2020 Abstracts

McRae, Elisa; Solis Leal, Antonio; Giler, Noemi; Karlinsey, Dalton; Quaye, Abraham; Berges, Bradford (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Berges, Bradford (Brigham Young University, Microbiology and Molecular Biology)

HIV-1 infects CD4 T-cells by inserting its genome into a cell's genetic sequence. CRISPR technology allows for gene editing within the cell, causing a break in DNA sequences targeted by specific guide RNAs. Plasmids encoding CRISPR and guide RNA (gRNA) genes, in the context of lentiviral delivery vectors, will be transfected to produce two lentiviral vectors. In vitro experiments include human T cells that will be transduced with the lentiviral vectors and analyzed with flow cytometry to determine cells that express CRISPR and gRNAs. These cells will then be sorted to create a population of cells that express both the CRISPR and gRNA genes and will then be infected with the NL4-3 strain of HIV. For in vivo experiments, human hematopoietic stem cells will be transduced with the lentivirus vectors, after which they will be transplanted into humanized mice, thus producing a human-like immune system for testing the efficacy of our anti-HIV approach. After the human immune system has sufficiently developed in the mice, HIV-1 will be introduced. We expect that human immune cells with CRISPRs will be protected against HIV infection and death due to the use of gRNAs. These cells are postulated to no longer be susceptible to HIV-1 infection, thus preventing further cell lineages from becoming infected. We will analyze data for three main endpoints: 1. Cell killing of HIV, 2. HIV rebound due to the high mutation rate of the virus, 3. Amount of HIV replication, examined by assessing the viral RNA outside of cells using Q-RT-PCR. Data from this project will support whether cells transfected with CRISPR and guide RNAs offer cell lineages that adequately disrupt the HIV-1 genome. Efforts of this study hope to address HIV infection in humans following trials with humanized mice.

Gottfredson, Sarah; Chaston, John (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Life Sciences, Plant and Wildlife Sciences)

The microbiome of Drosophila melanogaster can have significant effects on the host, and many of these have been studied. However, the reason why the bacterial species associate with and persist in D. melanogaster has not been studied in depth. Here we define persistence as how long a microbe associates with a host. The early assumption has been that the D. melanogaster gut microbiome is established solely through diet, but recent work suggests that other factors may be at play in the microbiome establishment. This experiment aims to study the correlation between bacterial genotype and persistence in the D. melanogaster microbiome. In this study, a metagenome wide association (MGWAS) was done using 40 different strains of bacteria to find distinct bacterial genes that are significantly correlated with persistence. To do this, each strain was mono-associated with twenty-four individual flies. The flies were reared for fourteen days, transferred onto new food three times a day for two days, homogenized, and plated. Using the significant genes found through the MGWAS, the same experiment protocol will be used to test mutants of these genes for their effect on persistence. These data will provide us with distinct genes that are necessary for effective bacterial persistence.

Evans, Justin; Murray, Cameron; Crowley, Bailey; Welker, Dennis; (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Welker, Dennis (College of Science, Biology Department)

In previous experiments, we explored the abilities of a set of newly derived vectors to transform Lactobacillus casei, specifically, the 32G and the A2-362 strains. We have now expanded our research to study the abilities of these vectors to transform additional Lactobacillus species, Lactobacillus paracasei strain LPC-37 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus strain HN001. The vectors were transformed into the cells by electroporation, after which the cells were given a 4-hour incubation to allow expression of the erythromycin resistance gene carried on the vectors. The cells were then plated to MRS agar containing erythromycin and incubated for 2-3 days until colonies appeared. The colonies were counted and the transformation efficiencies for each vector tabulated as colony forming units per _g of vector DNA. These studies help us to understand how effective the vectors are at transforming different species of lactic acid bacteria. We can also start to ask why some vectors performed better in some bacterial strains than they did in other strains.

Maria Stokes (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Burnett, Brandon (Weber State University, Chemistry)

This paper considers the relationship between new technologies and the history of astronomy. Using a comparative framework, I show some of the ways in which new technological introductions alter scientific practice. I argue that this dynamic is a historical pattern. To make this case, I juxtapose two astrophysical developments: the invention and early uses of optical telescopes in the early seventeenth century, most famously by Galileo, and the introduction of gravitational wave detectors beginning with the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO). The former has been heavily examined by historians of science; the latter is almost exclusively of interest to astronomers and physicists. In constructing this comparison, I examine primary sources such as Galileo's Discourses and Mathematical Demonstrations Related to Two New Sciences and consult other commentaries on seventeenth-century astronomy, particularly remarking on the optics used in the Galilean telescope. I then provide a survey of gravitational wave astronomy. This comparative study evidences the importance of both empirical data and networks in the development of science. Such a conclusion is significant as it carries implications for the relationship between scientific and non-scientific communities.

Sanchez, Mary; Martin, Cayla; Butler, Jaimi; Parrott, David (Westminster College)
Faculty Advisor: Butler, Jaimi (Westminster College, Great Salt Lake Institute); Parrott, David (Westminster College, Biology)

The Great Salt Lake is one of the largest migratory stops for many species of birds in North America. Along the banks of the Great Salt Lake, at Rozel point, there are tar seeps, where some species of birds have gotten entrapped and died. These petroleum seeps are both naturally occurring and human created at Rozel Point. The temperature that the seeps become sticky, the possibility of prey animals drawing predators in, and the appearance of the tar seeps are all important aspects of why birds are drawn to these seeps. Using motion sensor cameras and temperature monitoring devices, the animals that are visiting the tar seeps and the temperature variation of the seeps were monitored. One of the largest human created oil wells at Rozel Point was recapped in January of 2019. The impacts of this recapping was monitored throughout the summer of 2019 to determine if there are fewer birds entrapped due to the reduction of oil escaping from the ground at this well.

Thornton, Sherie; Cardona,Rebecca (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Culumber, Michele (Weber State University, Microbiology); Oberg, Craig (Weber State University, Microbiology)

Lactobacillus wasatchensis was initially isolated from cheese produced at Utah State University and was found to be a Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria (NSLAB) that causes late-gas production in cheese that can damage packaging and produce defects in the cheese. The goal of this project was to locate an environmental reservoir for Lactobacillus wasatchensis. Five samples of silage that were in different stages of fermentation and content and raw milk samples were obtained at the Utah State University dairy. Samples were serially diluted, plated on de Man, Rogosa and Sharpe agar supplemented with 1% D-Ribose (NRS-R) and incubated anaerobically for 5 days. Colonies that looked like potential Lb. wasatchensis were selected and regrown for isolation. All isolates were gram-positive rods. The isolates were further grown in broth for DNA extraction, sequencing, and analysis with API 50 carbohydrate panel (API 50CH). The API 50CH results were significantly different from Lb. wasatchensis, which only demonstrates use of ribose in this assay. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, however, produced a match to three isolates from two different silage samples that had 99% sequence identity to Lb. wasatchensis. Further analysis of the isolates is being done to confirm this finding and describe the organism isolated from the soil. We hypothesize that these organisms are very closely related to Lb. wasatchensis and that silage could be an environmental source of contamination.

Call, Emily; Manesse, Alana (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Colton, Jared (College of Humanities and Social Sciences, English Department)

What visual rhetoric was used in the women's suffrage movement and how was it effective? There were many forms of persuasion in the women's suffrage movement, some of the greatest examples being the visual rhetoric. Rhetoric in this analysis will be defined as linguistic and visual elements crafted with the purpose to persuade the viewer to believe in the presented truth and to conform with the represented female identity. For this presentation we will focus on two political cartoons from the suffrage movement: one pro-suffrage piece, Henry Mayer's "The Awakening" (1915), and one anti-suffrage piece, "Looking Backward" by Laura E. Foster (1912). While suffrage is often discussed through a feminist lense, we will apply a cultural rhetoric analysis as our primary research method with supporting analysis coming from a feminist perspective. Our analysis will use cultural frameworks with a focus on the cultural theorist Stuart Hall. Cultural rhetoric focuses our analysis on the values and practices of English and American culture in the 20th century rather than solely looking at the object of analysis. In that context, we will examine the rhetorical strategies the artists use to craft arguments to persuade the viewer to accept the "truth" they are presenting. Through the comparison of opposing pieces of propaganda, we will also show that truth is relative to the viewer. Through Hall's frameworks, we will analyze ideas about fixed meaning in the images, female representation in a culture, and the audience's response to rhetoric. As we examine these particular elements in conjunction with cultural rhetoric, the audience will gain insight into how pro-suffrage and anti-suffrage propaganda used similar rhetorical techniques to persuade its viewers.

Andersen, Jacob (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: DeSchweinitz, Rebecca (Brigham Young University, History)

During the 1912 Lawrence, Massachusetts Textile Strike, Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, a speaker and organizer for the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), planned to address local workers at a Greek Catholic Church. Before she stepped to the pulpit, a local priest forbid her from speaking because she was a woman. She only spoke to the audience that night after she convinced the priest that she "spoke as an organizer, not as a woman." This incident hints at the complex and often contradictory role of gender in the IWW. Indeed, many scholars have argued that while the IWW preached universal human equality, in practice they maintained a limited, domestic vision for women. Francis Shor, in particular, has argues that the IWW's approach to gender constituted a kind of "virile syndicalism," in which their aggressive tactics were a form of "masculine posturing" in defiance of industrial capitalism. While an important insight about the role of gender in the IWW, few scholars have used his theory to understand women's experiences in the IWW. This paper will examine the role of gender in the IWW through the lives and experiences of three women: Elizabeth Gurley Flynn, Matilda Robbins, and Jane Street. All three women came from different backgrounds and made unique contributions to the IWW, yet the IWW's virile syndicalism circumscribed their activities within the bounds of the IWW's narrow gender ideology. The lives of these women suggest that virile syndicalism in the IWW limited the role of Wobbly women and curbed the IWW's ability to effectively organize workers in the long term. Indeed, the IWW notoriously struggled to maintain an organized base of workers; their distinctly gendered tactics may help explain why.

Almaw, Naredos; Chaudhuri, Dipayan (University of Utah)
Faculty Advisor: Chaudhuri, Dipayan (School of Medicine, Internal Medicine)

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21), a regulator of metabolism that is typically expressed in the liver, has recently been shown to be induced by other tissues in the body as a response to mitochondrial stress. Elevated levels of serum FGF21 was exhibited in children with mitochondrial mutation-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions. Similarly, in dilated cardiomyopathy, a common type of heart failure (HF) mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with mitochondrial DNA damage. This study aims to determine the signaling pathway that leads to the production and effects of FGF21 during mitochondrial dysfunction associated HF. We hypothesize that in left ventricular failure, cardiomyocytes experience oxidative stress, which initiates signaling pathways that leads to the production of FGF21 by other organs.

To test this hypothesis, HF was induced in four mice models via Transverse Aortic Constriction (TAC), and tissue samples were collected. Messenger RNA (mRNA) was extracted, and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was performed to examine the FGF21 gene expression in control and experiment mice models. The qPCR data showed an upregulation of FGF21 in the heart, liver, and pancreas of experiment mice. qPCR results were confirmed through FGF21 protein expression via western blot. Our preliminary results appear to support our hypothesis that during heart failure, the heart sends stress signals to other organs to produce FGF21. Understanding the origin of FGF21 production could help better understand the critical role it plays in preventing disease progression in HF patients.

Lengele, Alexius (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Seaboch, Melissa (Salt Lake Community College, Anthropology)

Primate defecation behaviors contribute notably to forest growth and diversity because primates are important seed dispersers in their environment. Understanding these defecation patterns is important to understand how primate populations impact tropical dry forests. Preexisting research on Allouatta seniculous (red howler monkeys) avoided defecating near their foraging and resting areas, potentially to avoid parasitic infection from contaminated feces. The goal of my research is to test whether the same pattern is found in A. palliata, the mantled howler monkey. I predicted that A. palliata would not defecate near their food resources as a parasite-avoidance behavior. La Selva Biological Station, where this research was conducted, is located in Sarapiqui, in northeastern Costa Rica. Data were collected in May 2017 at the beginning of the rainy season. Using all-occurrence sampling, I recorded all defecation events for A. palliata and whether any group members were feeding. I recorded 15 instances of defecation. Howler monkeys defecated in the same area where they had been feeding 46.7% of the time (n=7) and they defecated in an area where feeding did not occur 53.3% of the time (n=8). My hypothesis, that A. palliata would not defecate near food resources, was not supported as the data showed no bias toward non-feeding areas versus feeding areas. These results differ from prior research of Alouatta in the Amazon Basin, Venezuela, and Brazil, which all reported evidence of parasite-avoidance in defecation behavior. My sample size is small, and my data were collected in a short time span, likely contributing to this discrepancy. Additionally, the parasites infecting those species in South America may not be present in this Central American location, suggesting a lack of the need for this adaptive behavior.

Figgins, Anna C.; Hunter, F. Kate; Kapheim, Karen M. (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: Kapheim, Karen (College of Science, Biology Department)

Certain species of ants, bees, and wasps have some of the most sophisticated forms of cooperative behavior known throughout the animal kingdom. These eusocial insects live in large family groups made up of castes (e.g., queens and workers) that specialize on different tasks within a colony. In many species, division of labor between queens and workers is associated with behavioral and physiological traits such as dominance interactions, ovary maturation, and lipid stores. Remarkably, these large phenotypic differences between castes emerge from a shared genome. This suggests caste differences stem from changes in how shared genes are regulated. We have been investigating the role of a small regulatory molecule (microRNA miR-13b) as a potential regulator of division of labor in bumble bees (Bombus impatiens). We tested the hypothesis that miR-13b regulates division of labor by inhibiting its function using small-interfering RNA (siRNA). We inhibited miR-13b function by injecting a synthetic antagonist of miR-13b (antagomir) into the abdomens of live bees. The average expression of miR-13b in the fat body of bees that received the antagomir injection was 0.52 relative to those that received the control injection (n = 7). This inhibition of miR-13b expression was accompanied by a significant decrease in fat body size. However, the influence of the antagomir only lasted 1 day. Future experiments will determine if the antagomir can influence gene expression longer than 1 day and assess physiological and behavioral changes in B. impatiens after miR-13b is inhibited. Knowledge gained from this study allows us to understand more about the mechanisms underlying social behavior in bees and helps us investigate how behavior is regulated by gene expression.

Stapleton, Michael; DeRose, Justin. (Utah State University)
Faculty Advisor: DeRose, Justin (S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Wildland Resources Department)

Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) is the most widespread coniferous tree in North America, occurring from Mexico to British Columbia and from California to Nebraska. Surprisingly, however, P. ponderosa is largely absent within the center of this range. Previous studies suggest that this absence may be linked to a range of climatic variables, but collectively fail to identify specific climate-growth responses. Using dendroclimatology, we will analyze how a disjunct population of P. ponderosa in northern Utah responds to local climate conditions. We seek to identify which of these variables the species is most sensitive to by correlating the population's average annual growth to a variety of climate composites. Similar tests will be conducted across three treatment blocks throughout the stand in order to distinguish if previous management altered the population's resilience to climate. Our results will help explain the current distribution of P. ponderosa and suggest how that distribution may respond to changing climate conditions.

Lahy, Neve (Westminster College)
Faculty Advisor: Kruback, Matt (Westminster College, Art)

Tree of Trees
Neve Lahy:
The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is a group of national forests within our Wasatch Mountains. The forest is a host to many species of trees, both coniferous and flowering. I have chosen seven of each of the most prominent local cone bearing and flowering trees to focus on.
The trees are a crucial part of the ecosystem and participate in many symbiotic relationships. Without the trees the ecosystem wouldn't survive. It is important to acknowledge the vitality of our local forests not only for us, but for all other organisms dependent on the trees.
A phylogenetic tree is a branching diagram showing the evolutionary relationships among various biological species. Phylogeny is based upon similarities and differences in their physical or genetic characteristics. The branches indicate closeness in relation to one another. The species nearest to each other on the phylogeny are the most closely related organisms based on special derived traits.
Learning how to identify the trees that I am so often surrounded by has brought me a deeper appreciation and love for the organisms around me. Now that I can spend time in trees and know exactly what I am looking at has given me a broader understanding of how the trees not only interact with me but the other ecological factors present in the area. I feel more keenly aware of what it takes to protect these trees and enjoy them more respectfully.

Funk, Stephen; Wood, Jacob; Catmull, Ashley; Martin, Brett (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: McCleary, Bill (Brigham Young University College of Life Sciences, Microbiology & Molecular Biology)

The survival of the model microorganism E. coli depends largely on its ability to regulate the concentration of nutrients in its cell. This regulation often relies on complex systems of both cooperative and competitive enzymes. One of these enzymes, encoded by the YjbB gene, was known to play some role in phosphate regulation. However, its exact function had not yet been characterized. We attempted to deduce the function of the YjbB-encoded protein in the context of two other phosphate regulatory systems: the PitA/B phosphate transport system and the PpK/X polyphosphate storage system. Using comparative growth curves in both phosphate-rich and phosphate-deprived media, we found that the YjbB-encoded protein protects against phosphate poisoning in the absence of phosphate exporters, suggesting that the protein in question functions primarily as a phosphate exporter as well.

Buehler, Nate; Hoehn, Nick; Stokes, Britt; Tyler, Areiann; Dr. Kopp, Olga (Utah Valley University)
Faculty Advisor: Kopp, Dr.Olga (Utah Valley University, Biology)

Bacterial infections are difficult to treat with antibiotics because of the protective nature of the biofilms produced by bacteria. Biofilms are a common cause of nosocomial and medical devices-related infections. The current treatments for biofilms include mechanically removing the biofilm itself or by treatments with antibiotics. Biofilms usually become resistant to drugs because of the higher frequency of mutation and horizontal gene transfer compared to planktonic cells. Liposomes are promising delivery systems because of their small size, surface characteristics and ability to encapsulate drugs and other molecules. Liposomal particles can slowly release the encapsulated drugs, increasing their distribution in targeted areas. Studies have shown that the fusion between liposomes and bacterial cells enhances the penetration of antibiotics. The purpose of this study is to form liposomes to encapsulate Gentamicin and characterize the formation and characteristics of these liposomes. Liposomes will be formed using the thin film hydration method and characterized using a scanning electron microscope. This project will present an analysis of the use of different ratios of phospholipids and cholesterol to evaluate the stability and ability to carry Gentamicin.

Call, Tanner; Bean, Joseph; Chaston, John (Brigham Young University)
Faculty Advisor: Chaston, John (Life Sciences, Plant and Wildlife Sciences)

The gut microbiome, or the microorganisms that colonize the GI tract of all macro-organisms, plays a significant role in host health and physiology. In a study last year, I found that the microbiome of D. melanogaster has a direct influence on dietary preference using a well-established, automated feeding assay. In this study, I extend these findings by performing a metagenome-wide association (MGWA) screen to predict bacterial genes responsible for the effect. Specifically, I measured dietary preferences in flies mono-associated with each of 40 different bacterial species. My mentor compared the dietary preference of these flies with the genomes of their associated bacteria using a MGWA. This analysis predicted 1932 bacterial genes that could be responsible for the feeding preference phenotype. I selected the top 22 genes, including all uncharacterized genes, for which we have knock-out mutants in a laboratory stock of bacterial mutants. I will test if these genes are necessary for inducing specific host feeding preferences by comparing feeding preferences of flies mono-associated with a bacterial mutant with controls, using a generalized mixed linear model. These results will help us understand how different members of the microbiota can influence animal feeding behaviors.

Mitchell, Emily (Weber State University)
Faculty Advisor: Arnold, Kristen (Engineering, Applied Science & Technology, Interior Design)

The design in this space will be used to keep the building fresh and calm with all of the changing that will be happening. This non-profit is here to help out women who are running from abusive relationships. Union Station is large enough so that they can house many different families or individuals. Giving them a space where they can get checkup when they are too afraid. There will be security in this locations so women will feel safe. (Aolain) There will be checkup rooms as well as therapy rooms where they can talk with someone private. There will be plenty of space to sleep for everyone that comes into this facility. To create a sense of home is to give them a space where they can have their own time and own space. (Falk, Wijk and Persson) There will be a small cafe and small store where they can buy small items for themselves or for their children. There will be classrooms for both the women and the children where everyone can learn to better themselves. Using the calming color of soft blue and soft green the space will be there for the women. (Instablogs.com) It will help with their fears of the unknown. The space will reflect the way that the women want with their time at the location. To be happy and healthy with themselves or their families. The space will have energy efficiency for this historical building. (Martinez-Molina, Tort-Ausina and Cho).

Jacob, Jonathan (Westminster College)
Faculty Advisor: Pu, Xiumei (Westminster College, Environmental Studies)

This presentation examines two bodies of environmental literature--environmental writing spanning from the late nineteenth century to contemporary times by indigenous and non-indigenous writers in the United States--to ponder several questions: where do these two bodies of literature converge and resonate with one another? How do these convergences bear on current debates and efforts for ecological, environmental, and (inter)cultural healing? Existing comparative analysis of these two bodies of literature often focuses on identifying the differences and their subsequent cultural manifestations (Cronon, 1995; Buell, 1996; Buell 2005; Garrard; 2011). In this presentation, I go in a different direction by examining complex resonances that emerge from these bodies of literature around the understandings of nature, place, self, and community. Bringing these resonances to light and examining their nuances and complexities could be a step toward imagining a cross-cultural perspective on eco-cultural healing so urgently needed in our time. This presentation is based on a summer research project in which I examined twelve books and novels by indigenous and non-indigenous American environmental writers (six from each body of literature), using an approach of pairing one work from each body of literature for individual analysis, then using those pairs to synthesize a larger, cross-cultural perspective. In this presentation, I will highlight analyses of three of these pairings, while my larger conclusions will be representative of ideas gleaned from all six of the pairs.