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First Year Students
Rachna Burman
Optical Imaging in Relationship to the Internal Structure of Organisms
Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering techniques into the medical
field. One such application is a type of 3-D imaging known as optical molecular imaging. It
utilizes the property of light along with other substances such as specific dyes in order look
within organisms for the identification of targeted internal organs. It is also being used to
identify specific cells within a tissue. Current optical images are not very clear because the
techniques being used have not yet been perfected; the images are often scattered and distorted.
Future studies will be conducted to improve upon this technique and investigate its role in drug
development and disease diagnostics.
Kelly-Ann Corrigan
The Effects of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Cancer Cells
The use of complementary and alternative medicines has skyrocketed over the past
several years. Specifically, treatments have been tested and proven to combat cancer in vitro. In
past studies, Black Cohosh, a North American perennial, was used to treat in vitro cancer cells,
inhibiting cell proliferation by 50%. Its major mechanism of action is the chemical actein, which
is known to induce apoptosis in the cancer cells. Current studies are being conducted on other
natural products to investigate their mechanisms of action. Anthocyanins are one particular plant
phytochemical currently being studied in vitro. They were also determined to induce apoptosis in
cancer cells, as they do in Black Cohosh, and to increase antioxidant activity. Future studies hope
to further investigate anthocyanin anticancer activity in vivo.
Kayla Haran
The Interaction Between mRNA 3’ End Processing and the BARD1 Proteins
During the course of mRNA processing, different proteins play a role in the
endonucleolytic cleavage and poly-A synthesis at the 3’ end of the mRNA strand. The mRNA
polyadenylation factor CstF interacts with the BARD1 and BRCA1 proteins to inhibit the
endonucleolytic cleavage of poly-A synthesis. Because the BARD1 protein is so closely linked
to DNA damage and repair, the link between this inhibition and DNA repair was further tested
and confirmed. Additional findings have linked this interaction to tumor suppression and to the
degradation of RNA polymerase II. In the future, scientists will continue to explore these
newfound links between 3' end mRNA processing and both tumor suppression and RNA
polymerase degradation.
Dana Hemlall
Effects of Insulin Secretion and Insulin Resistance
Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar in the body. Insulin secretion and ER
(Endoplasmic Reticulum) stress are induced by the contact of glucose with the cell. This can
lead to further damage. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) may cause insulin resistance and liver damage
after undergoing ER stress. In the past, researchers have investigated the secretion of insulin in
surrounding LPL cells and measured the amount of ER stress when LPL is present. Present and
future studies are further investigating the effects of LPL on male mice cells that originated in
the liver and muscle, given that they are the most insulin responsive. These effects can be
analyzed using a glucose tolerance test so as to determine if tissue surrounding the organ has
caused any further damage.
Tino Illiparambil
Alzheimer's Disease and Cognition
Cognition is the study of brain development. It focuses on the neural substrates of mental
processes and their behavioral expressions. Cognition deteriorates through diseases such as
Alzheimer's disease (AD). Past studies have shown that plaques and tangles inside the brain
block communication, thus killing nerve cells. Endoproteolytic cleavages of amyloid precursor
protein (APP) by β- and γ-secretases result in the generation of Aβ peptides that are believed to
be neurotoxic, resulting in the deaths of brain cells-weakening cognition. Future research will
further investigate the effective disruption of this protein buildup inside the brain.
Anil James
Regeneration of Tissue through Amniotic Stem Cells
One of the newest fields in science is regenerative medicine. This field focuses on the
regeneration of older, pre-existing tissue as opposed to organ transplant. In many transplantation
cases, the patient must endure an extreme drug regimen if the organ is not accepted into the
body. Stem cells are multipotent cells with the ability to differentiate into a variety of specialized
cells. They provide a safer and more productive way to treat patients through regenerative
medicine. A new breakthrough, Hyper-Dry Amnion, is an extremely dried version of the
amniotic fluid, containing mutipotent stem cells that can differentiate into specialized cells at
very high rates. Future research will attempt to specifically regenerate cardiac tissue that has
long presented a challenge.
Brenna Joseph
The Effects of Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Therapy on the Regression of Metastatic Melanoma
Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Therapy (CLT) uses cytotoxic lymphocytes, or T cells, which are
the immune system's main defense. T cells recognize foreign antigens presented by infected cells
that are attacked and eventually destroyed. In a process called autologous lymphocyte transfer, T
cells are extracted from a patient, exposed to a virus, reproduced in large amounts, and then
injected back into the patient. A recent experiment was conducted with patients who were
diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. They underwent autologous lymphocyte transfer using
lymphocytes originating from the patient, which resulted in 50% of patients having a reduction
of tumor growth. Future studies will be conducted to determine the factors that affect the
outcome of adoptive immunotherapy.
Xenia Kokkinos
Visual Attention in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental
disorders that develop in children. Symptoms of ADHD include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and
inattention. Since children with ADHD have difficulty with visual attention, it is often difficult
for them to grasp main ideas in television shows and movies. The diagnosed children have
particular difficulty paying attention in the presence of a distracter. Future research will continue
to observe the pattern of visual attention in ADHD children with a specific emphasis on the
inclusion of females who are so often omitted from ADHD studies. Gender may potentially
affect the outcome of experiments on visual attention given that different genders have
documented differences in cognitive processing.
Matthew Kraljic
The Silent Blended Wing Body
The goal of modern aviation engineers is to create a silent aircraft. Past studies have been
conducted in order to experiment with different engine designs. Fuselage shapes have also been
researched. Certain shapes, specifically, the blended wing body, have shown great promise. The
Blended Wing Body is an aircraft with wings that are blended into the fuselage. In the future,
researchers hope to create a full-scale model that will be silent, fast, and fuel efficient.
Tricia Kubair
PIK3CA and CDKNIC as Tumor Suppressor Genes in Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is characterized by a malignant tumor that originates from rapid cell
division in the breast. A malignant tumor is a group of cancer cells that may invade surrounding
tissues or spread to distant areas of the body. Past studies have shown that one major cause of
contracting breast cancer is through hereditary genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. Other genes that
have been implicated are PIK3CA and CDKNIC. Normal copies of these genes actually suppress
tumor growth, but mutant forms have been found to increase the chance of developing breast
cancer. Besides BRCA1/ 2, PIK3CA and CDKNIC, there are other mutated genes that have been
linked to breast cancer. Future research will attempt to identify the cause of these mutations so
that effective treatments and preventative measures for breast cancer can be developed.
Adrienne Kurtz
An Epigenetic Role in Cancer
Tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) that inhibit normal cellular growth are frequently
silenced epigenetically in cancer. Gene regulation can involve non-coding RNAs such as
antisense RNAs. Antisense RNA is single-stranded RNA that can inhibit translation of a
complementary messenger RNA strand. Past studies have focused on the relationship between
the TSG p15 and p15 antisense RNA (p15AS). An inverse relationship between the p15AS and
p15 sense expression in leukemia was discovered. Genes and their protein products can have
enhanced expression in cancer. Other studies have determined that SATB1, a protein that
regulates gene expression, is present in aggressive breast cancer cells and promotes tumor
growth and metastasis. Future research will apply these finding to augment current diagnostic
capabilities, especially with regard to genetic screening for leukemia.
Olivia Leach
Stem Cell Transplantation as a Method of Engineering New Tissues
All stem cells have the potential to differentiate into any somatic cell found in the body.
Researchers have successfully placed bone marrow stem cells in the chemicals busulfan and
cyclophosphamide and then implanted them into the tissue of immunodeficient mice, where they
were able to revitalize tissue. Researchers have also been able to add non-heart muscle cells to a
culture of embryonic stem cells in order to facilitate the development of those cells into
vascularized heart tissues. In the future, similar studies can be conducted in order to further
elucidate the full potential of using stem cells to regenerate damaged tissues.
Elizabeth Matamoros
Predicting Earthquakes using Plate Tectonics and Glaciers
Models of the earth are integral for scientists to be able to understand the inner workings
of our planet. These schematics demonstrate how and where the mantle of the Earth and the
tectonic plates are moving. Analysis of data from seismic events allows for conclusions to be
drawn about the depth of the crust and adjacent layers, as well as the composition of these layers.
Current studies are incorporating glaciers into the models because they have been found to cause
disturbances similar to earthquakes. The accuracy of existing maps and models is constantly
questioned so as to incorporate new information drawn from more recent events. This dynamic
instability exists because of constant surface movement. By observing and accounting for these
changes, scientists hope to better predict future movement, so that they will be able to warn of
disasters prior to their occurrence.
Edwin Mathieu
Effects of Phytochemicals in Vegetables and Mutagens in Meats on Breast Cancer Risk
Vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables, have long been regarded as potential
inducers of carcinogen-detoxifying enzyme systems. Vitamins in these vegetables have been
highlighted as potential anticarcinogens. Inversely, certain mutagens and amino acids found in
meats have been found to increase the risk of certain cancers, the exact cause of which is not
presently known. Future studies are aimed at pinpointing the specific substances within the
vegetables that are anticarcinogenic. Future implications of this research may be enhanced and
stricter dietary restrictions for those at risk as well as the development of clinical drugs that
would amplify the effects of these discovered anticarcinogenic chemicals. Finally, laws may
even be imposed that would prohibit certain food handling procedures, much like those that are
have recently been instituted so as to limit trans-fat and consequent heart disease.
Pooja Patel
Self-Assessment in Service Learning
Self-assessment has been found to enhance student awareness and allow for a better
understanding of their learning material. Service learning is a program in which a student is
educated by engaging in related activities as opposed to traditional means of education. It occurs
simply from doing meaningful work. Past studies have found that service learning promotes selfassessment. It has also been discovered that the best learning occurs when the professor actively
engages students by encouraging the service learning program. In the future, researchers would
like to see if ethnicity plays a role in service learning and self-assessment.
Shraddha Prabhu
Synesthesia: Brightness, Loudness, and Pitch
Synesthesia, which means joined sensation, is a neurological condition in which two or
more senses are coupled together. In synesthesia, specific events in one sensory modality
produce experiences in another. In past experiments, synesthetes were to judge how loud or
bright, and how high or low was the pitch of a phrase. The phrase included visual words, like
sunlight, and auditory words, like thunder. It was determined that in synesthetes, visual words
exhibited more brightness and auditory words demonstrated more loudness. Pitch has been found
to be a steady correlate of brightness. Future goals are to further investigate why synesthetes
perceive these phrases as they do.
ShellyAnn Rohitsingh
Impairments in Empathetic Skills and Latent Endophenotypes Involved in Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a disorder characterized by weakness in both perception and expression
of reality. Impairment in empathy skills, eye movement, sustained attention, and consistency are
also known to be substantial symptoms of this disorder. Past studies have demonstrated that
schizophrenics are unable to fully express emotions, empathize with others, and maintain
stability in comparison to healthy controls. For current and future advancements, studies will
utilize testing schemes and investigate causes of impairment to a deeper degree.
Kathryn Ruffini
Attention-Personality Characteristics and Symptoms Associated with Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that mostly occurs in
young children between the ages of seven to eleven years old. ADHD prohibits a person from
staying focused for long periods of time. It has recently been found that ADHD can occur in
young adolescents as opposed to only younger children. Past studies have shown that college
students with symptoms of ADHD tend to be more aggressive toward peers in their environment.
Current studies are investigating the correlation of college adjustment, social skills, and selfesteem in college students with symptoms of ADHD. Research is also being conducted on the
personality characteristics related to ADHD. Some of these personality characteristics include
neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and extraversion. Future studies will look at other
factors that might further elucidate the correlation of ADHD with certain personality
characteristics in conjunction with social and family support.
Carlos Sanchez
The Circadian and Neurological Basis of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) occurs during the seasonal change from fall to winter.
It is a change in mood, characterized by depressive symptoms. Past studies have concluded that
short-wavelength light therapy is particularly effective when treating SAD. It links closely with
the human circadian rhythm system, or the normal cycle through which a human body proceeds
in a typical 24 hours. Future research intends to explore the neurological basis of SAD
development. Also, researchers hope to develop methods of SAD treatment that would be even
more consistently effective than light therapy.
Rita Tautonico
The Use of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy
Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) is a short-term, evidence-based intervention
designed for families with children between the ages of two and six who are experiencing a
variety of behavioral, emotional, and familial problems. Previous research has shown that PCIT
greatly increases the relationship status of children and parents who have a history of
maltreatment and negative interactions. It has also been shown to lessen symptoms when used
on children who are suffering from disorders like anxiety and depression. Future studies will
investigate the impact of PCIT on more varied disorders in both children and their parents. Doing
so may potentially reduce abuse and neglect cases.
Stephanie Tuminello
5-HT Dysfunction Associated with Altered Neural Plasticity in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and inexplicable death of an infant
under 1 year of age. Ongoing research indicates that the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) may
in fact be correlated with SIDS; a possible cause is a deficiency in the number of functional 5HT receptors in the brain. Studies have shown that SIDS cases have a higher 5-HT neuron
density and a lower number of 5-HT receptors, and that these alterations of the 5-HT pathway
may lower the infant's ability to respond to harmful environmental stresses, such as an increase
in CO2 levels. This is supported by the prolonged apnea and bradycardia exhibited by infants
who are later victims of SIDS. Future studies are necessary in order to further investigate a
diagnostic mechanism for a reliable identification of those infants most at risk.
Tiffany Varughese
Sickle Cell Disease and its Effects on the Brain
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin,
which results in sickled cells and the consequent adhesion of blood to endothelial walls. It has
been recently discovered that SCD also affects the brain in young patients as well. Past studies
have demonstrated a correlation between SCD and the development of lesions in the brain in
patients as young as six years old. Other research has linked SCD to a greater incidence of
strokes and volumetric growth delay in the brain. Blood transfusions have been shown to
improve the condition of patients with SCD. Further studies will attempt to better explain if the
neurological problems associated with SCD are caused by actual growth delay or by
complications that result from the disease.