Poster Session II

The unnatural amino acid 4-Cyano-L-Phenylalanine (pCNF), is an effective vibrational reporter used to probe local protein regions. pCNF contains a nitrile group which falls in a relatively quiet portion of the IR spectrum, with different stretching frequencies in polar and nonpolar environments. We hypothesize that pCNF could also be used to understand local folding/unfolding patterns in proteins as the local solvation environment of many sites change during protein unfolding. This summer, pCNF was incorporated into Adenylate Kinase at various sites using the Amber codon suppression methodology. By incorporating pCNF at a wide range of sites in the protein, we have collected temperature-dependent IR data suggesting that the protein does not globally unfold at the same temperature and the folding pattern is not reversible. Additionally, it has been determined that further purification of Adenylate Kinase on fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) is necessary to obtain homogeneous protein samples for IR studies.  This project was supported by funding from the Suydam Chemistry Student Research Fund.

Project Mentors:  Professors Scott Brewer, Ken Hess and Christine Piro, Department of Chemistry

Molecules with an unpaired electron are termed radicals. New stable radicals are needed as improved polarizing agents for Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) NMR spectroscopy. DNP is a spectroscopic method that dramatically improves the signal-to-noise ratio and produces useful spectra even when the sample concentration is very low. The synthesis of new stable radicals will be presented. Specifically, the 17-(Anthracen-9-yl)-tetrabenzo[a,c,g,i]fluorenyl and 17-(2-(1,3,5-trimethoxy)phenyl) -tetrabenzo[a,c,g,i]fluorenyl radicals were prepared in a three steps each with 1.1 % and 1.0 % overall yields, respectively. A third hydrocarbon precursor of tri-isoproproxy version of the radical was made in 65% yield following a similar synthesis. The stability of these radicals will be discussed. It stems from both extensive resonance stabilization and steric protection from molecular oxygen. Collaborators at MIT are currently studying the DNP properties of our radicals. This project was supported by funding from F&M’s Hackman Summer Scholar Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Ed Fenlon, Department of Chemistry

Biologically relevant enrichment improves multiple measures of gecko welfare, and over recent years, advice for pet owners has nearly universally recommended housing geckos on arid soil substrates. However, laboratory housed geckos don’t have access to substrate. We provided supervised access to substrate in a dig box, and monitored the geckos’ interactions with it to determine its health and welfare effects. Overall, the geckos didn’t try to consume the substrate, and the one that did experienced no resultant health problems. The geckos interacted with the dig boxes less than expected and with the lid control more than expected, likely due to their age and related mobility problems. We hope that this experiment is a first step in showing that geckos can be exposed to substrates allowing for natural digging behaviors without health complications, opening the door for future studies to be conducted over longer time scales and without constant supervision.  This project was supported by funding from F&M's Committee on Grants Program and the Puff Fund.

Project Mentor:  Professor Meredith Bashaw, Department of Psychology

Countries around the world are experiencing turnover in their political regimes, some of which are resulting in “fascist” and far-right parties gaining power. This project studies the conditions of this phenomenon in Europe by evaluating the economic policies of modern far-right parties in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, and Italy. In order to assess the efficacy of these policies, the information will be presented alongside publicly available data quantifying the respective party’s success in federal elections and the size of their role in their nation’s federal government. This project was supported by funding from F&M's John Marshall Fellows Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Raymond Maynard, Department of Economics

The Mariposa nebula is a large galaxy of high redshift z= 2.551. The source of Mariposa’s observed photoionization, which may be a result of abundant star forming regions or an active galactic nucleus (AGN), is not fully known, although Becca McClain ‘21’s senior thesis provided evidence for an AGN source. Our goal was to reproduce and expand on her results. The source of this emission can be determined when comparing line ratios of ionized elements (Lya, Civ, Heii, Nv) against each other. We used two different methods of estimating the emission lines strengths: a non-parametric method using direct integration of the spectrum, and a parametric method using gaussian fits. We also tested new python packages and generated new error calculations, flux estimates, and upper limits. We find agreement between our two methods, which both support the conclusion that the emission is the result of the presence of an AGN. This project was supported by funding from the Pittsburgh Foundation and the Research Corporation for Scientific Advancement.

Project Mentor:  Professor Ryan Trainor, Department of Physics and Astronomy

The town of Boiling Springs, in Cumberland County Pennsylvania, is centered around the 7th largest spring in the state, commonly known as “The Bubble.” Our research is to develop methods to locate the source of this spring water in order to protect it from pollution, and to develop a stronger understanding of local and regional subsurface hydrogeology. Mapping, water quality testing, and isotopic analysis by previous F&M students has illuminated the Pigeon Hills, 35 km away in York County, as a possible precipitation recharge zone for the Bubble, which implies an unusually long and complex groundwater flow path. Ongoing studies of nearby springs, streams, and precipitation events will help pinpoint the source of the Bubble’s spring water. Mapping of bedrock fractures, faults, caverns, and geological contacts will help resolve the proposed complex flow path, leading to formal dye tracing tests that could verify the recharge location for the Bubble. This project was supported by funding from F&M’s Hackman Summer Scholar Program and the Richard King Mellon Foundation/ Chesapeake Water Initiative.

Project Mentor:  Robert Walter, Department of Earth and Environment

Incorporating non-canonical amino acids (ncAA) site-specifically into the sequence of a protein can allow for the assessment of local environment and expand the protein’s natural functioning. One such protein of interest is the heme-nitric oxide/ oxygen binding domain (H-NOX) from Caldanaerobacter subterraneus (Cs). CsH-NOX has a heme pocket that has the ability to bind diatomic gases (oxygen, nitric oxide, and carbon monoxide). The majority of the behavior of gaseous binding in the heme pocket is regulated by hydrogen bonding networks. In CsH-NOX, the tyrosine (Y140) residue above the ferrous iron center has been replaced with tyrosine analog ncAAs with different functional groups on the meta position (amino, nitro, iodo, and chloro), thus altering the hydrogen bonding network at the gas binding site. Ultimately, the goal is to create a short-term synthetic blood substitute with oxygen binding affinities similar to that of hemoglobin. This project was supported by funding from F&M's Hackman Summer Scholars Program, the Eyler Fund and the National Science Foundation.

Project Mentors:  Professors Scott Brewer, Ken Hess and Christine Piro, Department of Chemistry

The goal of this research was to use quantum field theory, specifically Non-Relativistic Quantum Electrodynamics (NRQED), to calculate corrections to the energy levels of muonium (the electron-muon bound system) in order to achieve a result without approximation and to test the limits of our knowledge regarding the fundamental particles involved. The research methodology involves the adaptation of cutting-edge methods initially developed for the high-energy domain, such as those employed at the Large Hadron Collider, into the relatively low-energy realm of muonium. After gaining enough understanding of related Dirac algebra and complex analysis, our day-to-day activities involved evaluating complex Feynman Diagrams, utilizing the Mathematica based packages “FeynCalc”, “FIRE6,” and “Libra” to assist with multi-dimensional integration and simplification. Even though we are still in the process of deriving a final result, over the summer we got a general idea how the systematic calculation works and how the full project will proceed.  This project was supported by funding from F&M's Hackman Summer Scholars Program and the National Science Foundation.

Project Mentor:  Emeritus Professor Greg Adkins, Department of Physics and Astronomy

To categorize the Holocene paleoenvironment of the Little Conestoga Creek valley near Lancaster, PA, we sampled buried organic-rich sediment at six backhoe trench faces from top to bottom at 5-cm intervals. Radiocarbon dating revealed an age range from ~11,000 to 300 years BP between the top and bottom of the organic-rich soil in the sediment column. Fossil seeds were extracted from each sample; of the 229 seeds extracted, the majority of identified seeds were obligate wetland species, with facultative wetland and upland species present. The assemblage of species indicates an open water environment and nearby marshes, which were once common in the mid-Atlantic region but are now scarce as a result of sedimentation associated with colonial-era mill damming. Today, most streams in the region consist of a deeply incised channel meandering through a terrace of legacy sediment. Identification of this buried paleoenvironment serves as an aquatic ecosystem restoration target. This project was supported by funding from the Richard King Mellon Foundation/Chesapeake Water Initiative.

Project Mentor:  Professor Dorothy Merritts, Department of Earth and Environment

Molybdenum accumulation in ocean sediments serves as a valuable tool for understanding paleoclimates and modern dead-zone formation. However, conflicting data exists regarding how molybdenum accumulates, and its association with iron sulfides in sediments. This project aims to unravel the capture mechanism of molybdenum in iron sulfides and explore their interactions between one another through multiple forms of manipulation and experimentation. This includes monowave, partial, dissolution, Raman spectroscopy, and several methods of solid-phase analysis. We attempt to determine how the iron-molybdenum-sulfide complex compares to other other forms of iron sulfides. It is suggested that suspended iron sulfide particles react with thiomolybdate to yield nanoscale precipitates, making it difficult to characterize. The precipitate closely resembles intermediates of mackinawite and greigite regarding size and chemical makeup, however, differentiates itself through acid dissolution. The effect of exposure to extreme heat remains ambiguous in regard to the relation of colloidal precipitates and pyrite. This project was supported by funding from F&M's Hackman Summer Scholars Program and the National Science Foundation.

Project Mentor:  Professor Jennifer Morford, Department of Chemistry

Ruthenium-phosphine and -phosphite complexes of the form (p-cymene)RuCl2X, (X =a phosphine or phosphite ligand), have been targets of many investigations over the past few decades. Much of this interest stems from the catalytic and medicinal applications of such compounds, of which many variants have been characterized spectroscopically and structurally. Yet, detailed studies on electron transfer properties of these compounds are scarce. This summer, these properties were investigated via cyclic voltammetry; a correlation between the phosphine/phosphite ligands and reduction potentials was discovered, and Hammett parameters used to quantitatively describe these relationships. From these studies, it was also observed that a tris-solvento species was possibly formed upon electron transfer by coordination of nitrile solvent molecules under cyclic voltammetry conditions. The details of these electrochemical investigations and the evidence for the identity of these downstream products will be presented. This project was supported by funding from F&M's Hackman Summer Scholars Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Davide Lionetti, Department of Chemistry

The forms and evolution of early Cambrian organisms have been the focus of extensive research over the past few decades. Analysis of a fine specimen of a new species of radiodont, discovered in Lancaster County, may shed new light on the evolution of these early arthropods. The specimen, a frontal appendage, bears long, smooth attachments, used in feeding, that lack auxiliary spines. The lengths of these attachments to each segment along the appendage are consistent. This combination of characteristics is not seen in previously described radiodont species. Our comparison of this specimen to other anomalocaridids implies that existing cladistic analyses of relationships among these early arthropods need to be reassessed.  This project was supported by funding from the Richard M. and Dorothy K. Foose Endowment.

Project Mentor:  Emeritus Professor Roger Thomas, Department of Earth and Environment

Air quality is a critical global concern, profoundly affecting human health and quality of life. This study undertakes an assessment of air quality, focusing on the composition of particulate pollutant sources in Lancaster County, PA. We determined the elemental composition of fine airborne particulate matter captured on 3 mm filters. Our analyses revealed high concentrations of Zn, Ca, Co, Fe, Ti, and Mg. Possible sources of these elements are waste incineration, automobile traffic, smelting, among other sources. Integrating data from PurpleAir Monitors, which detect and quantify the most hazardous <2.5 mm particles, we document that the abundances of these particles increase markedly between midnight and 6 AM. Direct observations and geospatial mapping indicates a tentative link between unregulated burning activities and the release of these pollutants throughout the County. This research underscores the urgency of regulatory measures to mitigate air quality degradation in the region, and improvements to public health. This project was supported by funding from F&M’s Hackman Summer Scholar Program and the Richard King Mellon Foundation/Chesapeake Water Initiative.

Project Mentor:  Robert Walter, Department of Earth and Environment

As a Hackman Scholar, I served as a research assistant for Maria Mitchell, Professor of History. Professor Mitchell’s research project explores the influence of emotion, gender, and religion in West Germany history, through the case study of Maria Meyer-Sevenich, the only German to have played a significant role in the Communist, Social Democratic, and Christian Democratic parties. Throughout the research period, I worked with a range of German texts, reading, summarizing, translating, and organizing them. By reading personal letters addressed to or sent by Meyer-Sevenich, translating publications about the politician, and comparing current Meyer-Sevenich biographies with older accounts, I gained experience with both archival and published historical sources. My advanced German language skills, honed during a spring semester abroad, enabled me to support Professor Mitchell’s research in a variety of ways.  This project was supported by funding from F&M's Hackman Summer Scholars Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Maria Mitchell, Department of History

We aimed to improve red panda Ailurus fulgens welfare with the use of shelters. Shelter preference was measured based on observing 4 individual red pandas at Central Park Zoo and Prospect Park Zoo with the Wildlife Conservation Society. Both live and trail camera observations were done over a 6-week period, with live observations in two timeblocks: immediately after release into their exhibit and immediately before going into their night house. Data were categorized into three types, behavior, location, and vocalization. The red pandas utilized both the natural shelters and artificial shelters, however there were favored shelters. Similarities between the two favored shelters included best protection for weather elements, some protection from the public view, and wooden material. Both were also between 56”-84” above the ground with multiple levels. Favored shelters were kept in their enclosure at the end of the study, however future goals include evaluating specific shelter designs. This project was supported by funding from the Harring-Wittenbraker Endowment through F&M's Committee on Grants Program and the Jack D. Shand Psychology Research Endowment.

Project Mentor:  Professor Meredith Bashaw, Department of Psychology

In light of recent and upcoming data releases from JWST, predictive models are useful for comparison with observational data. We used Cloudy software to start building a collection of predictive models for active galactic nuclei (AGN) and star forming galaxies. After learning Cloudy’s software interface, we created models for different galaxy types. We used Hazy (Ferland 2022) for guidance with Cloudy inputs and various Python packages to write code interpreting Cloudy outputs. For AGN modeling, we created spectral energy distributions and continuum graphs including AGN and star forming models with several parameters borrowed from Feltre et. al., 2016. Since we used a different type of ionization parameter than Feltre, we found that our AGN models produce slightly different results from their work. We successfully modeled emission ratios of various elements for AGN and plan to do the same for star forming galaxies using BPASS models of star forming regions.  This project was supported by funding from the Pittsburgh Foundation.

Project Mentor:  Professor Ryan Trainor, Department of Physics and Astronomy

This study embarks on a two-fold exploration to understand entropy’s temporal evolution. Firstly, we sought a general relationship between the rate of change of entropy and entropy itself. Guided by fundamental principles such as the second law of thermodynamics, the entropy of a system having an upper limit, and the dependence of entropy’s rate of change on its state relative to equilibrium, we formulated a mathematical model that illustrates entropy’s dependence on time. The second part of this study involves the free expansion of an ideal gas. Through kinematic modeling, we discern how entropy evolves over time. Our simulation introduces a new variable which is a function of particles’ positions and momenta in phase space. By correlating this variable with entropy at equilibrium, we validate our general model, revealing a consistent alignment between our theoretical predictions and simulated outcomes. This project was supported by funding from the F&M's Hackman Summer Scholar Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Calvin Stubbins, Department of Physics and Astronomy

Down syndrome (DS) individuals universally suffer skeletal abnormalities, including craniofacial malformations, stunted appendicular development, and reduced bone mineral density (BMD). The Dp(16)1Yey (Dp+) mouse model, mirroring DS genetic features, is employed to explore prenatal bone development. During prenatal endochondral ossification, long bones form with facilitation of apoptosis during the transition of cartilage to bone and a delicate balance between bone-forming osteoblasts and bone-absorbing osteoclasts. We hypothesize that the BMD decline in DS arises during prenatal bone formation, potentially through imbalances in osteoblast and osteoclast activities and abnormal cell apoptosis. Comparing Dp+ mice with euploid individuals could elucidate whether osteoporosis in DS is a developmental issue or postnatal. Our results demonstrate a noticeable downward trend in Dp+ mice apoptosis when compared to their euploid counterparts. In contrast, euploid osteoclasts display an insignificant but elevated trend in comparison to the Dp+ group. Further data is necessary for a comprehensive analysis on osteoblast and osteoclast trends. Preliminary findings underscore the persistence of developmental issues in Down syndrome, originating in the prenatal phase and extending postnatally. This project was supported by funding from F&M's Committee on Grants Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Project Mentor:  Professor Clara Moore, Department of Biology

Down Syndrome (DS) is a genetic disorder characterized in humans by trisomy of chromosome 21 (Ts21). Individuals with DS present skeletal abnormalities that develop prenatally and manifest throughout life. The Dp(16)1Yey mouse model contains a triplicated copy of a region orthologous to that of human Ts21, therefore comparable in genotypic imbalances. Embryonic samples were isolated during Theiler stage 25 (T25), identified as embryonic day 16.5 (E16.5). Alcian Blue staining identified cartilage and Alizarin Red staining identified bone ossification, allowing measurements of femur and ossification center length. This data accompanied reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) trials using long bones of TS24 (E15.5) that anticipates differences in gene expressions of select genes important in bone formation. The work is expected to provide evidence that the overexpression of trisomic genes alters cellular and molecular pathways during prenatal skeletal development differently between males and females. This project was supported by funding from F&M's Hackman Summer Scholars Program and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

Project Mentor:  Professor Clara Moore, Department of Biology

For eight weeks this summer, I lived in Coffee Bay, a rural region in the Transkei of South Africa. Coffee Bay has some of the worst rates of unemployment, student drop-outs, and access to sanitation services in all of South Africa. I worked for Sustainable Coffee Bay (SCB), a small non-profit NGO working to help the community through various social programs, scholarships, and the area's first preschool. While there, I interviewed staff and some of the founding members of SCB to write a people-centric history of the organization. I also interviewed teachers at the SCB-run preschool and several community members whom SCB scholarships had funded. Using these interviews, I wrote impact stories for donors to see the positive effect SCB has had on the Coffee Bay area. This project was supported by funding from F&M's John Marshall Fellows Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Erik Anderson, Department of English

We conducted three studies on the use and function of cherished objects, some of which are considered socially symbolic objects (SSOs), defined as tangible items/possessions that are reminiscent of particular people, relationships, or groups. In Studies 1 and 2, participants identified cherished objects, completed individual differences measures, and indicated whether they valued an SSO. In Study 3, participants were primed with an SSO and completed self-esteem (SE) measures. Results revealed that participants with higher attachment anxiety and object attachment were more likely to identify cherished objects that have social functions. Participants with highly contingent SE (family support) reported valuing their SSOs more than controls. Finally, being primed with one’s SSO boosted SE among participants reporting highly contingent SE (family support). This work identifies individual differences among those who cherish objects serving social functions and suggests that SSOs can elevate SE among those whose SE is contingent upon social support. This project was supported by funding from F&M's Hackman Summer Scholars Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Megan Knowles, Department of Psychology

The research project examines how cultural preservation efforts along the Annapurna Base Camp Trekking Route in Nepal are being impacted by mass tourism. Firstly, we evaluate the literature on the implementation of the ICDP conservation model and UN’s guidelines for sustainable tourism. We then compile results from fieldwork involving Key Informant Interviews of ACAP officials, local guides and business leaders which provide insights on the current state of cultural conservation. We find that local conservation efforts suffered significant setbacks due to the pandemic and the recent restructuring of the local government. The prospect for greater in-flow of tourists in the future implies that there has to be an urgency to address the setbacks and implement policies that would ensure socio-culturally and ecologically sustainable tourism in Nepal. This project was supported by funding from F&M's Committee on Grants Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Danish Khan, Department of Economics

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the history and evolution of participatory democracy, tracing its roots from ancient Greece to modern-day global governance. The research explores issues such as the philosophy of Rousseau and Marx, and their influence on implementing participatory projects in the Paris Commune. It also examines China's use of participatory institutions within an authoritarian government. The research further highlights the significant contributions of indigenous communities to the development of participatory democratic practices. It presents a timeline that traces the evolution of participatory institutions from indigenous roots, through Greek political developments, to modern Peruvian politics.  This project was supported by funding from F&M's Hackman Summer Scholars Program.

Project Mentor:  Professor Stephanie McNulty, Department of Government