BRONX-MANHATTAN C_STEP 2021 EXPO BOOK OF ABTRACTS

Dear Expo Attendees,

Greetings and welcome to the 5th Annual Bronx-Manhattan Regional 2021 CSTEP & STEP Virtual
Research Expo!

For more than 35 years, CSTEP and STEP programs have provided a wide range of enrichment
activities, support services, developing learning communities for their scholars to grow academically,
professionally, and personally. One of the key components of STEP and CSTEP is to engage students in
research and internship, which allows them to receive mentorship and “hands-on” experiences in
STEM and the licensed professions. Research offers our students the skills they need for professional
success and career development in their respective majors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically impacted the involvement of our secondary-school and
undergraduate students in research activities, creating uncertainty and new challenges for the
continuation of their projects. However, the Bronx-Manhattan Region has thrived through this
difficult time, to provide its scholars with the support and guidance they needed to persist and
complete their excellent projects that you will discover in their presentations.

Today, our STEP and CSTEP research students will present their projects in a variety of STEM
categories which include biological life sciences, social sciences, engineering, chemistry, physical
sciences, and medicine. Through these projects, our scholars aim to pierce the limit of our knowledge
as they push the boundary of their imagination and creativity. In these research projects, our
students have spent a tremendous amount of time conducting experiments, analyzing data, and
creating new ways to look at our world. We hope the 5th Annual Research Expo will be an exciting
moment for our scholars to discuss their research, network virtually, and celebrate their hard work
with their peers.

On behalf of the Expo Planning Committee, STEP and CSTEP program directors, administrators,
instructors, advisors, and staff, we express our incredible pride to see our scholars go beyond the
norms of classroom works to the world of research. Today, we look forward to hearing not only
scholars’ presentations but the demonstration of the skills they have developed throughout their
research journey.

Our future is brighter because our scholars chose to be here, representing the future of the STEM
workforce in New York City, and ensuring all our voices are heard.

Sincerely,

Diandra Jugmohan

Diandra Jugmohan, M.A.
Research Expo Co-ordinator, Convener
STEP & CSTEP Co-Director
Hostos Community College – CUNY

Message from the Bronx-Manhattan Regional Representative

The Bronx-Manhattan C/STEP Research Expo is an event that
showcases the work of the STEP and CSTEP research students in the
Bronx and Manhattan Region. The posters are designed to describe
the students’ research projects and explain the theories on which
the projects are based, and how the research is an application of
these theories. When appropriate, results are shown on the posters.

This book is a collection of abstracts of the work presented in the
event.
On behalf of the students and staffs of the Bronx and Manhattan Region’s STEP and CSTEP programs,
I would like to thank you for your support of our students and for your participation in this
extraordinary event.

Yours truly,

MillicentRoth

Prof. Millicent Roth
Director of City College Academy for Professional Preparation (CCAPP), the CSTEP program at
The City College
Deputy Dean of Science for Undergraduates
Bronx-Manhattan Regional Representative

Expo Committee Members

M Moderators

Jolene Brown Hostos Community College- CUNY
Mikka Gay Bronx Community College- CUNY
Miranda Ram Lehman College – CUNY
Derek Sokolowski John Jay College of Criminal Justice- CUNY
Kenya Townsend Icahn School of Medicine @Mount Sinai

Judges

Chavonna Brooks
Margaret Farmer
Kathleen Lopez-Shapleigh

Jose Mercado
Bianna Miranda
Diana Samaroo
Edgardo Sanabria-Valentin
Derek Sokolowki

Christine Ta
Tiffany Wong

BRONX – MANHATTAN C/STEP REGION

STEP PROGRAMS

Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bernard Baruch College
Bronx Community College
City College of New York of CUNY
Columbia University
CUNY Bernard M. Baruch College
CUNY Herbert H Lehman College
CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Fordham University - Lincoln Center
Fordham University – Rose Hill
Hostos Community College of CUNY
Mt. Sinai School of Medicine - STEP
New York Institute of Technology (Manhattan Campus)
New York University
NYU School of Medicine

CSTEP PROGRAMS

Barnard College
City College of New York of CUNY
Fordham University
John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Hostos Community College of CUNY
Manhattan College
School of Labor & Urban Studies
SUNY College of Optometry

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Agenda Page 1
Guest Speaker Page 2
Breakout rooms Page 3 – Page 7
Biology STEP Abstracts Page 9 – Page 10
Biology CSTEP Abstracts Page 12 – Page 16
Chemistry & Medicine Abstracts Page 18 – Page 19
Engineering & Mathematics Abstracts Page 21 – Page 23
Social Services & Human Services Page 25 – Page 28

Expo Agenda

1: 00 p.m. – 1:05 p.m. Zoom Event Opens
1: 05 p.m. – 1:20 p.m. Opening Remarks
1: 25 p.m. – 2:10 p.m. Presentations and Q&A
2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Keynote Speaker Presentation
2:50 p.m. – 3:35 p.m. Presentations and Q&A (replay)
3:40 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Recognitions and Closings

GUEST SPEAKER

Sharon Barnes-Waters

1010 WINS Radio
Executive Producer, Host of City Views

Sharon Barnes-Waters knew at an early age that a
career in the field of journalism was what she wanted to
do, thus she set out on an educational path that would
prepare her for her ultimate journey into broadcast
journalism.
While attending Kingsborough Community College,
Sharon worked as a newscaster for Radio Station WKRB
for two years. She graduated with an Associate’s
Degree in Broadcast Management and Techniques, and
also received two scholarships. She then went on to
New York University where she received a Bachelor’s
Degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. While
attending NYU Sharon was one of only two students to
secure an internship working at ABC News Nightline
which led to another internship at NBC News.
After graduating from NYU Sharon applied for a job at
1010 WINS Radio but none was available in the
newsroom so instead, she applied for a job as a Sales
Assistant within the same organization. She did this
with the knowledge that there was just a door between the two departments and that one day she
would cross that door and work in the newsroom of this iconic station. Sharon worked in the sales
department for two years before a position opened up in the newsroom as a freelance News
Production Assistant. She was offered the job and eagerly accepted it.
Since then, Sharon has taken on several tasks at 1010 WINS. She became a part of the “Morning
Drive Team, has been the Executive Producer of many specials which has won numerous awards.
Sharon has also won several awards for her Black History Month Series, won 1st place in Radio for
Excellence in Journalism known as the Silurians Awards, is a Gracie Awards recipient, was named one
of “Radio’s future African American Leaders” in Radio Ink, and won an award for 1010 WINS first
every mini documentary on Claudtte Colvin. Sharon is the host of the 1010 WINS show “City Views”
where she has told the story of “people places and things that make New York Great!!”
Whether Sharon is interviewing celebrities or the everyday news maker she takes great pride in
making sure that her stories are told accurately and well.
One of Sharon’s greatest passions has been working with young people both in her church and
community. As a big sister to 6 young women and a mentor to countless others, she has
watched them each strive to reach their maximum potential. Some have gone on to great careers
both in journalism and in other fields while others are still trying to find their way.
In light of her commitment to excellence within her profession and community Sharon received the
"Dynamic Woman Award" from Councilman Nick Perry of Brooklyn, New York. Sharon states that her
personal motto comes from the line of a song, "if I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living
will not be in vain.”

Breakout Room #1- Biology- STEP

Moderator: Ms. Miranda Ram, Lehman College-CUNY
Judges: Edgardo Sanabria-Valentin & Christine Ta

Primary Primary Program Institution Project Title
Presenter Presenter
First Last Name STEP John Jay College of Cell Cycle Regulation by Mitomycin C and
Name STEP Criminal Its Analog in MCF-7 Cells
Arcentales Justice Involvement of Dopamine Transporter in
Nicole Response to Cannabinoids in PC12 Cells
John Jay College of
Kaosiso Nwakile Criminal
Justice

Kumayl Alloo STEP Icahn School of Medicine Parkinson's-Linked LRRK2-G2019S
at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) Mutation Alters Behavioral Response to
Acute Variable Stress

Kinley Simmons STEP Columbia Vagelos College Which Water Is the Phairest of them all?
of Physicians & Surgeons

Breakout Room #2- Biology- CSTEP

Moderator: Mr. Derek Sokolowski, John Jay College-CUNY
Judges: Derek Sokolowski & Diana Samaroo

Primary Primary Program Institution Project Title
Presenter Presenter
First Last Name
Name

John Jay College of CrAimrtihnraitlIdentifIIdentifying Rheumatoid

Kiara Esteves CSTEP Justice Arthritis (RA) -relevant
CSTEP
CSTEP miRNAs in Hispanic

Patients

Manegbe Eben The City College of New York Apaturinae Butterflies and
Mimicry

Peace Asumadu The City College of New York Transcriptional regulation of apl-
1, a Caenorhabditis elegans gene
related to the human amyloid
precursor protein gene

Christina Gonzalez CSTEP John Jay College of Criminal Green tea catechins can
CSTEP Justice potentially regulate miR-125b-5p
Asma Asghar in breast cancer cells
Barnard College
Confocal Microscopy of
Stellate Stromal Deposits in a
Cornea Graft Treated with
Moxifloxacin: A Case Report.

Mykel Barrett CSTEP The City College of New York Bioinformatic and Experimental
Evaluation of
Transcription Factor Binding
Specificity in the Context of the
Developing Retina

Breakout Room #3- Chemistry & Medicine- CSTEP

Moderator: Ms. Kenya Townsend, Icahn School of Medicine @Mount Sinai
Judges: Kathleen Lopez-Shapleigh & Tiffany Wong

Primary Primary Program Institution Project Title
Presenter Presenter
First Name Last Name

Helen Aguero STEP New York University The Effect of Acidity on Enzyme Activity

Karina Rodrigues STEP Albert Einstein College of How does chemotherapy affect the female
Medicine reproductive system and what can be done
before treatment?

Aamir Ahmed STEP Albert Einstein College Immortality - Is It Within Reach?
Medicine

Sanaa Greenidge STEP New York University Monitoring One's Condition with a Health
Device

Breakout Room #4- Engineering & Mathematics

Moderator: Ms. Jolene Brown, Hostos Community College- CUNY
Judges: Margaret Farmer & Jose Mercado

Primary Program Institution Project Title
Presenter
Primary Last Name CSTEP Hostos Community Mathematics and Gerrymandering
Presenter College
First Name Traore

Oumou Dili

Raynel Sanchez De Los Santos CSTEP Hostos Community An Application of the Principal
College Component Analysis

Amir Mosker STEP New York University A Comparison of Antique vs.
Contemporary Engineering

Anna Mikheyeva CSTEP Hostos Community Impact of population growth on
College climate change - Statistical
analysis of the forecast data

Breakout Room #5- Social Services & Human Services

Moderator: Ms. Mikka Gay, Bronx Community College- CUNY
Judges: Brianna Miranda & Chavonna Brooks

Primary Primary Program Institution Project Title
Presenter Presenter
First Name Last Name

Hawa Diallo STEP Icahn School of Medicine at A Survey to Assess the Public
Mount Sinai Understanding of the Relationship
Between Race and Genetics

Mary Valera Emily STEP Bronx Community College Sound Warfare
Valera

Nowrin Nisa CSTEP The City College of New York Exploring the Effect of COVID-19 on
Fabliha Hussain Employees at Community-Based
Organizations Serving Upper Manhattan

CSTEP The City College of New York The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental
Health of Frontline Health Workers
Worldwide

ABTRACTS
BIOLOGY - STEP

Cell Cycle Regulation by Mitomycin C and Its Analog in MCF-7 Cells

Nicole Arcentales- STEP

John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Mentor: Shu-Yuan Cheng, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Background: Mitomycin C (MC) is an anticancer drug, frequently used to induce DNA damage and
is a known p53-dependent tumor suppressant. Decarbamoyl Mitomycin C (DMC) is a potential
anticancer drug, lacking carbamoyl group at C10 of mitomycin C, that causes DNA damage, but is
more effective on killing p53 deficient cells. Both MC and DMC can cause DNA damage and t rigger
subsequent responsive mechanism. This study was focusing on revealing the effect of MC and
DMC on cell cycle regulation in MCF-7 cells. Methods: Cell cycle measurement and western blot
analysis were performed to detect cell cycle status and the expression of p21 and p27 expressions
in MCF-7 cells treated with MC and DMC for 24 hours. Results: In MCF-7 cells, MC and DMC
triggered cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase. And both MC and DMC activate p21 in a dose -dependent
manner. DMC showed stronger p27 inhibition as compared with MC.

Involvement of Dopamine Transporter in Response to Cannabinoids in
PC12 Cells

Kaosiso Nwakile - STEP

John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Mentor: Shu-Yuan Cheng, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Background: Cannabinoids are one main group of active compounds found in marijuana. THC and
CBD are two well-known cannabinoids due to their pharmacological effects. CBD is known as an
antagonist for THC and does not bind to cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) as THC does. Therefore, this
study was focusing on revealing the effects of THC and CBD on dopaminergic system which is very
important for drug abuse. Methods: PC12 cells were treated with various concentrations of THC
and CBD before subjected for immunocytochemistry assay and dopamine transporter (DAT)
functional reuptake assay. Results: THC decreased DAT cell surface expression and DAT reuptake
function. CBD increased DAT cell surface expression, but has the biphasic effect on DAT reuptake.

Parkinson's-Linked LRRK2-G2019S Mutation Alters Behavioral Response
to Acute Variable Stress

Kumayl Alloo – STEP

The Center for Excellence in Youth Education (CEYE), Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
(ISMMS)
Kyomi Blake, Emily Dodd, Hossein Aleyasin, Scott J. Russo, Deanna L. Benson and George W.
Huntley. 1. Nash Family Department of Neuroscience 2. Friedman Brain Institute 3. Graduate
School of Biomedical Sciences 4. Center for Excellence in Youth Education, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, High School for Math, Science, and Engineering, New York, NY
Mentor: Christopher A. Guevara, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS)

Nonmotor symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are as debilitating, or even more so, than
patients’ evident motor symptoms. Even so, present studies have predominantly focused on
motor impairments; far less is known about the underlying mechanisms driving nonmotor
disorders. This one-sidedness underscores the need to develop novel therapeutics for prominent
symptoms outside of the ones currently defining PD. In this study, we explore depression and
anxiety (non-motor symptoms), through the interaction of two PD risk factors: the LRRK2-G2019S
(GS) knock-in mutation and environmental stress. With our 1-day Acute Variable Stress paradigm,
we find significant differences in self-care behaviors between GS and wildtype (WT) mice, while
anxiety-like behaviors remain unchanged, only after stress. Further data analysis reveals a
significant, positive correlation between anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors for WT mice post-
stress, as well as a surprising uncoupling of this relationship in GS mice. Alongside previous
research utilizing different stress paradigms, this data indicates that changing stress type and
duration changes behavioral response. Taken together, our data — which suggests underlying
complexity — further establishes principles important for PD detection, classification, and
treatment. NIH Funding: R01NS107512 & T32MH087004

Which Water Is the Phairest of them all?

Kinley Simmons - STEP

Columbia STEP

Background: Water is an essential part of life as it accounts for 75% of the human body. This
original research investigates the acidity and alkalinity of prominent types of water by testing the
PH levels. Question: Which type of water has a PH level that is most beneficial to your body?
Method: A PH reagent was applied to 6 types of water (Alkaline, Natural Artesian, Ultra Purified,
Tap, Vapor Distilled, Spring). Water sample was tested three times and the average was taken and
recorded. Results: The PH is as follows: Alkaline and Ultra Purified water (8.0), tap and Artesian
water (7.0), and distilled and spring water (6.0). Conclusion: This research has presented evidence
to support the theory that the best type of water has a PH level similar to that of your body.
Hydrating your body with quality water that compliments PH level is optimal.

BIOLOGY -CSTEP

Apaturinae Butterflies and Mimicry

Manegbe Eben- CSTEP

Program: The City College of New York
Mentor: David Lohman, The City College of New York

Visual mimicry is pervasive in nature because it reduces predation. Unpalatable species advertise
their noxiousness with bright colors (aposematism) and other species evolve to resemble them,
including other unpalatable species (Müllerian mimicry) and palatable species (Batesian mimicry).
The Apaturinae butterflies are a subfamily of Nymphalidae comprising of 20 genera. We generated
a phylogenetic tree to infer the relationship between the lineages within the family which
demonstrated that the genera Hestina and Hestinalis are not monophyletic. Within the subfamily,
there are two clades that originated from the New and Old World indicating a dispersal event that
is hypothesized to have occurred after the K-Pg with Beringia serving as a passage between both
worlds. Dated molecular phylogenies will be inferred separately for each of these taxa by
incorporating the mimetic taxa to test the hypothesis that Apaturinae evolved prior to the mimetic
butterflies. The analyses will inform studies of community assembly and the role of anagenesis in
the evolution of mimicry.

Transcriptional regulation of apl-1, a Caenorhabditis elegans gene
related to the human amyloid precursor protein gene

Peace Asumadu, Alessandro Mercado - CSTEP

The City College of New York
Mentor: Christine Li, The City College of New York

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects over 5 million people in the
U.S (1). The etiology of AD remains unclear. One characteristic of AD is the accumulation of senile
plaques, whose main component is the β-amyloid peptide, a cleavage product of the amyloid
precursor protein (APP) in the brain (2). Mutations in APP have been linked to a small number of
familial Alzheimer’s disease cases. The functions of APP have been difficult to elucidate in
mammals because it belongs to a family of related proteins that have overlapping functions. To
understand the role of APP, we study the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue, APL-1. Like APP
family members, APL-1 is a single-pass transmembrane protein that shares two conserved
extracellular domains and one conserved cytoplasmic domain with the APP family (3). Inactivation
or overexpression of apl-1 results in larval lethality, highlighting the need for tight regulation of
levels of APL-1 (4). apl-1(yn5) mutants are viable and express only the extracellular domain of APL-
1, which indicates that the extracellular domain of APL-1 is necessary and sufficient for viability
(4). ChIP-seq scans of the apl-1 promoter region reveal two possible BLMP-1 binding domains
(modEncode.org). BLMP-1 is the C. elegans homolog of human B Lymphocyte-induced Maturation
Protein-1 (BLIMP1). To determine whether BLMP-1 regulates apl-1 expression, we are examining
APL-1 levels in different mutant backgrounds using western blot analysis. A blmp-1 (tm548)
deletion mutant strain was crossed with the apl-1 (yn5) strain to construct blmp-1; apl-1 double
mutants. APL-1 levels will be compared in wild-type, blmp-1, apl-1, and blmp-1; apl-1 double
mutants to investigate the transcriptional regulation of apl-1 by BLMP-1.

Identifying rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-relevant miRNAs in Hispanic
patients

Kiara Esteves- CSTEP
Program: John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Nickolas Almodovar (John Jay College of Criminal Justice), Maria Delgado (Mount Holyoke College),
Milena Rodriguez-Alvarez (Downstate Medical Center - SUNY)
Mentor: Lissette Delgado-Cruzata, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by joint inflammation,
tenderness, and gradual disintegration of synovium that affects 1% of the worldwide population.
Race/ethnicity disparities in RA clinical outcomes have been described and Hispanics with RA
suffer from higher rates of disease activity and mortality than other populations. Epigenetic
mechanisms have been suggested to play an important role in RA pathogenesis, and changes in
microRNA (miRNAs) levels have been associated with RA. miRNAs are non-coding RNA responsible
for the regulation of gene expression. We investigated levels of 800 miRNAs in 27 RA patients and
18 healthy controls, in a population 89% Hispanic. microRNAs were extracted from the serum
circulating exosomes, measured blindly using Nanostring nCounter miRNA expression panels and
analyzed using nSolver Analysis software. By applying stringent criteria, we identified 13 miRNAs
that significantly differed (p≤0.05) between RA and non-RA individuals including 9 newly identified
in this study. The top three miRNAs with the largest difference between cases and controls
included hsa-miR-223-3p (cases=139.54±21.73 vs. control=401.32±18.48, p-value of 0.0212), hsa-
miR-451a (cases=1123.78±284.36 vs. controls=1171.63±221.86, p-value of 0.0329), hsa-miR-126-
3p (cases=82.62±11.67 vs. controls=48.04±5.98, p-value of 0.0137). Interestingly, all of these had
been previously described as important in RA. We will conduct further analysis to determine
whether the identified miRNA are associated with clinical RA characteristics. These findings have
the potential to increase our knowledge of epigenetics of RA in Hispanics.

Green tea catechins can potentially regulate miR-125b-5p in
breast cancer cells

Christina Gonzalez- CSTEP

Lisette Delgado-Cruzata
Program: John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Hostos Community College: Scarlet Martínez Cardoze; John Jay College: Luis Barrera, Chante Guy

microRNAs are single-stranded, non-coding RNAs involved in gene expression regulation. miR-
125b-5p is a tumor suppressor acting in decreasing cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis.
Breast cancer tissues show significant loss of this miRNA. Here, we investigated whether catechins,
polyphenols shown to have anticancer affects, impact the expression of miR-125b-5p in breast
cancer cells. We conducted triplicate experiments in which we exposed MCF7 cells to two
concentrations, 25µM and 50µM, of catechin hydrate (CH), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and
catechin gallate (CG). We extracted total RNA and carried out miScript reverse transcription and
qPCR (QIAGEN). We found that at 25µM, CH, CG and EGCG, miR-125b-5p relative expression was
47.15±6.54%, 99.85±41.75% and 58.32±5.63%, respectively. At 50µM, levels of miR-125b-5p were
52.84±15.29%, 184.92±156.86% and 65.10±38.93%, for CH, CG and EGCG respectively. Changes in
expression levels observed at these concentrations were not statistically significant (p -value
>0.05). In parallel, we tested whether miR-125b-5p might interact with these catechins. We used
RNAfold WebServer and RNAstructure to refine miR-125b-5p’s secondary structure, and iFoldRNA
and SimRNAweb to predict its tertiary structure. These experiments will allow us to determine if
potential interactions are possible between these catechins and miR-125b-5p. The initial tertiary
structure suggests miR-125b-5p has cavities that might be involved in catechin interactions. We
will use molecular docking software to complete our prediction work. While more research is
needed to determine whether miR-125b-5p levels can be altered in breast cancer cells after
catechin exposure, our preliminary findings suggest there is a potential structural interaction
between miR-125b-5p and catechins.

Confocal Microscopy of Stellate Stromal Deposits in a Cornea Graft
Treated with Moxifloxacin: A Case Report.

Asma Asghar- CSTEP

Program:Barnard College
Mentor: James D Auran, MD, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

In this case report, unusual anterior stromal stellate deposits, imaged by confocal microscopy,
appeared in corneal graft stroma shortly after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) with postoperative
topical moxifloxacin treatment.We imaged the cornea with the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph II
confocal laser scanning ophthalmoscope with the Rostock Corneal Module. A corneal graft,
treated with topical moxifloxacin, developed scattered stromal deposits which on confocal
microscopy appear as blunt- and sharp-ended spikes radiating from a central nexus (rosett form)
up to 50 microns in diameter. Morphologically they resemble fluoroquinolone and (more
so)calcium phosphate (blunt-ended needle, rosette form) crystals, but do not resemble lipid
(spikes with sharp ends), cholesterol (rhomboid, rectangular, notched, polychromatic), or
prednisolone (birefringent, irregular, branched, and pleomorphic) crystals in solution. However,
the deposits do not resemble the typical anterior stromal or surface plaque deposition of calcium
or fluoroquinolones. In conclusion, this is the first report of stellate intrastromal deposits fol lowing
PK and topical moxifloxacin, with the deposits morphologically similar to those reported in two
cases of a PK with gatifloxacin treatment. The etiology of this exceedingly rare condition remains
unknown, but associations with corneal transplantation, calcium phosphate, and topical
fluoroquinolones must be considered.

Bioinformatic and Experimental Evaluation of Transcription Factor
Binding Specificity in the Context of the Developing Retina

Mykel Barrett- CSTEP, Co-presenter: Sacha Sulaiman, Denice Moran

Program:The City College of New York
Mentor: Mark Emerson, The City College of New York

Retinal cell-fate specification is modulated by the interactions that take place between cisDNA and
transcription factors (TFs). A thorough biochemical understanding of how transcription is initiated
has not yet been achieved. Evolutionary conservation of transcription factor binding sites suggests
that there is a higher level of specificity for the sequences that are required than is suggested from
in vitro data. For example, in vivo experimental evidence suggests OTX2’s binding site in the
ThrbCRM1 element is different from the ‘TAATCC’ motif derived from in vitro SELEX studies. To
explore this discordance, a bioinformatic analysis of known binding sites, across species, and in
different developmental contexts was done to identify where conservation suggests functional
importance. This information was used to generate ‘sequence logos,’ which schematize how in
vitro TF-DNA binding constraints do not always align with those observed in vivo. Site-directed
mutagenesis experiments were performed to explore how single base substitutions alter the
activity of cis-regulatory elements by assessing how well mutants recapitulate wild-type activity
patterns. Flow cytometry analysis of retinal tissue electroporated with reporter vectors revealed
that mutant activity patterns indeed sometimes differ from wild-type patterns. This spotlights the
limitations of in vitro assays, which don’t fully recapitulate important molecular variables that
affect the nature of TF-DNA interactions within the authentic physiological setting. The data
reported herein may deepen understandings of photoreceptor evolution and the biochemistry
underlying gene expression. This knowledge can be used to refine gene therapy techniques aimed
at treating retinopathies.

CHEMISTRY
&

MEDICINE

The Effect of Acidity on Enzyme Activity

Helen Aguero- STEP, Co-presenters: Gabriel Arteaga, Laila Warner

Program: New York University
Mentor: Gabrielle Li, New York University

Since enzymes are commonly found in different foods, it is important to understand the functions
and their effects on the human body. The implications of this study is relevant today because
people need to be aware of what they are eating. In this project, the effects of the enzyme
bromelain, which is commonly found in pineapples, were tested in two different experiments. For
the first experiment, we tested the reaction of enzymes by comparing sizes of canned and fresh
pineapple slices. We discovered that large slices of fresh pineapple had the fastest reaction.
Additionally, we studied the relationship between temperature and the ability of bromelain to
break down gelatin in timed sessions which resulted in the discovery that bromelain in heated
fresh pineapple slices broke down the chain of protein within gelatin the fastest. The results of
both experiments will help the audience understand the effects of enzymes on proteins.

How does chemotherapy affect the female reproductive system and
what can be done before treatment?

Karina Rodrigues - STEP

Program: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Mentor: Alicia Martinez, MS, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

This poster evaluates the effect that chemotherapy has on the body, particularly concerning the
female reproductive system. Though chemotherapy works by effectively targeting the cancer cells
that are present in the body; it could also potentially damage some of the healthy cells in the body
and cause other issues, such as infertility in cancer patients. Fortunately, for women that hope to
have children after chemotherapy, there are multiple methods of fertility preservation that are
already available. Exploring these methods, as well as identifying the barriers and access issues
women face is the purpose of this presentation.

Immortality - Is It Within Reach?

Aamir Ahmed- STEP

Program: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Mentor: Alicia Martinez, MS, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Immortality is an idea that has been put into play by many fictional stories as a fun plot device,
usually as a superpower or phenomena. This portrayal of immorality has led to the idea that it is
seemingly impossible to obtain, when in reality, humanity is closer to immortality than one might
think. To preface this paper, all conclusions determined are using the definition of Immortality
being the inability to die by natural causes. (i.e. from old age, diseases, etc.) With our many
advances in the field of science it may not be long until we see a generation that lives on forever;
living from one medical breakthrough to the next to seemingly break the cycle of mortality that we
know of now. Explored is the idea that as scientific breakthroughs occur in a person’s lifetime, so
does the potential for a proportionate increase in their lifespan.

Monitoring One's Condition with a Health Device

Sanaa Greenidge, STEP, Co-presenters: Jessica Collymore, Omer Mosker, David
Mercado

Program: New York University
Mentor: Dr. Ignatius Tan, New York University

Cardiac diseases and hypercholesterolemia are some of the leading causes of death that affects
one in every four people worldwide. To combat these concerns, we have determined that
monitoring one’s daily choices with a health device would allow patients to discover any issues
sooner. Our research shows that a single health device can be engineered to include various
sensors, such as light sensors, blood pressure sensor, blood analyst, and ECG sensors, that will
provide insight into many bodily functions, which will be measured from one single device. The
device will be able to determine information about one’s heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen,
cholesterol levels, and much more. This leads physicians to know that patients are able to stay in
control of their conditions. Our hope is that the device allows patients to be more conscious of
underlying cardiac diseases, hypercholesterolemia, and other health issues.

ENGINEERING
&

MATHEMATICS

Mathematics and Gerrymandering

Oumou Dili Traore- CSTEP

Program: Hostos Community College
Mentor: Dr. Lauren Wolf

Twenty first century’s redistricting methods and absence of law detecting and preventing the bias
of the congressional limits by legislators generate a practice called Gerrymandering, which creates
a lack of real representatives of local populations in congress. The purpose of this research was to
provide a clear definition of Gerrymandering. Our research team investigated the Efficiency Gap,
which models the difference between two parties’ wasted votes to measure partisan
gerrymandering. This type of gerrymandering uses the technics of “packing” and “cracking” to
concentrate a party’s votes into a district resulting in that party’s overwhelming win in some
districts and loss in most districts or dividing a party’s votes between many districts to undermine
their impacts in an election). Partisan gerrymandering in both case results in Waste votes, which
makes it easy to detect, using the efficiency gap method. Waste votes are the ballots that have no
impact on elections (they are either votes casted for a candidate that is losing or extra votes for a
winning candidate). To find the efficiency gap we divided those waste votes by the total number of
votes to obtain a percentage. When the efficiency gap exceeds a 7 percent threshold and costs
more than two sits to a party, there are two possibilities: 1) the map was manipulated, or the
geography is unfavorable to the losing party. Eliminating the second option, we highlighted the
practice of gerrymandering. Other than that, we studied a method that uses Potts models and
formulas to detect gerrymandering.

An Application of the Principal Component Analysis

Raynel Sanchez De Los Santos -CSTEP

Program: Hostos Community College
Mentor: Reginald Dorcely, Hostos Community College

Principal Component Analysis PCA is a method of projection that helps visualize information
contained in a data matrix. Large data matrixes usually are composed of a large amount of
information, which is partly hidden because the data are too complex to be easily interpreted. PCA
allows us to find out how to respect one sample is different from another, which variable s
contribute the most to this difference, and whether those variables contribute in the same way or
independently from each other. This research aimed to learn the mathematics behind PCA and
apply this technique to environmental data. Data collected from the EPA website were analyzed
using Excel and SPSS. The PCA revealed high PM 10, PM 2.5, and Lead in Pennsylvania, New Jersey,
and Illinois during the year 2003. PC1, PC2, and PC3 account, respectively, 38.132, 26.194, and
14.311 % of the total variance.

A Comparison of Antique vs. Contemporary Engineering

Amir Mosker – STEP Co-presenters: Catherine Pyne, Tomas Ryan, Wonden Gyatso

Program: New York University
Mentor: Anthony Mai, New York University

As engineers working virtually, our goal is to model technology’s growth from ancient times to the
modern day. Due to remote restrictions, we utilized two programs, TLauncher and Ramshard, to
install Minecraft for all of our presenters. These programs allowed us to set up a server where
project members could collaborate on our real-time models. To highlight the project, we chose
this rendering software that helps visualize the differences and similarities. When creating our
building area, we made a plot split in the middle, creating two groups to design unique cities
taking place thousands of years apart while only being separated by a fence. A field of land had
modern civilizations, and another had ancient civilizations. By highlighting the engineering marvels
of skyscrapers, aqueducts, food distribution, and more, we could show how far we have come in
innovation. Our creation can be used as a model to reflect on the past and provide hope for future
advancements.
As engineers working virtually, our goal is to model technology’s growth from ancient times t o the
modern day. Due to remote restrictions, we utilized two programs, TLauncher and Ramshard, to
install Minecraft for all of our presenters. These programs allowed us to set up a server where
project members could collaborate on our real-time models. To highlight the project, we chose
this rendering software that helps visualize the differences and similarities. When creating our
building area, we made a plot split in the middle, creating two groups to design unique cities
taking place thousands of years apart while only being separated by a fence. A field of land had
modern civilizations, and another had ancient civilizations. By highlighting the engineering marvels
of skyscrapers, aqueducts, food distribution, and more, we could show how far we have com e in
innovation. Our creation can be used as a model to reflect on the past and provide hope for future
advancements.

Impact of population growth on climate change - Statistical analysis of
the forecast data

Anna Mikheyeva- CSTEP

Program: Hostos Community College
Mentor: Dr. Alexander Vaninsky

Some studies suggest that the widespread population growth is threatening the Earth’s
atmosphere, which requires immediate action. In contrast, other studies point out that there is no
imminent danger because it is unlikely that the population will grow too fast and become
unsustainable. This research investigates the possibility of unmanageable population growth that
might hurt the level of CO2 emissions and the Earth’s climate. It is interdisciplinary research that
bridges calculus and statistics to arrive at conclusions about environmental studies. Two
corresponding hypotheses were considered: linear or exponential population growth. Actual and
prospective data on the population from 1960 to 2100 were collected from the internet and
analyzed. The Cauchy characteristic functional equation and the paired t-test were used to make
inferences about the population growth, keeping in mind its possible negative impact on climate
change. The paired t-test was applied to determine which scenario was more probable and which
of the two opposing viewpoints was more likely to be correct. Based on the p-value, it was
revealed that the linear hypothesis prevailed from 1960 to 2060. However, from 2080 to 2100, the
likelihood of exponential growth began increasing sharply, and both assumptions became almost
equally likely. We conclude that there is time to prepare and minimize the negative impact of
unmanageable population growth.

SOCIAL SERVICES
&

HUMAN SERVICES

A Survey to Assess the Public Understanding of the Relationship
Between Race and Genetics

Hawa Diallo- STEP

Program : Center for Excellence in Youth Education, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

This study collected demographic and questionnaire-response data, based on a 24-item online
survey, across a sample of 71 (median age, <18) voluntary participants who responded to a direct
request from survey developers or to an advert on social media during December 2020. In addition
to evaluating individual answers, associations amongst responses to determine what factors
affected the participant answers were evaluated. Some responses showed strong agreement
across all participants, however there were many questions that had varying responses. Most
participants agreed that racism was a problem in the past and is still a problem in modern society.
The most popular causes of racism that were listed were upbringing, lack of education on race and
diversity. Their opinions on race and racism were mostly influenced by personal experiences, other
individual’s experiences, and school. There were only two associations proved to be statistically
significant. Among the participants, the correlation between socially assigned race and self-
identified race was significant (P<.001) and the correlation between age and agreement with the
study of genetics playing a role in racism was significant (P<.01). One’s definition of race varies,
however, there was large agreement amongst the participants that race has historically played a
key social factor and continues to today. Few strong associations were observed. The small sample
size, which is not representative of the whole U.S. population, could explain this discrepancy.
Future studies will consider larger sample sizes and further investigate the link between age and
understanding of genetics and race.

Sound Warfare

Mary Valera Emily Valera- STEP, Nehemiah Debire, Gissel Garcia Bronx Community College

Program: Bronx Community College
Mentor: Mikka Gay, Bronx Community College

Should acoustic sound waves used as weapons against American citizens be outlawed?
Methods/Procedures Included: Reviewed electronic news media, non-profit organizations, social
media, websites, and interviews. Results/Findings: Our research found we hear through very fine
hairs in our ears, however, these hairs cannot be healed or renewed if damaged. Loud noises can
cause ear damage, about 120 decibels and above can cause pain and ear injury. A LRAD, or Long-
Range Acoustic Device emits 150 dBs. A Mosquito Sound Device emits 108 dBs, according to the
CDC, this range can cause hearing loss in less than 5 minutes. 85dB can lead to permanent hearing
loss in children/teens. A federal court decided against two NYPD appeals for using the LRAD. The
LRAD is generally seen as unlawful, the Mosquito is generally unknown, but it still emits very high
decibels. Should the use of these devices that can cause permanent hearing loss be outlawed?
Police to this day still employ the use of sonic weapons against crowds for crowd control. The
effects of these devices include headaches, nausea, dizziness and possible hearing loss or tinnitus.
Knowing the problems these devices may cause, should they be illegal? We will be exploring the
issues with this type of technology and the potential risks it poses on human rights and public
health. Conclusion: In conclusion, the use of sonic weapons against U.S. citizens should be
outlawed, due to the potential health risks associated with the technology.

Exploring the Effect of COVID-19 on Employees at Community-Based
Organizations Serving Upper Manhattan

Nowrin Nisa – CSTEP, Kathleen Lynch, Jasmin Wang, Chad Henry, Nicolle Cruz Basabe, Raul

Hernandez
Program: The City College of New York
Mentor: Erica Lubetkin, The City College of New/Sophie Davis School of Biomedical
Education/CUNY School of Medicine

Background: Because of their knowledge of the community’s health needs and available resou rces,
community-based organizations (CBOs) play a pivotal role in assisting local communities. At a time
when demands for services offered by CBOs might dramatically increase, i.e. COVID-19 pandemic,
the preparedness of CBOs to tackle community needs has been largely unexamined. This study
examines perceptions of COVID-19's impact on CBOs in Upper Manhattan in order to ultimately
construct a community needs assessment. Methods: We conducted 3 virtual focus groups in
November 2020 with employees who worked in the target geographic area (Harlem, Morningside
Heights and Hamilton Heights, or Washington Heights and Inwood) for >1 year. Focus group
sessions were transcribed and coded using a thematic analysis approach in NVivo. Results: The
following five themes were identified: 1) Decreased community engagement in health-related
services and increased fear and distrust; 2) Breakdown in communication at organization and
community level; 3) Shift away in need, but cancer risk factors increasing; 4) Negative health
outcomes among staff and community; and 5) Decrease in funding and an uncertain future.
Conclusions: COVID-19 has shifted CBO programming to meet the changing needs of the local
community. Because CBOs have been focusing on the acute crisis, behavioral counseling and
screening for chronic diseases, such as cancer, have been less of a priority. Ultimately, CBOs may
need to work towards greater pandemic preparedness, modifying their missions, and establishing
new collaborations to ensure longevity.

The Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health of Frontline Health
Workers Worldwide

Fabliha Hussain CSTEP, Co-Presenter Kenneth Vuong

Program: The City College of New York
Mentor: Tracy Flood, BroadStreet + COVID-19 Data Project

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every individual worldwide, especially frontline healthcare
workers. Although treating patients and getting this pandemic under control is a priority,
oftentimes the impact that the pandemic has on the mental health of frontline workers is
overlooked. With the influx of patients, the mental health of workers is being worn down. Most
countries are facing similar situations. Knowledge of how the mental health of workers facing the
pandemic across different countries, however, is unknown. The aim of the study is to conduct a
literature review that compares the mental health trends of frontline healthcare workers in
various countries. It is possible that the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of frontline
health workers varies between countries and this literature review aims to find out if this is the
case. Previous research mentions comparisons of mental health of frontline workers to those of
China, but not other countries. Journal articles from various countries were examined that
included the importance of mental health, the relevance of COVID-19 knowledge, and how COVID-
19 impacted the mental health of the frontline workers in order to carry out these comparisons.
These journal articles were found in ScienceDirect, National Institutes of Health and Google
Scholar by searching ‘covid19,’ ‘mental health,’ ‘frontline workers,’ ‘questionnaire,’ and
‘countries.’ Based on the literature, frontline healthcare workers faced similar psychological
impacts in most countries. Stress, anxiety, and depression were commonly found among these
workers. Lack of preparedness, knowledge, and personal protective equipment along with the
pressure from treating patients and anxiety for their own health were key factors that affected the
mental health of frontline workers. Although there are mostly similarities, there were also some
significant differences in the studies between specific countries. In the end, these factors that are
common across countries should be addressed so that healthcare workers can continue working to
the best of their abilities.

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