2025 Annual Research Frontier Symposium
Abstracts Accepted
(58 abstracts, 32 talks, 26 posters)
Update on 3/3/2025
ARFS-2025-grossman (Plenary talk)
Reflection on a Scientific Journey of Fortunate Events
Arthur R. Grossman* (The Carnegie Institution for Science)
ARFS-2025-mishra (Featured talk)
Empowering Communities through Innovation: Advancing Cancer Research Capacity at Alabama State University
Manoj K. Mishra* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-stoker (High school student, talk)
Analysis of Microplastic Pollution in Albuquerque’s Water Sources Utilizing FTIR Spectroscopy
Sebastian Stoker and K. Joseph Ho* (University of New Mexico)
ARFS-2025-victory-kahdijah (Undergraduate, talk)
Probing biodiversity of cyanobacteria for N-fixation in Missouri
Victory Obele, Khadijah Taite, Anindita Bandyopadhyay, Michelle Liberton, Harvey J. M. Hou*, and Himadri B. Pakrasi* (Alabama State University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and Washington University in St. Louis)
ARFS-2025-lydia (Undergraduate, talk)
Probing biodiversity of cyanobacteria for N-fixation in Colorado
Lydia DavieBalogun, Jacob Sebesta, Eric Schaedig, Harvey J.M. Hou*, and Jianping Yu* (Alabama State University and National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
ARFS-2025-parker (Undergraduate, talk)
Swine decomposition and insect succession
Nadia Parker, Kianna Harris, and Gulnaz Javan* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-love (Undergraduate, talk)
The Effect of Ciprofloxacin against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium
Kayla Love, Olufemi Ajayi, and Joseph A. Ayariga* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-tadjuidjie (M.S. student, talk)
Chlamydia muridarum Regulates IFN-γ Signaling by Upregulating Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS) 1 in Stimulated Murine Macrophages
Vanella Tadjuidje, Rajnish Sahu, Aguy C. Nguiakam Sipowe, and Vida A. Dennis* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-efa (Ph.D. student, talk)
GETAH VIRUS KILLS A72 TUMOR CELLS IN A CONCENTRATION-DEPENDENT MANNER IN VITRO
Bernard Efa, Sandani Wijerathne, Chioma Ezeuko, Ting Li, Hongzhuan Wu, and Qiana L. Matthews* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-ibrahim (Ph.D. student, talk)
Toward energy management in cyanobacteria: Chemical analysis of metabolite overflow
Ibrahim Alamin, Jacob Sebesta, Arnav Deshpande, Lieve Laurens, Vida A Dennis, Jianping Yu*, and Harvey J.M. Hou* (Alabama State University and National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
ARFS-2025-Ezeuko (Ph.D. student, talk)
DIFFERENTIAL ANALYSIS OF EXOSOMES AND ECTOSOMES FROM DIVERSE AD48 INFECTED CELLS AND THEIR IMPLICATION IN THERAPEUTICS
Chioma C. Ezeuko, Sandani Wijerathne, Rachana Pandit, Ayodeji O. Ipinmoroti, Brennetta J. Crenshaw, Bernard Efa, and Qiana L. Matthews* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-forte (Ph.D. student, talk)
Cationic lipo-oligopeptides (CLOPs) antimicrobial peptides are nontoxic and inhibit HSV-1 replication in eukaryotic cells
Othreniel A. Forte, Rajnish Sahu, Aguy C. Nguiakam Sipowe, Donald R. Owen, and Vida A. Dennis* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-sipowe (Ph.D. student, talk)
Innate immune responses triggered in mouse macrophages by a PLA-PEG-encapsulated chlamydial MOMP nanovaccine are augmented in the presence of the dmLT mucosal adjuvant
Aguy C. Nguiakam Sipowe, Rajnish Sahu, Elizabeth B. Norton, Vanella Tadjuidje, Othreniel Forte, and Vida A. Dennis* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-grace (Ph.D. student, talk)
Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity of Novel Antimicrobial Peptides against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Strains PAO1 and PA14
Amber Grace, Aguyclemence Nguiakamsipowe, Othreniel Forte, Vanella Tadjuidje, Rajnish Sahu, Donald R. Owen, and Vida A. Dennis* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-wijerathne (Ph.D. student, talk)
Feline Coronavirus Infection Influences the Biogenesis and Composition of CRFK-Derived Extracellular Vesicles
Sandani V T Wijerathne, Rachana Pandit, Ayodeji O Ipinmoroti, Brennetta J Crenshaw, and Qiana L Matthews* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-iddrisu (Ph.D. student, talk)
In silico Exploration of Cannabidiol Interactions with Outer Membrane Proteins in Salmonella Typhimurium LT2
Iddrisu Ibrahim, Junhuan Xu, BK Robertson, Olufemi S. Ajayi*, and Joseph Atia Ayariga* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-moon (Ph.D. student, talk)
Combining Biochemical and Mass Spectrometric Approaches to Elucidate the Mechanism(s) of Action of 3-DAs against Toxoplasma gondii
Miya Moon, Japhet Senyo. Kamasah, Homa Nath Sharma, Boakai K. Robertson, and Daniel A. Abugri* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-zhang (Postdoc, talk)
Sorption and Oxidation of Rhizobium Tropici Exopolysaccharides on Birnessite (MnO2): Structural Interactions and Morphological Transformations
Huimin Zhang, Steve L. Larson, John H. Ballard, Yan Meng, and Fengxiang X. Han* (Jackson State University)
ARFS-2025-krishnakumar (Postdoc, talk)
Clocking NAMPT (Nicotinamide phosphoribosyl transferase) levels in prostate cancer for potential chronotherapeutic interventions
Sreelakshmi Krishnakumar and Manoj K. Mishra* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-amrita-natarajan (Postdoc, talk)
Engineering Surface-Patterned Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogels for Optimized MSC Chondrogenic Differentiation
Amrita Natarajan, Derrick Dean, and Vineeth M Vijayan* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-amrita-santiago (Postdoc, talk)
Drug Binding Modulates Chiral Water Structures in DNA First Hydration Shell
Ty Santiago, Daniel Konstantinovsky, Ethan Perets, Matthew Tremblay, Sharon Hammes-Schiffer, and Elsa C. Y. Yan* (Yale University)
ARFS-2025-shyanti (Faculty/Scientist, talk)
Role of CD1d Influencing Survival and Metastasis of African American and Caucasian American Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Ritis K. Shyanti and Manoj K. Mishra* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-wang (Faculty/Scientist, talk)
Advancing Artificial Photosynthesis by Improving Solar Water Splitting Reactions
Dunwei Wang* (Boston College)
ARFS-2025-lavine (Faculty/Scientist, talk)
Deep Learning to Enhance Investigative Lead Information from Automotive Clear Coats
B. K. Lavine*, C. G. White, and D. R. Heisterkamp (Oklahoma State University)
ARFS-2025-jackson (Faculty/Scientist, talk)
Modeling protein-protein and protein-DNA interactions on the mating-type transcriptional activator complex: MATα1/MCM1/DNA
Doba Jackson*, Dawson Farni, and Luke Fisher (Huntingdon College)
ARFS-2025-Jain (Faculty/Scientist, talk)
Unlocking the Potential: Innovative Pathways in Biochemical Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass to Sustainable Fuels
Sapna Jain* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-emerald (Undergraduate, three-min talk)
Photoconversion of glycerol from CO2 using metabolite overflow in cyanobacteria
Emerald Britt, Jacob Sebesta, Arnav Deshpande, Ibrahim Alamin, Lieve Laurens, Vida A Dennis, Jianping Yu*, and Harvey J.M. Hou* (Alabama State University and National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
ARFS-2025-alexandria (Undergraduate, three-min talk)
Chemical analysis of alpha-ketoglutarate in cyanobacterial overflow metabolism
Alexzandria Stewart, Jacob Sebesta, Arnav Deshpande, Ibrahim Alamin, Lieve Laurens, Vida A Dennis, Jianping Yu*, and Harvey J.M. Hou* (Alabama State University and National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
ARFS-2025-kya (Undergraduate, three-min talk)
Formate overflow in cyanobacteria: HPLC, FTIR, and enzymatic analysis
Kya Hamilton,Jacob Sebesta, Ibrahim Alamin, Vida A Dennis, Jianping Yu*, and Harvey J.M. Hou* (Alabama State University, Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, and National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
ARFS-2025-mesias (Undergraduate, three-min talk)
A Synthetic Method for a 2-Phenylindole Derivative
Brandon Mesias, Sergey Pushnikov, and Kamil Woronowicz* (SUNY Rockland County College)
ARFS-2025-ochman (Undergraduate, three-min talk)
The Impacts of Heavy Metals on Protein Production in Lichens
Isa Ochman, Sergey Pushnikov, and Kamil Woronowicz* (SUNY Rockland County College)
ARFS-2025-millender (Undergraduate, three-min talk)
The Role of Tetracycline and Sulfamethoxazole in the Metabolism of Escherichia coli
Gabriale Millender, Olufemi Ajayi, and Joseph A. Ayariga* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-zheng (Undergraduate, poster)
A facile approach to Single-crystal CsPbBr3 for Solar applications
Elijia Dennis, David John, and Liqiu Zheng* (Albany State University)
ARFS-2025-zach (Undergraduate, poster)
Responses of pyruvate overflow to nitrate and proton ions in cyanobacteria
Zachariah Guy, Jacob Sebesta, Ibrahim Alamin, Vida A Dennis, Jianping Yu*, and Harvey J.M. Hou* (Alabama State University and National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
ARFS-2025-jahzara (Undergraduate, poster)
Overflow of mM-scale 3-hydroxybutyrate in the late growth phase of cyanobacteria
Jahzara Veasey, Jacob Sebesta, Vida A Dennis, Jianping Yu*, and Harvey J.M. Hou* (Alabama State University and National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
ARFS-2025-eryn (Undergraduate, poster)
Survey of total overflow metabolites in cyanobacteria at high light
Eryn Griffin, Jacob Sebesta, Arnav Deshpande, Ibrahim Alamin, Lieve Laurens, Vida A Dennis, Jianping Yu*, and Harvey J.M. Hou* (Alabama State University and National Renewable Energy Laboratory)
ARFS-2025-galbreath (Undergraduate, poster)
Assessing the effects of CBD extract on the heart and the body axis in Xenopus laevis embryos
Kayla Galbreath, Joseph Ayariga, Olufemi Ajayi, and Emmanuel Tadjuidje* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-lauria (Undergraduate, poster)
3-D Printed Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Regeneration
Thomas Lauria and Dr. Derrick Dean* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-israil (Undergraduate, poster)
The Effect of Specific Pesticides on Antimicrobial Resistance in E. coli and Salmonellae
Rishad Israil, Joseph Ayariga*, B.K. Robertson, Olufemi Ajayi, and Komal Vig* (University of Alabama at Birmingham and Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-jordyn-smith (Undergraduate, poster)
Identification of zombie prostate genes by transcriptomic analysis in criminal cases
Jordyn Smith, Joshua Bethea, Christina Harris, and Gulnaz Javan* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-morris (Undergraduate, poster)
Integrating Cellulose Nanofibers into Hydrogels: Enhancing Mechanical Properties and Functionality
Harmony Morris, Alyeriah Haynes, Anjali Sudha, and Derrick Dean* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-burnett (Undergraduate, poster)
Elemental Analysis of Groundwater using Nanoparticle Enhanced Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy
Riah Burnett and Cleon Barnett* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-harris (Undergraduate, poster)
Sustainable Composites based on Sodium Alginate and Biochar
Tianna Harris and Derrick Dean* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-fares (Undergraduate, poster)
Chronic Kidney Disease
Fares Shabarek and Derrick Dean* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-carpenter (Undergraduate, poster)
Engineering Alginate Hydrogel Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering
Jasmine Carpenter, Elijah Barnes, Amrita Natarajan, Derrick Dean, and Vineeth Viijayan* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-atadjuidje (Undergraduate, poster)
Evaluation of pre-harvest interval for pyrethrin against corn earworm Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in hemp Cannabis sativa
Andy-Maxence Tadjuidje, Favour Nwanekezi, Mercy Adesanmi, Victory Obele, Ivy Thweatt, Abi Awad, Adam Ajisere, Ibrahim Iddrisu, Joseph Ayariga, Junhuan Xu, Vida Dennis, Muhammad Saleem, and Olufemi Ajayi* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-victory (Undergraduate, poster)
In Vitro Activity of Hemp Extract and its Mechanism of Action Against Toxoplasma gondii
Victory Obele, Se'Vaughn Julien, Homanath Sharma, Senyo J. Kamasah, Kelci Lawrencel, Olufemi S. Ajayi, and Daniel A. Abugri* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-pharris (Undergraduate, poster)
Catalase Activity in E. coli WT and E. coli BL21 under Varying Iron Conditions
Paris Harris, Joseph Ayariga, and Olufemi Ajayi* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-zeenat (Undergraduate, poster)
The Susceptibility of Xenopus laevis to selected strains of bacterial infection
Zeenat Abdulsalam, Joseph Ayariga, Olufemi Ajayi*, and Emmanuel Tadjuidje* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-washington (Undergraduate, poster)
The influence of Pyruvate, Acetate and Carbonate on Salmonella tolerance to environmental stresses and antibiotics
Rickel Washington, B.K. Robertson, Olufemi Ajayi, and Joseph Ayariga* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-fisher (Undergraduate, poster)
Modeling the structure of the MATα1 yeast mating type regulator
Luke Fisher, Dawson Farni, and Doba Jackson* (Huntingdon College)
ARFS-2025-mia (Undergraduate, poster)
The Effect of 8-Hydroxyquinoline on Toxoplasma gondii Lipidome
Mia Smith, Alexandra Richard, Jesse Kang, Japhet S. Kamasah, Jazmyn R. Greggs, and Daniel A. Abugri* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-jannat (M.S. student, poster)
INVESTIGATING BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF ALABAMA RIVER DURING SUMMER TIME
Jannat Jhumur, Md Imam ul Khabir, Nur E Alam, and Muhammad Saleem* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-nur (Ph.D. student, poster)
Seasonal variations and effects of anthropogenic compounds on aquatic protist communities
Nur E Alam, Md Imam ul Khabir, Jannatul Ferdous Jhumur, and Muhammad Saleem* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-khabir (Ph.D. student, poster)
Using next-generation sequencing and mass spectroscopy to decipher the interactions and multi factor networking between microbial communities and water chemistry across different seasons
Md Imam ul Khabir, Nur E Alam, Jannat FerdousJhumur, MA Rahman, and Muhammad Saleem* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-ivy (Ph.D. student, poster)
Exploring the role of rhizosphere microbiome in hemp plant growth and defense against two-spotted spider mites
Ivy N. Thweatt, Olufemi Ajayi*, and Muhammad Saleem* (Alabama State University)
ARFS-2025-park (Faculty/Scientist, poster)
Detection of Pathogenic Protists and Viruses in Tarballs from Alabama’s beaches
Gillian Bailey, Victoria Zlotea, Madilyn Webb, Elizabeth McMahan, and Joong-Wook Park* (Troy University)
ARFS-2025-burns (Faculty/Scientist, poster)
Ethical Implications of AI in Medicine and Healthcare
Shuntele Burns* (Alabama State University)