36. Are there planets around white dwarf binaries?

Amalie Yates, Physics and Astronomy, 2-3pm

White dwarfs (WDs) are the burned out cores of stars similar to our Sun at the end of their evolutionary path. WD binaries are binary (two) star systems where at least one component is a white dwarf. If the binary system is oriented right in our line of sight from Earth, then we are able to observe eclipses from these systems in much the same way as we do between the Sun and Moon. The time that an eclipse occurs at is a result of the period of the binary (how long the objects take to orbit each other), allowing them to act as excellent clocks, since their eclipses should arrive with regular repetition. In reality, long-term observations of these eclipses show significant variation in the time that the eclipse occurs from when is expected. The cause of this is currently unknown, however theories attribute it to two main theories, one of which being the existence of planets orbiting the system. My work aims to shed light on the origin of these eclipse time variations.

37. Comparative growth, physiological, and phenological responses of native and non-native nursery trees to a predicted future temperature increase

Louis Kosowicz, Biosciences, 2-3pm

Urban vegetation plays a critical role in carbon storage and sequestration, yet the contribution and species-specific variation of non-forest plant groups remains poorly quantified. This PhD aims to demonstrate the carbon storage and sequestration potential both under current and future climate, of nursery-grown trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, for real-world application in cultivated green spaces. This research aims to quantify growth, photosynthetic rates and the above/below ground biomass of a range of native /non-native species and cultivars within those plant groups. These results will culminate to create an understanding of urban plant carbon storage and sequestration potential which will aid in identifying species suited for sustainable planting in urban green spaces.

38. Representations of Semi-Direct Products of Lie Algebras in Prime Characteristic

Mona Aljuaid, Mathematics and Statistics, 2-3pm

We consider a Lie algebra 𝐶 with basis {𝐻, 𝐸, 𝑋, 𝑌 }, where these elements satisfy certain relations. This Lie algebra can be built from smaller pieces using a semidirect product, where one part acts on the other through the Lie bracket. To study it more deeply, we consider its universal enveloping algebra 𝑈 (𝐶). This is an associative algebra constructed from the Lie algebra 𝐶. In characteristic zero, Bavula and Lu studied this algebra. They classifiedits simple modules, prime, primitive, and maximal ideals.In this work, we study the same Lie algebra and its universal enveloping algebra over fields of prime characteristic. Our main result is a description of the center of 𝑈 (𝐶). We obtain this result by relating the algebra to the Weyl algebra using a localization method.These results help us better understand the structure of 𝑈 (𝐶) in prime characteristic and reveal new behaviors that do not appear in the characteristic zero case

39. Approximately beyond the Born-Oppenheimer approximation  

Lucy Piekarska, Chemistry, 2-3pm

Experiments show what happens in chemical systems, but theory helps explain why and helps improve experimental design. As experiments become more complex, computer simulations are increasingly important. In this work, we model a demanding three-pulse laser experiment that excites molecules and makes their atoms vibrate. Traditionally, the Born–Oppenheimer approximation assumes that atomic vibrations do not significantly affect how electrons behave. Our simulations explore systems that go approximately beyond this idea, showing that vibrations can influence how electrons move and even change how many molecules reach an excited state. By combining computational chemistry methods such as extended tight binding (xTB) and density functional theory (DFT), we develop an efficient workflow to study electron transfer in light-driven experiments, helping interpret complex measurements and guide the design of future photophysical studies at the University of Sheffield. 

40. Developing Novel c-di-AMP Capture Compounds to Investigate Penicillin Resistance in Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Mohammed Alsulami, Biosciences, 2-3pm

The growing global population and recent increases in world hunger highlight the urgent need to improve food production sustainably. Nitrogen is essential for crop growth, but more than half of applied nitrogen fertilizer is lost through processes such as leaching, volatilization, and nitrous oxide emissions, causing environmental damage and contributing to climate change and soil degradation. This project investigates nitrogen cycling and nitrogen losses after fertilization using contrasting barley lines. By combining advanced techniques to measure microbial nitrogen cycling activity, community dynamics, and plant traits, the study aims to understand how plants can help regulate nitrogen cycling and reduce its negative environmental impacts. Experiments will assess nitrification and denitrification under controlled conditions using stable isotope methods and real-time PCR to link nitrogen transformation rates with microbial community function.

41. Adsorption of poly(N,N’-dimethylacrylamide) homopolymer and poly(N,N’-dimethylacrylamide)-stabilized nanoparticles onto planar silica: effect of concentration, molecular weight, solution pH and temperature

Pratiksha Kantale, Chemistry, 2-3pm

PDMAC homopolymer adsorption onto planar silica was monitored via Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) while varying the copolymer concentration, copolymer molecular weight, solution pH and temperature. The spherical PDMACx-PDAAMy nanoparticles were prepared using the same PDMAC steric stabilizer using a conventional aqueous PISA formulation previously reported by the Armes group. The adsorption of spherical PDMACx-PDAAMy nanoparticles onto planar silica will also be studied by QCM. The interesting scientific question here is whether the characteristic behaviour of the PDMAC homopolymer (e.g. its pH-dependent adsorption) leads to similar behaviour for the corresponding PDMAC-stabilized nanoparticles will be examine. 

42. Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence Usage in Universities: A Quantitative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Joao Craveiro, Psychology , 2-3pm

This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed 37 studies published between 2017 and 2025 to understand how university staff perceive and use Artificial Intelligence. 

Findings revealed a gap between usage and familiarity: while staff are generally confident regarding AI, actual daily usage remains quite low. Factors leading to adoption include performance enhancing, social influences, or if they find it easy and enjoyable to use. Intention to use was moderatey correlated with actual usage.

However, professional and ethical concerns, and implementation difficulties frequently prevent people from moving from intention to action. Further, studies identified seniority, prior experience, and receiving specific training as mediators of usage. 

Finally, previous studies have argued that simply providing information is not enough; universities should prioritize hands-on training and co-produced, clear and evolving policies to support staff and address their concerns

43. Quantum synchronisation errors: An insertion-deletion equivalence and near-term error-correction protocol

Lewis Bulled, Physics and Astronomy, 2-3pm

In quantum error correction (QEC), an under-researched class of errors is so-called synchronisation errors (SEs.) These include erasure errors, in which quantum information – known as qubits – are deleted at known locations, and deletion/insertion errors, where qubits are deleted/inserted randomly. Much is understood about deletion errors, but as yet little is known about insertion errors. We present an equivalence between these error types on a class of quantum codes by deriving a set of insertion conditions, and showing that these are equivalent to an already known set of deletion conditions. This addresses a longstanding open question by providing a quantum version of a nearly sixty-year-old classical problem. We also present the first instance of a protocol that can realise insertion error QEC on near-term quantum devices, which is simple and practical to implement. Together, our results address a significant gap in the theory of SEs.

44. Investigating the Senescence Tumour  Suppressor Mechanism of Salmonella enterica 

James Sheffield, Biosciences, 2-3pm

Salmonella enterica includes ~2400 non-typhoidal serovars that cause gastroenteritis and four typhoidal serovars that cause typhoid fever and chronic infection. Typhoidal strains produce typhoid toxin, which triggers host DNA damage responses (DDRs) and may help bacteria persist in the host. A small subset of non-typhoidal strains, including Salmonella Javiana, also produce this toxin. In vitro studies show that typhoid toxin can induce persistent DDRs that drive cellular senescence, a permanent cell-cycle arrest linked to inflammation and tumour suppression, but whether this occurs in vivo remains unclear. My PhD investigates whether typhoid toxin induces senescence during infection, using mouse cancer models, and better understanding the mechanism of the Typhoid toxin in vitro.

46. Using INCL++ for Improved FSI Modelling in Neutrino Physics

Thomas Peacock, Physics and Astronomy, 2-3pm

Modern neutrino experiments simulate neutrino interactions using Monte Carlo-based software called event generators. In neutrino-nucleus scattering experiments, final state interactions (FSI) - where the proton involved in the initial neutrino interaction scatters further within the nucleus - can leave the detectable output vastly different from what is expected. This effect is simulated in generators using intranuclear cascade (INC) models, and accurately modelling this process is crucial for reducing systematic uncertainty in our experiments. This poster will show preliminary results of the implementation of a novel INC, called INCL++, for use in the experiment-driven event generator NEUT, showing how improvements to our FSI modelling may improve our estimations of uncertainty and widen our scope to unexplored areas of neutrino-nucleus interaction physics in the future.

47. Generation of human Embryonic Stem Cell-derived Otic Epithelial Progenitors suitable for application as a cell therapy for the treatment of SNHL

Bronte Elliott, Biosciences, 2-3pm

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the leading cause of hearing loss worldwide. It arises due to damage to specialised sensory cells in the inner ear – primarily the inner ear hair cells or the spiral ganglion neurons. Unfortunately, treatment options to reverse hearing loss are limited.

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are a promising resource for the development of cell therapies that could go some way to restoring biological hearing. hESCs can be driven to produce a variety of cell types in vitro through manipulation of well-established biological pathways. Using this technology, it is possible to generate populations of hair cell precursor cell types, known as otic epithelial progenitors (OEPs). Whilst OEPs have been produced successfully under research conditions, existing protocols are unsuitable for clinical use. The primary goal of this project is to optimise a clinical grade protocol for the generation of functional OEPs from hESCs, as a potential cell therapy for SNHL.

48. Surface alignment to improve observational constraint and reduce predicted aerosol radiative forcing uncertainty

Iain Webb, Mathematics and Statistics, 2-3pm

Observations of an observable output of a complex climate model produce a sizeable reduction in this variable's own uncertainty, but don’t necessarily reduce the uncertainty in an unobservable output of the same model. Could the reason why lie in the alignment of the two outputs' response surfaces relative to one another? Can a simple measure offer the means to check the potential for uncertainty reduction prior to collection of data? 

A measure involving the comparison of partial derivatives for a pair of response surfaces will be presented. An overview will be given of both Gaussian processes and the method used for obtaining estimates of the derivatives required for the measure, as well as the computational implications of calculating the measure at thousands of gridboxes across the globe. 

The application of the measure to a pair of response variables for a particular climate model will be presented, and avenues for future work outlined.

49. Understanding head and neck cancer through the public eye: social media responses to celebrity cases

Rhianne Kiley, Psychology, 2-3pm

HPV causes over half of UK throat cancers, yet fewer than half of people correctly link HPV to head and neck cancers. Many underestimate how common it is, and stigma around its sexual transmission causes shame and discourages help-seeking. When celebrities disclose a cancer diagnosis, it acts like an unplanned public health campaign.  

This study examines how ordinary people discussed head and neck cancer on Reddit following diagnoses by five public figures: Bruce Dickinson, Michael Douglas, Rhod Gilbert, Martina Navratilova, and Mark Steel. 

I collected nearly 1,800 posts and comments, analysing language, causal explanations, and emerging attitudes. One early pattern: when a celebrity explicitly links their cancer to their sexual history, it generates far more HPV discussion than medical or implicit disclosures. 

Full findings will be available mid-2026. The goal is to use authentic public discourse to design health communication that is clearer, more accurate, and less stigmatising.

50. Quantum Dot Telecom C-band Single-Photon Sources

Anna Tomlinson, Physics and Astronomy, 2-3pm

Single-photon sources are crucial in the development of quantum-secure telecommunication networks. A single-photon source is a type of quantum emitter in which photons are emitted individually, one at a time. A promising class of quantum emitters is quantum dots, which are semiconductor structures formed by embedding a lower bandgap material within a higher bandgap material matrix. This structure confines charge carriers and creates discrete emission lines similar to those observed in atomic systems. This poster explores quantum dots that emit photons in the telecom C-band (1530 – 1565 nm). Emission within this wavelength range is particularly important due to minimal fibre attenuation losses in this region, making it ideal for long-distance fibre-optic communication networks. 

51. Ultrafast Structural Dynamics of Photoactive Antibacterial Complexes Based on Earth-Abundant Metals

Gareth Williams, Chemistry, 2-3pm

Transition-metal complexes made from earth-abundant metals can be used as visible-light absorbing photosensitisers – molecules that absorb light and take part in chemical reactions from an excited state. These have potential applications in water sanitation and medicine, but developing this potential requires understanding the relationship between their structure, dynamics on ultrafast timescales, and their efficacy as photosensitisers. This research aims to develop that understanding by studying a range of structurally related copper complexes, and ultimately relating their structure and dynamics to their photosensitising ability.

52. Quantifying Notch-regulated cell state transitions in the human enteric nervous system

Nikolaos Stefanidis, Mathematics and Statistics, 2-3pm

The enteric nervous system (ENS) develops through a tightly regulated process in which bipotent progenitor cells differentiate into neurons and glia. Although the Notch signalling pathway is known to influence these transitions, the timing and rates of these changes in human cells remain poorly understood.

Using an in vitro human pluripotent stem cell differentiation platform, we generated longitudinal data on ENS development. We then built a computational model based on coupled ordinary differential equations to describe transitions rates between cellular states, and used Bayesian inference to quantify how Notch signalling affects these rates.

Our results show that Notch acts as a critical brake on differentiation. When Notch signalling is reduced, the balance of the system shifts, leading to premature ENS differentiation. This quantitative framework helps explains how altered developmental timing may contribute to neurological gut disorders such as Hirschsprung’s disease.

53. Investigating the role of SUMOylation in regulating FKBP8-mediated formation of MAM

Yujing Cao, Biosciences, 2-3pm

Special locations where mitochondria and ER touch called MAMs. They move lipids, stabilise Ca2+, and communicate between cells. FKBP8, also known as FKBP38, regulates apoptosis, autophagy, protein folding, and transport. Evidence suggests that FKBP8 is necessary for MAM production, which may impact cell communication. Mitophagy requires FKBP8's LIR motif-like sequence (LIRL). A new study shows that FKBP8 shapes mitochondria. Mammalian cells generate MAM by binding to PDZD8, an ER protein.  SUMOylation, a post-translational modification that can be undone, links small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO) proteins. Some tests reveal that FKBP8 can be SUMOylated, which may affect MAM synthesis. 

54. Examining the cell envelope of Staphylococcus aureus using small-angle neutron scattering 

Calum Lloyd, Physics and Astronomy, 2-3pm

The cell envelope is one of the most crucial components of the bacterial cell. It maintains ideal conditions within the cell, as well as determining how the bacterium interacts with its environment. This project is examining how antimicrobial compounds (β-lactam antibiotics) alter the cell wall structure of the gram-positive species Staphylococcus aureus, as well how these structural changes vary during the stationary growth phase. Recently, using small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), we have been able to investigate these structural changes in different strains of S.aureus. 

55. Developing methods for quantification of dsRNA impurities

Maria Prieto Rojo, Chemistry, 2-3pm

RNA-based therapies represent a cutting-edge class of genetic medications that is increasingly growing both in the research field and the market. During the development and manufacturing of RNA drugs dsRNA impurities are introduced, which can activate pro-inflammatory signalling and limit therapeutic potential. Level control of dsRNA impurities is of key importance and supposes a current barrier in the field due to the increasing demand from regulatory agencies to demonstrate adequate level control and limitations found in currently established dsRNA detection methods, which lack sensitivity and can result in false positives. 

This project aims to repurpose the protein OAS1, a natural sensor of dsRNA, for the quantitative recognition of dsRNA impurities. Focusing on the optimisation of the overexpression, purification and application of OAS1 to detect dsRNA using a spectrophotometric activity assay, combining chemical biology and biophysical chemistry techniques.

56. The role of keratin in the lateral line development and regeneration

Yuqi An, Biosciences, 2-3pm

Zebrafish have a high capacity to regenerate damaged tissues and are widely used as a model organism to study regeneration. Our previous work showed that several keratin genes change their expression during regeneration, with some becoming upregulated and others downregulated. Based on this pattern, we classified these genes into two groups, krtup and krtdown.

During regeneration, epidermal cells in the fin fold migrate, whereas epidermal cells in the trunk show no movement. This observation suggests that krtup genes may promote cell migration, while krtdown genes may help stabilise cells. To investigate this idea, we study the zebrafish lateral line, which migrates cells rapidly during development.  Krt18b (krtup) and krt15 (krtdown), are expressed in this system and provide a useful model to study the potential role of keratins in cell migration. Understanding how keratin proteins influence cell movement may provide insight into mechanisms underlying tissue regeneration.

57. Thinking, Feeling , and Winning: A Study on Counter-Strike 2 Players

Abdulilah Baksh, Psychology, 2-3pm

Competitive first-person shooter gaming has emerged as a high-demand cognitive activity, requiring emotional regulation and cognitive skills, such as working memory, attention control, and multitasking. Players must regulate emotions that compete with cognitive demands and carefully manage cognitive load to sustain performance and achieve their goal of winning. Video games evoke emotional reactions such as stress, frustration, and anger to make the game challenging and to attract individuals to the video games. The present non-experimental study examines how personality traits associated with emotion processing (alexithymia, stress mindset, and resilience) and player expertise in Counter-Strike 2 shape the relationship between cognitive abilities and in-game performance. Emotion-related processes are expected to influence perceived cognitive load and executive functioning, thereby affecting performance, with player expertise acting as a factor that may facilitate these effects.

59. Topological Hochschild Homology Of HZ Relative To MU

Henry Rice, Mathematics and Statistics, 2-3pm

The complex cobordism spectrum is a ring spectrum central to chromatic homotopy theory. In recent years, topological Hochschild homology relative to to this spectrum has played a role in our understanding of the famous redshift and telescope conjectures. Our aim is to obtain a better understanding of the homotopy of THH^MU(HZ). Indeed, in several similar cases, this ring is polynomial and one hopes that this is true in our case as well. One method to attempt to study this ring is by computing the Künneth spectral sequence associated to the enveloping algebra construction of THH. Although this spectral sequence collapses, we are left with non-trivial extension problems to solve in this case. Our method instead utilises the Hurewicz homomorphism to induce a morphism to the homology of BSU. This ring is the universal example of a ring with a symmetric multiplicative two-cocycle and we hope that an analysis of potential subobjects of this Hopf algebra will help us to understand THH^MU(HZ).

60. The Impacts of a Conservation Translocation

Sophie Wilkins, Biosciences, 2-3pm

In 1996 the population of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) on the island of Lundy declined sharply. In a measure to aid this population, 50 sparrows were introduced to the island from Sheffield.  Translocations of individuals, such as the one described above are a common conservation measure. However, the results of these translocations are often difficult to evaluate, primarily due to the requirement of long-term population monitoring. Data from the Lundy Sparrow Project has been used to evaluate the initial and long-term results of the translocation.   For initial results, a genetic pedigree was used to compare the breeding success of the native and introduced birds. The breeding success of their offspring was also evaluated to establish if parentage affected their reproductive fitness.  For long term result, whole genome sequencing data was used to compare the overall genetic similarities between the introduced and native birds, as well as the descendent population on the island.

61. Reviving the Non-Zero Diagonal: Autapses as a Fundamental Motif of Neural Computation

Liam McSweeney, Psychology, 2-3pm

An autapse is a synapse from a neuron onto itself. Traditionally disregarded as accidents of development, experiments have shown autapses form in high-proportions in both excitatory and inhibitory neuron populations and in specific neuron types and specific brain regions suggesting they may play a niche functional role. We use computational modelling to investigate how autapses affect single neuron properties, and the possible role they may play in brain function. We find that the strength of biological autapses may be placed just below a critical point, above which the neuron becomes highly sensitive to changes in its inputs. Autapses may thus dynamically switch a neuron’s sensitivity, possibly serving as a mechanism for attentional control. Additionally, in this parameter region, the neuron’s output is composed of two or more frequencies, possibly providing a method for the transmission of more information. 

62. Quantum dot nanostructures for phonon decoupling

William Marsden, Physics and Astronomy, 2-3pm

Quantum dots (QDs) are semiconductor nanocrystals which can emit single photons when excited by a laser pulse, similar to individual atoms. For various applications, it is important that these single photons are indistinguishable from each other and emitted with a high efficiency. Unfortunately, QDs are susceptible to interactions with vibrations in their host crystal lattice, known as phonons, which reduce the indistinguishability of these emitted photons. Furthermore, the common approaches to mitigate these effects sacrifice efficiency. Interestingly, it has recently been proposed that these interactions can be eliminated by reaching a phonon decoupling regime where the QD emits a photon before the phonon interactions have a chance to occur. Reaching this regime would allow for high simultaneous indistinguishability and efficiency. My poster focuses on the optimization of nanoscale optical cavities using simulations to achieve phonon decoupling and explore new regimes of QD physics.

63. Cellular nibbling - uncovering how cells can take a bite

Misato Shimoyama, Biosciences, 2-3pm

Trogocytosis is a conserved process, whereby cells can “nibble” off and engulf fragments of other cells. In immune cells such as T cells and macrophages, trogocytosis contributes to immune regulation, cell–cell communication, and responses to pathogens. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive trogocytosis remain poorly understood. 

Recently, we discovered that the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum can also readily perform trogocytosis, opening up a new powerful way to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Dictyostelium is a genetically tractable and highly phagocytic amoeba, which shares key cytoskeletal and signaling pathways with mammalian immune cells, making it an excellent system to uncover conserved mechanisms of trogocytosis.

In this project, by combining cell biology techniques, we investigate the molecular mechanisms of trogocytosis and its significance in physiology.

64. Reduced Gromov-Witten Invariants

Robert Rogers, Mathematics and Statistics, 2-3pm

We develop a theory of counting maps from curves of a fixed genus to a fixed target smooth projective manifold that doesn't involve contributions of maps from curves of a lower genus.

65. Multiscale Cell Correlation Entropy in Molecular Recognition

Ioana Papa, Physics and Astronomy, 2-3pm

Non-covalent associations, such as the binding of small molecules to proteins, are ubiquitous in biology, and it is crucial to quantify these in order to optimise them. This can be achieved by calculating the change in enthalpy, quantifying the strength of interactions, and entropy, quantifying molecular dynamics. Entropy is more difficult to calculate as it quantifies the probability distribution of all states available to a system. This is particularly difficult for proteins as they are large, flexible molecules and the analysis of biomolecular systems requires assessing both solute and solvent terms. The aim of this work is to calculate the entropy change associated with protein-ligand binding using multiscale cell correlation. This approach partitions entropy components into independent, easier to calculate, terms and it can be applied equivalently to all molecules. A well known system, as well as two protein-protein complexes involved in pancreatic cancer, are characterized.

66. Investigating the photophysical behaviour of singlet fission molecular materials

Shunhui Wang, Chemistry, 2-3pm

This work investigates the ground-state absorption (GSA) and excited-state absorption (ESA) of TIPS-Pentacene and its dimer BP0 using Gaussian and ORCA. Several computational approaches, including Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT), the Tamm–Dancoff Approximation (TDA), and Broken Symmetry DFT (BS-DFT), together with different functionals and basis sets, were assessed. The results show that TDA lowers computational cost while improving the accuracy of GSA and ESA spectra, especially for functionals with low Hartree–Fock exchange. For systems with strong double-excitation character, such as BP0, BS-TDDFT provides more reliable ESA simulations. Combined with studies of bicyclic norbornyl-bridge-like structures, a large-scale screening strategy based on TDA-TDDFT/B3LYP/6-31G(d) and a high-accuracy scheme using CAM-B3LYP/def2SVP and M06-2X/def2SVP are proposed, providing a theoretical basis for the design and screening of singlet-fission materials.

67. Invitation to Quantum Geometry

Kuba Krawczyk, Mathematics and Statistics, 2-3pm

What does geometry look like to a quantum observer? Quantum geometry is an umbrella term for the mathematical frameworks that attempt to answer this question. While the underlying math spans a variety of complex theories, the core concept is remarkably unified: the rigid, exact points of classical geometry dissolve into clouds of quantum probability. This shift occurs because, as dictated by the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, measurements of space are no longer strictly independent -- one observation inherently influences another. In this poster, we aim to give a basic introduction to the subject. Through visual illustrations on familiar surfaces -- like a 2D sphere and a 2D plane -- we bridge the gap between classical intuition and the "fuzzy" reality of quantum space. We also briefly compare the properties of quantum geometries arising in different quantum systems -- from nonrelativistic quantum mechanics to D-branes in string theory.

68. Engaging but Not Enhancing: Instructor Presence and Learning Outcomes Across Working Memory Levels

Nada Alshehri, Psychology, 2-3pm

The research explored whether learners with different working memory (WM) capacities were differently affected by instructor presence in E-learning. In this research, 600 participants aged 18-25 completed 3 studies(200 each), studying Arabic phrases. We manipulated instructor presence between these studies (instructor face vs instructor blurred in the first study, text-only video in the second, and AI-generated face in the third). We measured learning accuracy, metacognition, and learning experience in all studies, with mind wandering in the second and mind wandering and cognitive load in the third. There was no clear evidence that instructor presence improved learning, and no interaction between instructor presence and WM capacity. Interestingly, learners with higher WM capacity learned more Arabic phrases and were more confident in learning. In addition, the instructor’s face video showed greater satisfaction. Moreover, higher WM capacity was associated with lower mind wandering.

69. Single-stranded DNA Detection Through Hybrid Oligo-Recognition Materials

Amanda Manso Pena, Chemistry, 2-3pm

The detection of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) is vital for diagnostics, yet traditional oligonucleotides face degradation issues, while Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs) often lack specificity. This study evaluates OligoMIPs-hybrid materials that combine the robust stability of polymers with the high biological affinity of DNA- for the selective detection of a 12-mer ssDNA using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR). Two oligoMIPs (containing a polymerisable complementary oligo) and a control MIP (without a polymerisable oligo) were synthesised via solid-phase polymerisation. SPR analysis revealed that oligoMIPs exhibit a significantly lower dissociation constant (KD) for the target sequence compared to sequences with various mismatches. In contrast, the control MIP showed no selective binding. These findings prove that the imprinting process enables the discrimination of single base-pair mismatches, offering significant potential for developing highly sensitive biosensors.