Fine Arts

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: 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: 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: Stephen Chamberland, Craig D. Thulin, Katherine Solorzano, Cassandra Beddes, Nathan Twitchell, Abram Caruso. Mentors: Steve Chamberland, Craig D. Thulin. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This investigative procedure is a continuation of an experiment done by UVU undergraduate student Kyra Banks and her mentor, UVU Professor of Chemistry Craig Thulin, to determine the structure of xanthommatin. Xanthommatin is one of the primary pigments found in monarch butterflies, and many other insects. Data obtained during the mass spectrometric analysis was observed to indicate a possible deamination of xanthommatin, however the quantity of deaminated xanthommatin observed was too small and so the structure could not be determined. The research investigates the precedented deamination of kynurenine as a model to develop a procedure for the deamination of 3-hydroxykynurenine, primarily due to the fact that it is cheaper in price to xanthommatin, as well as a chemical precursor that can be used for the synthesis of xanthommatin. The implications of this suggest that the deamination procedure developed for 3-hydroxykynurenine could be successfully replicated with xanthommatin. After the deamination procedure has been successfully repeated, xanthommatin will be synthesized using one of a few procedures developed by Kumar, A., et al1. Once a sufficient sample of xanthommatin has been successfully synthesized, the deamination procedure will be repeated on samples of xanthommatin to determine the structure of deaminated xanthommatin using NMR spectroscopy. The research conducted here is beneficial not only because it is a continuation of other UVU student’s and staff’s work, but also to those whose work is in the animal biology realm of science. The information that will be extracted from this research will spearhead new research pathways and questions to be explored.Xanthommatin-Based Electrochromic Displays Inspired by Nature (acs.org)Biomimetic Colorants and Coatings Designed with Cephalopod-Inspired Nanocomposites (acs.org)

Authors: Karissa Bauer, Kennedy Lewis, James Belnap, Andrew Torena, Braden Freestone, Luis Montenegro Calla. Mentors: Daniel Clark. Insitution: Weber State University. In the United States, 157 documented cases of primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) have been recorded between 1962 and 2022. In the 60 years since the first reported case, only four patients have survived; a 97.5% fatality rate. The causative agent responsible for the highly fatal infections, is the free-living, single-celled parasite, Naegleria fowleri— or the “brain-eating amoeba.” The aquatic thermophiles are opportunistic pathogens that inhabit a wide range of environments; from poorly maintained pools, moist sediment, rivers, lakes, etc. Exposure to N. fowleri invasion is reliant on direct contact with a host’s upper nasal mucosa, and the active parasite. Rapid deterioration of neural tissues occurs shortly after infection.Today, there is no universally accepted treatment plan for treating PAM infections. The CDC has recommended an empirical approach to treatment, and suggests utilizing combination drug-therapies. Suggested drugs include Amphotericin B, Azithromycin, Fluconazole, Miltefosine, and Rifampin. To better understand and evaluate the effects of these drugs on N. fowleri, a rescue-of-infection model was applied to test the efficacy of single and combination-drug treatments, at various time points. The model utilized an immortalized HeLa cell line that was infected with the amoebae until roughly 50% cytotoxicity was observed. The rescue stage commenced with drug additions, and HeLa cell metabolism, and apoptosis levels were monitored using fluorescence viability assays and caspase-3 enzyme detection systems. Drug combinations that included Rifampin and Amphotericin B, provided the greatest protection for human Hela cells against N. fowleri infections. Data collected from this model provides deeper understanding of Naegleria fowleri pathogenicity. This knowledge will aid the development of more reliable and efficient treatments for this devastating infection.

Authors: Lauren Silvatti.. Mentors: Zoe Thompson. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) deficiency, stemming from a mutation in the Pomc gene, presents a myriad of health challenges, including extreme hyperphagia, early-onset obesity, and infertility. This study leverages a mouse model exhibiting Pomc-deficiency to delve into the root causes of infertility. While the correlation between obesity and fertility is well-established, our primary focus is to discern whether the POMC mutation independently contributes to reproductive challenges. Our investigation extends into the interplay of genetics, endocrinology, and obesity through data analysis using R, with an emphasis on deploying advanced statistical models.Video recordings of sexual behavior interactions have been analyzed manually, with independent observers marking each behavior. The frequency and duration of each behavior will be compared among three groups of pairings: wildtype-wildtype, heterozygote-heterozygote, and homozygous POMC-deficient mice. Techniques will include data cleaning, timestamp manipulation, and behavior categorization in R, a programming language commonly used for data analysis. To discern patterns and variations, our analysis will also employ statistical models such as linear mixed-effects models. We can account for potential confounding variables and significant differences in durations of previously identified important reproductive behaviors. Visualization tools, including box plots and violin plots, will provide an initial glimpse into the distribution of behavior durations. Subsequently, we plan to conduct inferential statistics, employing techniques such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to assess the significance of differences across multiple groups. Our investigation extends beyond descriptive statistics, with a focus on predictive modeling. Regression analyses will explore potential relationships between behavior durations and reproductive success. Machine learning algorithms will be applied to uncover complex interactions within the dataset.The anticipated results promise not only a nuanced understanding of the interplay between Pomc mutations and reproductive challenges but also the identification of potential biomarkers or predictors of successful reproduction. This comprehensive statistical approach contributes significantly to the fields of genetics, endocrinology, and obesity research, offering a robust framework for future investigations into the intricate relationship between genotype and behavior.

Authors: Kaycie A Melville, Ashley N Egan, Yu Ya Liang. Mentors: Ashley N. Egan. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean) and P. lunatus (lima bean) provide protein and nutrition for millions of people across the globe. Native to the New World, these cultivated species present unique histories of multiple and independent domestications in Mesoamerica and the Andes. Brazil is the leading producer globally of these beans. With both wild and cultivated landraces present, Brazil may act as a secondary center of domestication for these two economically significant leguminous crops. Brazil's indigenous populations’ cultivation efforts may include both wild and cultivated germplasm, potentially contributing to the continued domestication of these crops to create novel shapes, sizes, and colors that are grown and hand-selected by the natives in these regions. To investigate Brazil as a secondary domestication center of beans, this research addresses several key questions: Are signals of past and current domestication processes discernible in current Brazilian cultivars of these species? Can we unravel the relationships between these Brazilian crops and their primary centers of domestication? What genetic differences are underpinning domestication? How diverse are Brazilian cultivars? How do they relate to wild and related material and species? This work focuses on 48 accessions of P. lunatus and P. vulgaris from Brazil, including wild material and two accessions from two related species, P. polystachios and P. filiformis from North America. Whole genomes were resequenced using Illumina sequencing and compared against the published genome of Phaseolus vulgaris to identify SNPs in each accession. Whole chloroplast genomes were also assembled and compared. Phylogenetic analyses, network analyses, population structure, and tests for neutral and positively selected mutations were conducted, revealing distinct clades for both P. vulgaris and P. lunatus with clear links to their Andean and Mesoamerican origins. Genetic diversity was assessed both within (cultivated vs wild) and between P. vulgaris and P. lunatus, demonstrating significant variations, not only between species but also within each species, suggesting the influence of diverse selection pressures and local adaptation during the domestication process. McDonald-Kreitman tests analyze and locate possible domestication genes from the library of SNP’s between outgroups (Phaseolus filiformis and Phaseolus polystachios) and between species. Overall, this research advances our understanding of the intricate process of domestication in P. vulgaris and P. lunatus, highlighting potential ongoing domestication in Brazilian cultivars, unraveling their genetic relationships, and shedding light on the complex interplay of genes that underpin domestication and diversity. These findings contribute to the broader understanding of crop evolution and have practical implications for crop improvement and conservation.

Authors: Ellie Martin. Mentors: Mike Searcy. Insitution: Brigham Young University. As part of the 2023 Hinckley Mounds excavation, BYU Field School participants excavated a sizable amount of beam-impressed adobe and burnt wooden beams from the partially excavated pit house. This research proposal will focus on these two types of artifacts and what can be learned about the Fremont people through their study. Specifically, in this research project I will attempt to answer the question of what specific types of wood and adobe were used, and how they were used together to build the Fremont pithouse. To do this, the charcoal will be sent in for wood testing to get dates and tree type. I will also test the beam-impressed adobe to understand the type of clay used to make the hardened adobe. Finally, I will study the beam impressions in the adobe to find the average diameter of the beams used in the pit houses, any outliers in the diameters, and analyze any visible angles on corner pieces to put together a picture of how the beams and adobe came together to form the skeleton of the pit house structure. This research has the potential to reveal much about the Fremont people that lived at Hinckley Mounds, and help us to better understand their living conditions. The research that I conduct will potentially generate data about the age and type of wood used in their living structures, the diameter of the wooden beams they used, and the angles of the corners of the structure. At the conclusion of this research we aim to gain a better understanding of how the Fremont people constructed their dwellings, from the materials to their methodologies. I anticipate finding that the trees they used were locally sourced and date to a similar period of the other dates that we have from the Hinckley Mounds site, between 700–1300 CE. The pithouse will likely prove to be sub-rectangular, similar to Structure 1 at the Hinckley Mounds site, although any angles that can be found in the adobe impressions could give more precise data. All of this new data may serve to provide more insight into how the Fremont lived and chose to operate in their society.

Authors: Alex Montgomery, Mason Gordon. Mentors: Eddy Cadet. Insitution: Utah Valley University. TRACE METAL CONCENTRATIONS OF VARIOUS LAND USE TYPES SURROUNDING UTAH LAKEMason Gordon, Alex MontgomeryKeywords: Trace metals, Soil, Land use, Utah LakeUtah Lake has a history of anthropogenic impacts that have resulted in the accumulation of trace metals (TMs) in the sediments of this region. Previous studies have evaluated the water and saturated soils, but have not provided a complete picture of the human impact on upland soils. Some pollutants may be contained in unsaturated soils and never enter the water due to the inherent soil characteristics and chemical properties of the TMs. Elevated concentrations of TMs in the environment pose hazards to the ecosystem and local residents. These impacts can be better understood by evaluating TMs in unsaturated upland soils. In this study a comparison of TMs in saturated wetland and unsaturated upland sediments, as related to anthropogenic sources, was completed. This study analyzed the types and concentrations of TMs to understand their mobility throughout the ecosystem. 52 core samples were collected from the saturated and unsaturated soils in eight sites. These sites represent recently developed areas (New Dev), more established areas (Mid Dev- those that have been developed over five years), recreational areas, mining areas, industrial areas, agricultural areas, and a wastewater treatment plant site. The soil samples were dried, ground, sieved, acid digested, and analyzed in the ICP-OES for TM (As, Pb, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Zn) content. Preliminary results show that TM concentrations in upland sediments were higher than those in wetland sediments. Cr levels in industry and Mid Dev are 43.0 ppm and 47 ppm, respectively. Saturated sediments at the same sites revealed Cr levels of 23 ppm and 21 ppm, respectively. This indicates that TMs are contained in unsaturated sediments. Of the observed land use types, Mid Dev is the most impacted, having the highest elevations of TM levels on average. Cd concentrations exceeded background levels in both New Dev (.97 ppm) and Mid Dev (.83 ppm). This is indicative of anthropogenic impact, as developed areas have higher TM content. The statements of this study will provide information to regulatory authorities in order to create policy to improve human health.

Authors: Rebekah Hakala, Moroni Black. Mentors: Todd Spencer. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Over the years countless studies have delved into the theory of attachment due to its influence in the field of child development. Attachment theory is the idea that the sensitivity of parents or caregivers to a child’s bids for attention affect how the child will bond in relationships (Bretherton, 1992; Wilson-Ali et al., 2019). The style of attachment that a child has can affect them long-term and may influence other relational and developmental characteristics (Kurth, 2013). Due to the influence of attachment, our study investigates the relationship it has with cognitive reappraisal. Cognitive reappraisal is the ability to regulate one’s emotional states and the idea that a change in these thoughts is necessary to change negative emotions (Troy et al., 2017; Clark, 2022). With its ability to process and regulate emotion, cognitive reappraisal is another influential characteristic to the human psyche. Our results and analysis of the relationship between attachment theory and cognitive reappraisal come from a quantitative survey.The purpose of the present study is to examine the relationship among attachment styles and Cognitive Reappraisal. Our sample consists of 411 married individuals. Participants completed The Relationship Questionnaire (RQ; Bartholomew & Horowitz, 1991) and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ; Gross & John, 2003). Results of the one way Anova were significant F (3,407) = 3.36, p=<.01. There was a significant difference in levels of cognitive reappraisal among attachment styles. Secure attachment (M=29.95, SD = 6.41), fearful attachment (M=27.27, SD = 5.92), preoccupied (M=27.99, SD = 7.27), and dismissing (M = 28.78, SD = 7.54). Results of the Bonferroni Post-hoc analysis indicated a significantly higher levels of cognitive reappraisal than attachment styles (p.<.001). Results provide empirical support that secure attachment styles tend to be beneficial for cognitive reappraisal.

Authors: Brooklyn Matthews, Andrew Rowley, Michael Salas, Shaun Kader. Mentors: Michele Culumber, Daniel Clark. Insitution: Weber State University. Paucilactobacillus wasatchensis causes significant product loss in the dairy industry by causing gas build-up in packaging, and slit-crack defects in the cheese. By invitation, we tested a cheese manufacturing plant in northern Utah for Plb. wasatchensis in their creamery based on reports of puffed packages of aged cheese. We were allowed to swab several locations in the production area where contamination with Plb. wasatchensis was possible. Swabbed areas included the areas exposed to milk before and after pasteurization, floor drains, the cheese vat, curd cutters, cheddaring table, and packaging environment. Samples of raw milk, fresh curds, and gassy cheese were also collected. Swabs taken from surface samples were vortexed in 1 mL sterile saline solution. The solution was diluted and plated on deMan, Rogosa, and Sharpe agar with 1% ribose (MRS+R) agar. All agar plates were incubated anaerobically for 1 week. Enrichment cultures for Pbl. wasatchensis were also made by inoculating 0.1 mL of the saline rinse from each swab in MRS+R broth, and incubated for 2 days. After growth, were diluted and plated on MRS+R agar. After 1 week of incubation, we selected small (~1 mm), slow-growing colonies that were morphologically similar to Pbl. wasatchensis. The 16S rRNA gene and N-acetyltrasferase gene were amplified using PCR primers specific for Pbl. wasatchensis. Positive Pbl. wasatchensis isolates were found on the handle of the cheese cutter and in the final cheese product showing a gas defect. Our finding suggests that Pbl. wasatchensis is a potential contaminant in the creamery, and though only found in one location, may exist throughout the facility at unculturable levels. Further studies will use molecular techniques to identify Pbl. wasatchensis throughout the facility to identify bacterial DNA instead of live cells, which may more accurately represent the presence of this fastidious organism.

Authors: Amanda Lee, Alex Phillips, Bonnie Baxter, Amy Schmid. Mentors: Bonnie Baxter. Insitution: Westminster College. The Great Salt Lake is home to a massive variety of microorganisms and insights into these populations will aid in understanding the ecosystem. The Union Pacific Railroad’s causeway has divided the lake into two distinct sections and over time caused the North Arm to increase in salinity over the South Arm and gain its hallmark pink color due to restricted freshwater input. Terminal rivers flow into the South Arm while the North Arm’s water evaporates, leaving behind accumulating salty brine, and the two very different waters have nurtured two accordingly distinctive ecosystems. Breaches periodically opened in the causeway allow the waters to mix and provide opportunity for the microbial communities of the two arms to intermingle. In a collaboration between the Great Salt Lake Institute at Westminster University and the Schmid Lab at Duke University, this project focuses on procuring a picture of the North Arm’s microbial diversity and the extent that it adapts to new environments over the four seasons, as well as what happens to the microbes and their nutrient exchange at that breach mixing point. Halophilic archaea and algae comprise the majority of biodiversity in the lake, and we hypothesize that those taxonomic compositions of the North Arm are stable over the different seasons, due to their extremophilic nature. Every season, we have collected water samples from the causeway, breach, and Spiral Jetty to grow and isolate bacterial colonies for DNA extraction and imaging. We also collect biofilm on filters to analyze RNA gene expression and metabolite usage as the environment changes. Over nearly two years of sampling, the hypothesis has been supported and we are seeing stability in community compositions in comparison to the less-salty South Arm. We are still interpreting results from the mixed breach samples, but thus far the microbes appear to be similar to those in the North Arm.