Damilola Iguwe, Justin Hoffman

It has been 50 years since the publication of The Mammals of Louisiana and its Adjacent Waters (1974) by George H. Lowery, Jr. Since then, biologists have continued collecting specimens throughout the state, however it is unclear how these efforts have affected the known distribution and community of Louisiana mammals. Additionally, taxonomic changes have resulted in the reorganization and renaming of several mammal species. Online biodiversity databases were used to identify new parish records of wild terrestrial mammals in Louisiana since the publication of Lowery’s seminal work. Two species (Myotis septentrionalis, Baiomys taylori) are new to Louisiana’s mammalian fauna, while three species (Microtus ochrogaster, Bassariscus astutus, Canis rufus) most likely have been extirpated. Currently, 63 wild terrestrial mammals are known from Louisiana. Using records from both museum collections and citizen-scientist efforts, new parish records are reported for 46 of these species.

Miranda Whitten, William Storer, Thomas Musgrave, Keaton Bertrand

Continuous conventional row-crops can reduce soil quality and yields on poor soils. Crop rotation and double cropping strategies involving corn, sorghum, and soybeans were evaluated for their effects on soil properties and potential for yield. Rotations involving sorghum and soybeans were both effective at increasing soil OM% and estimated nitrogen release above continuous corn. Overall, corn yields and quality following these rotations tended to be greater in rotated areas above continuous plots. These rotations offered additional production of grain and/or silage that could be sold or fed to livestock. Rotation to forage soybeans offered roughly 85 lbs/ac of residual nitrogen, and rotation to forage sorghum increased soil OM 0.4 % above continuous corn. The double cropping strategies studied included: 1) ratooning grain sorghum by chopping stubble and fertilizing it to encourage regrowth for silage production and 2) replanting forage sorghum immediately behind corn harvest.  Both strategies increased biomass production above continuous corn. Of the crop production strategies studied, rotating from continuous corn to double cropped grain sorghum would offer producers a cost-effective sustainable option to continuous corn including a year of income from an alternative crop that would maintain or increase soil organic matter and potentially increase subsequent corn yields and quality. 

Specified Source(s) of Funding: Louisiana Soybean and Grain Research and Promotion Board

Raymond Antwi, Christopher Chappell, Zhu. H. Ning, Yaw Twumasi

Healthy soils are paramount to forest ecosystems for the provision of resources required to drive net primary productivity. This review provides an overview of rural and urban forest ecosystems in terms of soil fertility and management strategies in select areas. The Bobiri Forest Reserve (BFR), Ghana, was chosen as a representative of the rural forest whilst Independence Community Park (ICP), Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was selected to represent an urban forest. A literature search on soil fertility and management strategies of rural and urban forest ecosystems were conducted. The history of soil fertility and the management of rural and urban forest soils were concisely discussed. The USDA web soil survey was conducted to identify the soil types and characteristics of the ICP. The soil types of BFR were also identified and discussed. It emerged from the review that urban forests face a high risk of soil degradation through compaction, landfilling, construction, depletion of soil nutrients, loss of capacity to retain soil water and inhibition of soil carbon sequestration. To ensure that informed management decisions are taken for the development and policy planning of the forest ecosystems, a list of progressive recommendations has been provided, including maintaining optimum forest soil conditions that favor regeneration and long-term survival of desired forest vegetation.

Waneene Dorsey

Exposure to environmental contaminants threatens human health by disrupting cellular processes such as the cell cycle. This disruption can lead to an elevated risk of developing cancer by causing cell cycle checkpoints to allow DNA-damaged cells to survive.  One such contaminant is pentachlorophenol (PCP), a synthetic organochlorine compound widely used as a wood preservative in the United States for more than 130 years. Its persistent presence in the environment raises concerns about its potential long-term impacts on human health and ecological systems.  Previous investigations in our laboratory have shown that PCP exerts both cytotoxic and mitogenic effects in human liver carcinoma (HepG2) cells and AML 12 mouse hepatocytes.  In this study, we hypothesized that PCP would exert its genotoxicity in TIB73 mouse liver cells by disrupting cell cycle checkpoints. Employing the Western immunoblotting technique, we observed a dose-dependent upregulation of the 62 kDa c-fos, 34 kDa CDK1/2, 54 kDa Cyclin A, 53 kDa p53, and kDa 20 HSP20.  Our data suggest that PCP possesses genotoxic properties, meaning it can damage genetic material within cells.  This genotoxicity leads to disruptions in critical cell cycle checkpoints, which are essential for the proper regulation of cell division and growth.  Such disruptions are often observed in multiple forms of cancer, highlighting the potential risks and implications of environmental contaminant exposure in cancer development.

Edmund Merem, Yaw Twumasi, Siddig Fageir, Joan Wesley, Gloria Hirse, Mercy Shenge, Jude Offiah, Duro Olagbegi, Babalola Femi, Emmanuel Nwagboso, Samson Emeakpor

Undeniably Ghana boosts of oil and gas deposits. In a setting where the resource stands as catalyst of development contributing to the GDP, and payment of royalty. This has sparked the design of petroleum infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and the infusion of talents driving the operations of the sector over the years. In as much as oil and gas discovery changed the fortunes of Ghana, the sector has been fraught with mounting problems, visible impacts as manifested in the form of oil spills, air pollution and Green House Gas emissions, widespread cases of land clearance amounting to deforestation and socio-economic problems. The gravity has left many baffled over the mixed outcome since the discovery. Yet, little exists on ecological effects of oil and gas in Ghana. The paper will fill that void by focusing on the impacts of oil and gas activities using techniques of geographic information system (GIS) and descriptive statistics. The results show changes in oil and gas usage in the form of gains and declines, rising exports, and increased revenues. The GIS mappings point to dispersion of the core indicators across space with ecological impacts of land loss, pollution, deforestation and others. With all these linked to policy, socio-economic and physical factors, the paper proffered solutions ranging from regular monitoring, assessment, education, the design of petroleum resource info system and ecosystem approach.

Waneene Dorsey

Clinical studies have revealed a troubling link between inflammation and chemotherapy resistance in cancer patients, posing a significant hurdle for healthcare professionals striving to create effective treatment strategies. Inflammatory response proteins, commonly referred to as cytokines, are significantly present in about 40% of human cancers, including common types such as breast, colon, and small lung tumors. When inflammatory gene proteins are activated in the body, they give rise to an inflammatory microenvironment—a unique setting where cancer cells often employ their specialized signaling mechanisms to evade destruction by chemotherapeutic agents. To explore this phenomenon in detail, we conducted experiments exposing TIB73 mouse liver cells to varying concentrations of pentachlorophenol (PCP), a wood preservative known to induce inflammatory responses. Our research revealed that key pro-inflammatory cytokines—such as IL-1β, phos-NF-kB, phos-ATF2, STAT3, and TNF-α—are present throughout various stages of cancer progression and drug resistance, creating an environment that nurtures cancer cell growth. The data gathered from our study suggest that the PCP-treated TIB73 mouse liver cells indeed generate a hostile inflammatory microenvironment that supports cancer development. 

Lillian Theriot, Jonathan Willis

Sabal minor is a native subshrub species of the southeastern United States that occurs in a diversity of habitats, including bottomland hardwood forests. Sabal minor is being investigated for potential use in bottomland hardwood forest restoration projects; however, little is known about its requirements for establishment and growth. In particular, scientific data are lacking regarding the effect of two of the primary environmental factors anticipated to affect Sabal minor survival and growth: water table depth and light availability. This study was undertaken to determine the effect of water table depth and light availability on Sabal minor seedlings in a mesocosm setting to address the aforementioned data gaps. Specifically, a 2 light availability (ambient, forest interior) x 4 water table depth (9cm below, 9cm above, 20cm above, 40cm above) factorial design for a total of 40 experimental units was established at the Nicholls State University Farm. Growth metrics were measured monthly from February till August of 2024, with biomass partitioning being determined at the study’s conclusion. Aboveground biomass and cumulative plant height appear to be higher under ambient light conditions and at the intermediate water table depths. This is consistent with field observations, and suggests that during bottomland hardwood restoration efforts, plantings of S. minor seedlings should happen subsequent to overstory canopy establishment and in areas of moderate water table depth.

Samuel Torto, Favour Aina, Nonso Duaka, Hector Douglas

There is growing concern that active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) can have adverse effects on aquatic systems. We tested the hypothesis that orlistat, a weight loss drug, could affect growth, reproduction and survival in Daphnia magna. Orlistat functions by interfering with digestive enzymes that help break down lipids. We reasoned that orlistat could also interfere with lipid assimilation by aquatic organisms. We conducted experiments in natural spring water with the addition of orlistat dissolved in ethanol. Our control treatments were the same but lacked orlistat. We found that survival of Daphnia was lower in orlistat treatments (~2 µg/ml) than controls (p ≤ 0.001). We also observed delayed egg development, lower neonate births, and reduced growth rates. We tested for a dose-dependent effect and found that survival was lower at high (6.95 µg/ml) compared to low (2.38 µg/ml) orlistat. Furthermore, we found lipid scores were lower, and in a regression analysis, the lipid scores predicted ovary size. Orlistat apparently interfered with assimilation of lipids and consequently Daphnia allocated less to reproduction. We conclude that orlistat can affect growth, reproduction, and survival in Daphnia magna.

Shila Kandel, Abubakar Abdulkadir, Raphyel Rosby, Md. Ekhtear Hossain

4-Aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA) is an antioxidant additive in rubber tires that enhances durability by preventing drying, cracking, and degradation from heat, oxygen, and ozone exposure. However, it raises environmental concerns as microscopic tire wear particles (TWPs) containing 4-ADPA are released into the environment during tire use. These particles can contaminate waterways through stormwater runoff, contributing to pollution and potentially harming aquatic ecosystems and marine life. The current study examines the ecotoxicological effects of 4-ADPA on the aquatic plant Lemna minor (L. minor), focusing on its impact on relative growth and physiological biomarkers. Several parameters were assessed to evaluate ecotoxicity, including frond morphology, fresh biomass, total frond number, chlorophyll content, and starch accumulation. L. minor was grown for seven days under controlled laboratory conditions using Hoagland media with varying concentrations of 4-ADPA (10 - 100 µg/L), while a control group was maintained in media without 4-ADPA. The results showed that exposure to 4-ADPA led to a dose-dependent reduction in fresh biomass, total frond number, and chlorophyll levels. Lugol’s staining revealed increased starch accumulation in the fronds after exposure to 4-ADPA. The biological effects observed in L. minor following exposure to 4-ADPA, even at environmentally relevant concentrations, indicate a significant ecotoxicological impact on aquatic ecosystems.

Md Firoz Al Mamun, Enmin Zou

Chromium (Cr), one of the prevalent heavy metal contaminants in aquatic environments, is reportedly present in crustacean exoskeleton. Using the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, as the model crustacean, this study sought to address during which phase of the molting cycle Cr is deposited to the exoskeleton and how Cr in different valencies impacts such a process and exoskeletal mineralization. It was hypothesized that owing to Cr II and calcium (Ca) being both divalent, Cr II would promote Cr incorporation into the shell during post-ecdysial mineralization, thereby adversely affecting mineralization, more than either Cr III or Cr VI. Post-ecdysial blue crabs were injected with 0 and 2µg Cr/g wet weight in chromium chloride (Cr II), chromium potassium sulfate (Cr III) or sodium chromate (Cr VI). Thereafter, exoskeletal Cr, Ca, and magnesium (Mg) content was analyzed using ICP-OES. We found that Cr (VI) and Cr (III) resulted in a 2.94- and 2.52-fold increase in exoskeletal Cr content, respectively, while Cr (II) had no effect. Additionally, both Cr (III) and Cr (VI), not Cr (II), were found to significantly reduce the Ca and Mg content per unit shell area, suggesting that both Cr (III) and Cr (VI) inhibit the flux of Ca and Mg to the shell during mineralization. These results are not in agreement with the hypothesis. Discussion on the mechanism driving the effects of Cr (III) and Cr (VI) is presented.

Carley Pinel, Karishma Nathaniel, Raj Boopathy, Darcey Wayment

Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs), more commonly known as “forever chemicals”, are compounds that have a high chemical stability due to their C-F bonds which causes them to persist in the environment. PFASs are widely used in commercial and industrial products such as food packaging, fire-retardant and fire-extinguishing products, pesticides, paints, personal care products, and surfactants. Once the PFASs are introduced to the environment, they accumulate and can be transported via waterways. If humans ingest, inhale, or come in contact with PFAS, it is possible for it to accumulate in the body and cause negative health effects. Both natural and constructed wetlands have shown the ability to reduce potentially harmful substances by acting as a natural filtration system with the aid of plant bioremediation. The purpose of this study is to determine the ability of Nicholls State University’s newly constructed wetland in reducing the amount of PFASs in the water. Water samples were collected at the inlet and outlet of the constructed wetland and analyzed using LC/MS to detect the presence of PFASs in Bayou Folse and in the wetland. The results will be discussed.

Maris Griffin, Jonathan Willis, Brian Roberts

Spartina alterniflora is the dominant saltmarsh plant species along the southern Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, the productivity of which is essential to the provision of the many ecosystem services associated these ecosystems.  A critical aspect of understanding the productivity of such species is developing a cohesive understanding of their allometric patterns and the factors that modulate them.  Previous studies suggest that allometric relationship between S. alterniflora height and biomass differ significantly by season, but little is known regarding how these patterns shift on an intraseasonal basis. To address this knowledge gap, individual plant samples spanning the full range of stem heights were collected monthly from three marsh sites on LUMCON’s campus in Cocodrie, LA in 2024 and characterized in terms of stem height, live and dead leaf count, and dry biomass. Relationships between stem height and dry biomass are being assessed with power regressions.  Preliminary analyses suggest that relationships remain relatively consistent during winter (January) and early spring (March) sampling months. Additional analyses are also underway to evaluate to what extent shifts in allometric patterns may align with modulating factors, such as spring high river water discharge or shifts in soil biogeochemistry status, and how they may affect nutrient uptake within the marsh.

Hector Douglas, Charmaine Chisley

Seabirds are among the most endangered groups of birds globally. They are vulnerable to multiple threats including diseases and climate change. A pandemic of avian influenza has decimated many populations of seabirds and marine heat waves have caused large scale mortalities in some species. We studied seabirds at the Culebra National Wildlife Refuge during June 2024, which coincided with a marine heat wave in the Caribbean Sea. We quantified seroprevalence of antibodies to avian influenza viruses (AIV), and we measured metrics of condition. All three species were negative for AIV antibodies, indicating that none of the birds we sampled had previously been infected by AIVs. Hematocrit in our focal species, the sooty tern (Onychoprionis fuscatus), ranged from 38-48%, which is within the optimal range. Oxidative stress in sooty terns, measured by the TBARS TCA method, ranged from 4 to 13 µM malondialdehyde (an index of lipid peroxidation). Body condition, an index of fat to lean ratio, ranged from 0.262-0.331 in brown noddies (Anous stolidus); 0.268- 0.418 in sooty terns; and 0.396-0.538 in white-tailed tropicbirds (Phaethon lepturus). Although the birds we sampled appeared to have relatively good body condition, the numbers of sooty terns attending the colony were fewer than in previous years.

Hollon Gower, Christopher Aker, Blake Inabnet

Observing and analyzing behavior allows researchers to better understand how animals interact with their environment, respond to changes in ecological conditions, and adapt to environmental pressures. Great Egrets are a prominent example of an indicator species, as their behaviors can reflect the health and stability of the ecosystems they inhabit. Our hypothesis was twofold: (1), we predicted there would be a difference among behaviors, and (2) we anticipated that the frequency of certain behaviors would be influenced by changes in the environment. In this study we attempt to understand whether Egret behavior changes are indicative of changing environmental conditions. We focused on Great Egrets visiting Chaplin Lake at NSU. We conducted systematic observations to document their behaviors and analyze how these behaviors varied with environmental conditions. We observed that Great Egrets were significantly more active during moderate to high temperatures, particularly in the late afternoons. While there were significant differences in the frequency of behaviors, it was contrary to our initial predictions that wading behavior would be more prevalent; however, resting and preening emerged as the most common behaviors. Overall, our study highlights the importance of temperature as a factor influencing the behavior of Great Egrets, while also emphasizing the need for further research to explore additional environmental variables.

Christopher Meehan

Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) are among the most imperiled species of turtles in the world. Their status as the only brackish water turtle forces them to face anthropogenic threats such as accidental drowning via crab pot, road mortality and habitat loss which has resulted in their status as an S3 species in Louisiana, meaning they are moderately vulnerable to extirpation. Our study is being conducted at East Grand Terre, a barrier island in Barataria Bay, to track movement and habitat selection preferences of terrapin, which will inform us about key areas in need of protection for terrapin. An automated telemetry system will be deployed, in which 10 male and 10 female terrapins will be affixed with radio-transmitters. Affixing an equal amount of female and male terrapin with transmitters will afford us the opportunity to discover habitat use, and movement pattern differences between the sexes, which has yet to be studied on the coast of Louisiana. I anticipate that female terrapin will have larger home ranges when compared to males because females will need to leave their normal range to find suitable area to nest. I believe that male turtles will not be preferential in the habitat that they select for, and that females will preferentially select for smooth cordgrass (Spartina alternaflora) rather than black mangroves (Avicennia germinans) because smooth cordgrass will be easier for terrapin to navigate through.

Tanatswa Mujumi, Hector Douglas

The acoustic adaptation hypothesis predicts that birds will produce signals that propagate best in their native environment. Tropical forests differ in structure. Primary old-growth forests tend to have high canopies and less understory growth. Secondary forests at earlier stages of regeneration tend to have denser understory growth that may extend to the relatively low canopy. Furthermore, the sound environment of the forest can be affected by the ambient sounds of rivers. We selected samples from all three habitats: primary forest, secondary forest, and adjacent river corridor at La Selva Biological Research Station, Costa Rica. We tested the hypothesis that song characteristics of the white-breasted wood wren (Henicorhina leucosticta) differ with forest structure. White-breasted wood wrens (WBWW) are sedentary on their breeding territories year-round. We measured temporal and frequency parameters, including song duration, peak frequency, and center frequency in three randomly selected songs from each bird we recorded. We predicted that there would be subtle differences in song characteristics. Our results to date suggest that there are unique introductory notes that convey individually recognizable markers of a breeding territory.

Erik Roy, Caroline Hennigan, Kathy Jackson, Harry Meyer

The understanding of the distribution of three tardigrade species—Diphascon pingue, Macrobiotus hannae, and Paramacrobiotus fairbanksi—has been expanded to include the state of Montana. These three species were confirmed to be present in Montana by DNA profiling. Diphascon pingue has a documented Holarctic distribution, including Europe, North America, and Asia. Three specimens were confirmed as Diphascon pingue sensu stricto using DNA sequence comparison of the ITS2 gene for the first time in Montana. Similarly, Macrobiotus hannae was confirmed to be present in Montana by sequence comparison of both the ITS2 and 28S gene sequences from five specimens.  Previously, the only other record of the species was its type locality in Poland. Paramacrobiotus fairbanksi was also identified by ITS2 and 28S sequence comparison from a specimen collected in Montana. This species has additional known records from Italy, Spain, and Poland. This study used molecular analysis to confirm the presence of these three tardigrade species in Montana, a region where they had not been previously documented. These results contribute to the understanding of the Holarctic distribution of these species and could support future biogeographical research on tardigrades.

Olivia Sexton, Amber Hale

Varroa destructor is one of the leading causes of overwinter colony loss in honeybees (Apis mellifera). Varroa is a parasitic mite that feeds on larva and attaches to the back of adult honeybees. A selective breeding program at Purdue University produced a line of bees that protect themselves by chewing off the legs of mites attached to other bees in the hive, termed “mite-biting” behavior. Smith et al. 2021 linked this behavior to altered mandible anatomy in mite-biting colonies using microtomography. The “long edge” parameter was significantly shorter in mite-biting colonies when compared to non-mite-biters. We have characterized mite-biting behavior in McNeese’s colonies. Bees were collected from 10 of the McNeese colonies for this study. Both mandibles of three bees from each colony were examined under a light microscope (60 total). We are measuring five parameters per mandible of the McNeese bees, per the methods of Smith et al. We hypothesize that the measurements of the McNeese honeybees will be statistically the same as the Indiana mite-biting bees, and different than bees that do not exhibit mite-biting behavior.

Gabriel White, Timothy Clay

Pomacea maculata is an invasive apple snail that is quickly spreading throughout the Southeastern United States imparting devastating ecological and economic pressures along the way. As eradication is no longer an option, knowing basic apple snail life history characteristics can help us understand their potential range expansion. We have been conducting a temperature dependent life history study that has focused on growth, survival, and fecundity with captive bred individuals. Three tanks each at 20, 25, and 30°C were set up with heaters and aerators, to which 20 snails (5mm) were added to each. Three times a week, snails are fed ad libitum spinach and collards. Weekly measurements of shell length are recorded for a subset of individuals from each tank, as well as clutch production and mortalities. Our highest temperature treatments have had the highest growth rates, but were the first to perish completely. Our highest temperature treatments have steadily produced clutches while the lowest temperature treatment has yet to reproduce. Our data suggests there are temperature-induced fitness trade-offs and that intermediate temperatures may be optimal for apple snails. Future work will investigate acclimation and cold tolerance with hatchling and juvenile apple snails. Our lab hopes to achieve an apple snail distribution map based on our research of their temperature tolerance to survivability, fertility, and fecundity. 

Lucas Futey, Claire Boudreaux, Timothy Clay

The Diamondback Terrapin is a brackish water turtle that resides in intracoastal marshes and is often fouled by epifaunal invertebrates, most commonly barnacles. Diamondback Terrapin are a sexually dimorphic species resulting in larger females with differential prey selection. Therefore, sexual dimorphism may cause differential habitat use (cordgrass vs. mangrove) and may allow for variation in barnacle presence and quantity. I expect female terrapin occurring in higher salinities and habitats with greater mangrove presence to have a higher likelihood of having barnacles and more barnacles. Barnacle attachment was quantified in populations of Diamondback Terrapin at Elmer’s Wildlife Refuge (EWR) and East Grande Terre (EGT) in Grand Isle, Louisiana was recorded from 2021 to 2024. Females were statistically more likely to have barnacles and have a higher quantity of barnacles. Increased presence and quantity of barnacles was also found to have a significant relationship with increasing carapace length and varied by sex. There was no significant difference in the presence of barnacles between populations, however terrapin at EWR had significantly more barnacles than terrapin at EGT. Sex was a significant factor independent of carapace length suggesting that the sexes may behave and use the environment differently, with females potentially spending more time in aquatic environments in the presence of mangroves.

August Gallo

Indigofera suffruticosa is an essential cash crop provided in Louisiana. However, the history and exploration of the crop has deteriorated over time. Therefore, Atelier de la Nature, run by Brandon Ballengée and Aurore Ballengée created a project called “Le Bleu Perdu” to "re-learn" lost knowledge of the art and science of indigo, specifically the native species of indigofera suffruticosa and indigofera tinctoria This would also provide a new sense of pride for Cajun heritage and education and the preservation of Louisiana’s environment. Limited plant samples from these species were provided to our team for the purpose of extraction, isolation and characterization of the pigment indigo. The following general method of extraction was employed: (1) Plant leaves were soaked in water for 1-3 days for fermentation; (2) Filter the leaves from the aqueous extract; (3) Adjust the pH to basic using Ca(OH)2 and aerate by placing on a shaker and/or stirring and shaking vigorously; (4) Separate the precipitated indigo pigment from the top basic water layer. Four different trials were run with Indigofera suffruticosa using only 32-146 grams of plant material.  In each of these trials, we isolated a murky green liquid with small amounts of a dark brown precipitate. GC-MS analysis of the precipitate did not shown the presence of indigo. A separate extraction using Indigofera tinctoria (360g) in 50/50 ethanol water resulted in a greenish solution with a small amount of indigo.

William Dodson

This research aims to develop a novel antibacterial system using Protein-Based Metal Nanoparticles (PBMNPs), with a target pathogen.  The Fight Bacteria with Bacteria (F2B) methodology is used to exhibit high specificity for target cells, providing a targeted antibacterial effect while minimizing off-target impacts.

Jessica Fall, Allison Dauzat, Trey Vaughan

This study aimed to advance previous research on the quantification of cannabinoids in commercial and natural hemp products by focusing on two key projects: the derivatization of cannabidiol using BSTFA and the quantification of cannabinoids in hemp plant samples. BSTFA, a silylating reagent, was used to derivatize CBD, with o-Cresol serving as a model compound due to its structural similarities.

The second project involved cannabinoid extraction and quantification from two hemp samples—Belle CBD and Janet’s G—grown at McNeese State University farm. The extraction efficiencies for the Belle CBD and Janet’s G samples were determined to be 87.11% and 70.41%, respectively. The results indicated that the Janet’s G sample primarily contained cannabigerol (CBG), whereas the Belle CBD sample contained cannabidiol (CBD). These findings highlight the need for further validation and expanded cannabinoid analysis.

Jean Fotie, Lara Boudreaux, Haley Harris, Emmanuel-King Alabo

The catalytic reductive amination of carbonyl compounds with amines in the total absence of molecular hydrogen is often regarded as one of the most efficient methods for the synthesis of different classes of amines due to its use of readily available raw materials and high atom economy. In contrast to the hydrogenation approach, this reaction typically occurs under mild conditions.

This presentation showcases a straightforward method for the preparation of different classes of amines via reductive amination of carbonyl compounds using hydrosilanes as reductants, catalyzed by palladium nanoparticles dispersed and stabilized on organically modified silicate (Pd@MTES). Not only this approach requires no additives, it can also proceed under neat conditions in some cases. The successful large-scale application of this reaction suggests its potential for industrial implementation.

Jean Fotie, Khaitlynn Johnson, Cavanaugh Bergles

Epoxides are useful precursors to a variety of materials through ring-opening under acidic or basic conditions, with a regioselective ring opening often controlled by varying between these two reaction conditions. The catalytic hydrosilylation of epoxides by transition metals, however, has rarely been reported. This presentation highlights a regioselective ring-opening and conversion of epoxides into silyl-protected alcohols, catalyzed by palladium nanoparticles dispersed and stabilized on organically modified silicate. This reaction can be used as an alternative to hydroboration-oxidation as a method to access anti-Markovnikov alcohols from alkenes, with the added advantage of producing a protected alcohol that is ready for the next step in reactions sensitive to the presence of a free hydroxyl group.

Thomas Junk, Samantha Ponzo, Itunu Olanrewaju, Alanna Turner, Alayah Spears, Frank Fronczek

Tellurium-nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds are rapidly gaining importance, due to properties ranging from molecular self-assembly to phosphorescence. Ongoing work investigates three strategies for their preparation, namely the regioselective ortho tellurination of aromatic amides, ureas and carbamates, nucleophilic substitution reactions of ortho-haloaniliens with sodium telluride and the selective ortho nitration of benzenetellurinic acids, ditellurides and aryltellurium trihalides. The resulting substitution products can be converted to a range of products including tellurazoles and tellurazinones. Usually, ortho substitution is the result of strong Te-O coordination to pre-existing moieties, as evidenced by the X-ray crystallographic analysis of a representative product. In the absence of such coordination substitution reactions either fail, often formation of elemental tellurium, or result in isomers that cannot undergo cyclization. This presentation discusses results and scope of applying these tellurination reactions and a plausible mechanism for the subsequent successful cyclization of ortho tellurinated ureas to benzo[1,3]tellurazole derivatives.

Prem Chanda, Yacoub Qamar

Enantioselective synthesis of anti-β-hydroxy-α-methyl/3,3,3-trifluoromethyl/phenyl carboxylic acid esters have been achieved. However, such synthesis of anti-β-hydroxy-α-arylcarboxylic acid esters remain unexplored to date. We have optimized reaction conditions such as effects of alkoxy group of esters, temperature, and solvents in the enolboration-aldolization of various arylacetates to obtain high anti- and enantioselectivity of β-hydroxy-α-arylcarboxylic acid esters. Thus, we will discuss the progress towards the development of enantioselective anti-aldol reactions of arylacetates.  

Yacoub Qamar

Self Bacterial (Protein) Panning method will be used to enhance the Selective Antibacterial Activity (SAA) of nanoparticles that inhibit the growth of target pathogenic bacteria. All of the control groups are supported to validate the data of the SBP-driven results.

Erik Roy, Andi Cantu, Niwanthi Dissanayake, Vidura Thalangamaarachchige

This study investigates the use of 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl phosphate (EMIM-DEP) ionic liquid as a solvent to dissolve chitin, chitosan, and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) for the development of antimicrobial films. The dissolution procedure consisted of stirring the polymer-ionic liquid mixture at room temperature, followed by controlled heating in a microwave for 2-3 second increments. In between heating, the mixture was briefly stirred to aid in the dissolution. After complete dissolution, the solution was cast into thin films and allowed to solidify. These films were then prepared for antimicrobial testing to assess their potential effectiveness against various microbial pathogens. Additionally, these materials will be characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Infrared spectroscopy (IR).

Fahima Shaon, Dr. John Pojman

This study explores the development of time-lapse adhesives using thiol-acrylate Michael addition reactions coupled with urea-urease clock reactions. The research highlights the temporal control achieved by leveraging enzymatic reactions to generate a base in situ, facilitating predictable gelation and adhesive curing. The integration of watermelon seed powder (WMSP) as a natural urease source is demonstrated as a cost-effective and sustainable approach. By leveraging watermelon seed powder (WMSP) as a cost-effective urease source, this approach aligns with sustainable practices while offering tunable mechanical properties and gelation profiles. Extensive characterization, including FTIR, rheological analysis, shelf-life, degradation studies, and parameter optimization, highlights the system’s adaptability for industrial and biomedical applications. Comparative analysis with tertiary and primary amines further underscores the advantages of the urea-urease system.

Prem Chanda, Alexis Square

Enantioselective syn-aldol reactions of phenylactates, morpholine carboxamides, and 7-azaindoline α-alkylamides are well explored. However, those reactions of simple carboxylic acid amides such as N, N-dialkylarylacetamides   are not studied to date. We have recently discovered a dialkylboron triflate (R2BOTf)-mediated aldol reaction of N, N-dialkylphenylacetamides. Herein, we will discuss the progress towards the development of diisopinocampheylboron triflate (Ipc2BOTf)–mediated enantioselective syn-aldol reactions of N, N-dimethylarylacetamides.

Darcey Wayment, Kermit Gauthreaux, Shawn Madere, N. Abadie, J. Laiche, L. L. Laiche, A. Menjivar, C. Ory, B. Sutherland, A. Tassin, A. Vicknair

Although banned in 1996, leaded gasoline may still have harmful effects on the environment and humans due to lingering amounts of lead in soil. Therefore, it is important to investigate if the levels are elevated above EPA guidelines for toxicity. This analysis was conducted to determine if residual elements from leaded gasoline are still found in the area, along with other metals from local chemical, petrochemical, and agricultural industries that may be detrimental to the environment.  Samples of topsoil were collected from different areas around St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, and St. Charles Parish. The soil samples were analyzed for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn). The samples were taken from the topsoil, using plastic spoons to prevent metal contamination, and placed in LDPE storage bags. Each sample was ground into a powder using mortar and pestles, dried in a laboratory oven, and weighed on an analytical balance to obtain ~2.0-gram samples. The samples were chemically digested with nitric acid and analyzed using an FAAS and with an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometer.  In general, the results revealed concentrations well below toxicity levels and indicated minor trends in several sections. One apparent trend is that areas near industry have lower concentrations of these elements than other areas. Other minor trends were found within the data and are discussed in greater detail in the poster.

Ayesha Weerakoon, Anuja Thapa

Polypeptoids are a unique class of synthetic polymers with an aliphatic polyamide backbone and nitrogen-substituted side chains, offering enhanced solubility and resistance to enzymatic degradation compared to polypeptides. In this study, polypeptoid-based polyampholytes with various block architectures (diblock, tetrablock, hexablock, octablock, and random) were synthesized with a consistent degree of polymerization (DPn) of 96. Sequential ring-opening polymerization of N-2-carboxyethylglycine-derived (COE-NCA) and N-Cbz-4-aminobutyl-derived (LYS-NCA) monomers was conducted using benzylamine initiator, achieving targeted block compositions confirmed by FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopy.

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) indicated controlled polymerization with consistent molecular weights. ¹H-NMR spectroscopy confirmed a 1:1 Lys-to-COE ratio in each chain. Turbidity measurements revealed that phase separation behavior is highly influenced by the block sequence, with distinct phase boundaries observed across varying pH levels. These well-characterized materials enable deeper insights into coacervation trends, including the influence of block length, sequence, and charge distribution, under various conditions. This study lays the groundwork for potential applications in drug delivery, synthetic biology, and bio-inspired material development while paving the way for further exploration of coacervate formation in complex environments.

Senuri Jayawardana Arachchige, Ella Madura, Víctor García-López

Metal-organic cages offer a powerful platform to study the effects of nanoconfinement on high-energy intermediates such as triplet excited states. Here, we present a design strategy for molecular cages that not only provide confinement but also act as photosensitizers, enabling indirect excitation of guest molecules under visible light. Our cages feature thioxanthone (THX) coordinated with earth-abundant Zn(II) and Fe(II), providing a sustainable alternative to conventional cages that rely on rare metals like Pd, Pt, Ru, and Ir. THX is chosen for its high triplet energy (ET*: 65.5 kcal mol- ) and long triplet lifetimes (τ0: 77 μs), with the added advantage of visible light absorption, which is not the case of other aromatic ketones.

We synthesized THX-based ligands with varying lengths, geometries, and chelating units (imino-pyridine, 2,2’-bipyridine, 2-pyridyl-1,2,3-triazole) and evaluated their self-assembly into cages under different conditions. Computational studies provided insight into how linker distortion and metal-ligand interactions influence cage stability. Understanding and tuning triplet states through supramolecular design could advance photocatalysis, optoelectronics, light-emitting diodes, imaging agents, and sensors.

Jullyane Matsushima, Alexanndra M Behm, Mario E Rivera, Víctor García-López

Bacteria is a growing threat to human life, leading to a need for the development of better tools to study and understand their proliferation mechanisms, antibiotic resistance, and other functions. Contrary to previous beliefs, bacteria can change their membrane potential. This enables them to regulate physiological processes and behaviors, which is crucial for their survival and proliferation. Bacterial membrane potential dynamics are yet not fully understood, mainly due to the lack of non-invasive and high throughput techniques to study their electrophysiology. Optical methods based on fluorescence microscopy are an alternative, but their efficiency is limited by the available probes. The most common probes usually present a low permeability in gram-negative bacteria, are unsuitable for fast dynamics, and are used in high concentrations, which could disrupt the membrane potential. To address these limitations, we aim to develop molecular probes based on diarylethene photoswitches enabling them to be optically turned on/off with spatiotemporal precision, and with the ability to report and quantify changes in the membrane potential by changing their fluorescence lifetime. This will help avoid problems such as uneven dye loading, bleaching, and variation in illumination intensity. Several diarylethene derivatives will be synthesized aiming to study different substituents’ effects on the fluorescence lifetime, quantum yields, and sensitivity to membrane potential changes.

Catherine Cobb, Darcey Wayment, Maegan Bousegard, Ashton Rogers, Raj Boopathy, Raj Nathaniel, Himanshu Raje

We undertook this study to develop a method that uses cellulose from the outer coating of capsules to conjugate lipase to iron nanoparticles. We created a mixture with 0.026g magnetized iron nanoparticles, 3 emptied and washed cellulose capsules, 5.0mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), and 0.083g bovine lipase. This mixture formed a film at room temperature within 48 hours. We created another film with the exact same composition without lipase enzyme. The film without lipase enzyme served as a negative control. Both films were individually dissolved with 20mL PBS in 50mL tubes. Iron nanoparticles from the dissolved films were separately collected with magnets at the bottom of the tube and further suspended in 10mL PBS. 0.005g cholesterol was treated with 50 microliters of iron nanoparticles in two separate microcentrifuge tubes with 450 microliters of PBS for fifteen minutes. Cholesterol was extracted in the organic phase from both control and treatment tube with 1mL of chloroform. The organic layers from both microcentrifuge tubes were passed through a 0.2 micron filter into separate chromatography vials. The presence of cholesterol was determined by GC-MS. We achieved 19.87% reduction of the height of cholesterol peak upon 10 minutes of lipase treatment. An absence of the cholesterol peak in the treatment sample indicated possible cholesterol degradation within fifteen minutes of lipase treatment. We intend to demonstrate the adhesion of lipase to iron nanoparticles.