollahi
Social robots are becoming an integrated part of our daily life due to the companionship and entertainment
they provide. Recent research has begun to explore an additional role for social robots in therapy to create
accessible, effective, and affordable treatment options. This project expanded upon this research by developing
and evaluating a life-like conversational social robot, called Ryan, to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy
(CBT), a well-known and effective psychotherapy, to older adults with depression. In this study, seven hour-long
CBT dialogues were designed and integrated into a dialogue-management system we developed, called
Program-R, using Artificial Intelligence Markup Language (AIML). To assess the effectiveness of Robot-based
CBT and users' likability of our approach, we conducted a study with a cohort of elderly adults with mild-to-
moderate depression over a period of four weeks. Quantitative analyses of participants’ spoken responses (e.g.
sentiment analysis), face-scale mood scores, and exit surveys, strongly support the notion robot-based CBT is a
plausible alternative to traditional face-to-face therapy.
Faculty Advisor: Mohammad Mahoor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of
Engineering & Computer Science
Keyword(s): Social Robots, Depression, Older Adults | Location: B10

65

Undergraduate Project Presentations

The Effect of Posterior Osteophytes on Flexion and Extension Gaps in Total
Knee Arthroplasty

Gary Doan | Major(s): Mechanical Engineering
Bone growths in the posterior compartment of arthritic knees pose intraoperative challenges for matching
flexion and extension gaps to avoid instability during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Previous studies have
demonstrated the importance of posterior slope, transection of the popliteal tendon, and PCL and collateral
ligament release on flexion and extension spaces. While the presence of posterior osteophytes is thought to
affect the extension gap preferentially, we are unaware of previous studies that quantify the effect of posterior
osteophytes through the flexion range. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of posterior
osteophytes on medial and lateral contact forces through the flexion range during TKA. Presence of 10mm and
15mm osteophytes caused a statistically significant increase in medial contact forces at 0 and 30°
flexion coupled with a reduction in contact forces laterally. This research enables improved surgical technique
for patients with significant posterior osteophytes, potentially improving stability and outcomes after TKA.
Faculty Advisor: Chadd Clary, Materials Science and Mechanical Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of
Engineering & Computer Science
Keyword(s): Total Knee Arthroplasty, Biomechanics, Osteophytes | Location: B11

Effects Of Reappraising For Self And Other

Caroline Downey | Major(s): Psychology
To improve mental health outcomes, psychologists identified cognitive reappraisal, changing affect by
reframing a situation, as a promising approach to emotion regulation. Few have studied the influence of self-
vs other-focused cognitive reappraisal. The current study tested whether social manipulation of self or other will
influence self-reported difficulty and positive affect ratings. The present study investigated cognitive reappraisal
using a sample of 55 University of Denver students (mean age=19) to complete a task involving 120 pictures
from the International Affective Picture System. Participants reappraised for the self, a close other, or did not
engage in reappraisal while viewing pictures. They gave trial-by-trial and post-task ratings for affect and
difficulty. Results indicated reappraising for another was more difficult than reappraising for oneself.
Reappraising for another was associated with higher trial-by-trial affect ratings and lower retrospective affect
ratings. Future research should further test the implications of using other-focused strategies on cognitive
reappraisal.
Faculty Advisor: Kateri McRae, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Cognitive Reappraisal, Emotion Regulation | Location: B12

66

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Using GIS to Measure the Distances Traveled by Water Collectors in Taita-
Taveta County in Southeastern Kenya

Megan Edwards | Major(s): Geography
In order to measure the distance that women in Taita-Taveta county in Southeastern Kenya, I utilized maps and
satellite images and participants drew on them the paths they took to various water sources. I used this
methodology because it allows for collaboration and puts participants at the center of the project, and it is
quick and does not disrupt the daily routines of water collectors. This area was chosen for study due to a recent
drought that exacerbated existing water shortages. I used the maps participants drew to establish that wealthier
households traveled shorter distances, or were more likely to have water on their property, and poorer
communities had to walk greater distances, and devote more time to water collecting and less to working, or
pay expensive prices to have water brought to them, exacerbating the cycle of financial difficulty. One
community reported traveling 7 miles to the nearest water source. Experiences in each of the 12 communities
visited varied greatly but generally required women to take extra time to devote to water collection, or take
children out of school in order to collect.
Faculty Advisor: Rebecca Powell, Geography & the Environment, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Water Scarcity, Climate Change, Gender | Location: B13

Revenue Management and International Restaurant Industry: The Global
Nature of Operational Attributes in Restaurants

Shannon Egleston | Major(s): Hospitality Management
With 29% of restaurants failing within the first year, the restaurant industry deserves sophisticated revenue
management, customer analysis, and comparisons to competitors to define relationships that lead to greater
profitability and longevity. Operational attributes such as food quality, service quality, and ambiance allow us
to compare restaurants and see the impact of changing pieces to increase revenue. Zagat Ratings provided the
data pertaining to these attributes and the data was analyzed seeking relation between restaurants attributes
and customers' willingness to pay. Analysis showed that regardless of price, ambiance was highly correlated
and had the largest effect with a customer’s willingness to pay. Food quality was correlated solely for high-
priced restaurants and service was not supported for lower-priced restaurants and overall had the smallest
impact. This data shows that as globalization occurs cultural and socioeconomic factors are becoming less
relevant in the industry as standardization and expectations are aligning.
Faculty Advisor: H. G. Parsa, Hospitality Management, Daniels College of Business
Keyword(s): Revenue Management, Restaurant Failure | Location: M26

67

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Reward versus Punishment: Examining the Effect of Monetary Incentives and
Advance Preparation on Cognitive Control

Madison Eitniear | Major(s): Psychology, English
Few studies have investigated how cognitive control is affected by monetary incentives and how this
relationship can be affected by additional influences, such as advance preparation. The current study aimed to
address this gap in the literature by testing the effect of monetary gains (gaining rewards; Experiment 1) and
monetary losses (avoiding losses; Experiment 2) on cognitive control in the Erikson Flanker Task. Each trial
contained a preparatory cueing manipulation that either informed participants of upcoming flanker conflict or
non-conflict, or was non-informative. Experiment 1 results showed that participants got significantly faster with
reward incentives and with informative cues, but these influences did not interact. Experiment 2 results also
showed speeding with incentive and informative cues, but also reduced interference costs under incentive,
indicating enhanced cognitive control. Comparing reward vs. punishment experiment results showed significant
speeding with incentive and informative cues and reduced interference costs. This suggests enhanced cognitive
control overall under both reward and punishment incentives, with no major group differences.
Keyword(s): Cognitive Control, Monetary Incentives, Reward vs. Punishment | Location: B14

Detection Of Ethylene In Living Systems

Mitchell Ellinwood | Major(s): Chemistry
As both an important plant hormone and the most industrially produced molecule in the world, ethylene is
ubiquitous in modern life. Despite its importance, current methods for detecting ethylene within the living
systems that it is so pertinent in are severely lacking. Recently, our laboratory developed several ruthenium
based fluorescent probes that upon interaction with both gaseous and aqueous ethylene releases a BODIPY
fluorophore. To expand their application potential, it is our interest to incorporate these probes in E. coli that
have been modified to generate ethylene gas. This requires that the probes be localized exclusively to the
periplasm of E. coli, which we proposed to achieve using reported biotin-streptavidin metalloenzyme systems.
To this end, successes in generating both the biotinylated probe and the periplasmic streptavidin are reported.
Faculty Advisor: Brian Michel, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Ethylene, Ruthenium, Fluorescent Probe | Location: B15

68

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Purrfect Preference: Female Mate Choice Based On Songs In A Hawaiian
Cricket Population

Josie Evans | Major(s): Biology
Hawaiian populations of the cricket Teleogryllus Oceanicus have undergone rapid evolution of song multiple
times for the last couple of decades. Male crickets use song to attract females and convince them to mate and
song is the most important premating barrier between cricket species. Two novel male types, purring and silent
coexist with the ancestral singing type in one location on Oahu. The rapid song evolution observed offers an
opportunity to record how male songs and female song preferences coevolve. I was interested in determining if
Oahu females prefer certain versions of the purring song in courtship interactions as this could impact the
future direction of song evolution and reproductive isolation between the three song types. I recorded male
song during courtship interactions and used regression to look for relationships between characteristics of male
courtship song (most notably peak frequency and amplitude) and female preferences for song (based on her
behavior during courting and willingness to mount). Consistent with data from field studies, my preliminary
data suggest the frequency and amplitude of the purring song is unrelated to male success in courtship.
Faculty Advisor: Robin Tinghitella, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Evolution, Animal Behavior, Biology | Location: B16

The Impact of Unpredictability in Maternal Behavior on Negative Emotionality
in Children

Erin Everett | Major(s): Molecular Biology, Psychology
Co-Presenter(s): Alyssa Morgan
It has been shown that higher maternal sensitivity leads to more secure attachment styles in infants (Yan-hua et al.
2012), which leads to better later life outcomes (Belsky & Fearon. 2002). Recently, maternal behavior has been
further studied, specifically the predictability of maternal signals which was shown to be associated with cognitive
development in children (Davis et al. 2017). Specifically, less predictability in maternal signals lead to lower
cognitive performance in children at 2 years. Thus, predictability in maternal signals needs further research.
If predictability in maternal signals is important in a child's development, this must be further studied to assess how to
best improve life incomes. Thus, this study looks at whether an association is present between predictability in
maternal signals and negative emotionality. Negative emotionality is also linked to poor development in later life
(Hagan et al. 2016). This is tested by analyzing maternal predictability with a 10-minute free play video and the
parallel IBQ measuring negative emotionality. A correlation gives the possibility to mediate unpredictable maternal
signals and lead to an improved later life.
Faculty Advisor: Elysia Davis, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Maternal Unpredictability, Negative Emotionality, Unpredictable Maternal Signals | Location: C2

69

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Lost In Victory

Dena Firkins | Major(s): History
Lost in Victory is a project focused on WWII veterans with PTSD, left out of the cultural memory of WWII, as if
they did not exist. Focusing on oral history interviews, this piece examines individual veteran experiences
during and after the war. My research has found that WWII veterans suffered from PTSD even though there
was no official diagnosis. Veteran coping mechanisms helped affect the growing world around them following
the war, while plagued by an illness that was left unnamed for 35 years.
Faculty Advisor: Carol Helstosky, History, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): World War II, PTSD, Veterans | Location: C3

Mixed Signals: Sexual Signal Divergence in Sympatric Threespine Stickleback
Populations

Sophia Fitzgerald | Major(s): Ecology & Biodiversity
Co-Presenter(s): Clara Jenck
Expressing different sexual phenotypes, as a result of adaptation to different environments, can lead to the
genetic divergence of populations. In ancestral marine and most derived freshwater populations, male
threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) display a bright red throat during the breeding season.
However, in several locations along the Pacific coast, males have lost the iconic mating signal and instead have
full-body black breeding coloration. There are also documented regions where both color morphs coexist. We
use sequence-based genotyping (ddRAD-Seq) to measure whether red and black populations that coexist
within a location are genetically different despite the absence of physical barriers to gene flow. Determining the
genetic divergence between different morphs within a species is key to understanding the origin or loss of
species.
Faculty Advisor: Robin Tinghitella, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Sexual Signal, Color, Threespine Stickleback | Location: C4

70

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Dense Core Vesicle Heterogeneity

William Foreman | Major(s): Biochemistry
Cells release chemical compounds into the extracellular space by membrane bound vesicles called dense core
vesicles (DCVs). This release is triggered by an intracellular calcium binding event. There is an assumption in
the biological sciences that DCVs are homogeneous in membrane binding protein composition. However, there
is evidence to suggest functional heterogeneity in many endocrine cells, for example, pituitary lactotrophs.
Functional heterogeneity means dense core vesicles can fuse with the cell membrane, with other dense core
vesicles, and release their encapsulated material under variable levels of calcium signaling. In the present
study, antibodies against two proteins that mediate DCV function, SNAP23 and SNAP25, were tested to ensure
validity of results when analyzing SNAP23 or SNAP25 concentrations in the composition of DCVs. Using these
tested antibodies, heterogeneity in SNAP proteins under different hormone treatments of pituitary lactotrophs
can be evaluated, and the question of dense core vesicle heterogeneity can be further elucidated.
Faculty Advisor: Joseph Angleson, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Endocrine Cell Signaling | Location: C6

Effects of Childhood and Adulthood Adverse Experiences on Anxiety and
Depression

Hannah Fox | Major(s): Psychology
Past research has focused and provided a great amount of information on Adverse Childhood Experiences
(ACE) and its lifelong effects. ACEs significantly increase risk for further negative experiences, physical and
mental illness, and suicide rates. While the associations between ACEs and child mental health are well
documented, associations between ACEs and adult depression and anxiety are less known. The current study
addressed this gap by examining the associations between adverse life experiences and parental depression
and anxiety for 111 families enrolled Early Head Start in Colorado. Results indicated that adverse
experiences in adulthood are more impactful for current mental health than childhood experiences. In addition,
poverty levels were associated with ACEs and depression. These distinctions in time-related (e.g., before 18
years old vs. after 18 years old) and valence-related (e.g., positive vs. negative) effects will provide
understanding of how life events contribute to depression and anxiety in adults.
Faculty Advisor: Sarah Watamura, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Adverse Childhood Experience, Anxiety, Depression | Location: M27

71

Undergraduate Project Presentations

"Don't Forget"

Caitlan Gannam | Major(s): History
Despite having been visible and influential members of the Arab American community, Arab American women
have been largely excluded from discussions of Arab American history. "Don't Forget": The Life and Role of
Arab American Women in the Early 20th Century, is a thesis which reviews the oral histories of eight Arab
American women from a variety of socioeconomic, geographic, and religious backgrounds to determine what
agency Arab American had in the early 20th century. "Don't Forget" also looks at the internal documents of
the Syrian Ladies Aid Society, a women led philanthropic organization dedicated to the preservation and
patronage of Arab culture, to determine the effect the group, and others like it, had on the Arab American
community. Through this analysis it is clear that Arab American women have had a substantial impact on the
community because of their roles as mothers, teachers and supporters of the community. Arab American
women have been active cultural influences, despite social restrictions and a lack of formal power.
Faculty Advisor: Jonathan Sciarcon, History, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Race And Ethnic Studies, Social History, Gender History | Location: C7

Ecotourism, a Misused and Unachieved Term in the Osa Peninsula

Maddy Gawler | Major(s): Geography, International Studies, Spanish
The Osa Peninsula is consistently being praised as an ecotourism hot spot. This research explores the validity of
the use of the term in the region by analyzing the hospitality industry in the Osa Peninsula. First I investigated
the definition of the term “ecotourism.” After expanding on the definition to make it an easy to use guide for
the hospitality industry, I evaluated over 40 hotels and hostels on the peninsula, and was able to determine that
while all of the hotels were doing something in terms of environmental sustainability, not all were engaged in
the other two aspects of ecotourism which require; local equity, education and community engagement. With
my findings, I created a blueprint for the region to offer feasible changes hotels could make to more accurately
meet the definition requirements. This project will be able to better assist the expansion of ecotourism globally
by providing companies a stronger definition.
Faculty Advisor: Mike Kerwin, Geography & the Environment, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Ecotourism, Costa Rica, Sustainability | Location: C8

72

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Sustained And Transient Reward Effects On Item And Associative Memory

Avery Gholston | Major(s): Molecular Biology
The release of dopamine in the brain via the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) reward pathway operates at both
sustained and transient timescales (Niv, 2007), and affects cognitive processes including event-related memory
encoding (Adcock et al., 2006) and associative memory encoding (Wolosin, 2012). However, sustained vs.
transient effects of reward on associative encoding have not been investigated. This project examines the effects
of reward on memory encoding on both sustained and transient timescales. To test this, we used a block-trial
design for encoding followed by a next-day memory test. Our data indicate that reward has a significant effect
on transient mechanisms for item recognition memory. We further explored reward effects at both timescales
on item versus associative memory but did not see significant reward effects. This may have been due to task
difficulty and is currently being investigated further. Future directions for this work include using biological
measures (pupillometry) to investigate these effects further. Insight into what external factors benefit memory
encoding has implications for education, mental health diagnosis and treatment, and other fields.
Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Chiew, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Item Memory, Associative Memory | Location: C9

Relationship Between Mother’s Subjective Social Status and Measures of
Infant’s Cognitive Development

Hana Gulli | Major(s): Psychology
Previous studies have focused on testing the effects of objective poverty (e.g., socioeconomic status (SES) or
income to needs ratio) on child outcomes. In contrast, effects if subjective social status (SSS) have been
relatively less-thoroughly explored. The current study tested the effect of SSS on infant cognitive and stress
reactivity outcomes. Bayley cognitive scores and salivary cortisol response to a stress test were collected from
56 mother-infant dyads. Survey and interview data were collected from the mother and saliva and cognitive
Bayley scores assessed from the infant testing during a home visit. No relationship was found between the
mothers’ SSS and the infants’ cognitive development. However, a better cortisol recovery during a stress test
was associated with higher Bayley scores. These findings suggest the importance of early individual difference
in HPA axis functioning for cognitive outcomes.
Faculty Advisor: Pilyoung Kim, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Psychology, Development, Social Status | Location: C10

73

Undergraduate Project Presentations

In Vivo Production of Mycofactocin

Kameron Haake | Major(s): Biochemistry
Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the causative agent for the infectious lung disease tuberculosis (TB). During TB
infection, the pathogen uses the host’s cholesterol as sole carbon source. Gene knockout studies showed the
mycofactocin biosynthetic pathway is required for persistence of the pathogenin the macrophage during
latency. This novel pathway is encoded for by the genes mftABCDEFand is widely conserved across the
Mycobacteria genera. The structure, function and biosynthesis of mycofactocin remain largely enigmatic and
studies into it will serve as new therapeutic targets to combat the ever-increasing multidrug resistant strains of
M. tuberculosis. Recent efforts have been aimed at in vitro reconstitution of each enzyme in the pathway to
gain insights into their function. Here, we overexpress the constructed plasmid pJLX24 containing the genes
mftA, mftB, mftC and mftE, and a fluorescent reporter protein in the non-pathogenic variant Mycobacterium
smegmatis. By overexpressing this pathway, the small molecule AHDP produced can be isolated for subsequent
enzymatic analysis in order to gain insight into the final structure and function of mycofactocin.
Faculty Advisor: John Latham, Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Gene Expression | Location: C11

Communion or Convenience: An Analysis of the Efficacy of Technology-Based
Teaching Methods in Undergraduate Chemistry Classrooms

Natasha Hamilton | Major(s): Sociology, Molecular Biology
As technology progresses, many educators seek to incorporate next-generation teaching methods into
undergraduate chemistry courses. Advocates of these methods promote flipped lectures, online homework
systems and clickers as tools that increase convenience for instructors and students alike. However, student
perspectives on the efficacy of these tools in chemistry courses have little representation in the literature. This
qualitative investigation begins to fill this gap by using one-on-one interviews to gain a nuanced understanding
of how flipped lectures, online homework platforms, and clickers are actually impacting learning behaviors
among chemistry students. Analysis of this data revealed students’ inherent desire for both communion and
convenience in the structure of their chemistry courses and the notion that effective teaching practices involve a
balance between the two. These insights provide a rationale for how chemistry educators can enhance the
structure of their courses in ways that make the field more accessible to undergraduate students.
Faculty Advisor: Karen Albright, Sociology & Criminology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Qualitative Methods, Education, Interdisciplinary | Location: C12

74

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Text Analysis of Autobiographical Memories from the Night of the 2016 U.S.
Presidential Election

Bailey Harris | Major(s): Psychology, Sociology
Emotional memories are remembered more distinctly than non-emotional ones; additionally, memories differ
for positive vs. negative events (Kensinger & Schacter, 2006). Further, surprise may benefit memory for positive
more so than negative situations (Murty et al., 2016). The present study examined autobiographical memories
from 2016 US Election Night as a function of outcome surprise and political affiliation. Participants were
recruited online through Amazon Mechanical Turk and responded at three timepoints: November 2016, May
2017, and November 2017. Participants reported autobiographical memories of Election Night and their
emotional responses. November 2016 data indicated that political affiliation predicted positive or negative
emotional responses to the election outcome, and these responses were stronger in surprised individuals.
Current analyses are being conducted utilizing Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC) text analysis tools on
participant free-form text of recalled memories, along with self-reported measures of memory, to characterize
relationships with voter affiliation and outcome surprise.
Faculty Advisor: Kimberly Chiew, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Autobiographical Memory, Politics, Text Analysis | Location: C13

The Role of Moral Culpability in Epistemic Injustice

Blake Harris | Major(s): Philosophy, Communication Studies
I analyze the concept of epistemic injustice presented by Miranda Fricker in the book "Epistemic Injustice,"
specifically as it relates to instances in which an agent causing epistemic injustice can be considered morally
culpable. I propose that an important, though implicit distinction exists in Fricker’s account between being
culpable for causing a specific instance of epistemic injustice and being culpable for continually holding the
prejudice that motivates these specific instances. Given this, I make the argument that, especially due to the
hidden and non-doxastic nature of prejudicial states, instances of morally culpable actions occur only in a
small and restricted subset of all actions involving epistemic injustice and/or prejudices liable to cause the
same.
Keyword(s): Philosophy, Ethics, Epistemic Injustice | Location: M28

75

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Cross-Cultural Investigation of Cognitive Reappraisal Tactics

Ilana Hayutin | Major(s): Psychology, Biology, Leadership Studies
Co-Presenter(s): Joseph Michael Vardakis, Christian Capistrano, Shir Minster, Chelsey Pan, Yuval Crouvi, Roee
Admon
Cultural differences in emotion regulation are well documented. Most studies have focused on cultural
differences in expressive norms and regulation strategies, overlooking distinct differences within cognitive
reappraisal. The present study evaluated cultural differences in the frequency of use and emotional
consequences associated with reappraisal tactics. A large sample of adults from Denver and Haifa, Israel
completed a laboratory task where they reappraised negative images and reported the use of specific
reappraisal tactics. Results indicate no differences between cultures in the amount of negative emotion elicited
by the images, yet cultural differences emerged regarding how often reappraisal tactics were used. The
American sample reported employing “change future consequences” and “agency” more frequently compared
to the Jewish-Israeli sample, which used “change current circumstances” more frequently. Taken together, these
differential patterns of reappraisal tactic use may reflect distinguishing elements of each culture, such as
individualism/collectivism or the presence of intractable conflict.
Faculty Advisor: Kateri McRae, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Emotion Regulation, Cognitive Reappraisal, Culture | Location: C14

Innovative Ways to Enhance Education Access for Vulnerable Youth
Populations

Jimmy Hessler|Major(s): Sociology, French
Co-Presenter(s): Jack Heitman
During Spring Break 2019, with the help of CCESL, Jimmy Hessler and the CSC of Jackson Hole executed a 5
day College Access Trip for 15 potential first generation college students (currently freshmen and sophomores
in HS) from Jackson, Wyoming. The trip featured activities at the University of Wyoming, the University of
Denver, and the Community College of Denver, and featured 10+ DU faculty as well as 20+ DU students. The
3 key impact areas of the trip were Communication Skills, College and Career Readiness, and Life Skills, and
all areas saw improvement throughout the trip, determined by an extensive pre and post survey. With the help
of CCESL, Jimmy and the CSC are now working on creating similar opportunities for underrepresented youth
populations in Denver, while continuing work in Wyoming.
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Escobedo, History, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Education, Interdisciplinary, Community-Engaged | Location: C15

76

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Effect Of Disease-Associated Mutations On Tau Fibril Growth And Propagation
Patterns

Roxana Hu | Major(s): Biochemistry
Tau fibrils are the pathological hallmark of various fatal neurodegenerative diseases (aka tauopathies) such as
Alzheimer’s and familial forms of dementia. These diseases can be categorized by the type of isoforms that
make up the tau fibrils: some tauopathies present with fibrils comprised of only 4-repeat (4R) or 3-repeat (3R)
tau isoforms, while others contain both. It is unclear why in some familial tauopathies only 3R tau is deposited
in fibrils. Our hypothesis is that disease tau mutations can alter the fibril structure and result in preferential
recruitment of 3R tau. To test this hypothesis, we investigated if 3R tau with disease-associated mutations would
form fibrils with preferential growth properties. The results suggest that fibrils formed from 3R tau with the
mutations G272V, K257T, S320F, Q336R, or K369I do not exhibit diminished recruitment of 4R tau
monomers, while fibrils formed from the 3R G389R mutant do. These findings provide insight on the role that
mutations in tau can have on fibril propagation patterns, and this is crucial for potential therapeutic
interventions of tauopathies.
Faculty Advisor: Martin Margittai, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Tauopathy, Neurodegenerative, Disease| Location: C16

Mutagenesis Of Xrn1 Catalytic Amino Acids

Alexander Jackson | Major(s): Biochemistry
Co-Presenter(s): Conner Langeberg, William Welch
The motivation for this project came from the interest in the relationship between mutated DNA and changes in
Xrn1’s structure and function. The goal was then to discover if specific mutations in Xrn1’s DNA caused this
structure or function to change. This would be determined by comparing data from non-mutated DNA to the
different mutated DNA’s. Approaching this problem started with performing the DNA mutations in the correct
spots and then with sequencing to confirm the mutations are correct and in the correct spot. From confirmation
we moved to protein expression, followed by performing the RNA decay assays and thermal denaturations.
The data from these experiments show that some of the mutations do have an effect on the decay ability of
Xrn1, but not the structure. The decay ability is non-existent in these “dead mutants” and this discovery can be
further used in critical structure and function experiments with Xrn1.
Faculty Advisor: Erich Chapman, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Xrn1, RNA Decay | Location: C17

77

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Robot Arm for Misty II

Mustapha Jechi | Major(s): Electrical Engineering
Co-Presenter(s): Bowen Wang, Benjamin Sawyer, Cormac Heneghan, Jacob Anthony Locsin
The Robot Arm for Misty II increases the interaction of the Misty II robot (property of Misty Robotics) with its
environment. Creating an arm that can pick up lightweight (under 120 grams) unbreakable (doesn’t deform
permanently based on the grip strength of the arm) objects will allow Misty to become a little more useful and
expand its task list considerably. The project is tailored to the hobbyist market, i.e., all components can be
bought online for under $300.
Faculty Advisor: Ann Deml, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering
& Computer Science
Keyword(s): Robotics, Manipulators, Cutting-Edge | Location: D1

Breaking The Mold: Colonial Franco-Canadian Women

Ashley Jellison | Major(s): French and Francophone Studies, Film Production and Studies
Early franco-colonial roles in Canada have widely been researched, particularly those that spurred trade
relations with indigenous peoples. However, the roles of women during this period have not been explored,
despite their importance to developing the flourishing Quebec identity that we see today. This project delves
into traditional roles for European women, and how those shifted after moving to the New World. It will also
look at the influence of indigenous peoples on those roles and identities, through the collection of data from
historical texts and artifacts, as well as writings from the seventeenth century. According to my research, these
women took on essential roles in the church and household, while branching out into teaching aboriginal
people and developing an integrated society.
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Willis, Languages and Literatures, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Canadian Studies, Gender Studies | Location: D2

78

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Adverse Experiences in Childhood and Maternal Non-Intrusiveness

Claire Jeske | Major(s): Psychology

Co-Presenter(s): Aviva Olsavsky

Children of mothers with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have increased risk for negative psychological
outcomes. However, the manner in which maternal ACEs affect offspring is not well- understood. Previous
studies have suggested endocrine, epigenetic, and parenting behaviors as possible mechanisms. In our study,
we hypothesized that higher ACEs would be associated with greater maternal intrusiveness. We collected
mother-infant interaction videos, ACEs, psychological, and demographic data from a community sample
(N=28). Initial analyses included video-coding (N=17) utilizing the Emotional Availability Scale. Univariate
ANOVA revealed that mothers reporting higher ACEs exhibited more intrusive behaviors (F1,15=10.5,
p<0.01). Including depressive or trait anxiety symptoms, baby sex, or maternal age in the model did not
affect the finding. Our study provides preliminary evidence that maternal intrusiveness may be one mechanism
by which maternal trauma affects mother-infant dyads. Future studies might investigate this relationship in a
larger sample, as well as track infants’ behavioral and developmental outcomes.

Faculty Advisor: Pilyoung Kim, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Keyword(s): Developmental Psychology, Intrusiveness, Adverse Childhood Experiences | Location: D3

Elucidating the Mysterious Mechanistic Relationship Between Amyloid-Beta and
Polyamines: How Naturally Produced Molecules Can Lead to Unnatural
Consequences

Austin Johnson | Major(s): Biological Sciences

Co-Presenter(s): Alexandra Sandberg, Daniel Paredes, Daniel Linseman

The dysfunctional accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) plaques in brain cells is widely regarded as a hallmark sign of
Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, the mechanisms by which Aβ causes the characteristic memory loss and
dementia observed in AD patients are much less understood. In this study, the regulatory relationship between Aβ42,
a toxic member of the Aβ family, and polyamines (PA) was investigated. Specifically, hippocampal cells were
transfected with either empty control or Aβ42 containing vectors to confirm that PA were upregulated by Aβ42
aggregation as well as determine if the inhibition of such upregulation had an effect on cell death. Ultimately, it was
found that Aβ42 increases PA through enhanced expression of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the rate limiting
enzyme of PA biosynthesis. Furthermore, treatment with the ODC inhibitor L-α-difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) was
shown to decrease both Aβ42 aggregation and cell death. Together, these data suggest that increased PA levels
contribute to Aβ42 toxicity. Moreover, the protective benefits of DFMO offer a potentially novel therapeutic avenue to
mitigating amyloid plaque aggregation in the treatment of AD.

Faculty Advisor: Daniel Linseman, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics

Keyword(s): Aging, Basic Science, Alzheimers Disease | Location: D4

79

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Analysis of the Expression of the Mycofactocin Biosynthetic Pathway in
Mycobacterium smegmatis in Various Carbon Sources by RT-PCR

Elizabeth Kepl | Major(s): Biochemistry
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is a pathogen that causes one of the world’s deadliest diseases: tuberculosis
(TB). During the latent of Mtb infection, the pathogen uses the host’s cholesterol as the sole carbon source.
Gene expression and knockout studies showed that the mycofactocin biosynthetic gene cluster encoded by the
genes mftABCDEF is among a number of genes that are upregulated and necessary for the persistence of the
pathogen during infection. In this study, the relative expression levels of each gene in the non-pathogen variant
Mycobacterium smegmatis is indicated when grown on different carbon sources. RT-PCR (Reverse Transcriptase
PCR) is used to find the relative expression of each gene by isolating RNA from cultures grown on different
carbon sources and generating cDNA through reverse transcription to be used in RT-PCR. The data obtained
produced mixed results of gene expression, however, these results are important in manipulating the
expression of mycofactocin using different carbon sources. Further research would provide the insight needed
to interrupt the expression system of mycofactocin, serving as a new therapeutic target to combat TB.
Faculty Advisor: John Latham, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Mycofactocin Biosynthetic Pathway, Gene Expression, Mycobacterium Smegmatis | Location: D5

Understanding Positive Affect as a Factor of Temperament through an
Evaluation of Eye-Tracking Data in 7-month-old Infants

Jehanzeb Khan | Major(s): Psychology, Socio-Legal Studies
Infants are known to be able to distinguish between different facial expressions from a very early age. Beyond
an ability to discriminate happy, sad and angry faces, this competency is shown to impact later psychological
outcomes. However, uncertainty exists as to the extent of the correlation between infant temperament and
reactivity to various facial expressions. For the purposes of this study, 43 mothers with their infants (aged 169-
252 days) were recruited to participate in an eye-tracking study using a Tobii T120 eye tracker to track the
extent of an infants gaze on differing facial expressions. Mothers also completed the Infant Baby Questionnaire
(IBQ) to determine the overall temperament of the infant. While the assumption of higher positive affectivity
being correlated with a stronger affection towards happy faces was not proven to be true, the data does
suggestion an association between an indifference for angry faces and positive affect. Further research and
analysis using a stronger sample would need to be done in the future for a stronger conclusion.
Faculty Advisor: Elysia Davis, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Psychology | Location: D6

80

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Adventos Public Safety Drone

Jacob Kilbourn | Major(s): Electrical Engineering
Co-Presenter(s): Brittany Cariou, Javier Campos, Victor Castrillo Dominguez
A “smart” drone was developed to recognize and compare faces and license plates against a database
autonomously. To recognize faces with a matching confidence greater than double that of human witness or
60%, image tests were completed for the following variables: distance, angle of view, and resolution. An
internet-based service called Microsoft Azure was used for matching the faces. The minimum width of a face
was found to be 40 pixels wide in order for Azure to find and compare a face from within an image. The
resulting software package of this project could be universalized to any video camera with the Internet Protocol
(IP).
Faculty Advisor: Ann Deml, Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering &
Computer Science
Keyword(s): Drone, Recognition, Intelligence | Location: D7

Using CMYK Screen Printing to Create Bereavement Art

Allyson Kotarsky | Major(s): Studio Art, Art History
Since the passing of my grandfather in 2018, I have been pursuing an artistic investigation centered around
the long relationship of death and art. The purpose of my research was to learn and use a new method of
working that visually harnesses the concepts of bereavement, detachment, and memory. The method I chose to
pursue for this purpose was CMYK screen printing. CMYK screen printing is a traditionally commercial printing
process that is not commonly used in fine art. The CMYK technique utilizes only four pigment colors to simulate
the full color spectrum, thus minimizing the number of layers needed for color reproduction. I gathered photos
from my grandfather’s home that were taken before I was born, and reprinted them on a large scale using this
method. The purpose of using the CMYK method was to take the private process of mourning and display it in
a way that was easily replicated, manipulated and more public, representing the distance I have felt from my
grandfather’s life since his passing. The resulting work is a series of ten art pieces, consisting of reimagined
images that create a new conversation about the privacy and purpose of a relationship after death.
Faculty Advisor: Chinn Wang, Studio Art, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Art, Death, Printmaking | Location: D8

81

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Neighborhood Effects on Honey Bee Foraging

Andrea Ku | Major(s): Environmental Science
Co-Presenter(s): Eva Horna Lowell
Honey bee foragers (Apis mellifera) use the presence of conspecifics on a flower when deciding which flowers
to visit. We tested whether bee activity on neighboring flowers (i.e. a neighborhood effect) impacts the number
of bees that visit a focal flower. Specifically, we tested which of these factors best explain how many bees visit
a focal flower: 1) initial number of bees on a focal flower, 2) initial number of bees on the neighboring flowers,
3) relative abundance of bees on the focal flower as compared to neighboring flowers or 4) number of bees
that visit the neighboring flowers. We found a neighborhood effect in that the number of bees visiting the
neighbor flowers affected how many bees visited the focal flower, but we did not find any evidence that the
initial number of bees on the neighbor flowers affected visitation to the focal flower. Our results could be
explained by conspecific communication near the food source or pollinator abundance at the flower patch.
Our results provide important insight into how honey bees use conspecific cues in small scale neighborhoods,
which increases our understanding of the pollination ecosystem services they provide.
Faculty Advisor: Shannon Murphy, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Honey Bee, Neighborhood Effects, Foraging Behavior | Location: D9

Screening of Single Cell Clones for Fam193A KO: A Possible p53 Mediator

Madi Laird | Major(s): Molecular Biology
More than half of cancers exhibit loss of function mutations in p53, while in the remaining half, oncogenic
events resulting in hyperexpression of p53 repressors MDM4 and MDM2 inhibit wild-type activity. In research,
MDM2 inhibitors, such as nutlin-3a, have become a popular therapeutic strategy in treating wild-type p53
tumors. However, wild-type p53 tumors with normal levels of MDM2 expression exhibit varying levels of
sensitivity to nutlin-3a, suggesting that MDM2 is not the sole regulator of p53 activity. Results from a CRISPR
library screen on CHIP-212 cells by Espinosa Lab at CU Anschutz identified one potential regulator of p53,
FAM193A. CHIP-212 cells with FAM193A knock-outs exhibited less cell death after nutlin-3a treatment
compared to wild-type CHIP-212 cells.To validate Espinosa Lab’s findings, screening of single cell clones for
FAM193A knock-outs is performed in two additional p53 wild-type cell lines (HUTU-80 and DU-4475)
transfected by CRISPR-Cas9. Selected clones are then treated with nutlin-3a to evaluate whether FAM193A
regulation of nutlin-3a sensitivity is specific to CHIP-212 cells or applicable to other p53 wild-type cells.
Faculty Advisor: Scott Barbee, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): p53, Nutlin-3a, Fam193A | Location: D10

82

Undergraduate Project Presentations

The Eukaryotic Exoribonuclease Xrn1 Requires a Dianionic 5’ Phosphate for
Catalysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Conner Langeberg | Major(s): Biochemistry
Exoribonuclease 1 (Xrn1) is the major exoribonuclease in eukaryotic cells consisting of a highly conserved
catalytic core domain where RNA hydrolysis occurs, and peripheral less conserved expansion domains
implicated in protein-protein interactions. Using a novel time-resolved fluorescent RNA decay assay, we report
an obligatory 5’ dianionic monophosphate moiety of substrate RNA for enzymatic hydrolysis by Xrn1.
Structured RNAs were designed to induce a 5’ single stranded region in order to load Xrn1, followed by a
variable structured domain and an iSpinach aptamer allowing for fluorescence detection of the reporter RNA
through intercalation of the small fluorescent molecule DFHBI. Mutations to the active site of Xrn1 reveal a high
catalytic dependence on specific conserved glutamates and aspartates, and implicate two aromatic residues in
a continuous pi-pi interaction through the length of the active site tunnel. A critical ionic interface is required at
lysine 93 to bind the RNA substrate for hydrolysis. In agreement with this, protonation of one of the
phosphono-oxygens of the RNA’s 5’ monophosphate removes it from the active decay pool.
Faculty Advisor: Erich Chapman, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Xrn1, RNA Decay, Dianion | Location: D11

Humans vs Software: Who Is Better at Detecting Hopefulness

Peter Leach | Major(s): International Studies, Psychology
Psychological research often involved assessment of emotional states (e.g., hopefulness) based on narrative
coding that employs various structured and semi-structured rating rubrics or computer-assisted linguistic content
coding. However, minimal research has been conducted on the relative validity of those methods. The present
study tested whether reliable and valid measures of hopefulness can be obtained from written interview
transcripts through use of (1) trained coder ratings and (2) the Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC)
application. Hopefulness ratings were obtained from three coders, an expert coder (an individual who
conducted the in-person interviews), and the LIWC, based on transcripts of 53 semi-structured, qualitative
interviews with adult Kenyan participants residing in Taita-Taveta county, Kenya. Results indicated that coder
ratings significantly predicted expert ratings of hopefulness, whereas the LIWC, in general, did not. Further
research should explore the correspondence and discrepancies between the coder’s and the LIWC’s ratings of
hopefulness.
Faculty Advisor: Robert Uttaro, International Studies, Josef Korbel School
Keyword(s): Hopefulness, LIWC Emotion | Location: D12

83

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Increase Sensitivity of Optical Probes for Nanomolar Detection of Cellular Zinc

Kate LeJeune | Major(s): Chemistry, Mathematics
Co-Presenter(s): Chen Zhang, Dylan Fudge
Zinc is a major trace element that is critical for normal physiological functions and required in a variety of
cellular functions such as growth and development. The dysfunction of zinc homeostasis, the mechanism that
regulates the influx and efflux of zinc, is closely associated with many severe neurological diseases such as
Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and epilepsy. Metal homeostasis has been studied using fluorescence microscopy to
track free metals within live cells. While a useful tool for characterizing particularly zinc levels, the fluorescent
sensor we utilize is minimally sensitive within the nanomolar range and fluorescently dim. We developed a
high-throughput screening assay of sensor variants that identifies and isolates the few optimized sensors with
improved brightness and dynamic range and particularly sensitive to nanomolar levels of zinc. The success of
this assay design will allow for better monitoring of zinc signals with higher resolution in live cells due to their
increased sensitivity.
Faculty Advisor: Yan Qin, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Zinc, Microscopy, Fluorescent Protein | Location: D13

Modeling Rental Insurance as a Method for Homeless Prevention in Denver

Elizabeth Lochhead | Major(s): Economics, Public Policy
Thousands of people experience housing displacement and homelessness in the city of Denver each year. These
events are often preceded by some shock to income that can lead to rent arrears and displacement, and while
households often only need a small amount of money to re-stabilize, many do not have this money available
and are displaced. Homeless prevention programs are currently more limited in Denver than programs for
people who are already homeless. This paper introduces a basic model of rental insurance as a potential
method of homeless prevention and outlines how it would fit in with current methods. Rental insurance for
homeless prevention is not currently implemented in Denver, and the model indicates that the premiums for
such a program would be relatively low. Rental insurance would introduce a new approach to housing
stabilization and homeless prevention in the city of Denver.
Faculty Advisor: Juan Carlos Lopez, Economics, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Housing Instability, Homelessness, Rental Insurance | Location: A6

84

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Computational Quantum Fluid of Light Applied to Single Pixel Imaging

Martin Luepker | Major(s): Physics
The purpose of this project is test a single pixel camera with a computational model of a quantum fluid of light
as the pattern. A single pixel camera is one which reconstructs an image based on many samples of a single
pixel instead one sample of an array of pixels. The method used for reconstruction is compressed sensing
which is a non-iterative reconstruction method. The objective is to determine what parameters of the quantum
fluid wave model result in a high ratio of image resolution to number of samples. Both quantum fluids of light
and single pixel imaging are emerging concepts in their respective fields. The combination of these two results
could lead to new sensing applications of quantum fluids.
Faculty Advisor: Mark Siemens, Physics & Astronomy, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Quantum Fluids, Single Pixel Imaging, Compressed Sensing | Location: D14

Does the Sea Urchin Fertilization Envelope Protect the Embryo from Marine
Bacteria?

Alec MacKay | Major(s): Environmental Science
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, or the “purple urchin”, is endemic from Southern Alaska to Northern Mexico. Thriving
in rough, shallow water, the echinoderm is commonly found in tidal areas with variations in depth and wave action
due to changing tides. In deeper waters, S. purpuratus thrives (currently an ecological nightmare in the state of
California) near the base of the giant kelp forests which provide an abundance of food. Sexual maturity is generally
reached in two years, and reproduction is achieved through a synchronized release of gametes most common during
January to March. Fertilization occurs in the open ocean, and females release from 8-20 million eggs to ensure a
better chance at propagation.
The fertilization envelope (FE) is formed immediately after fertilization by the rapid release of proteins which cause
the vitelline layer to rise up and away from the surface of the embryo. The fertilization envelope serves as a
secondary barrier to fertilization and other secondary purposes have been suggested.
In this work, we question whether the fertilization envelope provides protection against bacterial attack, and whether
embryos with a fertilization envelope have higher rates of survival than those which do not. Through cultures of
commonly found gram negative marine bacteria, embryos with and without fertilization were exposed to various
concentrations of live cultures as well as centrifuged bacterial supernatant. A Vibrio species, a gram-negative marine
bacterium, was cultured and used to challenge embryos with (FE+) and without (FE-) fertilization envelopes.
Faculty Advisor: Michael Kerwin, Geography & the Environment, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Embryology, Marine Biology | Location: D16

85

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Quantifying the Role of Ergothioneine in Protecting Proteins from the Effects of
Reactive Nitrogen Species

Brandon Mao | Major(s): Biochemistry
Lactoferrin is a multifunctional protein found in various mammalian bodily fluids such as tears, saliva, and milk. One
of lactoferrin's most important roles is its ability to bind free iron, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. This activity is
due to tyrosine amino acid residues present in the iron-binding active sites of the protein. When lactoferrin is
exposed to certain reactive nitrogen species these residues are nitrated, which inhibits iron-binding capability.
Ergothioneine is a naturally occurring compound that has been proposed to protect lactoferrin from nitration by
protecting the tyrosine residues. This project aims to quantify ergothioneine's protecting effect primarily in bovine
serum albumin, a protein that behaves similarly chemically and analytically to lactoferrin. Samples of bovine serum
albumin (a protein that behaves similarly to nitration) at various concentrations were nitrated and the nitration
degree of these samples were quantified using ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) and UV/Vis
spectroscopy. Samples of lactoferrin as well as a sample of bovine corneal lysate were also analyzed.
Faculty Advisor: Alex Huffman, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): ELISA Protein Nitration, Analytical Chemistry | Location: E1

Palladium Catalyzed Cascade Reactions of Ynol Ethers

Maximilian McCallum | Major(s): Chemistry
Co-Presenter(s): Mitchell Ellinwood
Ynol ethers are valuable reagents in organic chemistry, as they often allow for increased reaction selectivity
when compared with standard alkyne reagents. Despite promising applications, they are underutilized in
organic synthesis. Over the past two years, our lab has developed several reactions that use ynol ethers to
improve on the selectivity of analogous alkyne reactions. Recently work by the Michel lab has resulted in the
development of a palladium-catalyzed Heck cascade reaction of ynol ethers, allowing for the selective
formation of multiple bonds in a single step. Here we describe progress on optimization and scope evaluation
for this reaction. When published, this reaction will allow chemists to rapidly construct dienol ether frameworks
which are valuable in numerous known reactions.
Faculty Advisor: Brian Michel, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Chemistry, Organic, Alkynes | Location: E2

86

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Photo-Oxidation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Humic-like
Substances in Acidic Conditions

Sarah McDonald | Major(s): Biochemistry
Every day, combustion events are taking place all around us to generate energy. In cars, homes, and industrial
processes, hydrocarbon fuels are combusted which can generate toxic products such as polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH). When PAH are released into the atmosphere, they can be oxidized by sunlight to form
humic-like substances (HULIS). HULIS are dark brown or black toxic substances that alter the way light is
absorbed in the atmosphere which can lead to atmospheric darkening. Therefore, the generation of HULIS from
anthropogenic combustion events has important implications for the environment and human health. This
research set out to test the conversion of PAH to HULIS in conditions similar to those present in the atmosphere.
This included using a buffer system and acid to mimic cloud water. The results of this experimentation showed
similar HULIS production from PAH in atmospheric conditions compared to those lacking the acid and buffer.
Faculty Advisor: Brian Majestic, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Atmospheric, Environmental | Location: E3

Road to Distinction

Daniela Medina Caro | Major(s): Accounting
Abraham Lincoln High School, located in Denver CO, consists of a total minority enrollment of 98% student
body with 92% of students receiving free or reduced lunch prices. In collaboration with Sigma Lambda Gamma
National Sorority Inc., we have created an in-school lunch program, Road to Distinction, to empower, promote
and provide lasting relationships through peer mentor-ship relating to self-esteem, health and academics for
young women in the transition of life after high school. Since conception in Jan. 2017, we have achieved
100% retention in the program and have donated book scholarships to 3 separate individuals. Our
community-engaged work serves to connect female-identifying individuals with similar socio-economic and
cultural backgrounds to promote healthy living, access to higher education and healthy relationships.
Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Ferrick, Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning,
University Academic Programs
Keyword(s): Community-Engagement, Higher Education | Location: M29

87

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Unnamed

Audrey Miklitsch|Major(s): Studio Art, Marketing
Unnamed is a creative endeavor that explores my personal experiences with trauma and identity through a
photographic and sculptural lens. In conjunction with people who have supported me, I created a collaborative
work that focused on our shared experiences related to the themes of invalidation and empowerment. For
many of the people that I spoke to, their feelings of empowerment and invalidation were connected to queer
identities and sexual trauma. The title of the work is a play on the many artworks that go by Untitled while
relating to the concept of labelling that is very difficult in these types of experiences. The goal of the work is to
show a story of healing after trauma through a lens that is less triggering.
Faculty Advisor: Roderick MacInnes, Studio Art, Art & Art History
Keyword(s): Community-Engaged, Studio Art, Sexual Assault| Location: E7

Know Your Rights: Sun Valley Youth

Blanche Ndoutou|Major(s): Criminology, Spanish
I have lived in the Sun valley neighborhood for about 8 years now. In my neighborhood, most of the youth are
people of color. In the recent years, I have learned about the racial bias within institutions and the risk of
underprivileged youth in joining gangs. I have also noticed that many of the youth are not taught essential life
things such as knowing their rights when a police officer stopped them or the truth about violence and
misunderstandings in gangs. I believe that the children in my neighborhood of Sun Valley should be prepared
to defend themselves using the law when facing the authorities; they should also be aware of the realities of the
prison system for people of color and the violence of gangs. I am planning on hosting several block parties in
which I provide games and presentations to teach these youths. I am currently learning more on these topics in
my classes and on my personal research. I would to be an expert on the rights of a US citizen so that I can tech
others. My research shows these youth living in underprivileged areas need to learn about concepts like these
in order to lead successful future lives.
Faculty Advisor: Kathleen Ferrick, Center for Community Engagement to advance Scholarship and Learning,
University Academic Programs
Keyword(s): Racial Bias, Gangs, Community | Location: M30

88

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Spatial-temporal Dynamics Of SNARE Proteins At Site Of Exosomes Release

Rida Noor | Major(s): Biochemistry
Co-Presenter(s): Anarkali Mahmood
Tumor development and progression is dependent on the complementary relationship between tumor cells and
their surrounding microenvironment. These cells communicate with each other through the exchange of RNA
and soluble proteins via small vesicles called exosomes. Exosomes are formed through endocytic invaginations
of larger vesicles called Multivesicular Bodies (MVBs), which fuse with the cell’s plasma membrane and release
exosomes into the extracellular environment. The oncogenic factor-carrying exosomes are then taken up by
surrounding cells and have the potential to alter gene expression in recipient cells. MVB fusion with plasma
membrane and the release of exosomes is a critical step in this process. However, past work has only identified
a few proteins that facilitate this process and it is not clear what factors control secretion. In this work, we have
further studied the role of different SNAREs, and SNARE interacting proteins such as Munc18 in regulating
MVB fusion. Using TIRF microscopy, we have assessed the spatial-temporal dynamics of SNARE protein
recruitment at sites of exosome secretion. Our long-term goal is to enhance our understanding of the exosome
fusion events.
Faculty Advisor: Michelle Knowles, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Cancer Progression, TIRF Microscopy, Exosomes | Location: E4

The Ubiquitin protein modifier and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1
Biogenesis

Sofya Norman | Major(s): Molecular Biology
HIV continues to impact populations around the world despite the development of antiviral drugs. One viral
polypeptide, Gag, is the sole driver for creating an HIV virus particle. Gag shapes an HIV particle by budding
out of the infected host cell plasma membrane. Ubiquitin (Ub) is a host cell protein responsible for modulating
the activity and function of proteins. Our research explores the role of Ub in potentiating HIV-Gag budding. In
order to understand this role, we have developed a method to visualize HIV particles and demonstrate the
presence of Ub at virus budding sites and within released particles. We have controlled these experiments by
showing that this colocalization is specific; We have shown that Ub is excluded from budding sites and
released particles when cells are treated with an enzyme that catalyzes the removal of Ub from proteins. These
results directly demonstrate Ub conjugation to HIV-Gag, and have the potential to lead to new avenues for
antiviral therapy. However, further exploration is needed to fully comprehend the important role of Ub in
potentiating HIV budding.
Faculty Advisor: Schuyler van Engelenburg, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): HIV, Virology | Location: E5

89

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Relevant Contact sites in the interaction between the melanocortin-5 receptor
and ACTH(1-24)

Natalie Oberer | Major(s): Biology, Spanish
The objectives of this project were to determine whether co-expression with the accessory protein MRAP1
affects the ligand sensitivity of certain MC5R orthologs. The receptors used in this study are known to be co-
expressed with MC2R and MRAP1 in glucocorticoid-producing cells and, since MRAP1 affects the ligand
sensitivity of MC2R, this thesis tested the hypothesis that co-expression of MRAP1 with MC5R would also affect
ligand sensitivity. The hypothesis was confirmed for stingray, rainbow trout, and chicken, however, elephant
shark MC5R was not affected in the same way by co-expression of MRAP1. It appears that, in some MC5R
orthologs (stingray, rainbow trout, and chicken), a second binding site can be exposed on the receptor
following co-expression with MRAP1 but in others (elephant shark), the co-expression with MRAP1 only
improves binding affinity for the ubiquitous first binding site.
Faculty Advisor: Robert Dores, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Endocrinology, Evolution| Location: E6

Heritability of a Novel Mating Signal

Brian Oberlies | Major(s): Biological Sciences
Sexual selection is highly dependent on mating signals. These signals coevolve with receivers’ preferences, and
interactions between the two can influence the maintenance and generation of biodiversity (speciation). To
understand the mechanism of speciation, we must understand how phenotypic divergence is created within a
species. I focus on the recent emergence of a novel mating signal at the time of its emergence. Tinghitella et al.
(2018) discovered a novel male song within a Hawaiian population of Teleogryllus oceanicus field crickets that
sounds like a cat’s purr, compared to the chirping sounds produced by typical males. I investigated the extent
to which the frequency (pitch) and amplitude of this novel song are heritable to understand their plasticity
under environmental stress. I hypothesized that this signal would be heritable because typical calling songs are
heritable in populations of T. oceanicus. Regression analyses showed all traits were unrelated between fathers
and sons except one; father and son overall peak frequency had a significant negative estimate for heritability.
My results may indicate that heritability of new male signals is initially low or negative.
Faculty Advisor: Robin Tinghitella, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Heritability, Speciation, Novel Signal Emergence | Location: M31

90

Undergraduate Project Presentations

The Bionic: Giving Trans Men the Confidence They Deserve

Courtney Owen | Major(s): Electrical Engineering
Co-Presenter(s): Adan Verdin, Lindsey Drone
For transgender men, the cost of a phalloplasty exceeds $200,000 and is unlikely to be covered by insurance.
Furthermore, there is the risk that the penis doesn’t function properly. Alternatives to surgery are three different
prosthetics that are switched out per their functions: a stand to pee device, a packer, and a sustained erection.
This project combines all of these into one prosthetic. To accomplish this, a proprietary expanding silicone was
used to transition between an erect and flaccid state. The prosthetic listens to the user’s heartbeat from a
smartwatch app and input from an insertable remote. If the prosthetic is on and the user’s heartbeat exceeds a
certain rate or the remote is squeezed for three seconds, the erection will occur. The erection will end based on
feedback from the same inputs. In order to meet the size requirements, the electronics fit in the testicles. For
urinary function, a stand to pee component attaches to the urethra and allows for natural flow of urine from the
body. This component will be removable for comfort and cleaning purposes. This device will revolutionize
everyday life for transgender men; a safe and cost effective option to surgery.
Faculty Advisor: Ann Deml, Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering &
Computer Science
Keyword(s): Trans Men, Transgender, Bionics | Location: E8

Nutritional Literacy In The Denver Community

Haley Paez | Major(s): Psychology, Journalism Studies
My DU Grand Challenge looks to ensure people can access nutritious food security through physical resources
and knowledge, regardless of socioeconomic status. I partnered with the Denver Rescue Mission, one of the
largest homeless shelters in Denver, to provide awareness about nutrition to those less fortunate in addition to
their wholesome hot meal service. I created infographic posters to convey the importance of nutrition through
imagery. Furthermore, I co-developed cooking classes for guests in either the Star or New Life programs
because they are escaping the cycle of homelessness. Their success comes from self-sufficiency and
responsibility, which can be acquired through proper nutritional habits. These participants will receive a
cookbook with health conscience recipes spanning 5-10 ingredients, within their budget designated for food.
Finally, after the conclusion of the 2-part cooking class, each new chef will receive pots, pans, knives, cooking
utensils, and cutting boards, guaranteeing they are prepared to make healthy meals in their own homes.
Overall, this experience advances the conversation about nutrition to increase nutrition literacy in Denver.
Faculty Advisor: Barbekka Hurtt, Biological Sciences, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Nutrition, Community-Engaged, Health | Location: E9

91

Undergraduate Project Presentations

DnA for DIY: Digital and Analog Recording for Do It Yourself Demos

Adriana Perez | Major(s): Recording and Production Studies
Co-Presenter(s): Kevin Cincotta
In today’s day and age, a poorly mixed demo can mean lost record deals and declined performance
opportunities, so it's safe to say having a decent demo can make or break a rising musician. Nowadays,
anyone with a smartphone can go through the entire recording process using apps and their internal
microphone. In fact, Steve Lacy’s debut EP, was all recorded on his iPhone and even received critical acclaim.
This then raises questions about the merits of in-studio recording and the techniques we are taught in a
conservatory setting. After all, if just about anyone can do it, why not try it yourself? Why not bend some rules?
My project utilized demos supplied from my research partner, Kevin Cincotta, to produce several sonically
compelling songs. I used advanced engineering tools (FabFilter plugins, Landscape Stereo, etc.) to bring the
songs to life. In the end, this creative endeavor proves that the DIY approach to audio is a valid form of artistry.
Faculty Advisor: Art Bouton, Lamont School of Music
Keyword(s): Music, Innovation, Entrepreneurship | Location: F4

WRIT Engagement Corps: Promoting Literacy with Community Partners

Maya Piñón | Major(s): Spanish, Political Science
Co-Presenter(s): Katherine McDonald, Lisl Davies
WRIT Engagement Corps (WEC) is a student group that aims to promote access and enjoyment in literacy
practices in nearby Denver public schools by creating reciprocal community partnerships. One way this is
typically accomplished is through an after-school enrichment class taught by WEC members at Grant Beacon
Middle School (GBMS). WEC members write curriculum for the course and make continuous edits to said
curriculum. This year WEC encountered internal challenges that prevented teaching the enrichment class this
spring. Instead, WEC members held a free book fair for GBMS students to choose and keep a few books that
interested them. With this book fair, WEC members wanted to learn what genres of literature would interest
GBMS students. WEC collected this information by speaking with librarians and bookstore workers and taking
inventory of the most-chosen genres of books at the book fair. WEC will use this new knowledge to inform
future revisions to the curriculum and strategically select texts that will be interesting and relevant to GBMS
students.
Faculty Advisor: Brad Benz, University Writing Program, Univeristy Academic Programs
Keyword(s): Community-Engaged, Literacy, Student Teaching | Location: E11

92

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Biomolecular Labeling & Specificity of Red-Shifted Synthetic Fluorescent Dyes
with Lipid Bilayers

Cole Pollina | Major(s): Physics, Biochemistry
Co-Presenter(s): Alan Weisgerber
Biophysical investigations into the cell have been amplified with biomolecular labeling. Biomolecular labeling is
achieved via the use of synthetic probes which consist of a fluorescent dye conjugated to a protein nanobody,
administering substrate specificity. However, the distinct physiochemical characteristics of the nanobody-dye
conjugate (.e.g. charge, polarity, hydrophobicity, and photostability) result in unique interfering mechanisms
that have been reported to interfere with kinetic investigations. To correct for the problems of specificity,
synthetic probe interference must be minimized and accounted for. In this work, we evaluated the effects of a
class of red-shifted synthetic fluorescent dyes on a lipid bilayer in order to provide a foundation to optimize
dye selection in biophysical research. This characterization was achieved through confocal laser-scanning
microscopy (CLSM) and the imaging technique of fluorescent recovery after photobleaching (FRAP). Assessment
of probe-substrate specificity serves to guide proper dye selection and dye synthesis in future biophysical
investigations.
Faculty Advisor: Michelle Knowles, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Biophysics, Fluorescence, Lipid | Location: E12

The Semiotics of Space: New Orleans and the Decision to Remove Confederate
Statues

Kira Pratt | Major(s): Sociology, Media Studies
This paper examines sites of Confederate memorials and claims-making activities around decisions of removal,
in their broader social and cultural contexts. Drawing on the interdisciplinary literature on collective memory
and memorialization, I show how Confederate memorials are contested sites of meaning-making. Statues are
semiotically interpreted by competing publics, which results in the construction of competing histories, presents,
and futures, in which the statues are precariously located. Introducing the notion of “symbolic zoning,” I show
how statues contribute to the symbolic construction of public places. In doing so, I offer important
considerations for communities attempting to answer the question If not in public spaces, where do Confederate
statues belong? This study is based on a qualitative content analysis of approximately sixty articles from the
Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans, where four Confederate statues – of Robert E. Lee, Jefferson
Davis, and Pierre Gustave Toutant (P.G.T.) Beauregard, along with a monument in honor of the White League
– were removed in a polemic decision in May 2017.
Faculty Advisor: Jared Del Rosso, Sociology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Collective Memory, Spatiality, Interdisciplinary | Location: E13

93

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Modeling Conformation of Branched Heteropolymers

Yu Qi | Major(s): Physics
Polymers are made up of monomers covalently linked to a chain, similar to beads/pearls on a chain/necklace.
Proteins are heteropolymers where monomers — called amino acids — are not identical, unlike homopolymers
that have identical monomers. In spite of a long history of studies on linear homopolymers and heteropolymers
there has been limited research on the conformation of branched heteropolymers. This research studies the
conformational properties of branched heteropolymers. Specifically we will explore the selective placement of
amino acids on the heteropolymers even when the total number of constituent amino acids are the same. We
will present results by using mathematical theory and computer simulations. The ability to tune the conformation
of these branched proteins is important in biology with specific application in designing novel biocompatible
materials relevant in bio-therapeutics.
Faculty Advisor: Kingshuk Ghosh, Physics & Astronomy, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Heteropolymers, Proteins | Location: E10

Biomedical Balance Measurement And Vestibular-ocular System Sensitivity To
Acute Concussion

Chloe Regan | Major(s): Psychology
Bradley S. Davidson, Moira Pryhoda, Todd Webb
Purpose:To evaluate a clinical balance assessment and a clinical provoked symptom inventory for sensitivity to
concussion. Methods: NCAA D1 athletes (n=8) performed standing balance tasks from the BESS before their
athletic season and three days after concussion. Athletes were asked to stand eyes closed on a hard and foam
surface, on their nondominant leg, in a double stance and then in a tandem stance. An increased BESS error
score between the two data collection points was considered a true positive. Athletes also completed the
VOMS, in which athletes perform tasks that rely on the vestibular-ocular system followed by rating their
perceived level of headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and fogginess on a scale of 0-10, with 0 meaning the
symptom did not existent. RESULTS: The measure with the highest sensitivity was single leg stance on a hard
surface with a BESS score increase of 2.25 (±3.072). The VOMS symptom score with the highest reported
sensitivity was a headache with a 100% increase in reported symptom scores. CONCLUSION: Preliminary
results indicate that some measures of balance and some VOMS symptom scores are concomitant with an
acute concussion.
Faculty Advisor: Bradley Davidson, Mechanical & Materials Engineering, Daniel Felix Ritchie School of
Engineering & Computer Science
Keyword(s): Concussion, Biology, Psychology| Location: F6

94

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Visual Hemifields Are a Bottleneck of Awareness

Evan Reierson | Major(s): Computer Science, Psychology
Each half of the brain has its own independent pool of attentional resources. This neural architecture has been
shown to bottleneck tasks involving multiple types of visual discrimination. For example, it is easier to track an
object when it moves across visual hemifields than when it is constrained to either the left or right hemifield.
However, there is limited research exploring how this divided-resource architecture affects a human’s ability
consciously perceive objects. We presented objects of various levels of complexity in the left, right, top, or
bottom visual fields and measured both detection (did you see the target object?) and discrimination (which
way was the target object oriented?). As predicted, when the objects were distributed across both hemifields,
participants were more likely to see the object and correctly respond to the orientation of the object than when
the objects were within a single hemifield. This finding replicated previous studies demonstrating hemifield-
sized bottlenecks on discrimination tasks and expanded the literature to show that this divided-resource
architecture can influence what a human is able to perceive in their environment.
Faculty Advisor: Tim Sweeny, Psychology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Psychology, Vision, Perception | Location: G1

The Law and Ethics of Access and Influence: Bribery, Lobbying and Campaign
Finance

Suraj Renganathan | Major(s): International Business
Co-Presenter(s): Bruce Klaw, Suraj Renganathan
Especially in light of current events in the political sphere, questions about ethics in government have been
brought to the forefront of the public conversation. Recently, American jurisprudence has been fundamentally
transformed due to new legal theories surrounding campaign finance and corruption. The purpose of this
timely research project is to answer three central questions: (1) what delineates lawful behavior and illegality
when seeking access to and influence over our political system; (2) what is the appropriate relationship
between stakeholders and government officials in the U.S. political economy; and (3) how can our existing
legal regimes be optimized to fight against the deleterious effects of corruption. By conducting a statutory, case
law, public policy and ethical analysis, this project analyzes and critiques these legal developments as well as
identifies their philosophical drivers. Finally, this proposes actionable solutions to ensure the political
responsiveness of our democracy.
Faculty Advisor: Bruce Klaw, Business Ethics and Legal Studies, Daniels College of Business
Keyword(s): Ethics, Corruption, Campaign Finance | Location: G2

95

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Fluorescent Localization of Edc3, Dbr1, and Xrn1 with TDP-43 in S. cerevisiae

Tabetha Ridgway | Major(s): Molecular Biology, Philosophy
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by motor neuron loss that currently
has no cure. Approximately 81% of ALS cases show inclusions positive for a protein called TDP-43 (Tar DNA
binding protein 43). Insoluble TDP-43 aggregates sequester mRNAs from the transcription pool, resulting in
the loss of vital cellular protein translation. Though it is unknown what causes TDP-43 aggregation, in healthy
individuals TDP-43 is involved in the processing of mRNA splicing and metabolism. So, it would be useful to
understand how RNA processing proteins interact with TDP-43. This study focuses on three proteins important
in the processing of mRNA: enhanced de-capping enzyme 3 (Edc3), de-branching enzyme 1 (Dbr1), and
exoribonuclease 1 (Xrn1). These experiments created genomic, endogenous tagging of these proteins by
Ruby2 (a fluorescent protein) through homologous recombination in S. cerevisiae. These strains can then be
transiently expressed to examine colocalization in yeast with a fluorescently labeled TDP-43. Spatial dynamics
of these proteins will give valuable information into the interactions between other mRNA processing proteins
and TDP-43.
Faculty Advisor: Erich Chapman, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Homologous Recombination, S. Cerevisiae | Location: G3

Human-Wildlife Conflict in Kenyan Agriculture

Daniel Rinner | Major(s): International Studies, Economics
Farmers in Kenya regularly lose crops and livestock to wildlife that draws tourists from around the world. While
much effort from the government and international organizations is dedicated to protecting wildlife and
associated tourism, farmers receive minimal protection and assistance. Through on-site interviews with over 50
subsistence farming households in southeastern Kenya and local market observations, this research further
describes the effects of harvest instability on farming households and evaluates the leading farm-based
deterrent, bee hive fences, for cost efficacy. Results are sensitive to anticipated rainfall and hive replacement
rates, but data suggests in the majority of likely scenarios, implementing beehives is costlier than the
replacement value of crops lost to elephants. These results suggest cash transfers and similar programs may be
more efficient interventions than farm-based wildlife deterrence.
Faculty Advisor: Bob Uttaro, Josef Korbel School of International Studies
Keyword(s): International, Agriculture, Conservation | Location: G4

96

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Radical Clouds: Determining How Light Generates Free Radicals In Cloud
Droplets

Victoria Rubio | Major(s): Biochemistry
Co-Presenter(s): Heather Runberg, Brian Majestic
Recent studies have found that brown carbon, or organic matter from the soil, has been found in high
concentration in our atmosphere. The exact molecular reaction for creating brown carbon is not understood,
but it is known that it originates from burning fuel. Brown carbon results in the creation of reactive oxygen
species (ROS) that have an unpaired electron, otherwise known as a free radical. These free radicals cause
adverse human health effects when inhaled or ingested. In this series of experiments, electron paramagnetic
resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to investigate the mechanism of ROS production when brown carbon
in clouds is exposed to sunlight. These experiments gave us insight into the mechanism of free radical
production and revealed which free radicals are formed when this reaction takes place in the atmosphere.
Faculty Advisor: Debbie Mitchel, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Magnetic Resonance, Free Radicals, Environmental Chemistry | Location: G5

Becoming Multimodal

Niki Saenz | Major(s): Socio-Legal Studies, Applied Computing
Whether it is photography, video, music, or social media posts, creative methods of communication surround
all aspects of life. Education should keep up with these ever-evolving methods of communication and
encourage students to become literate in multiple modes of composition and communication. With a
compilation of interviews with high school teachers from different disciplines, Becoming Multimodal outlines
how multimodal composition and communication can find its way into all classrooms. Incorporation of
interdisciplinary multimodal composition is dependent on teacher and student cooperation, availability of
resources, and extra effort needed to help students achieve multimodal literacy. Becoming Multimodal
investigates how to move multimodal composition into classrooms of all disciplines in order to give students
fluency and literacy in methods of communication in all aspects of life.
Faculty Advisor: Zoe Tobier, University Writing Program, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Multimodal Composition, Interdisciplinary, Modern Education | Location: G6

97

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Looking Through The Eyes Of A Probation Officer: Examining The Interplay Of
Factors That Affect Discretion And Decision Making In Probation

Rajinder Saini | Major(s): Criminology, Political Science
Probation is a form of community supervision in which offenders are encouraged to engage in prosocial
activities while being supervised by probation officers. However, like many other bureaucratic institutions,
probation largely functions according to the discretion and decisions of probation officers. Probation officers
utilize their discretion when providing community resources and service referrals to offenders and when
deciding which sanctions to impose. However, a probation officer’s discretion and decision-making skills are
limited by a number of factors, such as risk assessments, court-ordered conditions, agency policy and rules.
This study examines probation officers’ discretion in supervising offenders and identifies the different factors
that limit and affect a probation officer’s discretion in regards to providing service referrals and imposing
sanctions. The study will specifically analyze data collected from probation officers working with county
probation and private probation in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I find that their decisions involve complex
interplay between professional judgment, perceptions of clients, and structural factors that shape discretion.
Faculty Advisor: Jeffrey Lin, Sociology & Criminology, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Probation Officer, Discretion and Decision Making, Service Referrals and Sanctions | Location: M1

CRISPRi-mediated Gene Knockdowns in the Mycofactocin Biosynthetic
Pathway, mftB and mftD

Brenda Sanchez | Major(s): Biochemistry
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), a major cause of morbidity and mortality
throughout the world. Its intricate physiology, ability to endure hostile environments, and the rise of multidrug-
resistant and extensively drug resistant Mtb strains has increased efforts to identify novel antitubercular drug
targets. The mycofactocin biosynthetic pathway (gene cluster mftABCDEF) was shown to be required for Mtb’s
growth on cholesterol. Due to its importance in Mtb’s survival, it can be a promising drug target. The aim of
this project was to understand the physiological importance of the mycofactocin biosynthetic pathway by
investigating the essentiality of the mftB and mftD genes via the construction of CRISPRi-mediated gene
knockdowns following a quantitative growth profile. Here, the mftB and mftD CRISPRi-mediated gene
knockdowns did not show transcriptional gene repression. Thus, we are simultaneously modifying this gene
repression system and taking new approaches to understand the mycofactocin biosynthetic pathways gene
essentiality.
Faculty Advisor: John Latham, Chemistry and Biochemistry, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Mycofactocin, CRISPRi Gene Knockdown | Location: M2

98

Undergraduate Project Presentations

Monumental Memory: Erasure and Addition as Political Rhetoric in Contested
Hungarian Public Spaces

Ashten Scheller | Major(s): Art History, International Studies
This project explores the processes by which contested identities are performed, enforced, or subverted through
public spaces and the art that adorns them, specifically in socialist and post-socialist Hungary. Monuments
from both previous eras and the present day remain contentious around the world, as they typically reinforce a
specific representation of a people or place instead of a diverse group of people or citizens. In visually
analyzing public monuments, museum architecture, and billboards, I argue that top-down reinforcement of
national myths and conceptions of the past are countered in the public space by diverse opposition groups who
lack representation or input in the spaces they inhabit. Due to this conflict, the public space has become a stage
for subversion throughout the twentieth and twenty-first centuries through responses to monuments and
memorials from both the communist and post-communist eras. In this way, public art has the power to produce
counter-monuments and large-scale political protests.
Faculty Advisor: Megan Jackson Fox, Art and Art History, College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
Keyword(s): Interdisciplinary, Art History, Memory and Identity Studies | Location: M3

Light Pollution: Community Impact and Solutions

Irene Schimmel | Major(s): Physics
Co-Presenter(s): Lincoln Schafer
The epidemic of light pollution is running rampant across the world. Too many lights, badly aimed, result in
glare, trespass and sky-glow. In terms of environmental justice, some of the most excessively over-lit parts of
cities are near commercial strips, occupied by people of lower economic means, unable to escape or have
input into litter light added by absentee owners. Medical studies have begun linking overexposure to light with
disruption of the brain-chemical melatonin associated with circadian rhythm. Your own cell phone and
computer display has a ’night light’ setting, to provide you with a dimmed, reddened screen, in contrast to
harsh blue screen lights that can delay sleep onset. We aimed to identify and replace sources of blue light
pollution in larger spaces around our campus and community, without compromising safety.
Faculty Advisor: Robert Stencel, Physics & Astronomy, College of Natural Science and Mathematics
Keyword(s): Community-Engagement, Sustainability, Physics-Astronomy | Location: M4

99


Click to View FlipBook Version