Fine Arts

Authors: Addie Ressler. Mentors: Jacob R. Hickman. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Since the conflict named “the Troubles”, infrastructure and symbolic imagery have been used to divide areas within Northern Ireland and mark territory between Loyalist and Republican communities. While the larger community in Belfast is still held by these physically and socially enforced boundaries, the art community actively defies these restrictive borders by renting, renovating, and then transforming buildings and spaces within segregated areas. In this paper, I analyze the unique and incomparable role that artists can play in pushing against the sectarian attitudes that persist within Belfast. Their success is dependent, in part, on the spaces they occupy and the use of those spaces. I argue that because artists infuse their studios and buildings with metaphysical meaning, artist collectives are able to provide neutral spaces where individuals from the opposing communities can come in contact with one another. Ultimately, members of the art community in Belfast strive to produce a commune-like entity that can act as a microcosm for an ideal Belfast.

Authors: Talia Berglund. Mentors: Michael T. Searcy. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Fremont Red-on-Gray Pottery Specific to the Northern Macro-Region of inhabitance, there has yet to be a comprehensive cataloging of Fremont red-on-gray ceramics. As such, I will be asking the following research questions in regard to this type of ceramic: What designs were painted on Great Salt Lake red-on-gray? And how do these designs compare to other Fremont ceramic types? In order to effectively answer these questions, I will look at Great Salt Lake Fremont ceramic vessels and sherds with traces of red paint on the surface, with a particular emphasis on the artifacts found at Hinckley mounds but comparing them to Wolf Village specimens as well. The research will include recording the shapes and designs that are painted on the vessels, as well as measuring width and length of these lines and shapes. I will also investigate what the red pigment is made out of–using either PXRF or microscopic analysis. These methods will generate a catalog of designs found on red-on-gray ceramics, as well as a data set that will allow me to look for patterns among the painted designs. I plan to develop a general typology of red-on-gray Fremont pottery based on the sample investigated.In carrying out this research, we should be able to assess whether or not the Fremont in the Northern Macro-Region shared painting practices with other Fremont in different areas, and thus possibly determine how they viewed themselves as belonging to or different from other nearby groups of people. If a pattern emerges and red-on-gray designs are shared between groups, then perhaps they interacted with and associated with those groups. If there is a lack of shared practices and designs, the opposite could be potentially true.

Authors: Harmony Newbrough. Insitution: Utah Valley University. During the time of Ancient Rome, there were many sarcophagi that were created that had faceless portraits, and it could have been for a number of reasons, whether it be financial or personal. These unfinished portrait faces have puzzled archaeologists and historians alike in trying to find a concrete answer as to why there are so many of them,

Authors: Amber Clayton. Mentors: Michael Searcy. Insitution: Brigham Young University. This summer, an excavation took place at the Hinckley Mounds, which included the recovery of many different artifacts. Artifacts found include faunal bones—the main object of my research project. The Fremont people left behind so many different things for us to find. They hunted particular animals; which can indicate which animals may have contributed most to their diets and may have also been used to contribute to other aspects of their lives. Many questions can be answered with the analysis of faunal bones: Which faunal bones show up more than others? What does the variety of animals teach us about the Fremont people at Hinckley Mounds? Through the analysis of the faunal assemblage I will be conducting, I will be able to tell which animals are more common in the assemblage. I believe this will also be able to tell me which animals played a more prominent part in the lives of the Fremont people.My primary goal is to determine the typology of the faunal bones by using the comparative collection at the Museum of Peoples and Cultures in order to see if I can identify the animals left behind by the Fremont people at Hinckley Mounds. Hundreds of faunal bones were found, so many of them that it will be impossible for me to analyze all of them during fall semester. However, I will strive to analyze representative sample of them so I have some good sample data. I will then use the data from 2023 and the results from the 2015 field season to write up the research for this project.

Authors: Katrina Kim. Mentors: Joshua Price. Insitution: Southern Utah University. The gender wage gap has been a persistent issue in the labor market for several decades, resulting in inequalities in workforce opportunities for women. Traditionally, this gap has often been attributed to observable characteristics, referred to as "human capital determinants" which characterized jobs in to male-dominated and female-dominated roles. This division was based on factors such as job requirements and physical labor, leading to disparities in wages. However, recent decades have seen a narrowing of the gender wage gap due to increased opportunities and the emergence of the gig economy. While Uber is one of the most widely recognized gig economy platforms, this study aims to explore whether the gender wage gap persists or narrows across various technology-based job markets. Utilizing data from the Gig Economy Data Hub, which includes information from gig worker surveys, tax returns, demographics, and more, this research seeks to identify the factors influencing gender pay disparities. The study will examine income differentials between male and female gig workers across multiple platforms, taking into account various wage determinants and tax statuses. Additionally, demographic variables including race and household income will be considered as wage disparities exist not only between genders but also among different minority groups. By examining various factors, this study will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of the gig economy on gender pay equity and inform potential policy interventions aimed at addressing these disparities.

Authors: Aaron Brown, Kimball Jardine, Nathan Schill, Courtney Webb, Joanne Guthrie. Mentors: Joseph Price. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Background: Many school districts consider meeting the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) sodium standards challenging. USDA national survey data indicate that in School Year 2014-15, 28% of lunch menus did not meet the standard. Entrees contributed the largest share of sodium, making their sodium content especially important.Objective: Assess variation in sodium content of popular entrees across a large national sample of school districts.Study Design, Settings, Participants: School menu data including item sodium content were obtained from 1149 school districts using an automated web scraping program.Measurable Outcome/Analysis: Menus were web scraped monthly between August 2022 and January 2023. Variation in sodium content of two popular entrees−pizza and chicken nuggets−was analyzed, with average sodium content compared across different regions in the US and also based on the per-pupil spending of the district.Results: There is statistically significant variation in entree sodium content between regions, with the South having the highest average level of sodium. The average sodium level is also highest in the districts that have the lowest per-pupil spending.Conclusion: Sodium content of popular entrees exhibits significant variation across school districts. This highlights the fact that districts could reduce the amount of sodium in their lunch entrees while still offering the popular entrees they serve.

Authors: Elise Bennett, Zenos Thoreson, Blaise Bartlett, Jacob McFadden, Melanie Rosa, Nathan Walker, Logan Fenn, Eric Domyan, Colleen Hough. Mentors: Eric Domyan, Colleen Hough. Insitution: Utah Valley University. A team of 13 biotech students competed in the international Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition in Paris, France in the Bioremediation category. The iGEM Foundation is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote education and collaboration for the advancement of synthetic biology. The Grand Jamboree is a 4-day expo where students, academics, investors, industry representatives, journalists, and the public gather while student teams from around the world compete for medals and awards by following the engineering cycle, design, build, test, learn (DBTL) with living organisms. Our team chose to focus on bioremediation of Utah Lake because, not only is it a local issue, it is also used worldwide as an example of toxic algal blooms. Excess nutrient loading in Utah Lake is causing eutrophication, which leads to increased algal blooms that produce toxins hazardous to human, animal, and aquatic life. The excess nutrients are composed mostly of nitrogen and phosphorous compounds that enter the lake primarily from wastewater treatment plants, runoff fertilizer, and naturally occurring inorganic environmental sources. Our goal is to reduce the nutrient load of wastewater entering the lake by engineering a harmless organism to sequester phosphorus and convert nitrogenous compounds to atmospheric nitrogen, which is biologically inert. We chose the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as the chassis for the genetically engineered machine. A second, long-term goal would be to turn the sequestered nutrients into a product that is usable to the local community. We have a responsibility to the local community, native people, plants, and animals to restore Utah Lake to its natural beauty to be respectably and responsibly shared by all.

Authors: Elizabeth Smith, Melissa Chavez. Mentors: Jared Neilsen. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Suicidality is a growing public health issue, especially in a neurodiverse population. Suicidality rates are higher among a sample of people with ASD (Demirkaya et al., 2016). While the full causes of why people with ASD tend to be more suicidal are unknown, there are people who are trying to address this with different treatments. Some of the treatments that are being used work in neurotypical people. However, there is a lack of treatment use for those of nuerodiverse populations. One of the areas that we know decreases suicidality is talking about it more, which is contrary to the prevalent myth that talking about suicidality increases rates of suicidal tendencies (Dazzi et al. 2014). Knowing that suicidal tendencies are decreased by talking about suicide, we set out to answer the question: Is the same true for neurodiverse populations who are at more risk for suicide? We recruited a total of 72 participatns, 27 from the ASD community, 20 with social anxiety, and 25 neurotypical people (to act as a control group). To answer this question, we sent out nightly surveys that included questions about suicidality as well as having them come in every 6 weeks to administer the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating scale. For the participant’s first visit, we administered the lifetime version, and then at every other visit, we administered the 6 week version. We then compiled the scores and ran them through R. We found that the scores decreased (i.e. participants were less suicidal) across the visits. This indicates that suicidality is lessened through talking about suicide for neurodiverse populations. Further research is needed to confirm this. While the findings from this study are positive, they need to be considered in the light of several limitations such as attrition from the participants and the recency bias on the part of the students.

Authors: Kate Binford, Marissa Roper, Brynn Eyre. Mentors: Sarah Coyne. Insitution: Brigham Young University. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between personal feelings about modesty and the prevalence of eating disorders (EDs) among Latter-day Saint (LDS) men and women. Participants were recruited through social media and announcements on LDS-specific social media pages. The study has a final sample of n=1,271, 431 of which (33%) had an ED. There is a significant positive correlation between feelings of shame about modesty and the prevalence of EDs (r=0.11, p<.001). This means that, in general, more feelings of shame about modesty are related to a higher prevalence of EDs. Implications of these findings indicate that it may be helpful to reduce any shame-based teachings around modesty in order to protect against EDs.

Authors: Ashley Swensen, Ruth Kerry. Mentors: Ruth Kerry. Insitution: Brigham Young University. The American West has been experiencing severe drought for over 20 years with changes in climate. Also, the population in certain states has greatly increased putting increasing pressure on the limited fresh water supply. While the agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of freshwater, much is also used to irrigate turfgrass lawns in urban residential areas. The EPA has estimated that about 50% of household irrigation water is wasted by temporal and spatial misapplications. Temporal misapplications can be reduced by using smart sprinkler controllers that take into account recent weather when scheduling irrigation timing. This research investigates people’s willingness to implement more efficient watering practices with and without incentives. It also investigates how an average water bill for a quarter acre lot varies between states and between cities within 5 states in the semi-arid west (AZ, CO, ID, NV, UT). Following comparison of average water bills between states and cities, the potential savings from taking advantage of water saving incentives offered by cities is investigated. The research found differences between the genders and aridity zones in terms of the types of incentive that are favored and likelihood of utilizing methods to improve irrigation efficiency. Water bills were the highest in AZ and lowest in ID and UT. The low water bills in ID are likely associated with the greater prevalence of agriculture in that state than the others studied. Most UT cities had incentives for Smart Sprinkler controllers or to xeriscape. However, in other states several cities did not have incentives for installing Smart Sprinkler controllers. We conclude by trying to assess whether incentives or disincentives are more effective at reducing water use by residential customers.

Authors: Abigail Williams, Kelsie Minga, Abby Baker, Ella Sieg, Olivia Harris. Mentors: Wendy Birmingham. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Background: Research has found positive health benefits in the communication of positive events (capitalization) with others who respond with curiosity and enthusiasm. An expectation is that one’s spouse would respond in such a way. And indeed, if one has a highly supportive spouse this is likely the case. However, not all individuals have a highly supportive spouse and may have a spouse whose behavior is more ambivalent. Such ambivalent, or unpredictable behavior may lead to worse physiological outcomes when sharing good news including increased risk for cardiovascular events. Blood pressure should dip 10-15% overnight (“dipping”). A less than 10% dip is associated with higher cardiovascular disease risk. We looked at capitalization and dipping in ambivalent and supportive couples. Interpersonal Theory asserts that positive or negative behaviors from one spouse can elicit similar responses from the other spouse. Thus we looked at capitalization and dipping for spousal ambivalent behavior, and one’s own ambivalent behavior. Ambivalent behavior, whether one own’s or one’s spouse’s can also impact the quality of the relationship.  Methods: 90 couples were recruited from a local university, social media, and the community. Participants completed measures of marital quality. They were fitted with an ambulatory blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. The monitor took a reading every 30 minutes during the daytime and once an hour overnight. Participants completed a daily diary entry each time the monitor took a reading during the daytime which included questions regarding their present activities (e.g., posture, current emotions, food consumption). Participants returned the equipment the following morning and were compensated.  Results:  Ambivalent behavior was associated with worse relationship quality measured as responsiveness, both in terms of one’s own behavior, and one’s spouse’s behavior. We found no association for systolic blood pressure (SBP) dipping for individuals whose spouse’s behavior was viewed as ambivalent, however diastolic blood (DBP) dipping was in the opposite direction showing ambivalent spousal behavior was associated with healthier dipping. Of interest, when one reported their own behavior as ambivalent when their spouse was sharing good news, their SBP dipping was unhealthy.   Conclusions: Spousal ambivalent behavior seems to be less important than one’s own behavior on SBP dipping. This may be because one is generally aware of their own behavior and understands that such behavior is problematic for the relationship. This awareness, however,  may come with a cost for their health as well as their relationship.

Authors: Stefan Jezik. Mentors: Jocelyn Wikle. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Much preexisting relationship education is focused on adults and those already in romantic relationships. Due to the audience of this relationship education, it is often tailored to fit those experiencing relationship issues in their marriages or with their romantic partner. This form of relationship education frequently fulfills the role of a bandage to a wound, instead of fulfilling a preemptive role that could mitigate the number and severity of relationship problems from developing in the first place. While relationship education can be beneficial for any target audience, research has increasingly turned to this preemptive type of relationship education by recommending that institutionalized relationship education at the highschool level tailor its curricula to youth, teenagers, and emerging adults (Hawkins, 2017; Barber & Eccles, 2003).

Authors: Grace Harang, Avery Hansgen. Mentors: Zhenyu Jin. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Title: Utah Tech Capus Temperature Mapping with GISAuthors: Grace Harang and Avery Hansgen, Advisor: Zhenyu JinAbstract: Across America, college campuses are re-evaluating their landscaping decisions to better support the environment. Utah Tech University, in the Mojave Desert, has a large amount of grass across the campus which is extremely water-consuming, non-native, and expensive to upkeep. However, removal of grass would result in lower humidity and even higher temperatures on campus. Our research will quantify how the temperature may be affected based on land-cover. This will be essential to any future decisions by the school board. Our method will be to map out 45 evenly spaced points across Utah Tech campus, 15 grass land-cover, 15 xero-scape cover, and 15 bare concrete (parking lots). At both 10am and 9pm. At each point, we will record the humidity and air temperature. To ensure that the sun rays and wind-chill are not also being read, we will use an umbrella to shade the measuring device. The purpose of this project is to determine the temperature difference between the three different surfaces, and to use GIS spatial interpolation to make campus temperature maps.

Authors: Spencer Timmerman. Mentors: Joseph Price. Insitution: Brigham Young University. We develop a method for creating a lexicon of all correctly spelled surnames in historical US records. We focus specially on the full-count 1850-1940 census records which include over 10 million unique spellings in the surname field. We use three steps to create this lexicon. First, we use links across multiple census records for the same individuals and use these links to identify spellings of the same surname. Second, we use data from a large genealogical website to help identify the correct surnames for each person and convert this into training data. Third, we develop a machine-learning approach that uses the frequency of surnames across different record collections to identify a lexicon of correctly-spelled surnames. Our final lexicon of correctly-spelled surnames only includes 500,000 of the 10 million unique found in US census records. We also provide a crosswalk that maps the majority of incorrect surnames into a unique surname in the lexicon.

Authors: Joseph Price, Britton Davis, Alexander Jenks. Mentors: Joseph Price. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Modern data show a strong positive relationship between community-level average income and life expectancy in the United States. We compile a dataset including place of residence, lifespan, and a proxy for income for 27 million unique individuals from the 1900-1940 censuses. In contrast to the pattern in modern data, we actually find that individuals living in an enumeration district with the top quartile of our proxy for income experienced shorter lifespans than those living in the bottom quartile. We show that this negative relationship was largest in the 1900 census and slowly shrank over the next four decades showing how this negative relationship evolved to the positive relationship we see today.

Authors: Erick Gutierrez, Sazib Hasan, Vinodh Chellamuthu, Jie Liu. Mentors: Sazib Hasan. Insitution: Utah Tech University. Breast Cancer is the second most common cancer among women in the United States.In 2023, the American Cancer Society anticipates the diagnosis of 297,790 new cases of invasive breast cancer, with approximately 43,700 women expected to lose their lives to this disease. It is crucial to undertake research endeavors aimed at discerning genetic sequence patterns to facilitate the classification and treatment of breast cancer. Recent work has shown that Machine Learning techniques are effective at classifying breast cancer using genetic sequences. Our research employs the METABRIC Breast Cancer Gene Expression Profiles dataset and machine learning techniques like Multi-Layer Perceptrons (MLP) and Random Forest to explore the link between survivability, treatment, and specific genes in breast cancer patients. Predicting survival based on gene sequences and treatments can inform effective countermeasures and research priorities.

Authors: Ella Johnson, Aubria Soto, Andrew Bodily. Mentors: Chelsea Romney. Insitution: Brigham Young University. This study investigated the relationship between a sense of safety and a sense of fairness in the courtroom. In the Provo City Justice Court, court customers were offered an optional survey that covered questions about their experience in the courtroom. A section determining an individual’s ability to access the court and a section to see how fairly they felt they were treated were compared. The results reveal a significant positive association between a sense of safety and perceived fairness, indicating that when individuals felt safe in the courtroom they also tended to believe that their trial was conducted fairly (Pearson Correlation = 0.527). It was also found that for the Provo City Justice Court, most court attendees answered high on the scale for both access (M = 4.5/5) and fairness (M = 4.6/5) with 145 participants surveyed. Limitations include not surveying online court attendees and the potential bias of survey responses from those who felt dismissed during their sessions. The court experience can be improved through the creation of programs or measures that will increase not only the safety of the court customers but also their satisfaction with the perceived fairness of their trials.

Authors: Allison Weston, Summer Snow, Sophia James. Mentors: Sarah Coyne. Insitution: Brigham Young University. As childrens’ minds develop, so does their language, however, the effect of media on language has yet to be firmly established. Our study searched for the effect of screen time on language development, and whether problematic media use (PMU) was a factor in normal or late development of language. Data was gathered from a sample (n=265) of 4 year old children using simple regression for problematic media use predicting language development while controlling for screen time. Although the correlation between screen time and language development has been studied, there is a gap in the literature regarding how PMU may relate to language development.

Authors: Fiona Fox, Catherine Schumann, Cameron Monson. Mentors: Sarah Coyne. Insitution: Brigham Young University. Most often, research has looked at the negative effects of social media on mental health. The purpose of this study is to understand the interactions between social media usage and body image, and if there are any ways that social media has a positive impact on body image. This study surveyed children and youth ages 7-17 to gain insight on their social media use and different aspects of mental health. Social media preoccupation and mindfulness were both significantly correlated with body esteem, and a slightly significant correlation was found between positive social media use and body esteem. These findings suggest that mindfulness around social media usage can help mitigate the negative impact on body esteem that many youth experience. Parents can use these findings to have conversations with their children and teenagers about being mindful with social media use and avoiding preoccupation with it.

Authors: Annika Wood. Mentors: Michael Rotter. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The Asteraceae is the most common plant family in Utah County, Utah. With over 79 genera and 238 species, it is also the most diverse family. Due to this substantial size and diversity, the genera of the Asteraceae have traditionally been placed into tribes. This confusing taxonomic situation has made the Asteraceae a noticeable but difficult group to identify. In particular the beginning botany students and non-technically trained citizens often can recognize the Asteraceae but have trouble distinguishing the many species. To help with this issue, we are creating a guide to the tribes and genera of the Asteraceae of Utah County. This key will provide a general view of which genera are connected and which are not. Knowing these patterns and differences could prove to be useful information for those who wish to know more about the fantastic plants that grow within Utah County. The course of action for creating these keys include research of the specimens in Utah Valley University's herbarium as well as other online herbariums. For the tribes we are specifically researching the distinct taxonomic classifications for each tribe individually as well as what connects them together. When those connections and distinctions are laid out in an understandable key, we will further create keys for each genera in the tribes. The end result we hope will be a useful and informative tool for identifying plants in the Asteraceae family.

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: Brayden Roberts, Joshua Lothringer, Denise Stephens. Mentors: Joshua Lothringer. Insitution: Utah Valley University. We present theoretical model fits to the spectra of two complex cloudy L-type brown dwarfs, VHS 1256b (L8) and J0624 (L5). Using the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) Near Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), we get the complete spectra from 0.6-28 microns. We first fit the data using two forward model grids from the Sonora group to estimate the temperature and cloud properties of our object. Then, we apply a modified retrieval fitting code called PICASO, to make more complex fits to our observations. We conclude that forward models struggle to accurately fit our objects, while PICASO’s complex modeling can help us better understand what physics and chemistry could be lacking from our forward models.

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: 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: Kayla Knaperek, Megan Frisby, Geoffery Zahn, Alma Laney. Mentors: Alma Laney. Insitution: Utah Valley University. In February 2021, mycelial growth was found on blueberries, leading to the obtention of a fungal isolate using potato dextrose agar (PDA) after surface sterilization of the blueberries. The rapid growth of white mycelium and sclerotia was observed on the medium. Inoculation of basil plants with spores from surface-sterilized sclerotia in potato-dextrose broth resulted in necrosis and spreading in terminal buds, ultimately leading to plant death. Further isolation of the identical fungus from the diseased basil tissue confirmed its pathogenicity. Analysis of the isolate's ITS region sequencing revealed a 90% nucleotide identity to the closest relative, Botrytis cinerea. A project was initiated to further characterize the fungus, pathogenicity, life cycle, and morphological traits. The growth and development of the fungus were observed on V8, cornmeal, blueberry, and potato dextrose agars to characterize its nutritional requirements and growth patterns. Host range testing involved the systematic inoculation of various plant species (which were used as growth media), followed by careful symptom monitoring and photographed documentation. Additionally, Koch’s Postulates will be conducted to establish the causal relationship between fungal infection and the observed disease symptoms in the host plants. Seven days after inoculation, necrosis, wilting, and leaf discoloration were observed on select leaves of Lavender var. Oregano, suggesting possible infection by the blueberry fungus. Considering potential host plant immaturity during the initial inoculation, a re-inoculation is planned to ensure successful infection and to obtain conclusive results. Further investigation is warranted to confirm the pathogenic impact of the fungus on host plants.

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: 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: Olivia Frary, Carl Hjelmen. Mentors: Carl Hjelmen. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Previous work has shown that there are significant differences in lifespan between sexes of the same species. Whether it is an XY or ZW system, the heterogametic sex dies earlier. There are thought to be many factors that contribute to the difference in lifespan between the sexes. This research aims to investigate this relationship further by digging deeper into the degree of differences between the heteromorphic sex chromosomes. We want to determine whether the degree of differentiation correlates with the lifespan differences in species. The comparison of total genome size between the sexes of multiple species are used to find the difference in the size of their sex chromosomes, which is then compared to longevity data on the species to determine a relationship. This genome size data comes from publicly available databases and literature. These comparisons are made using comparative phylogenetic methods in order to account for evolutionary relatedness utilizing a newly constructed phylogenetic tree. All analyses are completed in R and include PGLS (Phylogenetic Generalized Least Squares) and measures of phylogenetic signal (Pagel’s lambda, Blomberg’s K). We will discuss the results of the comparative phylogenetic analyses and any patterns seen regarding longevity.

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.

Authors: Alexander Goslin, Hazel Ticas, Morgan Covarrubias. Mentors: Daniel Scott. Insitution: Utah Valley University. In the evolving realm of personal care product development, striking a balance between ingredient choice, manufacturing intricacies, and consumer demands is pivotal. As the industry grapples with escalating costs and the clamor for novelty, there's an imperative to find methods that refine the development pathway, keeping both product quality and cost-effectiveness in check. Machine Learning (ML) emerges as a promising contender, proposing a data-centric route to formulation - from discerning patterns to forecasting efficacies, and even creating formulas themselves. This study delves into the intricacies of leveraging ML for personal care formulations, specifically emphasizing its role in substituting ingredients to either amplify a product's qualitative facet or reduce production costs. Despite the allure of ML, its integration into personal care isn't without challenges, given the industry's unique regulatory, consumer-centric, and trend-driven landscape. Through rigorous testing, evidence-based enhancements, and in-depth analysis, we aim to shed light on ML's functional dynamics in cosmetic formulations, underscoring both its potential dividends in cost and quality.

Authors: Natalie Welsh, Lauren Brooks, Skyler Belka. Mentors: Natalie Welsh, Lauren Books. Insitution: Utah Valley University. When bacteria gain resistance to antimicrobial substances, they become a public health threat due to an inability to treat infections and control outbreaks. Staphylococcus aureus is a common element of the human microbiome that is widely associated with antibiotic resistance. While MRSA (or methicillin-resistant S. aureus) has long been prevalent, new types of antibiotic resistance, including VRSA (or vancomycin-resistant S. aureus), have become an increasing threat in recent years. This research aims to collect samples and use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to screen for genes associated with resistance to common antibiotics, such as erythromycin, tetracycline, methicillin, and vancomycin. Molecular biology techniques are used to test various resistant genes. First, sample collection uses FloqSwabs dipped in phosphate-buffered saline and swabbed on various locations on the UVU campus (e.g., door handles/knobs, vending machines, elevators, stair rails, water fountains, cash registers and keypads, countertops). Then, DNA from collected swabs was extracted using the DNeasy PowerSoil Kit. PCR was used to amplify the 16S rRNA gene to act as a positive control and confirm the methodology captured bacteria. Once confirmed, we also examined the samples for various antibiotic-resistant genes (e.g., ErmA, ErmC, TetM, TetT, etc.). Lastly, amplified DNA is visualized using electrophoresis gels, observing under UV light to verify amplification. Understanding the genes found on campus and where they are most prevalent will help elucidate the risks to students on UVU’s campus, providing valuable public health knowledge.

Authors: Elise Bennett, Megan Frisby, Rob Hess, Max Taylor, Erin Riggs, Alma Laney. Mentors: Alma Laney. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Beet curly top virus (BCTV) is a highly destructive virus found in most of the Western United States characterized by curling of the leaves, yellowing, and lack of produce. Historically, BCTV was a key factor in the decline of sugar beet production in Utah, formerly a large factor in the state economy. Commonly found in beets, tomatoes, and peppers, BCT is vectored by the beet leafhopper, Circulifer tenellus, as it feeds on the phloem tissue. Novel hosts of this virus found in Utah include sunflower, mallow, eggplant, hemp, big sagebrush, and Solanum jamesii, the Four Corners potato. Sunflowers showed symptoms of curled leaves and stunting. Similarly, the eggplant developed shriveled leaves and a mosaic at the leaf tips. Four Corners potato, a staple food source of the Indigenous peoples of the Southwest, displayed strong symptoms including stunting, leaf yellowing, and leaf curling. Weedy species and other garden plants displaying various viral symptoms were also collected for testing. Detection was done using published BCTV detection primers and rolling circle amplification with the use of Phi29 polymerase to prepare the genome for whole genome sequencing. A 518 bp region was sequenced to 4x coverage from eight host samples. To ensure the validity of diagnosis, a triple antibody sandwich ELISA was performed confirming the results. Considering the history of BCTV in relation to the agriculture industry of Utah, the discovery of novel hosts is cause for concern since this virus is adaptable and limits crop yield. The diagnosis of BCTV in native plants, such as the Four Corners potato and the big sagebrush, is pressing as it these local flora are unique to the region. The verification of BCTV in these novel hosts allows for the agriculture industry of Utah to prepare prevention methods including the monitoring of beet leafhoppers and increased integrated pest management strategies are needed to protect our local environment.

Authors: Kyri Forman, Craig Thulin, Heath Ogden. Mentors: Heath Odgen. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) uses orange filtering pigments in the eyes to discriminate between different hues of orange and yellow and these pigments are believed to be used for deciphering wing color during mate selection (Blackiston et al., 2011). However, it is not known if these orange pigments in the eyes match those in the wings, or if they are present in the wings or eyes of the white monarch (Danaus plexippus nivosus); a variant caused by a mutation in the wing pigmentation process. For this study, pigment extracts from the wings and eyes of typical orange monarchs and white monarchs were characterized using LCMS and fragmentation MS (including MSMS and MSn) and compared. Of the seven pigments known to occur within the wings of orange monarchs (Forman and Thulin, 2022), three were found in the eyes of orange monarchs and little to none of these pigments were present in the nivosus wings or eyes. This lack of orange pigment within the eyes of white monarchs may signify possible color blindness within this mutant. This is supported by previous reports of these butterflies being less likely to breed and forage for nectar, but behavioral studies will be needed to confirm this hypothesis further.

Authors: Veronica Gunyan, Minh Nguyen. Mentors: Kevin Shurtleff. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Our team’s project green hydrogen production from plastic waste by high temperature plasma pyrolysis aims to help aid in reducing waste by taking UVU’s recycled plastic waste, decomposing it using plasma pyrolysis, and turning it into clean hydrogen and carbon in a cost-effective manner. Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of organic materials in an oxygen-free zone. Green hydrogen comes from renewable energy and releases no CO2 by products into the air. The purity of the hydrogen can be improved by adjusting components such as temperature in the reactor, range, the gas used, the time frame, catalysts and other operational elements. Energy prospects can be determined by considering the energy consumed subtracted by that produced to determine the net output.

Authors: Seth Stringham, Audrey Elison, Kevin Shurtleff, Dustin Shipp. Mentors: Dustin Shipp. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Graphene, a single atom thick layer of carbon, has become a focal point of research in various fields due to its unique and diverse properties. As many researchers apply new methods to develop this material, it is crucial to have tools and practices in place to determine if the newly created sample is indeed graphene. This study focuses on using a 785nm Raman Spectrometer for analyzing graphene samples. The key analysis methods used in this study are Raman spectral analysis and the construction of a Carbon Spectral Library. The Raman spectroscopy, leveraging the G and 2D bands, helps identify the structural and vibrational properties of graphene. The Carbon Spectral Library provides a comprehensive collection of Raman spectra from diverse carbon-based materials, aiding in accurate comparison and identification. The study's findings emphasize the significance of the 785nm Raman Spectrometer as an effective tool for characterizing graphene samples.

Authors: Megan Wesenberg, Britain Jeppesen, Brianna McDaniel. Mentors: Jodie Lopez. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Abstract: Hydroxyapatite is a natural substance found in bones and the enamel of teeth. When hydroxyapatite is compromised, demineralization begins to occur which can eventually lead to cavities. There are many fluorides on the dental market, some having negative connotations associated with them. Hydroxyapatite products have been explored as an alternative for traditional fluorides to create similar effects without the potential for toxicity. Fluorosis is the main toxicity point addressed. Many patients are apprehensive of the use of fluorides due to possible overconsumption and uncontrolled levels within the local water supply. Because Hydroxyapatite is very biocompatible, access to it does not pose any toxic concerns. Using this alternate material allows these patients access to similar benefits in the oral cavity that fluoride would provide them while also being considerate of their personal beliefs and concerns. Caries are an extremely prevalent issue within the dental office, accounting for pain in patients and a majority of treatment done daily. Caries are very prevalent in the adult population. Hydroxyapatite is a useful substance in caries prevention, another similarity that it has in common with fluorides. Remineralization of these early carious lesions through the aid of hydroxyapatite leads to avoidance of more invasive treatment at a later date. A common use for fluoride is limiting sensitivity of teeth that can be felt from a variety of different stimulants within the oral cavity. Hydroxyapatite can also be used as a desensitizing agent. Hydroxyapatite enters dentin tubules and blocks them, limiting nerve stimulation within the dental pulp.

Authors: Tyler R Shaver, Lainey S Smith, Michael T Stevens. Mentors: Michael T Stevens. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Clay phacelia (Phacelia argillacea) was placed on the endangered plant list in 1978; at that time there were less than a dozen specimens alive at a single location on private land. This year, that same location, a steep hillside in Spanish Fork Canyon, had over 300 individuals. For the past four years, at suitable sites on public land nearby, we have been planting clay phacelia seeds and monitoring seedlings to understand the factors that will lead to successful establishment of this plant on public land. Following the planting of 32,400 seeds in 2020 and 13,500 in 2021, germinants that emerged were monitored and counted in the spring, summer, and fall each year between 2021 and 2023. In 2021, ten seedlings emerged, and of those six survived to produce seed. In 2022, 110 seedlings emerged, and of those 3 survived to produce seed. In 2023, 30 seedlings emerged, and of those four have survived as of the last monitoring trip. It is interesting to note that although emergence across the three years varied by as much as 11-fold, the number of plants that survived to reproduce was uniform and consistently low. The majority of seedlings that survived to produce seeds emerged in the late summer and fall. It is likely that monsoonal rains that occur in the late summer and fall make clay phacelia seed production more probable.

Authors: Hayley Karns, Dylan Bryant, Noah Christensen, David Kirby, Sarah Marchant, Sarah Nicholas, Emmaline Saunders, Hannan Thomas, Nathan Smith, Dan Cavan, Daniele Ghiretti. Mentors: Alessandro Zanazzi. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Arthropods play a crucial role within terrestrial ecosystems by virtue of their substantial consumption of plant matter, their status as primary prey for various organisms, their function as key recyclers of organic material and nutrients in ecosystems, and their pivotal role as primary pollinators. Ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae, or “Carabids”) represent a prominent and highly diverse taxonomic assemblage among arthropods inhabiting temperate forest floors. Despite their significance in these ecosystems, little is known about their trophic structure and level. These knowledge gaps primarily arise from the limitations associated with traditional investigative methods. For instance, the observation of feeding behavior in carabids proves challenging due to their diminutive size and predominantly nocturnal foraging habits. These uncertainties hinder the attainment of an understanding of community structure and trophic interactions both within the arthropod realm and with the vertebrates in their ecosystem. As a result, this research aims to gain a greater knowledge of the trophic structure of carabids using 15N/14N and 13C/12C isotopic analysis. Ground beetles were collected using pitfall traps placed near Big Springs Park (Provo Canyon, northern Utah) in September 2023. The traps were made with two plastic cups: a smaller cup was suspended inside a bigger cup. The smaller cup was partly filled with vinegar to attract the insects whereas the bigger cup was partly filled with monoethylene glycol, a compound that has been shown to preserve the insects without affecting their isotopic composition. Insect samples were collected over a period of four weeks. The beetles were then cleaned with a 2:1 mixture chloroform and methanol, dried, ground in an agate mortar and pestle, and placed in tin capsules for the isotopic analyses. Once the results are obtained, mixing model analysis will allow us to estimate the proportions of different food items based on the stable isotope ratios of consumers and food items and on known fractionations. This knowledge will contribute to a greater understanding of trophic structures and carbon pipelines in local ecosystems of northern Utah, and to a better prediction of ground beetle response to ongoing global warming and the associated changes in forest environments.

Authors: Stone Smith, Ben Belt. Mentors: Sally Rocks. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Microplastics are particles less than 5 mm in length. These particles act as a vector for heavy metal and carcinogens, which have negative effects on human health. Often invisible to the naked eye, microplastics are extremely mobile and have been found in the most extreme parts of the planet, from the peak of Mount Everest to depths of the Mariana trench. Because microplastics are readily transported via air and water, microplastics have been found in every location exposed to wind or rain. However, one place that is sheltered from wind and rain are caves. In some subterranean environments, the earth acts as a natural filter of the water that descends into caves. It is suspected that caves will have lower levels of microplastics present in their environments compared to surface environments. However, another mechanism for microplastic introduction is human activity. Humans utilize plastics in relatively all synthetic items. Everything from clothing to packaging to regular household items employs the use of plastics, which can abrade to release microplastics. The goal of this research is to determine if caves with high levels of human visitation have higher concentrations of microplastics than caves with little to no human visitation. Analysis of subterranean water samples will reveal if microplastics are invading cave environments regardless of human activity, and through what mechanisms. A consequence of microplastic pollution in cave environments is the capture of plastic particles within mineral matrices. As mineral rich water evaporates in caves, the minerals left behind form speleothems that could capture plastic particles and thus preserve them (e.g. stalactites, stalagmites, soda straws, etc.). With a better understanding of the presence or absence of microplastics in caves, efforts can be made to minimize plastic accumulation and prevent microplastics from entering the geologic record of the cave.

Authors: Iris Cepeda, Tabitha Weir, Jonathan Cook, Honey Ordonez. Mentors: Olga Kopp. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes), are beloved herbaceous crops well known for their red bearing fruits. They are best grown in well-draining soils with access to full sun and are endemic to South America but grow all across the world where the conditions allow. Tomato fruits provide a quality source of phytochemicals and antioxidants such as lycopene, vitamin C, beta-carotene, and phenolic compounds which can substantially improve one’s healthy diet. S. lycopersicum are members of the nightshade family, which are known for their production of often toxic glycoalkaloids. The presence of these compounds usually deters herbivores by increasing their concentration as a defense response. There are, however, herbivores like Manduca sexta (tobacco hornworms) that feed on members of the nightshade family by dealkylating these glycoalkaloids. It is hypothesized that plants have the ability to modulate their defensive response based on queues from the environment and from their herbivore pests. Our research objective is to determine whether a S. lycopersicum plant undergoing defoliation from M. sexta will have the same molecular response as a plant undergoing simulated herbivory. Four treatment groups will be used with each treatment group having 8 replicates. Before treatment begins, the groups will be isolated by a non-permeable surface so air-borne defense signals from one group do not elicit a response in another. In the herbivory treatment group, M. sexta will be allowed to feed for a 24-hour period to account for diurnal and nocturnal herbivory, as well as high plant enzymatic response. Damage treatment 1 will simulate herbivory using a hole-punch, avoiding the midvein. Damage treatment 2 will simulate herbivory using a single transverse cut across the leaf blade and midvein. The undamaged control will have no herbaceous or mechanical damage done. After the treatment period, half of the leaf matter from all groups will be collected and frozen in liquid nitrogen to preserve all metabolic processes and GCMS will be used to analysis metabolite differences. The other half of the leaf matter will be analyzed using UV-spectrophotometer analysis with bromocresol green to compare the glycoalkaloid expression between the treatments. It’s expected that there will be a reduced expression of the defense glycoalkaloids in the herbivory group of S. lycopersium when compared to the two defoliation groups. While the three treatments could respond similarly to their treatments by primary metabolite expression, the type of defoliation could have a greater effect on this than the herbivory group.

Authors: Haylee Beck, Lauren Weidner, Carl E Hjelmen. Mentors: Carl E Hjelmen. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Blow flies, scientifically known as family Calliphoridae, are important primary colonizers of remains that play a crucial role in decomposition, making them useful in forensic investigations for estimating a time of colonization (TOC). Unfortunately, there is little information on the species and distributions of blow flies present in Utah. Our research seeks to address this issue through collection, preservation, and identification of these blow flies. To collect the specimens, traps baited with chicken liver were set up in various locations across Salt Lake and Utah Counties. While we have only collected from these two counties thus far, our intention is to gather flies across the state, spanning both rural and urban environments. We will then use standard metrics of diversity to compare the species makeup in each location. The results of our research offer significant insights into the biodiversity, distribution, and ecological functions of these flies and their development in different ecosystems. In addition, this research has far-reaching implications in the field of forensics. These findings will contribute significantly to our understanding of blow fly distribution and behavior, providing valuable information for forensic investigations in our region.

Authors: Thomas Caldwell. Mentors: Dustin Shipp. Insitution: Utah Valley University. In this research project, we have transformed an existing Raman spectroscopy simulation, enhancing its performance and capabilities through the integration of parallel computing with GPU acceleration. This significant improvement in computational time allows us to break through previous computational limitations, enabling more sophisticated and complex applications of the simulation. We are currently focused on two main objectives: assessing the viability and potential of spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS) for deeper tissue analysis, and exploring the possibilities of topographical imaging using Raman techniques.

Authors: Cori Bailie, Arlene Majers, Katherine Judge. Mentors: Olga Kopp. Insitution: Utah Valley University. Ever since antibiotics have been in use, bacteria have been evolving to develop resistance against them. Each year, the number of people who die from previously treatable infections increases, showcasing the seriousness of this global issue. According to the CDC, facilities were overwhelmed during the 2020 pandemic, decreasing antibiotic production. By refocusing on discovering and producing new antibiotics, resistance can once again begin to be combatted. Bacteria found in soil samples were used to test for antibiotic production, using safe relatives to the ESKAPE pathogens. Starting with three master plates on Tryptic Soy Agar, 39 total bacterial colonies were studied. Colonies of interest were then PCR tested for DNA sequencing, and will be run through multiple different chemical tests for classification. Results showed that three different colonies displayed antibiotic activity. Colony 7 on master plate A produced antibiotics against Bacillus subtilis. Colonies 6 and 13 on master plate B, both produced antibiotics against Mycobacterium smegmatis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results suggest that there are more soil bacteria to be discovered that may be able to produce antibiotics for common infections that are getting harder to treat. Further testing needs to be done to determine whether these colonies are safe for human therapy.

Authors: Barbara Jetton, Carl E Hjelmen. Mentors: Carl E Hjelmen. Insitution: Utah Valley University. This project’s emphasis is the creation of an accessible and reusable tool to be used in broader scientific inquires of evolutionary relatedness. As of January 2023, GenBank contains 2.9 billion nucleotide sequences representing 504,000 distinct species. Despite this abundance of data, comprehensive and up to date phylogenies are lacking, impeding investigation into genetic histories and trait evolution. To address this problem, I am developing an open-source pipeline to expedite the construction of these evolutionary trees. I have a specific aim of creating a phylogeny for the order Diptera (flies) in order to investigate the evolution of the chromosome numbers for over 2500 species with chromosome count data on karyotype.org. I use R code, and the packages “reutils”, “ape”, and “seqinr”, to create reusable universal scripts which pull accession numbers from NCBI GenBank for each species based on the requested gene names. A second script was built to use the curated accession numbers to pull FASTA sequence data for each gene and write a multi-FASTA file for each gene, resulting in a comprehensive dataset necessary for alignment and phylogenetic tree construction. This effort will result in updated insights on the evolutionary history of Diptera related to chromosome numbers and can be used in further research in comparative biology. Additionally, these scripts can be used to investigate and reconstruct phylogenetic information for any species group with sequence data available on GenBank.

Authors: Jacob Prescott. Mentors: Zoe Thompson. Insitution: Utah Valley University. The pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene encodes POMC, which is differentially processed to produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), beta-endorphin, and three melanocyte-stimulating hormones, among other peptides. POMC neurons are principally located in the arcuate nucleus (Arc) of the hypothalamus, where they are essential in the control of food intake, energy expenditure and body weight. Several different mutations in the POMC gene have been shown to cause early-onset obesity and adrenal cortical insufficiency in humans. We are working with a mouse model with a hypothalamic-specific POMC deficiency. These mice exhibit hyperphagia, early-onset obesity, and also seem to be infertile. We are interested in examining potential differences in pubertal development, as well as reproductive function. Specifically, we will examine day of vaginal opening, day of first estrus, and estrus cycling in juvenile female POMC-deficient mice. The estrus cycle has four stages: proestrus, estrus, metestrus and diestrus. Although hormone levels in the blood differ during the four stages, these are difficult and expensive to measure. A less invasive measurement is to take vaginal cell samples each day and examine them under the microscope. Three different types of cells are present in different ratios depending on the stage of the cycle: nucleated epithelial cells, leukocytes, and cornified epithelial cells. We will track estrus cycle changes during pubertal development and after to see if there are differences between wildtype, heterozygous, and homozygous POMC-deficient mice.Learning more about how POMC-deficiency affects reproductive function may help us understand more about the link between obesity and infertility.

Authors: Cora Rasmuson, Carly Biedul, David Herbst. Mentors: Carly Biedul. Insitution: Westminster College. Great Salt Lake (GSL) is a unique ecosystem known for its elevated saline conditions, supporting diverse biological communities. However, GSL's vital habitats for birds and invertebrates are diminishing due to climate variability and water diversions. The keystone species, Ephydra gracilis, known as brine flies, is central to this ecosystem's food web.Microbialite mounds of haloarchaea, algae, and cyanobacteria sustain E. gracilis, but receding shorelines and record-low lake levels intensify salinity, reducing food sources and brine fly survivability. This decline has far-reaching consequences, as E. gracilis accounts for over 50% of the diet for 10 million migratory birds at GSL.Ongoing research is focused on refining methods for monitoring populations of Ephydra species in response to changing salinity and elevation levels. This research is vital for the preservation of the lake's ecosystem and biodiversity.