Biology

Justin Nguyen, 2021

Impact of Human Oral Microorganisms on Human Health

This project investigates how the oral microbiome impacts oral health. A 15-page literature review and appropriate primary references summarize the results of the research, to be presented at the TWU Creative Arts and Research Symposium.

Course: BIOL 3113

Supervising Professor: Laura Hanson

Kayla Jones, 2020

Introduction to Nanotechnology for the Treatment of Cancer Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines

This project uses nanotechnology and other medical methods to decrease tumor size. By additionally interviewing and communicating with experts in the nanotech and radiology fields, a literature review and presentation articulate this research project.

Course: BIOL 4813

Supervising Professor: Mandy Biggers

Elizabeth Meza, 2020

Vesicular proteins associated with HDAC8-H1.3 novel protein complex in MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma cells

The goal of this project is to identify new proteins that associate with a novel HDAC8-H1.3 complex in order to aid in vesicular transport and other possible functions. If these protein interactions are further corroborated by immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy analysis, better insights into the mechanism by which this complex is involved in vesicular transport in breast cancer cells like MCF-7 will be discovered. This project will be outlined and articulated in a research paper and poster presentation at TWU’s Creative Arts and Research Symposium.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Michael Bergel

Hope Parkin, 2020

Patient-Physician Communication: How Past Patient Communication practices inform the Future

In this collaborative project, medical terminology and biology seminar courses are combined to research how patient and physician communication has been studied to help us improve our health care systems. This articulated through a research paper and a 15-minute presentation.

Course: BIOL 4681

Supervising Professor: Christopher Brower

Jeongyi Shin, 2020

Why Are Females More Prone To Autoimmune Disease?

This project explains and defines what autoimmune diseases are and how they differ from other diseases, as well as investigating the reasons why females are more prone to autoimmune diseases than males. Factors will be discussed in a research paper, pamphlet and presentation at the TWU Creative Arts and Research Symposium.

Course: BIOL 6913

Supervising Professor: Laura Hanson

Violet Wayman, 2020

The Role of Heat Shock Factor 1 in rRNA Synthesis by RNA Polymerse II in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

This project investigates the mechanism of the polymerase switch and the role of Heat Shock Factor I in the switch from RNA Polymerase I to RNA Polymerase II induced by chronic stress in yeast and humans. Findings are articulated through a research paper and presentation at the TWU Creative Arts and Research Symposium.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Heather Conrad-Webb

Cassandra Grizer, 2019

Evaluating Anti-Viral Properties and Cell Toxicity of Photochemically /\ctivated Silver Nanoparticles

I will determine if silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can be used as an effective anti-viral against viral sexually transmitted infections (STls).

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Laura Hanson

Jordan Ikeler, 2019

Investigation of the Impact of Testosterone Depletion on Germ Cell Populations Using qPCR

I will research how the lack of testosterone impacts the proteins found in the testes to get a better understanding of how the hormone testosterone works.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Nathaniel Mills

Hannah MCDonald, 2019

Gonadal Hormones Modulate Serotonin-Evoked Orofacial Pain and a Potential Neuroimmune Interaction

I will compare spontaneous pain behaviors between cycling female, ovariectomized female, and male rats to better understand how female gonadal hormones affect pain in the trigeminal system.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Dayna Averitt

Estefany Montelongo, 2019

Plasticity of Serotonin Receptor Subtype 3 (5HT 3) Espression in Human Dental Pulp: A Potential Role in Orofacial Pain

I will study the effects of hormones on serotonergic pain in women.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Dayna Averitt

Emily Nielsen, 2019

Lesson Plan Unit: Sustainability Unit

I will create lesson plans to teach elementary-school students how to live sustainable lives, and I will create a guide for teachers to make their classrooms more sustainable.

Course: BIOL 4583

Supervising Professor: Mandy Biggers

Rylee Valdez, 2019

Gender Differences in the Antibacterial Activities of Mulberry Aqueous Extracts

I will compare antibacterial activity of aqueous solutions of native and introduced male and female mulberries.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Laura Hanson

Anh Vo, 2019

UV Radiation Induces Chromatin Compaction in Different Cell Lines

I will evaluate the UVB-induced DNA condensation and how it varies among different cell lines.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Michael Bergel

Samrawit Alemu, 2018

Using Yeast to Study Aggregations Associated with Human Neurodegenerative Diseases

I will determine if TDP-43 fragments are toxic and if ATE 1 influences aggregate formation associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD).

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Christopher Brower

Abigail Buliga, 2018

The Impact of UVC and UVB Radiation on Chromatin Compaction

I will study the relationship between UVC or UVB irradiation and compaction of chromatin, which was shown to be a significant factor in protecting DNA from damage due to UV radiation exposure.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Michael Bergel

Thu Doan, 2018

Analysis of Murine (Mouse) Cytomegalovirus Interactions with Normal Flora Bacteria to Promote lnfectivity

I will investigate whether cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is normally transmitted through saliva, urine, vaginal secretions, or semen, can use bacteria to promote infectivity.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Laura Hanson

Taylor Harris, 2018

Investigation into Euphorbia bicolor Latex Extract as a Novel Pain Therapeutic

I will determine if Euphorbia bicolor latex extract will produce long-lasting peripheral analgesia in a rat model of inflammatory pain in both males and females.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Dayna Averitt

Leslie Herd, 2018

Exploring the Ability to Reduce Breast Tumor Volumes in Mice Using Novel Chemical Compounds

will test several different compounds that are HAT (histone acetyltransferase) inhibitors to see if they have an effect on the growth of breast tumors.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Michael Bergel

Christina Rohmer, 2018

Exploring the Kinetics of the Association Between HDAC2 and HMGN1 after UV Irradiation of Cells

I will try to elucidate some aspects of the mechanism that causes the protein HMGN1 (high mobility group nucleosomal binding protein 1) to enhance DNA repair following damage caused by UV irradiation.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Michael Bergel

Charitha Thallapareddy, 2018

In Vitro Antidiabetic and Antioxidant Activities of Dioecious Morus alba (Moraceae) Extracts from Spring and Fall

I will investigate the antidiabetic and antioxidant activities of dioecious Morus alba (Moraceae) extracts of leaf and stem tissues collected in different seasons.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Camelia Maier

Sirima Tongkhuya, 2017

Analgesic Effects of Euphorbia bicolor Latex Extract in a Rat Model of Acute Peripheral Pain

I will be using an experimental design approach to investigate the desensitization and pain-relieving properties of a relative to the two compounds of CAP and RTX, Euphorbia bicolor.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Dayna Averitt

Neethu Joseph, 2015

Impact of Climate Change on Waterborne Diseases

I will study the effects of climate change on the spread of waterborne diseases.

Course: SCI 3153

Supervising Professor: Richard Jones

Jacquelyn Kerner, 2015

Bacteriophages in Helicobacter pylori

I will determine the presence of lysogenic bacteriophage (phage) in Helicobacter pylori isolated from Alaskan Indians.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Jessica Kerner, 2015

Plasmid DNA from Helicobacter pylori Strain Al207

I will determine the DNA sequence of pAL207, a plasmid isolated from Al207, an Alaskan Indian strain of Helicobacter pylori.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Hannah Marshall, 2015

Effect of Storage in Ammonium Sulfate on RNA Integrity and Gene Expression in Rat Tissue

I will investigate the ability of ammonium sulfate to preserve RNA integrity when whole tissues are stored in 3.5 M (NH4)2S04at 4 degrees Centigrade for various amounts of time up to 10 weeks.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Nathaniel Mills

Renet Roy, 2015

Effects of Mouse Cytomegalovirus on Lipid Synthesis

I will conduct studies to determine the effects of mouse cytomegalovirus on lipid synthesis.

Course: BIOL 4832

Supervising Professor: Laura Hanson

Christine Yoo, 2015

Arp3 Mutants to Disrupt Binding to Verprolin-Homology and Cofilin-Homology Domains of Nucleation Promoting Factors

I will design mutants of the Arp3 protein that prevent WAVE binding using computational molecular modeling techniques to allow actin branch control mechanisms to be determined and to provide critical understanding about how cells control their own shapes.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Brian W. Beck

Paige Potter, 2014

Characterization of Plasmid DNA from a Strain of Helicobacter pylori, AL 209, Isolated from an Alaskan Indian

I will isolate and characterize plasmid DNA from a strain of H. pylori, AL 209, isolated from an Alaskan Indian.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Wen Chong, 2013

Factors Influencing Rats' Mating Preferences

I will determine if two different strains of female and male rats show a preference for interaction with the same or different strain.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Lynda Uphouse

Ruth Mokua, 2013

Effect of Altering Protein Geranylgeranylation on Growth Cone Actin Polymerization and Depolymerization

I will test whether Lovastatin alters actin polymerization by cotreating cells with polymerization-altering drugs Lantruclin A, Cytocholasin D, or Jaspklakonolide.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

Vanessa Murillo, 2013

Effects of Prior Sexual Experience on the Response to Restraint

I will determine if sexual experience will reduce the effects of the restraint in rats primed only with estradiol benzoate.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Lynda Uphouse

Sarah Stenger, 2013

STEM Campout Planning Guide

I will develop a STEM weekend campout for girls in fourth and higher grades that will engage them in STEM activities, give them female STEM role models, and expose them to potential careet paths in a nonthreatening environment.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Sarah Adams, 2012

Factors Influencing Fluoxetine-lnduced Sexual Dysfunction in Female Rats

I will examine the effects of a moderate dose of fluoxetine on multiple measures of female sexual motivation and sexual receptivity.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Lynda Uphouse

Emma Galdo, 2012

Confirmation of Three Plasmids in One Cell of Helicobacter pylori Strain AL236

I will determine if three plasmids, pAL236-2, pAL 236-5, and pAL236-11, exist in a single cell of H. pylori strain AL 236.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Alexandra Wright, 2012

Actin Polymerization Disruption with Jasplakinolide and Cytochalasin D

I will investigate the biological mechanisms that regulate the growth of axons both during the normal development/functioning of the nervous system and after injury.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

Shauna Bonfoey, 2011

Construction of a pyrF Mutation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

I will construct a pyrF mutation to aid in the determination of a susceptible therapeutic target for infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Jordan Keith, 2011

The Behavioral, Social, and Neural Effects of Epilepsy

I will investigate the effects of epilepsy on the body and on life and different methods for treatment of the disease.

Course: ZOOL 4243

Supervising Professor: Allen Waldo

Violeta Rodriguez, 2011

Nanomaterials for Nervous System Applications: Role in Regeneration

I will investigate the applications of nanomaterials in the nervous system focusing on the regeneration of spinal cord and brain tissue.

Course: BIOL 4913

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

Amanda Schumacher, 2011

Species Determination of an Unknown Bacillus Strain

I will determine the species of the Bacillus strain that can degrade corn stover, the material that remains in corn fields after harvest.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Kristen stevens, 2011

Analyzing Expression of Two Promoters from Mouse Cytomegalovirus in Yeast Cells

I will be analyzing two novel immediate early promoters of Murine Cytomegalovirus and evaluating expression of the promoters in different cell types. I will also compare my results with the well-studied major immediate early promoter.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Laura Hanson

Jaimie Varkey, 2011

Literary Review of Neuroblastoma Treatment Techniques

I will explore common techniques to cure or prolong the lives of patients with neuroblastomas at all stages and will introduce new techniques that may be effective in prolonging the lives of patients with high-risk and intermediate-risk neuroblastomas.

Course: BIOL 4913

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

Nenna Nzeocha, 2010

Localization of Actin-Binding Proteins in B35 Rat Neuroblastoma Cells

I will determine whether ARP2/3 and WAVE will co-localize in lamellipodia and VASP and WASP will colocalize in flopodia of neuronal growth cones.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

Carolina Gutierrez, 2009

Identification and Characterization of a Plasmid from a Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolate from Dry Cleaning Fluid

I will identify and characterize a plasmid from a Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolate found in dry cleaning solvent.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Rachel Zimmerman, 2009

lmmunocytochemical Localization of Active Rho GTPases

I will do research on axon regeneration after injury and the inhibiting factors that prevent axonal growth after trauma.

Course: BIOL 4913

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

Ernesto Caballero, 2008

Effects of Phytoestrogens on MCF-7 Cell Lines

I will determine the effects of medicinal plant phytoestrogens on breast cancer cell growth to identify plant chemicals that can potentially prevent breast and other cancers.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Camelia Maier

Nicole Poling, 2008

2008 Outstanding Capstone of the Year

A Review of Bacterial Pathogenicity Islands with Particular Reference to the cag Pathogenicity Island of Helicobacter pylori

will review the primary literature on bacterial pathogenicity islands. concentrating on the bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori, a cause of ulcers and gastritis.

Course: BIOL 4913

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

Abigail Leddy, 2007

The Role of -! Receptor in Neuroprotection and Regeneration

I will determine the distribution oft71 receptor expression after controlled cortical impact injuries using immunohistochemistry, measure the outgrowth of the neurites and growth cone dynamics using -1 receptor agonists and antagonists. and assess how activation and inhibition of -1 receptors modulates actin filament dynamics.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

Amy Robinson, 2007

The Effects of the RPO Gene on the Synthesis of rDNA: A Switch from Pol I to Pol II in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

I will investigate the role of RPD3 in rRNA synthesis by examining wild type strains (normal) and strains lacking the RPD3 gene for Pol II synthesis of ribosomal RNA using a rDNA-lacZ reporter gene.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Heather Conrad-Webb

Kimberly Beck, 2006

Plant Epicuticular Waxes and Transpiration under Different Environmental Conditions

I will study the deposition of epicuticular waxes and the rate of transpiration in leeks under varying conditions of water availability and light intensity.

Course: BOT 2113

Supervising Professor: Camelia Maier

Sarah Brenner, 2006

Sexually Transmitted Infections in lhe West Dallas Population and lhe Surrounding Regions: A Descriptive Comparative Epidemiological Study

I will use secondary data lo evaluate the rates of sexually transmitted diseases within the West Dallas population versus the Dallas County and Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex populations lo identify possible problems and suggest further studies.

Course: HS 4913

Supervising Professor: Kristen Wiginton

Adrianne Herbst, 2006

Sexual Dimorphism and Reproductive Ecology of maclura pomifera and Morus Species

I will study the effect of phytoestrogens on other characteristics of sexual dimorphism in dioecious plants such as chlorophyll content, mid-vein length, and leaf surface area.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Camelia Maier

Shaina Porter, 2006

2006 Outstanding Capstone of the Year

YLR162W, an Unusual Gene in S. cerevisiae Derived from Ribosomal DNA

I will characterize the yeast mutant YLK162W with the goal of determining the role and function of the YLR1 62W gene in S. cerevisiae.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Heather Conrad-Webb

Carryelle Hansen, 2005

Children with Asperger's Syndrome and Intelligence Testing: The Verbal vs. Non-Verbal Debate

I will investigate whether cytomegalovirus (CMV), which is normally transmitted through saliva, urine, vaginal secretions, or semen, can use bacteria to promote infectivity.

Course: PSY 3943

Supervising Professor: Kathy DeOrnellas

Marian Marvin, 2005

Site-Directed Mutagenesis of the Pol II rDNA Promoter

I will characterize mutants in the promoter sequence of the Pol II rDNA promoter and assay them to determine the effects of the mutations and their significance.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Heather Conrad-Webb

Karishma Patel, 2005

Analysis of Both Low and High Molecular Weight mRNAs by RT-PCR. to Establish Sample Quality

I will demonstrate what the new isolation techniques for RNA will yield.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Nathaniel Mills

Valean Santos, 2005

Actin Filament Polymerization in Navigating Growth Cones

I will quantify actin filament polymerization biochemically and morphologically by observing the changes in the length, number, and intensity of the actin filaments in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells treated with biochemicals that modify growth cone navigation, and gain a better understanding of the role of Rho GTPases in the navigation of growth cones with important implications of spinal cord injury.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

AnhDao Tran, 2005

The Effects of C3 Transferase on RhoA in the Dynamics of Actin Nucleation

I hope to elucidate the mechanisms of axonal regeneration as it relates to spinal cord injury.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: DiAnna Hynds

Amy Whitener, 2004

Sequencing and Orientation of plasmid 187 (clone 5) and p-0-stuffer insert 216

I will design and synthesize a bivalent thymus independent type 2 antigen (Tl-2) of the gp41 protein of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and show that it can stimulate antibody production in a T independent manner.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: John Knesek

Rebecca Hellner, 2003

My First Teaching Experience

I will write a journal, lesson plans, student materials, and a bibliography to teach the Anatomy and Physiology class at the ACES camp.

Course: EDUC 4343

Supervising Professor: Cathy Banks

Sandra Taylor, 2003

2003 Outstanding Capstone of the Year

DNA Sequence Analysis of Helicobacter pylori Plasmid pAL236 Using a Synthetic Transposon

I will determine the complete DNA sequence of a plasmid isolated from Helicobacter pylori strain AL236.

Course: BIOL 4983

Supervising Professor: Sarah McIntire

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