Fine Arts

Authors: McKayla Ridenour. Mentors: Alex Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. "DID" is a painting that delves into the concept of duality within myself. The painting explores my vulnerability as its subject matter. As someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), I am displaying myself and another personality in the artwork. I aim to shed light on those suffering from DID and other mental conditions. I used a lot of glazing and subtractive methods to achieve the desired effect during the painting process, such as complex darks and layering of paints.

Authors: Emily Barber. Mentors: ALEXANDRA GIANNELL. Insitution: Utah Valley University. I am presenting on the process of subtraction with oil or acrylic paint. I have loved this process and have found to be impactful to me and my practice. This process can show you art in a whole new way. It's the opposite of what we are told to do. It gives you the chance to reveal something that maybe was lost or hidden. Maybe you go into the painting with an agenda, maybe not. Both ways will most likely show you more then you expected. This process creates depth, and a feeling that is very different to translate by traditional addition.I have found it exciting to use different kinds of tools to create. Instead of a pallete knife and paint brush it's rags, Q Tips, and maybe any kind of scraping object you find. Because of the nature of this process it is also fighting the clock. You must pull and drag away unwanted value before the paint dries. The timing and planning are very critical, yet when I create this way I find it calming and rewarding. Sometimes when creating you have to pull out of your normal strokes, and methods. When you can do that, it helps you focus more on concept, and feeling rather then aesthetic and style. By pulling and scraping the information away, you might have the chance to reveal the unknown.

Authors: Olivia Mard Oquist. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. “Female allegory” encompasses two oil paintings that together explore the complex, multifaceted nature of womanhood, using metaphorical imagery, specific handling of paint and the traditions of oil painting.The first painting depicts a blurred face of a woman symbolizing the complex and often misunderstand aspects of a woman’s identity. The soft blurry quality invites the viewer to contemplate what is below the surface. In addition, it challenges societies ideas of beauty and pointing to the sometimes forgotten truth that a womans true essence transcends her physical appearance.The blurriness also serves as a mask to hide feeling and emotions that tend to be categorized as typically female and often viewed in a negative light. Parts of the face will be more blurry than others, symbolizing times when as a woman I and every woman I know have felt invisible or powerless.The second painting is a still-life of objects that each symbolizes the female body (both contemporary symbols as well as historically) Seashells, pears, mimosa flowers are some objects that represent womanhood and the female form. The objects represent the diverse nature and the layers of the female spirit. The history of a still-life deals with the ideas of perfection and stillness that long have been expectations of women. The paintings will connect through a visual language of color palette and handling of paint and together, the paintings invites the viewer to explore the intricate layers of womanhood and to go beyond physical appearance. It celebrates the culmination of experiences, emotions, and symbolism of what being a woman means and what the expectations around us have been and still are today.

Authors: Rebekah Victoria Still. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. We all experience panic. For many people it is a rare experience, while for those diagnosed with panic disorders, it can be a regular and debilitating occurrence. Oftentimes, it’s embarrassing and difficult for those living with such a disorder to explain to friends, family, coworkers, supervisors, and peers what they’re feeling and why it affects their lives so thoroughly. In this project, I approached various strangers to ask them about their experiences with panic in an effort to develop a unique and universal language, which would enable viewers to better understand panic and open an empathetic dialogue between those with such a disorder and their loved ones.Based on the answers I received, I was able to sort the data and create multiple visual recipes which I used to develop a series of preliminary works. With each rendition, I asked for feedback from those with and without panic disorders, so as to assess the effectiveness of my color palette, symbology, and mark making techniques. Through this process of creation and criticism, I arrived at a composition which successfully encapsulates the feelings, sounds, and appearance of panic.As someone who lives with PTSD, I believe that it’s important to foster empathy for those around us and earn how to effectively communicate our feelings. My objective is that through this work, people who previously didn’t have the words to discuss their mental health will be able to use this piece to start an open and honest conversation with their loved ones. Furthermore, by using a universal, visual language, those who don’t have panic disorders will be able to begin the process of opening their minds and hearts to understand the people who do. In this sense, my final painting is not an answer, but a question meant to inspire further research and exploration.

Authors: Rayne Beau Vanderpool. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. For this upcoming UCUR art presentation, I will be showcasing two paintings that I created during a previous painting class under the guidance of my mentor. Both artworks are landscape portraits inspired by the breathtaking Utah mountains. Through these paintings, I experimented with new techniques and aimed to express myself uniquely. I had a lot of fun experimenting with my color palette and visual mixing techniques while creating both of these paintings. Through this presentation, I aim to demonstrate how you can find purpose in your artwork while also enjoying the creative process.

Authors: Nawres Al Saud. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. My work beautifully embodies the concept of oneness in diversity by seamlessly blending various elements, perspectives, and voices into a harmonious whole. Like a symphony of colors, my art celebrates the rich tapestry of human experience and the interconnectedness of all things. It serves as a powerful reminder that despite our differences, we share a common humanity. My work is a testament to the idea that diversity is not a source of division but rather a source of strength, resilience, and creativity. It encourages us to embrace the uniqueness of each individual and culture while recognizing the threads that unite us, ultimately emphasizing that we are all part of a larger, interconnected whole.

Authors: Kessley Durrant. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. I am doing research on Our Lady of Guadalupe, her significance to Mexican culture, and the Aztec goddess she was transformed from. As a Mexican who grew up Catholic, Guadalupe is an important symbol to me, and such an integral part to Mexican culture. Before she was Guadalupe she was known as Tonantzin. She presented herself to Juan Diego when he was lost in the desert and hopeless. She told him that she would change to save her people. Tonantzin means Our Mother, Mother Earth. The giver of life and she changed in order to save her people. She became Guadalupe. She told Juan Diego that her robe would be the night sky and she would protect all her children from the misdeeds that were being forced on them. So, her symbol is a sign of safety, where people would go when they had nowhere else to turn. It was a way for the Aztec culture to live on in secret and for our culture to grow in the only way it could. I want to be able to represent her as a Goddess before she transformed into Our Lady Guadalupe. I want to open up the conversation with my fellow Mexicans and start getting closer to our roots and understanding our culture better before the conquistadors. I also want to be able to teach others of our culture and the changes that occurred.

Authors: Ripjaw lemus. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This presentation will explore a selection of artworks which exemplify varying aspects of visual contrast, honing in on the implementation of the principles and elements of art and design. The presentation will include chosen works to show my personal understanding and exploration of these image-making strategies, including the juxtaposition of realism and abstraction, positive and negative space, 2 dimensional and three dimensional, large and small scale, light and dark value, complementary hues, and oposing painting techniques.As an artist and researcher, I am continuing to study how these elements operate in my work and am building an awareness of how a deep investigation of contrasting elements creates a more stimulating experience for the viewer. The three paintings that will be displayed in conjunction with my poster will allow the viewer to experience the work physically as well as participate in discussion with me around artistic decision making and image possibilities.

Authors: Silvia Medina. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Often times growing up we tend to go through different phases or versions of ourselves until we find one that we truly resonate with. We always retain the older versions, as they still tend to peek out from time to time in different aspects of ourselves. With this piece, I wanted to demonstrate my growth and progress, and how it takes all versions of myself and all my experiences when it comes to being who I am today.

Authors: Jessica DeWeese. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. I have made it my goal to try as many mediums as I can, both because it's exciting, and to improve and find my artistic passion. As I have started this journey with the few mediums I have tried, I have learned some things about failing. You always fail in the beginning, but the faster you fail, the faster you learn a better way. I will be sharing failures and successes in various mediums.

Authors: Jessica Downs. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. My work is rooted in the observation of landscapes, both metaphorical and physical, internal and external, as well as the ecopsychological connection between identity and environment. Whether closely examining living organisms like root systems and trees, studying the topographies of rock formations, or reconstructing internal structures of the body, I combine these forms into abstract images that are both foreign and familiar, conveying the vast range of thought and emotion within the human experience.In investigating this human-nature connection, my work reflects these ideas through the creation of multifaceted abstract landscapes and psychological spaces. The close examination of natural materials and patterns experienced in nature allow me to form connections between environment and self, often causing natural forms to transition from external imagery to the internal topographies of the body. Utilizing multiple mediums like painting, drawing, printmaking, and digital collage, carefully rendered contours of forms and the use of colors found in nature are both observed and intuitive, built using transparent layers that are constantly added and subtracted, as a way to describe the constant evolution of nature and the search for the understanding of its connection and influence on the human psyche.I am interested in the liminal space between observation and introspection as a means of creating a repository for experiences, feelings, memories, and exploration that elicits an emotional response, seeking to expand on the perception of self and foster a healthier relationship between humans and nature that ultimately promotes overall health and economic sustainability.

Authors: Brittney Weiland. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The cyanotype process is a slow time-based method that uses a chemical mixture, water, and UV light to capture instances of spacetime. Cyanotype translations of the body, whether by directly laying a body down on fabric or through the use of translated photographs inherently capture slices of spatiotemporal continuity by nature of its time-based development. Directly placing one's body on chemically treated fabric undergoes only one translation of form: body to image. However, this direct method fails to capture figural resemblance, but rather captures movement through time, leaving traces of 4th dimensional worms. This method draws a closer comparison to temporal continuity but not to recognizable figure. Photographs, long past captured, undergo a process of camera translation, digital translation, printed negative translation, and then finally cyanotype translation but more directly relates to figural recognizability than a direct capture method. However, this photographic process fails to capture more than a few spatiotemporal moments, less in tune with temporal imagery. Through a series of works, Brittney Weiland explores identity through a perdurantist view by capturing moments of body degeneration and drastic physical form changes over the last year as she has battled nearly life-ending illness through the use of cyanotype and photography.

Authors: Kimberly Lewin. Mentors: Anne Francis Bayless. Insitution: Utah State University. I have been exploring the relationship between connection, disconnection, and control, and I presented my research on these topics to three composers who wrote a piece based off of their interpretation. At URCO, I will perform one of these compositions.

Authors: Brittany Cowley. Mentors: Meaghan Gates. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Art, to me, is an experience, one in which an object, sound, or movement has the ability to evoke an emotion in the viewer, taking them from spectator to participant. Since the first time I laid hold of a ball of clay, I could feel its life and ability to be transformed. This organic material has the potential to become whatever someone can dream up. For the true meaning behind the art piece to come forth and pass to the viewers, a sculptor must fully understand what they are trying to convey and how to best accomplish that. Through sculpting and directing the clay, a form takes place. This is just the first step on the path of creating a sculpture that can evoke emotion in the onlooker. Gestures, textures, and glazes are all added to enhance the feelings of the creator.Franz Xaver Messerschmidt created a series of “Character Heads”. I first came across his work at the Getty Museum when I came face to face with The Vexed Man. Mesmerized by this face, I became fully aware that I had become a participant in his sculpture. The bust of this man is elegantly carved with great care yet reveals the most unusual expression. The nose is scrunched up, eyes tightly shut, and mouth drown into an almost pouty frown. On display at this museum of elite, prestigious sculptures, is a piece that at first glance seemed unsuited to occupy the space, yet through the dichotomy displayed it evoked lasting emotions within me. I have discovered a joy in portraying dichotomous relationships in my own work. This relationship is the marriage of two opposing concepts in one piece. A brightly colored, playful child in the process of self-harm or two decomposing hands embraced in a tender touch can speak emotional volumes to the viewer. The thought-provoking questions that run through their minds allow viewers to start participating in the sculptures. Working alongside my mentor, an expert in the field of emotional sculptures, Professor Gates, I seek to more fully explore the world of conflicting emotions in my sculptures. I will be looking into what dichotomies in different forms produce strong emotions when placed alongside one another. Additionally, I am exploring what glazes and textures can be added to enhance the emotional exchange between the creator and the participant. Within the world of ceramics, glazes are used to add texture, color, sheen, and durability to the fired clay. I believe they can also enhance emotions as well. Through creating sculptures that demand the viewer to stop, take a second look, and question, I hope to enable people to reflect on what they are viewing and see their reality more clearly.

Authors: Brianna Bastian. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. My understanding of language as a whole began to broaden when I took my first of many ASL classes almost a decade ago. It continued to deepen and grow when I spent a year and a half in an immersive Spanish-speaking program. Now as a university student studying both Speech Pathology and Art, I have found myself recognizing the validity of art as a language. Thus, my research and presentation explores the linguistics of the visual arts.

Authors: George Wells. Mentors: Timothy Francis. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Cast in the form of a first-movement, 17th century Sonata, this is an original composition that explores different chord progressions out of dissonance to resolution. This solo piece for piano is structured similar to works typical of the classical time period. Piano repertoire from the classical era feature repeated patterns, simple melodies, and contrasting moods. Atypical of piano repertoire from the classical era are characteristics such as chromaticism, common-tone and augmented chords, polyrhythms, and hemiolas. From a framework of the sonata form with simple patterns and melodies, I explored the mood and color each method of resolution brings to music composition, classical and contemporary. From this work we can come away with a better understanding of the abstract emotion and character naturally found in musical resolutions that have been codified through music theory.

Authors: Annalicia Loveridge, Maren Daynes, Noah Guzman. Mentors: Donna Fairbanks. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This project includes the planning and execution of a Carnegie Hall performance featuring the Wolverine Piano Trio. Annalicia Loveridge, Noah Guzman, and Maren Daynes were the first-place winners of the 2023 American Protégé International Piano and Strings Competition in the College Students and Professional Musicians category. The performance will showcase the first movement of the Brahms Piano Trio No. 3.We will rehearse extensively leading up to the performance to ensure flawless execution of the selected piece. We aim to create an immersive musical experience for the audience, transporting them to a world of melody and harmony. The performance will be held in the Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall, known for its remarkable acoustics and grandeur. Performers such as Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, and Joshua Bell have all started their careers at Carnegie Hall. The Carnegie Hall performance is a milestone achievement for us as students and an opportunity to showcase our exceptional talent and passion for classical music to a global audience. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to leave a lasting impression on us and bolster our professional goals.

Authors: Maddalena Willis. Mentors: Alexandra Giannell. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Water is the most essential ingredient for life. In the desert, it is much more valuable. As Utah’s population rises, its high desert climate that provides beautiful scenery and fun recreational activities is running on a limited amount of water. Therefore it is vital that our reservoirs, lakes, streams and groundwater supply are in good condition, but this is impossible without our own efforts to help. As such, it is imperative that we avoid water contamination and negligent overconsumption. Displayed are the two paintings titled Churned and Drought. They are commentaries on the observable effects humans have had on the water condition in Wasatch and Utah County. The painting titled Churned uses the imagery of a boat prop agitating the picture plane of the painting. The serene blues and greens have been mangled and torn apart. The painting titled Drought uses the imagery of abstracted storm drains, pipes and fishing lures to illustrate the alterations humans have made on the waterways. It is very grid-like and inorganic. Combined, these two paintings are a reflection on the current state of our marine desert ecosystem.

Authors: Joshua Parmley, Acacia Overono. Mentors: Acacia Overono. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Since its founding over a century ago, the American Psychological Association has adopted several distinct roles in its ongoing pursuit of legitimacy, stability, and growth for the field of psychology. Two of its most important roles include the establishment and enforcement of an ethics code and the standardization and development of undergraduate education. These two goals are related; the best way to uphold an ethics code is to ingrain that code into future researchers and practitioners. The APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major 3.0, which lists the APA’s ideal learning objectives for undergraduate programs, attempts to do just that. In its section on ethics training, it places a great degree of responsibility on undergraduate programs to prepare students for a world of bad actors, exploitative systems, and ethical grey areas. To achieve this, the document recognizes that students must develop an ethical skill or proficiency, not just a knowledge of the codes and principles. Unfortunately, Guidelines recommendations for achieving that goal quickly become clouded, as the document wrestles with the various concerns about teaching ethics. Primarily, the Guidelines section on ethics seems conflicted about whether instructors should give students historical examples of psychologists and psychology systems engaging in unethical behavior The Guidelines expresses the concern that presenting students with examples of ethical failures by psychologists will distract students from the learning outcomes or lead them to view the field negatively and abandon it altogether. Accordingly, the APA tentatively recommends that negative examples be shared cautiously, alongside examples of the positive achievements of the field and ethical systems in place. Are the APA’s fears that blunt ethics courses could turn students away from the major valid? Or do the Guidelines recommendations put too little faith in their instructors and students? This study seeks to examine the validity of the APA’s concerns and the efficacy of their recommendations. One hundred and fifty Intro to Psychology students will be divided into three groups. Each group will be instructed in the principles of the APA ethics code using a) no historical examples, b) a balance of negative and positive examples, or c) several negative examples. Participants will then take a survey that measures their ethical proficiency, their memory of the material, and their confidence in the field of psychology. Measurement of ethical proficiency will be adapted from APA measurement tools. We predict that the group instructed with several negative examples, without balancing positive examples, will result in greater measurements of ethical proficiency, better recall, and a slightly lowered level of confidence in the field. We predict this based on the idea that reviewing negative examples in the instructional material will provide students with a specific model of ethical decision-making.

Authors: Matthew Hovorka. Mentors: Connie Ericksen. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This research project examines evidence of individual identity and personhood among perinates, neonates, and young children in the Tiwanaku culture (Western Bolivia, Chile, Peru, A.D. 500-1100) of the ancient Andes. A multifocal approach is taken in examining the topic, and ethnohistorical and archaeological evidence is examined to create a picture of Tiwanaku conceptions of personhood. Through a comprehensive analysis of burial practices, iconography, and ethnohistorical records, this study sheds light on the nuanced conceptions of personhood and individual identity held within the Tiwanaku culture. By delving into the socio-cultural context and material evidence, this research contributes to a deeper appreciation of the complex beliefs and societal values of this ancient Andean civilization.

Authors: Kendra Johnson. Mentors: Dannelle Larsen-Rife. Insitution: Utah Tech University. This study's objective is to examine how sleep quality is related to attachment and any moderating effect from social support. Sleep quality affects multiple aspects of life including physical and mental health. About 40% of the population is affected by sleep complaints (Palagini et al., 2018). Over time, disturbed sleep can become a risk factor for mental illness and substance use disorders (Adams et al., 2014). According to Gur-Yaish et al., (2020), negative interactions related to attachment disturbances negatively affected sleep quality. Individuals with insecure attachment may be more prone to insomnia and sleep disturbances (Palagini et al., 2018). People with anxious attachment have difficulty trusting that others will be there for them when they are in need. Insecure attachment is measured on two scales: anxious and avoidant. Because of this fear, people with insecure attachment may engage in behaviors intended to reassure them of the other person’s trustworthiness. An individual with avoidant attachment tends to resist close relationships, fearing that others are not reliable (Bowlby 1982). Adults in romantic relationships tend to behave similarly to children and mothers when it comes to attachment pairing (Fraley & Shaver, 1998). When people have insecure attachment, they may be highly activated by relationship ruptures, leaving them anxious and vulnerable to poor sleep quality. The resulting poor sleep quality may be moderated by high levels of outside social support, though with high attachment avoidance, the benefits of social support are less influential. Participants (N = 94) completed the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-RS) scale to measure attachment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Social Support Questionnaire-Short Form (SSQ6). Findings reveal that though the correlation between insecure attachment and sleep was small, the addition of social support revealed some interesting patterns that give insight to the relationship between attachment, sleep, and the effects of social support.

Authors: Ayana Srivastava, Gliceida Galarza Fortuna, Beverly Chigarira, Emre Dal, Chadi Hage Chehade, Georges Gebrael, Arshit Narang, Neeraj Agarwal, Umang Swami, Haoran Li. Mentors: Neeraj Agarwal. Insitution: University of Utah. The utility of ChatGPT in subspecialty consultation for patients (pts) with metastatic genitourinary (GU) cancer.Ayana Srivastava, Gliceida Galarza Fortuna, Beverly Chigarira, Emre Dal, Chadi Hage Chehade, Georges Gebrael, Arshit Narang, Neeraj Agarwal, Umang Swami, Haoran LiHuntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT;University of Kansas Cancer Center, Westwood, KSBackground:Cancer management requires a multidisciplinary approach, often requiring medical consultation from subspecialists. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT, it is hypothesized that these tools may help expedite the consultation process. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of ChatGPT in providing guideline-based sub-specialty recommendations for managing pts with metastatic GU cancer.Methods:In this single-institution, IRB-approved, retrospective, proof-of-concept study, pts with metastatic GU cancer over the past 3 years were screened. Those with at least one consultation referral to subspecialty clinics were randomly selected. ChatGPT 3.5 was given the most recent clinic note that triggered sub-specialty consultation. The AI tool was then asked to provide an assessment and plan. Two physicians independently assessed the accuracy of diagnoses made by ChatGPT and subspecialty physicians. The primary outcome was the consistency of ChatGPT recommendations with those of subspecialty physicians. Secondary Outcomes included potential time saved by using ChatGPT and comparison of medical decision-making (MDM) complexity levels between ChatGPT and subspecialty physicians.Results:A total of 39 pts were included. Their primary diagnoses included prostate cancer (51.3%), bladder cancer (23.1%) and kidney cancer (15.4%). The referred subspecialty clinic included cardiology (33.3%), hematology (17.9%), hepatology (2.6 %), hospice (10.3%), neurology (12.8%), pulmonary (15.4 %), and rheumatology (7.7%). The average waiting time for pts to be seen in subspecialty clinics was 44.9 days (SD = 42.4). Of 39 patient’s charts reviewed by ChatGPT, 30/39 (76.9%) had the same diagnosis with consultant sub-specialties. The average diagnoses made by ChatGPT were 8.2, compared with 3.4 made by sub-specialty physicians (p < 0.0001). The accuracy of diagnoses made by ChatGPT was the same, higher, and lower than human physicians in 10 (33.3%), 3 (10%), and 17 (56.7%) cases, respectively. Consistency of treatment plans between ChatGPT and physicians was found in 18 cases (46.2%). ChatGPT recommended additional workup in 32 cases (85.1%). The average number of words written in consultation notes by ChatGPT was 362.7 (SD = 72.9), which was significantly greater than subspecialty physicians (n = 224.7, p < 0.0001).Conclusions:These hypothesis-generating data suggest the potential utility of ChatGPT to assist medical oncologists in managing increasingly complex pts with metastatic cancer. Further studies are needed to validate our findings.

Authors: Hunter Mitchell, Grace Carsey, Maria Balaceanu, Peg Bird, Bridger Lisonbee, Dannelle Larsen-Rife. Mentors: John Jones. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Early experiences in the home have long-term effects on health and well-being. This study will examine the connections between parenting styles and coping mechanisms, shedding light on their implications for child development and adult mental health and well-being. Parenting styles looked at in this study, specifically authoritarian has varied views on expectations, discipline, and rewards (Doepke & Zilibotti, 2017). Parenting styles have been shown to impact how children express themselves, and more specifically their expression of anger (Radomir-Beliţoiu, 2019). The expression of anger may indicate a deficiency in healthy coping skills. When individuals are found without healthy ways of coping, they become increasingly vulnerable to mental health disorders and poor relationship satisfaction. Based on our current understanding we believe that an authoritarian parenting style will be positively correlated with unhealthy coping mechanisms such as avoidance, substance use, and self-criticism. Adult participants (N = 100) varying in ethnicity and age will be recruited to complete the Brief Cope Questionnaire (Carver, 1997) and an adaptive version of the Parenting Styles and Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ; Robinson, Mandleco, Olsen, & Hart, 2001) to assess their parent's style of parenting and their ability to cope with challenges. We will run an ANOVA on the collected data using SPSS. We expect to see a correlation between parenting styles and children’s coping skills. It is anticipated that there will be a strong positive correlation in unhealthy coping skills and parental strategies. This study may suggest the importance of educating children and young adults in healthier coping skills and adults in healthy parenting strategies. This education may aid in reducing the frequency and intensity of mental health crisis in adults.

Authors: Patrick R Davies II. Mentors: Acacia Overono. Insitution: Utah Valley University. While there is a dedicated area of the brain for recognizing faces, the efficacy of recognition tasks can vary depending on the context under which they’re performed. The existing literature is undecided on whether anxiety helps or harms tasks relating to emotional content recognition, and some studies have taken steps into researching memory as an additional layer to these recognition tasks. A preliminary study was performed with 16 participants using virtual reality to study the effects of acute anxiety on the ability to correctly identify faces. Participants played either a brief horror game or a brief virtual sandbox in order to induce a desired emotional state, then were asked to complete a brief paired-face identification paradigm. Initial results show that anxiety strengthens identification of neutral emotionally-valent face pairs. Further results may clarify the relationship between anxiety and face identification processes.

Authors: Jared Barrot, Mackenzie Burr, Isaac Packer, Peyton Worley, Delaney Anderson, Jack Davis, Jeffrey Okojie, Ken Dixon. Mentors: Jared Barrott. Insitution: Brigham Young University. In cancer diagnosis, drug testing, and treatment, analysis is done almost exclusively on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples, a process known to cause chemical cross-linking, DNA fragmentation, and degradation. With the push for genetic testing and personalized medicine, cryopreservation of tissue samples has started to gain traction in the research community. We utilized FFPE samples and cryopreserved samples, extracted DNA, and compared the samples using three criteria: DNA purity, quality, and yield. DNA yield, measured on nanograms of DNA to milligrams of tissue basis, demonstrated a five times the yield in cryopreserved samples than in FFPE. DNA purity did not show significant differences between a cryopreserved tissue sample versus a FFPE tissue sample, confirming valid use of FFPE storage methods if purity is the only factor; however, DNA quality was significantly better in cryopreserved tissue samples, with nearly twice the DNA quality number (DQN) than FFPE samples demonstrated, with significant portions of longer base pair DNA fragments present, widening the range of molecular applications of the sample. These cryopreserved tissues provide higher DNA quality, a higher percentage of significantly longer DNA fragments, and increased DNA yield from individual samples, confirming that cryopreservation is a better option than FFPE when it comes to choosing tissue preservation and storage methods. More molecular assays and tests can be run, and smaller samples are necessary when utilizing cryopreservation, proving it to be a better option than the “gold standard” of FFPE, particularly in regards to cancer diagnosis, drug testing, and treatment exploration.

Authors: Jude Werth. Mentors: Alex Shcheglovitov. Insitution: University of Utah. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the deadliest brain tumor that affects more than 10,000 people a year. Unfortunately, our understanding of the mechanisms disrupted by GBM is extremely limited. We are unable to safely manipulate brain cells in live patients, and the complexity of human brain networks are difficult to recapitulate in animals. This study employs brain organoids, derived from induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs), to model the impact of GBM on neural activity. Organoid batches, grown under normal conditions and co-cultured with GBM cells, were monitored using microelectrode arrays (MEA) to record power in frequency bands. Over time, drugs influencing neural activity were introduced. Significant behavioral distinctions were observed between control and GBM-cultured organoids. Under Bicuculline and Tetrodotoxin, power in GBM organoids exhibited dramatic changes compared to the minimal difference in control organoids. Conversely, 4-Aminopyridine induced increased high-frequency activity exclusively in control organoids. Correlating power in frequency bands with spike activity, this study provides insight on how brain tumors influence neural networks, furthering disease comprehension to eventually develop effective treatment for patients.

Authors: Trenton M. Gibson, Brett E Pickett. Mentors: Brett E Pickett. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Lynch Syndrome, formerly known as Hereditary Non-Polyposis Colorectal Cancer, is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by non-functional DNA mismatch repair genes, leading to mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR). Individuals with dMMR have an increased risk of developing cancerous tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI). The aim of this study was to investigate significant perturbations in gene expression among different dMMR variants within Lynch Syndrome, specifically focusing on variants in the PMS2, MLH1, and MSH2 loci. We obtained 55 public RNA-seq human colorectal tumor samples with specific germline dMMR mutations and 20 samples of healthy colorectal epithelium from the GENE Expression Omnibus (GEO). These samples were subjected to a robust RNA-seq data preprocessing and analytical workflow, which involved quality control, trimming, read pseudomapping and quantification using Salmon, identification of significant differentially expressed genes using edgeR, and gene ontology enrichment analysis using Camera. Signaling pathway impact analysis (SPIA) was employed to assess gene pathway perturbations. Our results revealed that tumor samples from individuals with germline mutations in the PMS2 MMR gene exhibited transcriptomic profiles indicating upregulation in pathways related to intrinsic and extrinsic prothrombin activation, fibrinolysis, and uPA/uPAR-mediated signaling, in comparison to other tumor and healthy samples. Previous research has established a correlation between these pathways and tumor growth, invasiveness, and metastasis. These findings provide a foundation for further research to explore the interactions between PMS2 and these pathways in influencing tumor development.

Authors: Bryce Tolman, Jasper Terungwa Iorkula , Justin Singleton, Matt Peterson. Mentors: Matt Peterson. Insitution: Brigham Young University. An efficient method for preparing C-3 aminated pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines was developed. The method consisted of treating 3-bromopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine with a wide range of 1° or 2° alkylamines with CuI (20 mol%), L-proline (40 mol%), and Et 3 N (2 equiv) in DMSO under microwave heating conditions (130 °C, 4 hours). C-3 aminated products were obtained in good to excellent isolated yields (54–90%; ave. yield = 77%), and represents the most broadly applicable, non-palladium-catalyzed amination of 3-bromopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine ever reported. The coupling worked well for unfunctionalized 1° alkylamines such as butylamine, benzylamine, isopropylamine or cyclohexylamine, and more densely functionalized 1° amines with CH 2 - or CH 2 CH 2 -linked heterocycles were also well tolerated (e.g. pyridine-, indole-, thiophene-, and furan-linked methyl- or ethylamine derivatives). 2° Alkylamines such as morpholine, pyrrolidine, and piperidine also reacted well under these conditions. Heating under conventional oil-bath conditions required a more extended reaction time (40 h), but also gave products in good yield (72-76%) for both 100-mg and gram-scale reactions. A pegylated azide (11-azido-3,6,9-trioxaundecan-1-amine) was also coupled in good yield (65% yield microwave), demonstrating compatibility of this methodology for potential click-type applications. Our method is simple and efficient, and avoids drawbacks associated with alternative methods, including long reaction times, limited substrate scope, and required use of air-sensitive/extremely expensive palladium catalysts and specialized synthetic ligands.

Authors: Natalia Rubio, Madison Farrer. Mentors: Christopher Anderson. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neuroimaging technique used to monitor brain activity by measuring the changes in blood oxygenation levels, especially when presented with stimuli or given tasks. This is due to the principle that active brain regions require more oxygen, resulting in changes of blood flow and concentrations of hemoglobin. These observable results are achieved by diodes placed on the surface of the scalp that emit near-infrared (NIR) light into the skull. The absorption of this light by the hemoglobin in the brain’s blood vessels is then detected, localizing neural activity. Due to its portability and cost-efficient nature, fNIRS is being widely used across various fields of research and clinical applications whereas other neuroimaging methods might be less feasible or practical. Psychologists and neuroscientists are able to utilize fNIRS to understand how different regions of the brain are involved in various cognitive processes. It has been used in studying conditions like Alzheimer's disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, autism, schizophrenia, mood disorders, and dementia. In the context of dementia research, fNIRS has emerged as a promising tool . While fNIRS has a low spatial resolution with measurements restricted to the outer cortex of the brain, it enables the study of the progression of dementia by providing real-time data and offering relative tolerance to subject motion. In fact, a neuro-clinic in Provo, Utah (Cognitive FX) has been studying the use of this fNIRS technique on patients with dementia while they perform language tasks. Although no patient data will be used in this study, the use of fNIRS as a technique to learn about the progression of dementia is noteworthy. Therefore, following IRB approval I will perform semi-structured qualitative interviews with two neuro-technicians using fNIRS in this clinic. Items will focus on the strengths and challenges of using fNIRS with dementia patients. Additionally, I will shadow these technicians to gain hands-on experience. Qualitative results will be analyzed and presented. It is anticipated that this research project will raise awareness of the use of fNIRS as a technique in neuroscience as well as its potential to benefit those with dementia.

Authors: Ellie P. Evans, Mmadili Ilozumba, Sheetal Hardikar, Neli Ulrich, Jennifer Ose. Mentors: Mmadili Ilozumba. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Cachexia is a complex syndrome characterized by severe weight loss and muscle wasting. It is also a prevalent complication in various chronic diseases, including cancer and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Recent research has underscored the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in systemic well-being. Furthermore, it has been shown that cancer patients suffering from cachexia have unique bacteria composition in the gut compared to that of non-cachectic patients. In the absence of stool samples, there are a few metabolites in the circulatory system that can be directly linked to gut microbiota. Examples include bile acids, and short chain fatty acids as metabolites produced by specific Phylum. The presence of these gut microbiota derived metabolites (GMDM) in the circulation indicate a compromise in the integrity of tight junctions in the intestines. These results prompted an investigation of GMDM as an indicator of gut permeability. Our hypothesis is that an increased concentration of GMDM in the circulation is linked to gut permeability, leading to the development of cachexia in patients with colorectal cancer.  This literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between gut permeability and cachexia, seeking to identify which GMDMs are the most accurate indicators of specific bacteria linked to gut permeability, and subsequently, are accurate projectors of cachexia.  Acetic acid, a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) is a GMDM detected in the plasma of patients with gut permeability. Acetic acid makes up about 60% of the SCFAs produced by a healthy gut flora and 90% of it is produced by the genus Bifidobacterium. Our literature review will cover how closely a measurement of acetic acid and other GMDMs measured in plasma can be linked to gut permeability and to Bifidobacterium levels in the gut. Similarly, Indole is a GMDM produced by Escherichia coli and other indole-producing bacteria. Indole isn’t produced naturally anywhere else in the body. When it is naturally absorbed into the liver through the portal vein, it’s mostly converted into indoxyl sulfate. The heightened presence indole in plasma in sulfate-free forms could indicate that indole is being absorbed through holes in the tight junctions of the intestines, rather than through the portal vein. This information would allow cohorts that have collected plasma samples in the past to measure gut permeability by proxy, even if they’re unable to investigate the gut microbiota and metabolites present from stool samples. These connections found could further help us to use-already collected samples to find accurate biomarkers for early cachexia development in cancer patients. If an oral presentation is unavailable, a poster presentation would be great.

Authors: Ana Paulina Medellin-Alvarez, Jared Almazan, Tursun Turapov, David A. Kircher, Karly A. Stanley, Gennie L. Parkman, MiKaela N. Field, Katie M. Culver, Silvia Coma, Jonathan A. Pachter, Howard Colman, Sheri L. Holmen. Mentors: Sheri Holmen. Insitution: University of Utah. Despite promising results from recent FDA-approved therapies, many advanced melanoma patients develop resistance to both immunotherapy and targeted therapy. A common resistance mechanism to targeted therapy is upregulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, which has also been shown to promote the development of melanoma brain metastases. Historically, AKT inhibitors have failed in the clinic due to their limited efficacy or intolerable toxicity. Proteomic analysis comparing non-metastatic vs brain metastatic primary tumors in mice revealed focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as an AKT1 specific effector and a potential alternative therapeutic target. FAK is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that localizes primarily to focal adhesions to regulate cell migration. To determine whether targeting FAK alone or in combination with the RAF/MEK inhibitor avutometinib reduces brain metastases and prolongs survival, we utilized both autochthonous and syngeneic melanoma mouse models. Mice with either subcutaneous tumors or established brain metastases were treated with FAK inhibitor, RAF/MEK inhibitor, or the combination of FAK and RAF/MEK inhibitors. Each cohort was assessed for tumor onset, growth, metastasis, and survival. Our results show that combined RAF/MEK/FAK inhibition significantly delays tumor onset, causes regression of established tumors, prevents the development of brain metastases, promotes the regression of established brain metastases, and prolongs survival. In addition, patient-derived BRAF V600E melanoma xenograft mouse models resistant to the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib and the MEK inhibitor trametinib, were sensitive to combined RAF/MEK/FAK blockade. The addition of the BRAF inhibitor encorafenib to these models further enhanced the effect on tumor growth. These results support the initiation of a clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of the RAF/MEK inhibitor avutometinib in combination with the FAK inhibitor defactinib in patients with brain metastases from cutaneous melanoma. Additionally, we are assessing non-canonical roles of FAK in modulating the tumor microenvironment to determine whether avutometinib and defactinib also enhance the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition in this disease.

Authors: Corin Marsh, Acacia Overono. Mentors: Acacia Overono. Insitution: Utah Valley University. A variety of memorization techniques have been shown to enhance the ability to recall important information. While many of these techniques focus on repetition and retrieval of verbal information, the drawing superiority effect (DSE, Wammes et al., 2016) is a phenomenon where drawing leads to better recall compared to re-writing. The present study investigates the extent of these findings by combining the DSE with retrieval practice. This experiment utilized a within-subjects, single-blind design consisting of 32 undergraduate students ranging in age from 18 to 42. Participants were tasked with learning 20 vocabulary terms through a guided slideshow, then studied terms through; reading definitions (verbal restudy), viewing images of the definitions (visual restudy), writing definitions (verbal retrieval), and drawing definitions from memory (DSE with retrieval). After a brief distractor task, participants were tested on their recall of the definitions. Finally, subjects completed a shortened version of the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ) and a funnel debrief. Preliminary analyses using a repeated measures ANOVA revealed that re-reading was the study method that resulted in the highest recall scores (M = .57) compared to all other conditions (F (3, 93) = 14.9, p < .001, ηp2 = .324). Further — VVIQ ability showed no significant correlation with participant scores for any of the study methods. These results indicate that re-reading was a more effective study strategy for memorizing vocabulary terms with a short delay when compared to viewing images, writing definitions, and drawing definitions from memory. Future work will examine how longer delays and providing feedback influence may modulate the benefits of re-reading, drawing, and retrieval as study strategies. Keywords: drawing superiority effect, retrieval practice, memory, VVIQ

Authors: Gregory Skinner. Mentors: Yi Yin. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Materialism and consumerism have been linked to higher levels of loneliness, an increased focus on extrinsic goals, various social challenges, and lower overall well-being of individuals (Fumagalli et al., 2022; Pieters, 2013). Previous research has linked people with higher levels of consumeristic/materialistic values to a lower frequency of intrinsic and pro-social pursuits (Nurhajayanti, 2019; Sheldon & Kasser, 2018). The area of discussion has primarily often looked at relationships and societal-level challenges separately and has a limited assessment of platonic personal relationships. This study adds to this discussion by addressing the gap in more friendship-oriented relationships, looking at how the same set of individuals are affected in both personal and societal connections, as well as seeing how various individual factors, such as religious affiliation and socio-economic class may impact these effects. This research will use mixed research methods, including surveys and in-depth interviews, to see how individual attitudes toward consumerism relate to their behavior and values toward their immediate social circle and larger communities. The samples were gathered from among the United States population and were collected at random through the use of online collection methods. The participants were contacted through the use of snowball sampling as well as the use of online platforms which include SurveySwap and SurveyCircle to acquire representative samples. The survey data will be examined through the use of multiple regression analysis. The interview data will be reviewed through thematic analysis. The addition of this study will increase our understanding of not only how consumerism and materialism affect the individual’s well-being but also their capacity to meaningfully connect with their various communities.

Authors: Sage Wettstein, Kaicee Postler, Rachel Arocho, Julie Nelson. Mentors: Kaicee Postler. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Research has shown the efficacy of improving and strengthening family relationships through family life education programs (FLE; Darling, et al., 2019). The Stronger Families Project (SFP) at Utah Valley University (UVU) is a FLE program offered to the community to provide skills regarding communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, and general family function (Stronger Families Project, 2023). The current study aims to identify qualitative themes of satisfaction among participants from SFP across three semesters, including Fall 2022, Spring 2023, and Fall 2023. Qualitative data has been taken from satisfaction surveys administered in the final session of the program to determine the elements of the SFP program that have the most positive effects on families. Thematic analysis will allow for comprehension of the data in an aggregate form, with specific quotes to support identified themes. Implications for future research and practice will be discussed based on identified themes.

Authors: Alexa Bailey, Sophie Daines, Joshua Bennett, Carlos Moreno, Scott Weber. Mentors: Scott Weber. Insitution: Brigham Young University. As the understanding of cancer pathophysiology continues to increase, there is an increased focus on the role of T cells in targeting cancerous cells and tumor sites. Recently, it was demonstrated that CD5, a transmembrane glycoprotein found on T cells, plays a key role in negatively regulating T cell activity. CD5 also significantly impacts T cell metabolic profiles by increasing oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and extracellular acidification rates (ECAR). We are now investigating the role of CD6, a related membrane protein found on T cells, and its effect on regulating T cell proliferation and metabolism by measuring the proliferation rates and metabolic profile of T cells from a CD5/CD6 double knockout murine model. Because tumor microenvironments are vitally important in determining the immune system’s response to cancer, differences in metabolism may yield new insights for developing immunotherapy techniques.

Authors: Benjamin VanDreew. Mentors: Kal Munis. Insitution: Utah Valley University. America as we know it today is politically very polarizing, divided, and full of misinformation. In this climate, buzzwords have become as prominent as ever either being spouted by politicians or news outlets or even trickling out to the public. In 2023 the word “woke” became a popular buzzword and is used in all sorts of contexts. So much so that in a lot of ways “woke” has lost any of its original meaning that was trying to be conveyed. In this study, I am out to discover what “woke” really means to Americans from all different walks of life. We have set up a conjoint list experiment that will be sent out in the form of a survey featuring randomized options. We will be able to get a better look at what aspects of American life people feel are the most “woke” and help define what the buzzword really means. This research will give us a deeper look into modern American culture and help provide clarity to this polarizing subject.

Authors: Travis Christensen, Geoff Zahn, Alma Laney. Mentors: Alma Laney. Insitution: Utah Valley University. In July 2022, green cabbage plants (Brassica oleracea) were observed with severe viral symptoms in a local community garden in Utah County. These plants were observed to be covered with cabbage aphids (Brevicoryne brassicae). Symptoms observed on the cabbage plants included yellowing, necrotic lesions, and brittle necrosis of the leaves. These symptoms have been found to be transmissible by the cabbage aphid to broccoli, cabbage, and kale, although symptoms are delayed in kale. Work is being done to find other transmissible plants within the brassica family. Sequencing of RNA yielded no results, however, amplification of viral DNA via rolling circle amplification (RCA) has yielded positive results. A sample obtained through maintenance of the virus and cabbage aphid is currently being subjected to RNAseq using the NovaSeq Illumina platform. Through several virological methods we are able to conclude the presence of a putative geminivirus transmissible through cabbage aphid in our affected plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of an aphid-transmissible DNA virus of brassicas in Utah. Further work is being done to further identify, classify, and build the genome of this specific virus using Illumina sequencing.

Authors: Ezra Wylie, Merrill Halling. Mentors: Merrill Halling. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Various parts of Cercocarpus ledifolius, or curled leaf mountain mahogany, was used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for a wide variety of uses including tuberculosis, syphilitic sores, and venereal diseases. Symbiotic microorganisms, called endophytes, often produce these compounds for defense of the tree. Novel compounds have been found in plants which have demonstrated antibiotic, antifungal, or other biological activities. Endophytes were grown from various parts of the tree, including roots, stems, branches, and leaves. The bioactive compounds were isolated and identified using chromatographic and spectroscopic methods.

Authors: Megan Ritter Martin, Alley Fausett, Kristin Davenport, Malisa Brooks, Kent Hinkson. Mentors: Malisa Brooks, Kent Hinkson. Insitution: Utah Valley University. AbstractBackground: Present-day college students confront record-high levels of anxiety. In 2022, 36.9% of college students reported that anxiety affected their academic performance compared to 21.9% in 2015. This surge in anxiety presents a pressing concern. Prolonged anxiety poses a significant risk, potentially triggering various mental health challenges, including substance abuse, depression, and suicidal ideation and behaviors. Moreover, the adverse impact of anxiety on concentration and learning can result in academic difficulties that can persist throughout one’s life. Despite ongoing research, the correlation between anxiety and its influence on students’ academic performance remains inconclusive, primarily due to conflicting findings in prior studies within this domain.Methods: This study was designed to investigate the connection between academic achievement and anxiety, specifically in college students. A total of 1,359 University students from various US universities participated in this study from 2021 to 2022. Anxiety was measured by the General Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) scale, and academic performance was measured by Grade Point Average (GPA) and other markers of academic performance. To investigate potential mediating pathways, zero-order correlations were used to analyze the relationship between variables of interest. Further, t-tests were used to examine differences in key variables among demographic groups (e.g., veteran status, gender, race, ethnicity, etc.).Results: There was no statistically significant relationship found between students' academic achievement and their degree of anxiety. However, several academic performance variables besides GPA had inverse associations with anxiety. Further, several deleterious academic activities (for instance, “turning in a paper or assignment late”) were shown to be moderately associated with anxiety. Considered together, these findings suggest that anxiety has a complicated relationship with the GPA of the student, but multiple pathways connect it to academic performance.Conclusion: The present study contributes to the current literature surrounding the relationship between anxiety and academic performance. While traditionally, research into academic performance often focuses solely on GPA, additional academic performance variables were explored, providing insight into other relationships of potential significance. This creates an opportunity wherein the field may be able to better understand and support students by recognizing the impacts that anxiety has on their academic performance. These results highlight how crucial it is to treat mental health issues to improve university students' academic performance.

Authors: Emily Cherrington, Sam S Ingram, Chloe E Loveland, Ryanne Welch. Mentors: Olga Kopp. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Ocimum basilicum, commonly known as Genovese basil, is a frequently grown herb in the Lamiaceae family. It is used in food cuisines around the globe and is easily grown as a fresh-market herb for restaurants, farmer’s markets, and grocery stores. Basil has many antioxidants and anti-bacterial properties, but it is most commonly used as a culinary ingredient to add flavor to various dishes. Basil is very sensitive to cold, requiring well-draining soil with temperatures of 18°C to 27°C for germination. Consistent soil moisture is also necessary for optimum growth, and it prefers to stay moist to keep from drying out. In the face of global climate change, it becomes imperative to determine the adaptability of crucial agricultural crops -like basil- to varying nutrient levels in different substrate types across diverse environmental conditions. A plant's capacity to thrive in distinct substrates is intrinsically linked to the unique requirements of its seeds. The choice of substrate serves as the foundational element for cultivating healthy plants. This study centers on examining three pivotal aspects related to substrates: moisture retention, nutrient accessibility, and fungal growth. This led us to question whether the germination success of Ocimum basilicum differs depending on the substrate type. To test this question, we will plant Genovese basil seeds in four distinct substrate types: standard germination mix, 80/20 peat-perlite blend, compost-enriched soil, and an agar medium. Following their placement in the respective substrates, all seeds will be grown in a controlled growth chamber, subject to identical lighting conditions and a consistent temperature of 22°C to ensure uniformity across all treatments. At intervals of 1-2 days, diligent observations will be made to detect signs of germination. Once germination becomes apparent, we will meticulously document the results. Subsequently, this collected data will undergo analysis using the R Language. We anticipate that substrates rich in nutrients (specifically agar and standard germination mix) will exhibit heightened germination success. Investigating how substrate type affects the germination success of Genovese basil offers valuable insights with broad applications in horticulture and agriculture. It can enhance agricultural practices by pinpointing optimal soil choices for specific crops, increasing substrate efficiency to minimize resource wastage, and promoting sustainable and economical cultivation methods. Furthermore, this research contributes to a deeper comprehension of the environmental ramifications of crops and the diversity of crops in both controlled laboratory settings and natural environments.

Authors: Noah Christensen, Matt Olson. Mentors: Matt Olson. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Geologic maps serve as a valuable tool with diverse applications, one of which is resource exploration. Understanding available resources in America is beneficial for enhancing energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic growth. As political discourse rises, it is crucial to address national security concerns and head towards short- and long-term goals of energy independence. Traditional geologic mapping is characterized by time-intensive and high-cost fieldwork, but through multispectral and hyperspectral remotely sensed imagery it is possible to instantly map extensive areas using unique absorption patterns of minerals in the reflected spectral signature of the electromagnetic spectrum. This study explores an intercomparison of mineral mapping using Hyperion (EO-1), ASTER, and AVIRIS imagery in the Marysvale Volcanic Field, Utah. The satellites and high-altitude aircraft were chosen due to their varying number of spectral channels, spectral ranges, and spatial resolutions, allowing for a cross-analysis of their strengths, weaknesses, and overall capabilities. While previous studies have utilized AVIRIS and ASTER imagery within the Marysvale Volcanic Field, no prior research has explored a comparison of mineralogical maps using these sensors at a specific location. All analysis will be conducted through open-source applications to promote accessibility in future research and reproducibility of image generation through the sharing of R code. This research will enhance our comprehension of the necessary spectral and spatial resolutions for generating accurate mineral identification. Published geologic maps and in-situ field samples were used to validate the generated maps. We expect to find one of two outcomes: a strong contrast in classified mineralogy depending on the image source used, pointing towards a need for higher spatial and spectral resolutions to achieve accurate mapping, or minimal variation in classification, indicative of an unnecessary number of spectral bands. Developing accurate and accessible mineral mapping tools may be the next step in strengthening our knowledge of resource availability, without the need for rigorous traditional mapping methods.

Authors: Austen Miller, Josh Leon, Geoffrey Zahn. Mentors: Geoffrey Zahn. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The Pando aspen grove in Central Utah is a remarkable organism comprising a clonal colony of Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides) in Fishlake National Forest. While Pando has garnered plenty of attention, the role of the fungal microbiome within this clonal system remains relatively uncharted. This research project delves into the endophytic and epiphytic fungal communities inhabiting the leaves of this giant single organism. The clonal nature of Pando means that plant genotype is consistent across a broad area, allowing us to test hypotheses about how plant-associated fungi disperse and associate with their hosts. In particular, we are testing whether proximity to a forest edge affects foliar fungal community structure. This research will enhance our understanding of how forest patch size and location contribute to plant-fungus community formation. These findings may also have implications with the potential to affect the health and resilience of this aspen clonal colony, which could in turn inform conservation strategies and forest management in the face of environmental challenges and the shifting ranges of aspens and fungal symbionts.

Authors: Emmaline M Saunders, Michael A Stearns, Ami Ward. Mentors: Michael Stearns. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The Tuolumne Intrusive Suite (TIS), Sierra Nevada, California, accumulated magmatic rock from 95 to 85 Ma. Ar-Ar biotite dates require that temperatures within the TIS remained above ~300°C until ~79 million years ago. The protracted thermal history resulted in five texturally and chemically distinct units that young towards the center and was recorded by chemical and isotopic re-equilibration of the minerals. Challener and Glazner (2017) demonstrated that amphibole phenocrysts from the Half Dome Granodiorite (Khd) experienced greenschist-facies metamorphism. Amphibole phenocrysts host abundant inclusions of biotite, chlorite, feldspar, titanite, epidote, and apatite, which are interpreted to have crystallized via breakdown of magnesiohornblende. Additionally, Al zoning suggests fracturing and subsequent healing of the amphibole crystals occurred at near- or subsolidus temperatures. New EPMA and LASS-ICP-MS analyses of texturally related amphibole, titanite, feldspar, and biotite from the equigranular Khd place limits on the timing of amphibole breakdown and contextualize the low-temperature re-equilibration of many of the major minerals in the rock. Most of the amphiboles analyzed contain 0.5–6 wt. % Al2O3 corresponding to actinolite compositions, while feldspar pairs record ~475 ºC apparent temperatures. Titanite grains (re)crystallized between 91–80 Ma and contain 25–825 ppm Zr, which correspond to apparent temperatures between 550–710 ºC (150 ± 50 MPa, aTiO2 = 0.5 ± 0.1). The distribution of Zr in titanites is bimodal with the majority having <200 ppm Zr. Titanites younger than 87 Ma have decreasing Zr content and titanites included within actinolite amphibole contain the lowest Zr content (25–50 ppm) and youngest dates (85–80 Ma). Melt-present crystallization of titanite began at ~91–90 Ma, followed by both near and subsolidus (re)crystallization from ~88–86, concluding with titanite growth via hornblende breakdown from 82–80 Ma. These data taken together with previous investigations provide a continuous record of the rock’s chemical evolution driven by incremental emplacement and subsequent episodic autometamorphism of the equigranular Khd, and critically, any inferences regarding magmatic processes in the TIS must first account for the metamorphic re-equilibration of the rock.

Authors: Arahi Perdomo, Brooklyn Moore, Erin Kerr, Hula Santiago, Kylie Kay, Sarahi Joyner. Mentors: Krista Ruggles. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This research initiative centers on the experiences and learning outcomes of preservice teachers (PSTs) from Utah Valley University who volunteer to teach in the San Juan School District (SJSD) and the Navajo Nation. Our primary aim is to understand how this cross-cultural teaching experience shapes their future teaching practices, perspectives on diversity, and inclusion in education.Preservice teachers play a critical role in the future of education This study examines how their participation in a unique cultural context can enhance their preparedness as educators. By engaging in volunteer teaching assignments within the Navajo Nation, these students gain exposure to diverse cultural backgrounds; fostering cultural awareness and sensitivity.We seek to show the transformative impact of this experience on their personal and professional growth. Through interviews and observations, we will explore the challenges and opportunities faced by preservice teachers and how this experience influences their teaching philosophies and aspirations.Our ultimate goal is to determine how such immersive experiences can contribute to the development of culturally responsive pedagogy. We believe that these preservice teachers, with their enriched perspectives, can become advocates for diversity and inclusion not only within their classrooms but also within the broader educational landscape and society.This research holds the potential to inform teacher education programs and policy discussions regarding the value of cross-cultural experiences in teacher preparation. By shedding light on the impact of volunteer teaching in the Navajo Nation, we hope to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on fostering more inclusive and culturally aware educators, ultimately benefiting students and society as a whole.

Authors: Chance Witt, Devan Hill. Mentors: Jianlong Han, Seth Armstrong, Sarah Duffin. Insitution: Southern Utah University. We study the steady state solutions of a Lotka-Volterra model with crowing effects when delta=2. A nonstandard numerical scheme is proposed, and numerical experiments predict the long term behavior of the numerical solution.

Authors: Webster Madison, Oldroyd Kristina, Shubert Jennifer. Mentors: Shubert Jennifer. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Recent societal events have become benchmarks for understanding how young people interpret and engage with broader social issues. For example, the 2016 election revealed a heightened awareness of systemic racism, inequity, and oppression among youth disapproving of Trump’s presidency, with Latinx groups in particular demonstrating awareness of racism and discrimination across marginalized groups.Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s historic decision to overturn Roe v. Wade ignited nationwide discourse on social issues such as women’s reproductive rights and bodily autonomy, with some interpreting the ruling as perpetuating systemic oppression, a form of cultural imperialism and power imbalance, disproportionately affecting marginalized groups’ access to safe and legal abortions. This study utilizes Young’s (1990) multifaceted oppression framework to investigate how emerging adults demonstrate awareness of oppression in interpreting and responding to societal events.Data came from 104 undergraduate students (Mage= 21.74; 72% Female; 91% White) identifying as conservative, moderate, or liberal. This study collected data from a longitudinal sample through a Qualtrics survey distributed within hours of the Supreme Court decision. Participants responded to open-ended questions regarding their feelings, views, and potential changes in attitudes and behaviors due to the overturn. By applying a coding scheme based on Young’s framework to the narrative responses, evidence of all five dimensions of oppression emerged. Intriguingly, marginalization (i.e., limiting full participation in society) constituted the most prevalent theme, appearing in 52 responses opposing the overturn and 10 supporting the overturn, followed by powerlessness (i.e., inability to make decisions regarding oneself), arising in 40 opposing and 22 supporting narratives. Next, 37 opposing and 33 supporting responses highlighted cultural imperialism (i.e., valuing and enforcing dominant cultural norms). Then, 38 opposing and 8 supporting responses expressed violence (i.e., intentional harm or threat). Finally, only 22 opposing and 8 supporting responses illustrated exploitation (i.e., systemic transfer of resources). These findings suggest that participants across the political spectrum expressed complex reactions to the decision’s ramifications. Evidence of all five facets of oppression in participants’ narratives may shed light on the potential for heightened critical consciousness among individuals navigating the complexities of a post-decision landscape. Further theory building is necessary to understand how young people develop a critical awareness of significant social events and their impact on critical consciousness. Moreover, these findings establish a foundation for advancing critical consciousness theory, particularly concerning period effects and the development of awareness regarding structural privilege, oppression, and inequity.

Authors: Ian Macapagal. Mentors: Joshua Price. Insitution: Southern Utah University. The issue of suicide in the United States constitutes an increasingly concerning economic and public health issue, given the observed rise in suicide rates in recent years and the societal costs incurred by suicides. This paper focuses on the incidence of suicides by firearm, given firearms’ comparatively high usage and lethality in suicides, and investigates the effects of mandatory waiting periods for firearm purchases on the incidence of suicide. Such purchase delays theoretically provide a “cooling off” period, temporarily denying impulsively suicidal individuals the means to commit suicide. This study employs multivariate regression analysis to isolate the effects of having state-level mandatory waiting periods for firearms purchases, as well as the length of such periods, on state-level suicide mortality rates. This analysis is conducted with the aim of investigating the effectiveness of these policies in reducing firearms-related and total suicides, in addition to the extent to which suicidal individuals respond by substituting firearms for other methods.

Authors: Cate Miller, Tyler Free, Brad Bundy. Mentors: Brad Bundy. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Diagnostics are an essential tool in the treatment path for many different types of cancer. They are used to determine the progression of cancer treatment and are critical to increase survival rates. The most common diagnostics are often too expensive or sophisticated to be used on a widespread scale. Using a cell-free protein synthesis system to create a biosensor as a diagnostic can drastically decrease costs, increase convenience, and increase survival rates. We previously engineered low-cost CFPS systems to detect glutamine which would be useful for low-cost biosensing of clinically relevant glutamine concentrations. This work reports our progress in optimizing the CFPS glutamine biosensor for improved performance.

Authors: Riley B. Jackson, Iris Cepeda. Mentors: Michael C Rotter, Kiara Whitley. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Roses (Rosa spp.) are beloved ornamental plants known for their flowers and for their formidable prickles, often referred to as thorns. These prickles are an important part of herbivore resistance in these plants. These mechanical defense structures can vary in shape and abundance and are found along the length of the stems and even the underside of leaves. Although the mere presence of these prickles can cause damage to potential herbivores they also may act as vectors for infectious microbes. Previous studies have shown that other piercing physical defense structures can harbor infectious bacteria, sometimes resulting in conditions such as gangrene, anthrax poisoning, or septic arthritis. This raises the question about their potential implications for human safety particularly when these plants grow in areas of high human use. While roses have similar sharp structures, it is currently unknown if they harbor any pathogenic or defensive bacteria. Our study explores and whether local roses (both native and non-native) have similar or distinct microbiomes and if they possess pathogenic microbes. Understanding these differences would enable us to shed light on ecological relationships between microbes and native versus non-native plants and health risks associated with rose prickle injuries.

Authors: Garrett Johnson, Tyler Free, Brad Bundy. Mentors: Brad Bundy. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer. Asparaginase treatment has greatly improved survival rates to 80%. Survival rates increase by an additional 10% when diagnostic treatment monitoring is used to guide treatment administration. Cell-free protein synthesis is a technology capable of detecting Asparaginase in human serum. However, RNases from human samples destroy CFPS activity. RNase inhibitor can be produced at a low cost by the CFPS system to rescue in-vitro protein synthesis activity to enable biosensing. This work reports our work toward developing an at home Asparaginase diagnostic that would enable personalized dosing of Asparaginase and further improve survival rates of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.