Analyses of Mortality and Health in the Classic Maya Site of Baking Pot, Belize†

The Maya kingdom of Baking Pot in the Upper Belize River Valley was continuously occupied from the Late Pre-Classic to the Post-Classic period, reaching its political and demographic height by the Late Classic period spanning the Maya “collapse” (c.750-1000). Located along the Belize River, there was plenty of rich, fertile soil for maize agriculture, simulating local economic and subsistence growth until the Terminal Classic period. Very little is known about the comparative survivorship and health of people in Baking Pot, but this research aims to explore comparative trends in mortality and health experiences of men, women, and children during the Classic Maya period. Burials from Baking Pot (n=77) curated through the Belize Valley Archaeological Reconnaissance (BVAR) project were analyzed for skeletal age, sex, and paleopathological indicators of metabolic stress, infection, and trauma. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis examines trends between sex and age-based groups using log-rank tests to compare mortality experiences based on demographic categories. Kaplan-Meier tests examined individuals' survivorship with evidence and absence of stress, disease, or trauma concerning demographic co-variables. Results indicate nonadult mortality was elevated for individuals under 15 years of age (p<0.001). Adult males and females have similar survivorship. Individuals with evidence of childhood metabolic stress events (e.g., dental enamel defects) may have been more robust compared to their nonlesioned age peers (p=0.03) before they could develop skeletal lesions. The co-variable of skeletal sex had higher evidence of childhood stress within females and advantage in contrast to their male counterparts. However, when this pattern is reversed, we examine trends in survivorship and trauma. Collectively, these patterns indicate differences in sex or gender-based health differences across the life span that may reflect Maya trends in migration, labor, marital patterns, and marital hazards during the Classic period.

Presenter(s): McKenzie Merchant, Emma G Byrne, Rose Rioux

Department/Division/Area: Anthropology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Saige Kelmelis

Poster Number: 101

Sex differences in adult frailty at the Late-Terminal Classic (c. 750-1000 CE) Maya site of Lower Dover†

While it has been suggested that the compounded effects of population growth and climatic pressures during the Terminal Classic (750-1000 CE) period led to a health crisis among the Maya, there is no current knowledge of whether there were significant sex differences in risks of mortality and frailty associated with metabolic stressors. This research assesses sex differences in frailty and mortality of adults (n=44) from the middle-level Maya polity of Lower Dover in the Upper Belize River Valley during the Late to Terminal Classic periods (600-1000 CE). Osteological methods of estimating age and sex were conducting using transition analysis and morphoPASSE. Metabolic indicators of frailty (LEH, Cribra Orbitalia, porotic hyperostosis, PNBF, and dental pathologies) were scored using criteria from Standards. Kaplan-Meier and Cox hazards analyses were used to examine survivorship and mortality differences associated with each frailty indicator across sexes and political statuses. Results showed that commoner females had a 17.01% elevated hazard of death compared to their male age-peers and elite individuals had a 22.50% lower hazard risk. Survival analyses showed that there were no statistically significant differences between sexes in their risks of death with or without lesions; however, Cox hazards results indicated that individuals with lesions experienced a lower risk of death compared to their nonlesioned age-peers with the exception of males with PNBF. These results suggest that sex was not a strong predictor of frailty and mortality risks during the Late-Terminal Classic period in Lower Dover, whereas political status may have slightly buffered against metabolic stress.

Presenter(s): Rose Rioux

Department/Division/Area: Anthropology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Saige Kelmelis

Poster Number: 102

Chase Your Limits

Chase Your Limits is a campaign designed to inspire and educate those interested in training for a triathlon. The centerpiece is a large-format poster featuring an illustrated course that visually breaks down the swim, bike, and run stages. It combines key facts with an engaging design, making information clear, accessible, and exciting. The slogan Chase Your Limits encourages athletes to push past their boundaries and take on new challenges. Additional AR-enhanced posters provide an interactive layer, allowing viewers to engage in the facts, training tips, and motivational content. By blending design and information, the campaign makes triathlons feel less intimidating and more achievable. Every detail, from dynamic visuals to carefully structured facts, is meant to keep viewers engaged and motivated. Whether someone is a beginner or an experienced athlete, Chase Your Limits provides the knowledge and encouragement needed to take the next step in their triathlon journey. This campaign is not just about learning—it’s about inspiring action and helping people realize their potential.

Presenter(s): Braxton D Reuting

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 201

The Act of Remembering†

“The Act of Remembering” is a film photography project is designed to explore the relationship between physical locations and the fading memories people have from these liminal places in time. Inspired by entry level practice photograms produced in the University of South Dakota’s ART261 Photography I class, “The Act of Remembering” utilizes film prints made on an enlarger in combination with the layering effect of traditional photograms. By placing opaque objects such as architectural miniatures of people on top of the light-sensitive paper before creating a print, their individual silhouettes can be juxtaposed within already existing scenes previously shot on film. The effect can be described as a realistic yet surreal landscape filled with ghostly figures; the figments of memories long gone. Through their placement and body language, a type of pseudo-narrative can be created without the use of words. The viewer is invited to project their personal experiences onto these blank figures from the past, in essence remembering through art a scene which may not even be real. In short, The Act of Remembering is an attempt to capture the feeling of returning to a hazy memory. The showcase is designed to invite viewers into the attempt of remembrance, as they investigate the works for signs of the figures’ identities.

Presenter(s): Anissa Pietzyk

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): John Banasiak

Poster Number: 202

Traditional Lithography on the go!†

Lithography is a form of printmaking that requires a lithographic limestone to run under a press that creates enough pressure to print matrixes onto paper. Since the creation of the lithographic press, print media allowed for the spread of information and became accessible to everyone. Due to changes in technology throughout the years, lithographic printmaking has been taken over by printers and other machines that allow for faster ways to spreading information. Currently, lithographic presses are limited to universities and print shops that continue the traditions of lithography. As students, we are guaranteed facilities that provide presses of various types in which we can learn these techniques. However, what about a way to take a lithographic press and print anywhere? I propose my project for a Lithographic Briefcase, inspired by Nick Phan’s creation, where I will be creating a “briefcase” that can be manipulated into a press. I have gathered the materials and will follow a trusted guide in putting the case together. I will be using my resources of our Sculpture Studio to use tools and devices that will help achieve my goal. This “briefcase” will be able to make lithographic prints and continue my printmaking journey past graduation.

Presenter(s): Nathan Valentine

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Erin Wohletz

Poster Number: 203 

HIV gp120 Mediates TREM-1 Expression in Human Microglia*

Forty years after HIV was first isolated, there is still no effective cure for the 39.9 million people living with HIV. Although combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) keeps viral loads at undetectable levels, complete elimination is yet to be achieved, mainly due to the sequestration of the virus into reservoirs in the human body.

Microglia in the brain are the primary HIV reservoirs. These cells express a receptor, Triggering receptor 1 expressed on myeloid cells (TREM1). HIV-infected microglia express abnormally high levels of TREM1, correlating with increased survival when compared with uninfected cells. The HIV structural protein, gp-120, mediates entry of the virus into the human host. However, the interplay between gp-120, TREM1, and HIV persistence in microglia was unknown.

We hypothesized that HIV gp120 mediated increased TREM1 expression on microglia, and this, in turn, mediated the enhanced survival observed in HIV-infected microglia.

Using human monocyte-derived microglia (MMG) treated with recombinant HIV Ba-L gp120 or control, we assessed cell death using ssDNA monoclonal antibody and LDH cytotoxicity assay. Apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers were assessed by western blotting and quantitative PCR. MMG were transfected with Ambion Silencer Select or control siRNA (siNS) using lipofectamine RNAiMAX in Opti-MEM.

TREM1 silencing in gp120-exposed microglia, compared to control, showed increased cell death and cytotoxicity, accompanied by increases in pro-apoptotic proteins, BAD, and BAX, and a decline in BCLXL and BCL2 levels. TLR2 and TLR4 signaling was found to underlie TREM-1 activation with a dependency on PGE2 expression, calcium flux, and NFATC1 signaling.

Toward overcoming HIV persistence in microglia, we show with underlying mechanisms that HIV-gp120-infected microglia are dependent on TREM1 for survival.  This knowledge will serve as a basis for performing TREM1 antagonizing studies toward HIV elimination in microglia.

Presenter(s): Ayisha Mahama

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Grant Campbell

Poster Number: 213

Characterization of an Endocannabinoid Synthesizing Enzyme‡

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, pain is defined as both an unpleasant sensory and emotional response to tissue damage, or potential damage (IASP). In the year 2016 alone, 20% of American adults reported having chronic pain (CDC). Therefore, there is  serious concern when it comes to the subject of pain in the United States, and, there is a very obvious need to study potential treatments for pain. Today, opioids and NADs are still the primary treatments used for both chronic and acute pain. However, these treatments are not reliable, and can often cause more harm than good. It has been shown that opioids are not reliable when it comes to managing pain beyond short-term use (i.e after a surgical procedure). Currently, there are alternatives to opioids and NADs, one of which is cannabis. However, there are legitimate questions about whether these therapies are effective. In the Burrell Lab, we are trying to analyze the basic biology of the endogenous cannabinoid system. We are using leeches as a model system because they are useful for studying neurobehavioral systems, and because they contain many of the same endocannabinoids as humans do. Specifically, we are focusing on characterizing the enzyme, DAG lipase, which is responsible for synthesizing the endocannabinoids, 2-AG from the protein DAG, in the leech nervous system. In order to do this we will be using three distinct methods. First, we will express the leech version of DAG lipase, to ensure that they synthesize 2-AG, while also conducting a bioinformatics analysis. Then, we want to determine whether drugs that block mammalian DAGL also block the leech version. Lastly, we will conduct mutagenesis to better analyze the functions of the enzyme, which could have implications for future work in creating treatments to regulate pain.

Presenter(s): Dori W Jal

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Brian Burrell, Emily Kabeiseman

Poster Number: 214

Injury Alters Sensory, Motor, and Integrative Elements Underlying Conflict Avoidance Conditioning in the Medicinal Leech

Many studies of pain and nociception rely on reflexive withdrawal responses as a behavioral measure of the level of pain in animal experiences. Pain has two components, sensory and affective, and there is considerable interest in developing assays that involve more complex, self-initiated behaviors while studying the motivational and affective biology of pain. In our study we report a conflict avoidance assay in Hirudo verbana (the medicinal leech) to assess the effects of injury on motivational and cognitive processes. Animals were placed in an arena consisting of an illuminated and dark chamber, connected by a bridge section. The bridge section was filled with varying levels of gravel, which provided an aversive, mechanical obstacle. Leeches placed in the illuminated chamber had an increased escape latency to the dark chamber as the amount of gravel increased. However, Hirudo learned within five trials to overcome the gravel obstacle, reflected as a decreased escape latency, that was retained for up to two hours. In injured Hirudo, the initial escape latency actually decreased, however, learning and memory of the escape task were disrupted. Injured animals also exhibited mechanosensory sensitization, changes in locomotion, changes in exploratory behavior, and increased negative phototaxis. Over 12 days, changes in locomotion, exploratory behavior, and phototaxis recovered to pre-injury levels, although mechanosensory sensitization remained. Disruptions in cognitive behavior also recovered during this period with conflict avoidance conditioning being observed on day 6 and 2 hr retention of conditioning returning on day 12. This study shows that injury produces a complex and coordinated set of sensory, motor, and integrative changes in Hirudo that may be relevant to understanding emotion-like components of pain in invertebrates and beyond.

Presenter(s): Ella Dockendorf

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Brian Burrell

Poster Number: 215

Development of a Synthetic Biomarker System for Minor Ischemic Stroke†, ‡

Stroke is the leading cause of disability and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. The most commonly used clinical diagnostic method for Ischemic Stroke (IS) is the non-contrast computed tomography (CT). However, the CT head scan does not have the ability to detect minor IS as CT has a limited spatial resolution. Therefore, a sensitive diagnostic tool for early detection of IS, especially a minor one, is needed. The Synthetic Biomarker System (SBS) consists of a genetic sensor for detecting IS-induced cellular stress within the brain vascular cells and at the same time, serves as a synthetic promoter to drive expression of an artificial gene encoding a peptide reporter molecule. Validation of the system has been done using two different pro-inflammatory stimulants (TNFa and H2O2) After stimulation, the genetic sensor detects the initial inflammatory response and starts the expression of the GFP reporter which we then determined using fluorescence microscopy. We observed increased reporter expression as a result of the SBS activation in transformed brain vascular cells placed under simulated IS conditions. We have also comprehensively tested the sensitivity of the genetic sensor by evaluating the correlation between the simulated IS severity and the reporter expression level. The data collected in vitro demonstrated the functionality of our SBS to detect inflammation simulating IS-induced pathologies at differing severities and warrant future testing of SBS in animal disease models.

Presenter(s): Josephine Brok

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): William Chen

Poster Number: 216

Facilitating Tool-Use Learning: The Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on the Left Anterior Supramarginal Gyrus

Tool use is necessary for daily life. From simple tasks like writing to more complex tasks like performing surgical procedures, it is an essential aspect of human nature to handle and manipulate objects. Neuroimaging studies have identified the inferior parietal lobe (IPL), particularly the left anterior supramarginal gyrus (aSMG), as a key region involved in tool use. To explore ways to enhance tool-use learning, researchers have employed transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a non-invasive neurostimulation technique known to modulate cortical activity. While previous studies stimulating the motor cortex (M1) have demonstrated improvements in tool-use learning, the effects of tDCS on the aSMG remain unexplored. In this study, we applied anodal tDCS (atDCS) to the left aSMG to assess its role in facilitating tool-use learning. Participants unfamiliar with chopsticks were randomly assigned to either an anodal stimulation group or a sham stimulation group. Using a chopstick-marble paradigm, we examined whether atDCS to the left aSMG would accelerate the learning of chopsticks use. Our results revealed that, similar to prior findings with M1 stimulation, atDCS to the left aSMG significantly expedited tool-use acquisition. These findings provide further evidence of the aSMG’s role in tool use and highlight the role of tDCS in enhancing motor learning. This research may also inform the development of novel rehabilitation strategies for individuals with apraxia, who experience difficulties in object manipulation.

Presenter(s): Kamila Haliru

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lee Baugh, Taylor Bosch

Poster Number: 217

Veratridine lessens cell migration and spheroid formation in colon cancer in a P53-independent Manner†, ‡

Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes approximately 900,000 deaths annually worldwide. The survival rate for patients diagnosed with localized CRC is 90 percent; however, once the cancer metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body, the five-year survival rate drops to a dismal 15%. This shows a clear need for a new generation of drugs that can safely and efficiently target the metastatic form of CRC. Our lab has shown that Veratridine (VTD), a lipid-soluble plant alkaloid, can enhance the expression of a ubiquitin-like protein called UBXN2A as a colon-specific tumor suppressor protein. UBXN2A targets and negatively regulates the Rictor protein, a key component of the mTORC2 signaling pathway. This results in suppression of mTORC2-AKT’s downstream signaling pathway in cancer cells.  We hypothesize that the VTD-UBXN2A axis will decrease migration in cells and spheroids independent of p53. HCT-116 (WT p53), and HT-29 (mutant p53) cells and their 3D spheroid forms will be used to complete this project. Real-time cell migration and invasion analysis using xCELLigence technology and Cytation 1 cell imaging system will determine whether the VTD-UBXN2A axis can suppress metastatic characters of CRC cells with wild-type (WT) and mutant forms of p53 protein. This ongoing study will provide detailed insight into the therapeutic efficacy of VTD-UBXN2A in two different stages of CRC cells.

Presenter(s): Kate Schraufnagel

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Khosrow Rezvani

Poster Number: 218

Engineering a Synthetic Detection Platform for Early-Stage Myocardial Infarction†

Every year, thousands of Americans suffer from the event of a heart attack, i.e., myocardial infarction (MI). Currently, the early detection of MI remains a challenge. We intend to solve the problem by constructing a synthetic biomarker system that would be able to recognize early warning signs of MI, such as cellular inflammation and oxidative stress. We have proposed two different pathology-specific genetic sensors that act as artificial promoters to transcribe a peptide that can be secreted into the blood stream and eventually work its way into the urine and act as a reporter that can be detected through an antibody-based assay.

The first sensor will utilize nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) response elements that quickly respond to inflammation. During the early stages of MI, myocardial cells release NFκB, which our sensor will detect and subsequently activate the transcription of our small synthetic reporter peptide. The second sensor will utilize nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) response elements to oxidative stress. This sensor will detect Nrf2, expressed within myocardial cells, and subsequently promote transcription of our reporter peptide. The reporter peptide, expressed and secreted by myocardial cells under stress, will not interfere with the normal functions of the human body and will be small enough to be filtered through the kidneys to be excreted into the urine for detection. To analyze the effectiveness of our synthetic biomarker systems, we will use a rat H9c2 cardiac myoblast model. Within twenty-four hours, we will detect the presence of the reporter peptide in the culture supernatants with an antibody-based anti-His-tag assay.

Over the past few summers, I have worked specifically with the sensor that detects oxidative stress. I have completed time-series studies that will help to determine the sensitivity of the sensors.

Presenter(s): Kennedy Bietz

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): William Chen

Poster Number: 219

The Role of Bacteriophage in the Rgg1-Mediated Gene Regulation of Streptococcus pyogenes

Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria, and some can insert their own genetic material into the bacterial chromosome. In Streptococcus pyogenes, bacteriophages make up 10% of the genome and each clinical isolate has a unique combination of bacteriophages. Different bacteriophage DNA in each isolate results in genetic diversity among isolates, influencing virulence, antibiotic resistance and immune invasion. Previously, our lab identified the DNA binding sites of the transcriptional regulator named Rgg1, showing that it directly interacts bacteriophage DNA in the clinical isolate NZ131. In a different clinical isolate SF370, the bacteriophage, named Ø.4, regulates the expression of the DNA mismatch repair system through its excision and re-integration into the bacterial chromosome. In our research, we utilized strains lacking either Ø.4 or rgg1 to study the gene regulation of Rgg1 in the presence and the absence of Ø.4. We performed RNA-Seq to investigate whether Ø.4 alters virulence gene expression and copper stress under Rgg1 regulation. We also conducted ChIP-Seq to examine the impact of Ø.4 on Rgg1 DNA binding specificity. Additionally, PCR was used to detect how the presence or absence of rgg1 alters Ø.4 excision and integration. Finally, we determined the impact of Ø.4-Rgg1 interaction in virulence through a mouse infection model. Our findings show that Rgg1, interacts with Ø.4, to regulate genes involved in metabolism and virulence, potentially impacting the clinical outcomes in S. pyogenes infections.

Presenter(s): Yuan Tian

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Michael Chaussee, Andrea Herrera

Poster Number: 220

Semiconductor Photocatalysis and H2 Gas Evolution With Ag-TiO2 Nanocrystals

Energy usage around the world is expected to increase dramatically over the coming years. One way we can rise to this growing need is by utilizing solar energy, which is present in abundance here on Earth. By synthesizing titanium dioxide nanocrystals, we could make usable fuel in the form of hydrogen gas through water splitting and semiconductor photocatalysis. We can characterize these products with UV-vis spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. To account for the limited light absorption of titanium dioxide, we doped the material with cobalt to increase its absorption into the visible region. We initially loaded the surface of the TiO2 nanocrystals with cobalt, followed by thermally driven ion diffusion into the TiO2 host. By using this method we have control over the concentration of cobalt in the nanocrystal. We also prepared Ag-TiO2 hetero nanocrystals with doped and non-doped TiO2 hosts. The silver–titanium dioxide heterojunctions allow separation of photogenerated charge carriers to promote photocatalysis. Both methods could yield better results towards hydrogen gas production as a stable energy source.

Presenter(s): Lara Haack

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): James Hoefelmeyer

Poster Number: 208

Ink Formulation for Anti-Counterfeiting Labels with Controllable Pattern Formations†

Counterfeiting has been a prominent problem in our society today. Counterfeit items are poorly made products that are cheap in price but can be costly to citizen health and safety. Furthermore, counterfeiting can have negative impacts on companies that are victims of forged products, leading to a decrease in revenue and credibility. To impede counterfeiters, various types of anti-counterfeiting methods have been developed, including holograms, watermarks, and fluorescence. One recent method is physically unclonable functions (PUFs), PUFs have shown great promise in anticounterfeiting. This method generates uncontrollable outcomes, which are difficult to reproduce. Therefore, we propose a rapid and controllable method that uses an inkjet printer. Our research group has been exploring the adjustment of ink formulation to regulate ink droplet formation using an inkjet printer. In this work, we tune the ink formulation for anti-counterfeiting labels with controllable pattern formations. Multiple parameters were investigated, including substrates, temperature, co-solvents, print intensity, and the addition of polymers. Our preliminary results show that the droplet size can be controlled when tuning the ink formulation and post printing process. In the future, we plan to continue exploring parameters and utilize the controllable droplet inks for fabrication PUF-based anticounterfeiting security labels.

Presenter(s): Mary A Tran

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Chaoyang Jiang

Poster Number: 209

Electrochemical Reduction of Perfluoroalkylated Aromatic Compounds‡

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a basic component of refrigerant gases, will soon be phased out as they are known for contributing to global warming. However, phasing out large quantities of HFCs, billions of lbs in use today, creates a significant need for effective methodologies to recycle and repurpose these pollutant gases. The high bond dissociation energy of the carbon-fluorine bond makes it difficult to activate in a normal experimental setting. One technique that can be used to investigate the decomposition of HFCs is defluorination through electrochemical reduction. We have analyzed compounds with perfluorobutyl sidechains on different aromatic backbones (dibenzo(a,c)phenazine, phenathrene-9,10-quinone, and phthalonitrile), and we compared these compounds to a nonfluorinated control, 3,6-bis(n-butyl) dibenzo(a,c)phenazine. The analyzation was performed using cyclic voltammetry which is a method that displays the unique electrochemical properties of a compound. The perfluorobutyl substituted dibenzo(a,c)phenazine underwent a diffusion-controlled reversible single electron reduction for its first reduction, but the second reduction is irreversible indicating reductive defluorination. Further examination of repetitive potential sweeping involving the second reduction wave led to polymeric materials being deposited onto the working electrode surface. This redox-active polymer modified electrode clearly shows the surface electrochemistry behavior which is evidenced by a linear correlation of the peak current and potential scan rate in the cyclic voltammogram. Furthermore, the perfluorobutyl substituted phenathrene-9,10-quinone did not display polymerization, instead, it showed two reversible diffusion controlled one-electron reduction waves. In contrast, the perflurobutyl substituted phthalonitrile showed one completely irreversible reductive defluorination wave in cyclic voltammetry within the potential scan rates tested. These results clearly indicate that reductive defluorination of perfluoroalkyl sidechains strongly depends on the electronic structure of the aromatics. Thus, these findings are expected to provide deep insights in designing new perfluoroalkylated aromatic materials for various applications where some require high stability against reductive defluorination, yet some require a completely reductive defluorination.

Presenter(s): Mason Ferrie

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Haoran Sun

Poster Number: 210

Co-Crystallization of Mefenamic Acid and Sulfa Drugs: Enhancing Drug Properties

Co-crystallisation is a process where two or more molecules are combined to form a new crystalline structure. Co-crystals have emerged as potential alternatives to many traditional solid drug forms due to its potential to improve the physical and chemical properties of drugs, including solubility, stability, and bioavailability without altering their chemical structure, resulting in improved drug delivery and efficacy. Techniques such as solvent crystallization, co-grinding and solvent-drop grinding s are commonly used methods for co-crystallization process. During our summer research we investigated the co-crystallisation process using mefenamic acid a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and sulfa drugs, a group of antibiotics. We used different solvents, including water, ethanol, methanol, ethanol-methanol, methanol-water and water-ethanol mixture to explore their effect on co-crystal formation. Our procedure yielded high-quality crystals, which we analysed using single crystal X-ray diffraction to determine their composition and potential applications. Our results indicated that some crystals we obtained were precursors and twinned crystals instead of the desired co-crystal. Precursors are intermediate forms, while twinned crystals are intergrown crystals. These findings indicated the need for further optimization. Currently we are adjusting the concentration and temperature to obtain the appropriate co-crystals. By fine-tuning these parameters, we aim to achieve the anticipated crystalline structure with the intended molecular composition. This ongoing research holds promise for developing co-crystals with improved drug properties, potentially leading to more effective pharmaceutical formulations.

Presenter(s): Varunsundhar Kadarkaraisamy

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Anjaneyulu Putta

Poster Number: 211

Fabrication of Nanoscale Phosphor Materials by Ball Milling Process†, *

The phenomenon of luminescence and its ability to emit light without heat input has been under investigation for many years. This is due to the variety of luminescence types, such as fluorescence and phosphorescence. Luminescence materials have a wide range of applications in anti-counterfeiting labels, light emitting devices, bioimaging, and dye-sensitized solar cells, to name a few. Thus, it is important to develop new luminescence materials with lower-cost synthesis methods. Our research group has been exploring the synthesis and application of a series of germanate phosphor materials with unique fluorescent and phosphorescent properties. In this work, a ball milling process is introduced to synthesize nanoscale germanate phosphor materials at room temperature. Several milling parameters were explored, including rotation speed, ratio of grinding media to sample, and the duration of milling. Our preliminary results have shown that the germanate phosphor was synthesized with the ball milling process. The product gave a rod-like morphology at the nanoscale. Furthermore, powder X-Ray diffraction was used to evaluate the reaction completion and the composition of the final product. In the future, we will continue the optimization of the milling process to obtain nanoscale germanate phosphor materials, and we will explore the impact of metal ion doping on their optical performance, aiming to use them in various anti-counterfeiting applications.

Presenter(s): Zachary L Burmood

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Chaoyang Jiang

Poster Number: 212

Childhood Betrayal Trauma and Suicidal Ideation: The Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas and Interpersonal Problems*

Discussion/Conclusion: These findings reveal that PMBDT performance is significantly influenced by time and athlete sex, with a 30 second duration necessary to capture fatigue effects.

Presenter(s): Christine M Yost

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Raluca Simons

Poster Number: 108

Pathways from Neglect to Dissociation and Hyperarousal*

Although previous research has established that childhood neglect has many negative consequences, the mechanisms from neglect to hyperarousal and dissociation are not well understood. The current study leverages survey data on childhood neglect, alexithymia (e.g., difficulty identifying and describing feelings), schemas (emotional deprivation and abandonment), emotional regulation (strategies and impulsivity) and two outcomes (dissociation and hyperarousal) from 411 university students. Childhood neglect and biological sex were exogenous variables with paths to all endogenous variables. We hypothesized that (1) neglect will be associated with dissociation via two paths: alexithymia to emotional deprivation and alexithymia to DERS limited access to emotional regulation strategies and (2) associated with hyperarousal via two paths: alexithymia to abandonment, and alexithymia to abandonment to DERS impulsivity. The hypothesized path model was estimated in Mplus 8.0 with maximum likelihood estimation. The indirect effects of neglect on dissociation were significant via (a) alexithymia to emotional deprivation and (b) via alexithymia and limited access to emotional regulation strategies, supporting a mediating effect of these variables. We also found direct effects of alexithymia and neglect on dissociation, which we added based on modification indices. The path from neglect to hyperarousal was mediated by (a) alexithymia to abandonment to DERS impulsivity, and (b) alexithymia to abandonment to hyperarousal. We also found a direct effect from neglect to hyperarousal, which we added based on the modification indices. The final path model provided an adequate fit to the data, χ2(N = 411) = 40.7, p =.0001; RMSEA = .07, 90% CI [0.05, 0.10]; CFI = .98. These findings demonstrate that individuals have unique responses to neglect, and that dissociation vs hyperarousal may be pronounced depending on one’s schema type and emotional regulation strategies. We hope these findings may be used to develop prevention and intervention efforts for individuals who have experienced childhood neglect.

Presenter(s): Eva M Hentges

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Raluca Simons

Poster Number: 109

Perceived Discrimination and Posttraumatic Stress in People of Color: The Moderating Role of Ethnic-Racial Identity and Psychological Flexibility*

Perceived discrimination is common among people of color (POC) and has been linked to heightened posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. It is believed that perceived discrimination plays a significant role in the development and persistence of PTSD. The association persists even when accounting for socioeconomic status. The minority stress model, a framework that foregrounds central role of stressors uniquely experienced among members of a minority group posits that discriminatory experiences negatively impact POC’s health. Minority stress framework rooted in social distress theory suggests that minority stress is an added stressor for POC who requires extra adaptation than the general population and often lack resources to cope with these stressors.

Ethnic-racial identity (i.e., the extent to which individuals feel a sense of belonging to an ethnic group) and psychological flexibility (i.e., individual’s willingness to persist toward value driven goals in spite of emergent difficulties) may be potential protective factors that can support managing distress.

The current study aims to investigate the effects of ethnic-racial identity and psychological flexibility on perceived discrimination and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in a trauma-exposed POC. A cross-sectional community sample of POC will be recruited via Prolific. After completing a pre-screening survey to determine eligibility, participants will complete a one-time survey assessing severity of PTSD symptoms, current levels of perceived discrimination, ethnic-racial identity and psychological flexibility. Moderation analyses will be conducted to explore whether ethnic-racial identity and psychological flexibility moderate the relationship between perceived discrimination and PTSD symptoms.

Presenter(s): Jacy O Anyanwu, Claire Clifton

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jean Caraway

Poster Number: 110

Fostering First-Year Resiliency in England

The Gallagher International Center, in collaboration with the Center for Career and Life Design and St. Cloud State University in Alnwick, England, aims to increase access to global programming for underrepresented student groups in study abroad. Fostering First-Year Resiliency in England, supported by the World Learning IDEAS grant, explores resiliency, culture, and globalization related to understanding and transferring the skills needed to be a global citizen and a successful first-year student at USD.

Presenter(s): Ameila Knutson, Nadia Wipf, Addison Wynia (Poster 103)

Presenter(s): Annie Biros, Avery Cool, Rachel Van Marel (Poster 104)

Presenter(s): Riley Evans, Hannah Irwin, Sarah Juelfs, Patrick Kloucek (Poster 105)

Department/Division/Area: Gallagher International Center; Center for Career & Life Design

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jessica Winterringer, Ashlin Schoenfelder

Poster Number: 103-105

Should knee valgus measurements be standardized?

Frontal plane knee valgus is measured clinically with either Quadriceps angle (Q-angle) or static knee valgus (SKV). There is conflicting research on the association of knee valgus with lower extremity injury risk. The Q-angle is most commonly used by clinicians. SKV and 2-Dimensional dynamic knee valgus utilize the same landmarks: from the subject’s anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), through the mid-patella, and ending at the midline of the anterior tibia between the malleoli. However, Q-angle is measured from the ASIS, through the mid-patella, and ending on a line through the tibial tubercle. If Q-angle and SKV are different, then clinicians may have misled conclusions about frontal plane knee control. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between Q-angle and SKV. Knee valgus was measured with Q-angle and SKV with subjects in supine by a single researcher. 50 subjects (25 male, 25 female) were recruited at the USD wellness center. Landmarks were marked with either tape or marker to facilitate measuring. T-test was used to look for differences between Q-angle and SKV. Normality was checked with Shapiro-Wilk and histograms. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to compare SKV with Q-angles of subjects. Alpha was set at .05. All data analysis was completed on SAS. There was a statistically significant difference between Q-angle and SKV (p<.01). There was a moderately strong correlation between static knee valgus and Q-angle (r=.68, p<.01). Since there is a significant difference between Q-angles and static knee valgus measures, clinicians should be cautious when making interpretations about frontal plane knee control using Q-angles, despite the moderate correlation of these measures. Further research should consider a Delphi study to standardize landmarks for frontal plane knee measurements.

Presenter(s): Carson Versteeg, Madi Aldridge

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Matt Dewald

Poster Number: 204

Food For Thought: The Impact of the Gut-Brain Axis on Mental Health

Research regarding the role of the human microbiome has grown over the years as professionals develop a better understanding of the gut-brain axis. New studies and expanding knowledge on the linkage between the nervous system and gut microbiome promote a better understanding of the effects of diet on mental health. Diet plays an important role in maintaining a healthy relationship between the gut and the brain. Incorporating nutritional modulators, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and vitamins, are crucial in supporting the gut-brain axis by affecting neurotransmitter production, managing inflammation, and supporting beneficial gut bacteria. On the other hand, poor dietary choices can contribute to dysbiosis, leading to cognitive and emotional disturbances. Imbalance in the gut-brain axis has been linked to various psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. Recent studies suggest that dietary interventions may alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders. Similarly, research shows that a balanced diet has key contributions in preventing neurological and psychiatric disorders by supporting brain health. Recognizing the importance of public health in this context demonstrates the need for nutritional education and policies that promote gut health to improve overall well-being. This paper will analyze previous studies discussing the relationship between diet, nutrition, and mental health. After analyzing the results, the paper will explore how it may influence mental wellbeing.

Presenter(s): Emily S Miiller

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Wynette Mockler, Christina Dyer

Poster Number: 205

The Itch to Know: Monkeypox Uncovered

The monkeypox virus is a zoonotic disease of the Poxviridae family and a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus (Sharma et al., 2024). Initially recognized in monkeys, this disease can spread through animal bites, body fluids, contaminated products, and contact with infected individuals. Because of protection provided by smallpox vaccinations, the Monkeypox virus was initially not a major concern. However, as the rate of smallpox vaccinations declined, an outbreak of human Monkeypox infections occurred in 2022 presenting symptoms that mimicked smallpox and chickenpox (Sharma et al., 2024). Patients who contract the disease will experience flu-like symptoms such as fever and headache with swollen lymph nodes two weeks after the first exposure (Akhtar et al., 2023). The next stage involves the development of a red rash or pimples presenting on the face and torso causing itchiness and irritation (Akhtar et al., 2023). Diagnosis requires patients’ travel history, as well as information regarding contact with a suspected infected individual (Sharma et al., 2024). Lesions from two areas of the body will be swabbed and tested for Monkeypox virus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic methods. Currently, there is no specific treatment for Monkeypox; measures are taken to alleviate the symptoms of the disease (Khattak et al., 2023). This literature review aims to further inform the population about Monkeypox transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments. More research is needed on the pathophysiology of Monkeypox so effective clinical therapy can be developed. 

Presenter(s): Lincoln Small, Khoa Nguyen

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kari Potter

Poster Number: 206

COVID-19 Pandemic-Induced Social Isolation: A Hermeneutic Phenomenological Exploration of Age and Time*

Lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the way societies function, prompting an urgent and ongoing need for research from many different disciplines. The purpose of this qualitative hermeneutic phenomenological study is to explore the influences of two variables, age and time, on the experience of social isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescent, adult, and older adult members of three-generation households will be interviewed to determine similarities and variations between age groups before, during, and after social isolation. Each age group has its own set of protective and risk factors. Adolescence is a fragile time of personal and social development. An interruption in this phase of life could stifle progression and alter the path many of these young people were on. Closures of businesses and schools forced some individuals in the adult age group into sudden and unexpected changes to how they worked and how their children were schooled. Social isolation can contribute to memory loss in older adults and accelerate the rate at which relationships fade away. Individual and family functioning are inextricably intertwined. As families learn to adapt to the demands of a disruptive life event, they may undergo resilient as well as deteriorated family functioning. Home confinement requiring family members to spend essentially all their time together creates a social experiment which researchers can use to promote both healthy individuals and healthy families. The protracted stress of the COVID-19 pandemic can lead to chronic mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or symptoms of PTSD. Temporal and social disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic and its consequences have the potential to alter one’s self-identity. By checking in with individuals approximately five years post social isolation, this study attempts to gain valuable insights to add to the fields of psychology and the behavioral and social sciences.

Presenter(s): Renee M Reedy

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ranelle Nissen

Poster Number: 207

The Effects of The Violence Against Women Act on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault- Specific Grants and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Rates in South Dakota From 1992-2002‡

Federal and state-funded grants are the predominant sources to fund shelters, specifically domestic violence (DV) and sexual assault (SA) focused shelters. The passing of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) significantly impacted the grants available to said organizations. Correspondingly, the reported numbers of DV and SA rates in the state of South Dakota have changed since the passing of VAWA, with few inspections of these changes available to the public. However, when concerning South Dakota specifically, this meta-analysis study was conducted to determine the VAWA's effects on DV and SA-specific grants before and after it was passed in 1994 and calculate if the reported number of DV and SA rates decreased after the passing of VAWA.

Presenter(s): Payton A Coenen

Department/Division/Area: Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ryan Burdge

Poster Number: 107 

The Knutson Legacy‡

This project sought to commemorate and explore the life and impact of Dr. Wayne S. 'Doc' Knutson (1926-2015). Under the mentorship of Dr. Raimondo Genna and with the support of the USD Archives and Special Collections faculty, I evaluated archival materials and cataloged documents. Additionally, I also conducted oral interviews with surviving family members, faculty, and community residents. The ultimate goal was to curate a physical exhibition displayed on the east wall outside the Wayne S. Knutson Theater doors. This coming year marks the 10th anniversary of his passing. Doc Knutson's influence extended from the Black Hills Playhouse to the USD theater that bears his name. The information I compiled will be organized into a visual exhibition for students, staff, and faculty, allowing them to understand and appreciate Doc Knutson's profound legacy at USD. Throughout the summer, I searched through the Wayne S. Knutson Collection in the Archives and Special Collections and the scrapbook collection curated by his wife, Esther. I have categorized this information into six themes: Doc Knutson: An Introduction, Teaching, Chair/Dean, The Playwright, The Woman Behind the Man, and (his) State and National Achievements/Black Hills Playhouse. I plan to continue this project by designing and visualizing the six panels intended for installation on the east wall outside the Knutson Theater. I hope they serve as a reminder to all students from various disciplines of the life and legacy of a man who united everyone within the USD Fine Arts building.

Presenter(s): Elizabeth C Wiggins

Department/Division/Area: Theatre

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Raimondo Genna

Poster Number: 106

BiteBright: Enhancing Health Awareness Through Interactive Digital Engagement†

BiteBright is a UX/UI Design research project exploring how Generation Z’s lifestyle choices impact health and whether interactive digital tools can promote better habits. With Gen Z more health-conscious than past generations, this study asks: What if making healthy choices felt like leveling up in a game? The study reviews scholarly literature to identify key influences on Gen Z’s behavior, focusing on individuals struggling with poor diets, financial mismanagement, and sedentary lifestyles. These insights inform the development of a prototype digital platform aimed at increasing health awareness and behavioral change. BiteBright is a real-time health metric tracking system designed for all engagement levels, from casual to committed users. It provides personalized support through simulation-based guidance, helping users make daily choices that contribute to long-term well-being. The platform has two key components: 1) An interactive website with a simulation tool that visualizes user choices using a life bar, virtual income, dietary decisions, and activity levels to illustrate long-term effects, and 2) A companion mobile app for real-time health tracking, offering personalized feedback and recommendations.

Preliminary findings suggest that gamification and interactive simulations improve health consciousness, leading to more sustainable lifestyle choices. The study calls for further refinement and research into personalized digital interventions for long-term health improvements. BiteBright bridges digital engagement and health awareness, offering Gen Z an innovative and immersive way to interact with their well-being.

Presenter(s): Izabelle B Neubaner

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 201

Exploring Loss Using Eco-Friendly Printmaking Methods†

In a world of technological advancements, it is easy to lose touch with our natural surroundings and the impact we have on them. Printmaking is a type of art that uses a matrix to transfer an image onto another surface; typically paper. Within printmaking, there are different methods based on what the matrix is made of. For example, printmaking with a copperplate as the matrix would use the intaglio method, using limestone would use the lithographic method, and so on. Printmaking can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to the environment and the artists themselves and the process can call for an excessive amount of materials that go to waste. Statistics have shown that across different art mediums, printmakers have a higher death rate due to constant exposure to harmful chemicals, two examples being lithotine and ferric acid. Lithotine is a liquid chemical used to remove ink that can cause cancer and ferric acid is used to etch copperplates for intaglio that can cause skin irritation. Another way that printmaking is harmful to the environment is the process of trial and error using large amounts of paper to get the desired result. This excessive need brings to attention the amount of paper one wastes. Given this information, we as printmakers can explore alternate, eco-friendly methods that aren't as harmful to us or the environment such as revisiting traditional methods like mokuhanga and replacing the chemicals with non-toxic alternatives. Using what I learned, I created pieces that explore the theme of loss using eco-friendly methods such as paper-making, woodcuts, and collagraphy to name a few.

Presenter(s): Ayano Naoe

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Erin Wohletz

Poster Number: 202

Gaining Knowledge in a Community Based Setting†

In April of 2024, Goldie Haukaas and I, Madison Red Owl, attended a conference, known as CBA or Community Built Association in Providence, Rhode Island that was all about community building. We both wanted to attend this conference because we wanted to connect with other and gain knowledge on how to incorporate the community in our art projects. We also wanted to get more experience with working in community-based settings since we both have already done so in the past. While attending this conference, Goldie and I was also able to participate in a panel that was solely focused on the youth. We shared our thoughts on a broad range of questions about community-building and the youth. We learned a lot from being a part of this panel, especially fully understanding why it’s so important to get the youth involved in their respected communities. With our presentation, we would like to share the questions we were asked since the viewers at this panel were older and curious about our thoughts and opinions as youth. Overall, we gained a lot of knowledge from attending this conference and would like to share how important community-based building really is, especially for the youth.

Presenter(s): Madison L Red Owl, Goldie M Haukaas

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Amber Hansen, Cory Knedler

Poster Number: 203

Emotionally Motivated†

Finding passion alongside creating works of art is something that comes naturally and progressively with time. From that perspective I’ve found emotions is a complex set of ideas and feelings. Yet I find that my emotions and thoughts drive my work to be more personal and fundamentally more complex. From passion I find motivation to keep exploring complex emotions and strive to showcase throughout my works of art.

Presenter(s): Teryn Running Horse

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Erin Wohletz

Poster Number: 204

Analyzing Healthy Human Gait on Uneven Terrain through 3D Modeling‡

Prosthetics have enabled their users to navigate through daily activities relatively independently and safely. Nonetheless, a high rate of dissatisfaction prevails among individuals who rely on such devices, specifically lower limb prosthetics. A key issue stems from the little effort to contribute to the body of research on gait on uneven terrain, leading to prosthetics that are unprepared for adapting to rugged paths as they are incapable of recreating the biomechanics and kinematics of healthy human locomotion. The paucity of data on these movements has resulted in the widespread distribution of ill-equipped lower limb prosthetics that do not permit the user to traverse any surface that is not entirely flat. Additionally, the models used to analyze uneven gait are offered through Visual 3D, a paid software that accompanies most of the motion capture systems. The intent of this project was to provide ease of access to this information to the biomechanics community through model validation in OpenSim, an open-source, free software for musculoskeletal modeling.  Thus, this study focused on in-depth analysis of subjects walking across  even and uneven terrain in OpenSim. Following IRB approval and informed consent, the markers to analyze the volunteers’ steps were placed based on the Rizzoli foot model. The kinematic data produced centered on angles and moments related to the foot-ankle complex during the movement of ten participants. The models generated included graphs broken down by the principal foot segments to pinpoint the most relevant components throughout the walking process. These data will contribute to our comprehension of the biomechanics of lower limbs, leading us closer to emulating the comfort and flexibility of the healthy ankle-foot complex for amputees. Through comparison of data sets in Visual 3D and OpenSim, it was demonstrated that the graphs produced were similar, providing favorable evidence for the OpenSim model’s validity.

Presenter(s): Carla F Medina Canizares

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lisa MacFadden

Poster Number: 205

Leveraging AI/ML for Enhanced Quantitative Clinical Data Analysis in Sacral Neuromodulation Therapy

Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is an FDA-approved therapy using a surgically implanted pulse generator and electrical leads to target sacral nerves, treating urinary urgency and bowel incontinence. Despite engineering advances, optimizing electrode placement and device programming remains challenging, often relying on trial-and-error. Clinical research suggests that neuromodulation data from patient history can improve therapy, but these data are often fragmented or missing in electronic medical records (EMRs).

In an AVERA Institutional Review Board–approved retrospective study (#IRB00010096), we deidentified and curated EMR clinical and surgical notes, motor and sensory thresholds, and programming data for patients undergoing SNM implantation. We used records from one year before and one year after the SNM implantation surgery. This approach aimed to preprocess and integrate disparate EMR data into a single, deidentified pilot dataset. Large language models and machine learning were employed to automate the extraction of clinically relevant details, using manual annotations as a reference to ensure high-fidelity data collection.

A preliminary evaluation of this pipeline was conducted using data from 10 patients who received SNM implantation between July 2021 - July 2022. These patients generated 91 total visits (18 surgeries, 73 non-surgical visits), with an average of 3.9 visits in the year prior to implantation and 4.2 visits afterward. 59% of the participants were first-time SNM recipients, while the other half were undergoing device replacement. Initial analysis of clinical and surgical notes revealed an average of 1,222 words per visit, with an average of 172 relevant words or values extracted / visit, forming a robust textual resource for advanced analytics. Future work will include extracting efficacy and device-related data and assessing accuracy.

AI-driven data extraction will facilitate the investigation of therapy outcomes, refine device programming, and guide the development of neuromodulation devices that are easier to implant, simpler to manage, and more effective for patients.

Presenter(s): Janae E Hahn

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Etienne Gnimpieba

Poster Number: 206

Dynamic ACL Strain Estimation Model: Using Movement Analysis to Improve Learning and Prevention.‡

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are a significant issue among young athletes, particularly in dynamic sports involving cutting, jumping, and landing. This project's main goal is to create a predictive model that can determine ACL stresses during various dynamic movements. Our goal is to improve clinical decision-making about injury prevention, return-to-sport protocols, and rehabilitation by increasing our understanding of the biomechanical factors impacting the risk of ACL injuries. Presently there are no tools readily available to estimate the strain on the ACL therefore we aim to achieve this by combining OpenCap and OpenSim, two open-source tools. OpenCap tracks movement patterns without the need for intrusive techniques by using markerless motion capture technology driven by artificial intelligence and OpenSim is a Musculoskeletal modeling software that simulates the mechanical behavior of joints, muscles, and ligaments during movement. Various modeling approaches were explored with the goal of developing computational models of the ACL. With the help of existing knee models that were created on OpenSim, we were able to better understand what influences the ACL and leads to it being strained. We explored research that showed how internal tibial torque significantly enhances ACL strain compared to external tibial torque and cadaveric specimen research to inform our process. The integration of these experimental observations and modeling techniques has enabled us to know more about what influences and leads ACL strain, giving valuable insight into injury mechanisms and opportunities for clinical intervention in prevention and rehabilitation of injury. This work has reinforced that it is possible to develop a model that predicts when ACL strained which should ultimately lead to better prediction of ACL strain injuries from motion capture.

Presenter(s): Malak Abdelaal

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lisa MacFadden

Poster Number: 207

Enhancing Orthopedic Implant Performance: Chitosan-Coated Titanium Screw for Biofilm Resistance and Mechanical Stability while promoting the osseointegration

Orthopedic implant-associated infections, primarily caused by biofilm-forming Staphylococcus aureus, pose significant clinical challenges. These infections often lead to implant failure, prolonged antibiotic treatments, and increased risk of revision surgeries, emphasizing the need for effective biofilm-resistant implant materials. Our study presents a dual-functional titanium screw grafted with chitosan to enhance biofilm resistance while promoting osseointegration and preserving biomechanical integrity. Chitosan, a biocompatible polymer with osteogenic and antimicrobial properties, was uniformly coated onto titanium screws via chemical immobilization. Biomechanical evaluations confirmed that chitosan modification did not compromise mechanical performance, as Cs-Ti-S exhibited a torsional yield strength of 1.70 ± 0.00 Nm compared to 1.76 ± 0.05 Nm for unmodified screws (Un-Ti-S), and an axial pullout force of 68.66 ± 14.36 N for Cs-Ti-S versus 70.33 ± 9.71 N for Un-Ti-S. Micro-scratch tests demonstrated comparable hardness (1.26 ± 0.03 GPa for Cs-Ti-S vs. 1.40 ± 0.07 GPa for Un-Ti-S) and scratch resistance, ensuring surface durability. Gene expression analysis showed upregulated β-1 integrin on Cs-Ti-S at 24 hours post-infection, indicating improved osteoblast adhesion. SEM-based biofilm assays revealed significantly reduced bacterial colonization on Cs-Ti-S, with PI treatment effectively preventing biofilm maturation over seven days. Notably, ultrasonication completely removed bacteria from Cs-Ti-S, whereas substantial adhesion persisted on Un-Ti-S. These findings highlight chitosan modification as a scalable strategy for mitigating infections while enhancing osseointegration. By integrating antimicrobial efficacy with mechanical stability, this approach offers a promising non-antibiotic solution to improve implant success, potentially reducing revision surgeries and antibiotic resistance risks. Further, in vivo studies are needed to validate its long-term clinical benefits.

Presenter(s): Manish Rayamajhi

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ying DengYuyu

Poster Number: 208

MLRehabTrack: A Smart Knee Brace for ACL Recovery and Rehabilitation‡

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries impact over 400,000 individuals annually in the U.S. and 2 million globally, posing significant challenges to effective rehabilitation and re-injury prevention. Current rehabilitation methods often lack real-time monitoring and personalized guidance, which are crucial for tailored recovery programs and consistent patient outcomes.

To address these challenges, we developed the MLRehabTrack, a knee brace prototype equipped with an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor and an Arduino platform, aimed at providing an affordable and personalized approach to ACL rehabilitation. MLRehabTrack leverages a machine learning model to deliver continuous, real-time monitoring of knee flexion and extension, offering valuable insights to both healthcare professionals and patients.

The device's random forest algorithm currently classifies individuals into healthy, ACL-recovered, or ACL-injured categories with an accuracy of 67.2%. This accuracy was evaluated using a dataset that included multiple trials conducted on myself, where I recorded the flexion and extension of my right knee while walking. Additionally, I incorporated publicly available IMU sensor datasets from prior research to validate my collected data and refine classification performance. This comparative approach ensured a more robust understanding of sensor readings and improved data reliability.

The device is intended for use in orthopedic clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and athletic training facilities, with an accessible price point. Initial testing has demonstrated MLRehabTrack’s capability to accurately capture movement data and provide actionable, real-time feedback. The newly developed system offers a data-driven, personalized rehabilitation approach, which not only enhances rehabilitation effectiveness but also addresses the critical need for affordable solutions in underserved communities.

Presenter(s): Nicole Chikosi

Department/Division/Area: Biomedical Engineering

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lisa MacFadden

Poster Number: 209

The Effect of Adding Rebuttal to Claim, Evidence, and Reasoning to Enhance Students’ Ability to Engage in Scientific Arguments

Claim, Evidence, Reasoning, and Rebuttal (CERR) is a teaching strategy used to engage students in constructing and presenting a scientific argument to their peers. The purpose of this study was to measure and determine if building an argument was enhanced by students engaging in a scientific debate and defending an opinion. At the start of the unit, students were given a Likert Scale pre-survey to gauge their interest, confidence, and opinion of using argument in learning science material. An outline was used to pick a claim, record evidence, and provide reasoning in the construction of their arguments. Once students were ready to present to a group of their peers, they were evaluated through observation with the CERR Rubric. Immediately after presentations, volunteers were selected to conduct interviews reflecting on the project and the rebuttal portion in particular. The final instrument used was the Likert Scale post-survey to measure any change in student attitude from start to finish. Students showed positive trends towards argument being a helpful skills and attitude about science in general from start to finish. Having the opportunity to choose a topic, research and construct a strong argument, and engage in debate with peers created an environment that peaked students competitively, as well as prepared them for further scientific research in the future. CERR is a useful classroom tool that can increase student interest and apply to real science practice.

Presenter(s): Ryan Rozeboom

Department/Division/Area: Curriculum & Instruction

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): John Williams

Poster Number: 109

Sybil Kein and the Preservation of Creole Culture Through Music†

Louisiana Creole scholar, Dr. Sybil Kein, has spent much of her life advocating for the preservation of her culture by educating others through the use of poetry, theater, and music. The purpose of this research is to provide a general context and effects of Creole culture through the different works of Sybil Kein. Creole culture is often overlooked and misunderstood, and Dr. Kein’s works support keeping Creole culture alive. Her unperformed musical “Didn’t He Ramble!” focuses on the life of Louis Armstrong prior to his departure from New Orleans (1901-1922). It acknowledges the diverse individuals that are needed for this production through the description of characters. A wide variety of individuals of Creole and Black descent are needed for this production, and my research has helped me to gain appropriate historical context regarding both cultures. Sybil Kein’s musical “Didn’t He Ramble!” provides a diverse perspective on the making of Louis Armstrong’s jazz career, and I have supplemented this work through the application of appropriate historical context on Creole culture. I have studied the historiography of Creole culture and its effects on the creation of music in New Orleans through other historians such as Dianne Guenin-Lelle and Henry A. Kmen. The marginalization of Creole culture has created an environment in which it is unrepresented and unappreciated. The research I have conducted helps to provide further insight to the significance of the effects of Creole culture.

Presenter(s): Isabella Purzol

Department/Division/Area: History

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Todd Cranson, David Burrow

Poster Number: 110

The Lived Experiences of Fathers With Transgender Children Under 18 in States Banning Gender-Affirming Healthcare*

Parents of transgender individuals can experience numerous stressors in accessing care and support for their child's health and well-being. In addition to these challenges, parents may also undergo significant personal growth and transformation. Unfortunately, much of the current literature focuses on mothers' experiences, leaving a gap in understanding fathers' perspectives. This study explored the lived experiences of six fathers of transgender children in three states that ban gender-affirming healthcare. Results highlight the challenges fathers face, their personal growth and change, and shifts in parenting roles due to having a transgender child and living in a state that bans gender-affirming healthcare. This study advances knowledge that can further support families navigating life with a transgender child, as research on the lived experiences of fathers is greatly lacking. Additionally, it underscores how political and environmental factors can impact parental stress and access to care.  It is crucial to understand more about how families, specifically fathers, experience these barriers and supports in states where care is banned.

Presenter(s): Ashley Perez

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Beth Boyd

Poster Number: 210

“Hug Survey” – Development of a Questionnaire to Assess the Relationship Between Physical Touch and Perceived Social Support.

Since the early 2000s, mental health issues and loneliness rates have increased among young adults, with the COVID-19 pandemic having especially contributed to a sense of isolation and loneliness (Twenge et al., 2019, as cited in Sliwa, 2019). From personal observation, our research team has noticed a significant decrease in physical closeness since the COVID-19 lockdown, which led us to question the relationship between physical touch and mental health. Our team noticed that college students are receiving less than their desired amount of physical touch, often reporting feeling “touch deprived.” Upon further investigation within a literary review, our team found limited research done to directly measure physical touch and social support. We chose to measure Perceived Social Support, an individual's reported level of feeling connected and supported by those close to them, since it is widely understood as a significant predictive factor in mental health (Acoba, 2024). We developed a “Hug Survey,” a questionnaire that will measure physical touch and its potential relationship with perceived social support and loneliness among college students. The questionnaire will measure the frequency of sexual and non-sexual physical touch college students are receiving. This survey will use the Revised UCLA (R-UCLA) Loneliness Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure levels of loneliness and perceived social support in USD students. This study will be conducted through an online survey administered to USD college students. Three sections will be used to ask about demographics, frequency of non-sexual physical touch, and frequency of sexual physical touch. It is anticipated that this questionnaire will be administered as an anonymous online SONA survey to USD students in the next academic year.

Presenter(s): Ashlyn Reynolds, Sophie Wilson, Emma Rauch-Word

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Cynthia Struckman-Johnson

Poster Number: 211

Development of a Questionnaire Examining the Correlation Between Aggressive Sex and Dating Violence

Recent research on sexual choking (limiting air flow to increase sexual pleasure) among U.S. undergraduate and graduate students found that, among a sample of 4,989 students, 37.1% of undergraduates had choked a partner, while 42.1% had been choked. Among graduate students, these figures were 27.6% and 32.1%, respectively (Herbenick et al., 2022). While many current studies highlight the growing prevalence of choking during sexual activity, the broader phenomenon of aggressive sexual behaviors is also increasing in popularity. With this change in sexual behaviors, we are interested in understanding their potential correlations with dating violence. We are developing a survey to examine the relationship between aggressive sexual behaviors and dating violence. Specifically, we aim to explore whether individuals who frequently engage in aggressive sex have a higher prevalence of dating violence histories and whether the presence or absence of consent in such encounters correlates with dating violence perpetration. The findings of this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of potential warning signs of dating violence, providing insight that may help young individuals recognize and avoid harmful relationships. The survey will include questions regarding perceptions of aggressive sex as dangerous, personal experiences with specific aggressive sexual acts, consent dynamics, and experiences with nonsexual dating violence. By examining these factors, this study seeks to provide an explanation of the interplay between aggressive sexual practices and dating violence, an increasingly relevant issue among young populations. Upon approval from the South Dakota Institutional Review Board, it is anticipated that this survey will be given to University of South Dakota students through an online SONA survey.

Presenter(s): Sophie Wilson, Ashlyn Reynolds, Emma Rauch-Word, Ali Lawrensen

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Cindy Struckman-Johnson

Poster Number: 212

Investigating the Impact of Intermittent Multitasking on Working Memory.

Decline in working memory performance during multitasking is a consistent experimental finding relative to a working memory task alone. Working memory, which temporarily stores and processes information, plays a crucial role in cognitive tasks such as reading comprehension, problem-solving, and reasoning. Working memory is also important for information transfer to long-term memory for extended storage. Rather than performing multiple tasks simultaneously, the main theoretical perspectives present multitasking as a rapid shifting of attention between tasks. The current study explores the mechanisms within working memory that contribute to the decline in memory performance during multitasking. We contrast three theoretical models to identify which provides the best explanation of mechanisms contributing to decline in memory during dual-task performance. The time-Based Resource-Sharing model argues that memory performance is a function of the balance between memory maintenance and forgetting. Resource-Depletion Theory focuses on depletion and regeneration of a memory encoding resource. Memory Enrichment Theory focuses on the perceived difficulty of dual-tasking and its effect on memory consolidation. Participants are asked to remember visual memory items and complete parity judgement tasks throughout the memory presentation sequence. Task demands are manipulated to create low, medium, and high dual-tasking demand conditions as well as a single task condition.  Each theoretical perspective predicts a unique pattern of predicted results, allowing us to identify the likely causes of multitasking impairment to working memory.

Presenter(s): Megan M McCray, Christina R Fanciullo, Dillon A Quinones, Timothy J Ricker

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Ricker

Poster Number: 214

First Responders’ Self-Care Practices and the Impact on their Children’s Mental Health Outcomes

First responders are at a heightened risk for adverse mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Bonumwezi et al., 2022). Secondary trauma is a phenomenon that occurs when the trauma of one individual can cause or increase trauma effects in another individual (Lombardo et al., 2008). An example of this could be when a parent’s PTSD symptoms influence their child’s mental health. However, there is a gap in the literature that explores how a first responder parent’s well-being might influence their children. Specifically, it is unknown if a first responder’s self-care practices might promote positive outcomes in their children. With this study, I aim to investigate how parental trauma-informed self-care practices correlate to the mental outcomes of their children. Trauma-informed self-care involves acknowledging the impact of traumatic events and aims to minimize the effect of trauma. We have started to recruit law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medicine technicians who also have a child under age 18. We aim to recruit 150 first responders. For this study, two measures will be utilized to assess 1) parent use of trauma-informed self-care and 2) child psychopathology. Correlation analyses will be run to assess if there is an association between parental use of trauma-informed self-care and their children’s psychopathology. It is hypothesized that higher parental use of trauma-informed self-care will be associated with lower child psychopathology.

Presenter(s): Paige Pollreisz

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): BreAnne Danzi

Poster Number: 215

The Impact of Depression on Mother-Infant Synchrony‡

The mother and infant relationship is critical, not only for the infant’s well-being and development, but also for the mother’s psychological well-being. Specifically, the mother and infant relationship is integral for the development of the infant's social and emotional development and functioning later in life. Adverse implications for poor mother-infant relationships have been noted in current research. For example, maternal depressive symptoms are shown to negatively impact the mother-infant relationship. However, there is little research performed longitudinally that examines the relation of depression with interactional synchrony between mother-infant dyads. Interactional synchrony is an observable pattern of dyadic interaction that is mutually regulated, reciprocal, and harmonious. It can involve mirroring of emotion or behavior, mutual focus, and reciprocity between caregivers and their children. This project aims to evaluate the impact that maternal depression has on dyadic synchrony while adding onto prior research evaluating psychological problems that might interfere with mother-infant relations. Approximately 80 mother and infant dyads at three time points corresponding with the infants age (2-months, 4-months, and 6-months) through an online video conferencing platform. The mother’s depressive symptoms will be evaluated at time one, and interactional synchrony will be evaluated at time two and three. Additionally, mothers and infants will be observed during a 10-minute “free-play” behavioral observation which is used to assess interactional synchrony. The Taxonomy of Interactional Style (TIS) will be used to code synchrony through four areas; physical proximity, visual orientation, upper body orientation, and dyadic involvement. Maternal depressive symptoms will be evaluated via the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS). The current study will not only add to literature but aid mothers and their children in their dyadic relationship.

Presenter(s): Peter J A McSparron

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): BreAnne Danzi

Poster Number: 216

Reducing Stigma towards Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD): A Parasocial Contact Approach‡

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by loss of control over alcohol intake, compulsive alcohol use and a negative emotional state when not drinking, which can follow a chronic, relapsing course (Carvalho et al., 2019). AUD ranks among the most prevalent mental disorders globally. According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 28.8 million adults ages 18 and older (11.2% in this age group) had AUD in 2021 (NIH, 2024). My proposal seeks to create a novel approach to addressing stigma through creating the illusion of a relationship between a television viewer and a mediated on-screen persona. This process is called parasocial interaction (PSI; Horton, & Wohl, 1956). This sense of connection by the viewer towards the media performer can be quite strong, leading individuals to feel like they know these media personalities personally, even though there is no actual interaction. PSI research has become more formalized around the Parasocial Contact Hypothesis. This hypothesis states that under appropriate, mediated, conditions the illusion of interpersonal contact between a television viewer and a mediated out-group member is an effective way to reduce prejudice towards an outgroup. Individuals may develop a PSI with a mediated person who has AUD, and this interaction has the potential to reduce the stigma towards individuals with AUD. In this project, I will extend the previous research on the Parasocial Contact Hypothesis (Schiappa, Gregg, & Hewes, 2005) to incorporate relevant psychological findings from empathy literature (Karan, 2023). Individuals above the age of 18 will be recruited via email to fill out a survey questionnaire. The data will be examined using ANOVA to determine the impact of parasocial contact on stigma against AUD.

Presenter(s): Prah Haider

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Douglas Peterson

Poster Number: 217

Childhood Residential Treatment Centers Experiences Shaping Adult Perspectives on Mental Health*

Empirical research exploring treatment outcomes among children in residential treatment centers (RTCs) is rare. Consequentially, there is an increasing demand for more studies examining such outcomes, particularly as they pertain to an individual’s experience leaving an RTC. This transitional period is believed to be a salient component impacting mental health treatment outcomes. Yet, little is known about how this residential treatment component is experienced and whether it impacts individuals long-term. This narrative qualitative study aimed to understand the experience of young adults who transitioned out of an RTC as a child. Participants recounted their experiences before, during, and after this transition. Six participants who resided in an RTC as a child for at least six consecutive months recounted their life experiences, producing 26 hours of interview data. Data were transcribed, coded, and written in narrative and thematic form. Our analysis produced three themes: learned and used effective coping skills, developed

impactful relationships, and difficult adjustment post-discharge. This study produced several recommendations to improve treatment outcomes for youth, such as building positive relationships with staff members, monitoring readiness to transition from a residential level of care, and involving youth in treatment planning. Future research could further explore the strength of the therapeutic relationship related to discharge status and short and long-term treatment outcomes for youth.

Presenter(s): Ryan Vinzant

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jean Caraway

Poster Number: 218

Altered default mode network connectivity in trauma-exposed individuals ​with hazardous alcohol use.

Addiction & Substance Use Disorder is a complex and potentially deadly disorder that plagues over 20% of Americans, especially those at a neurological disadvantage, like people with PTSD. Despite this high percent, the strength of the combination of addiction and mental health issues is often drastically understated. 

However, Looking at the neurological impact of addiction in the brain can give us a starting point to help treat addiction and combat the complications it can cause on other disorders. 

For that reason we looked at the brain function in those with PTSD and addiction to further understand how the brain's pathways and function is altered. Using rs-FMI we received scans that allow us to study the BOLD (Blood oxygen level dependent) activity in participant's Default Mode Network. Studying these scans allows us to pinpoint abnormal activity in exact brain pathways, like the Nucleus Accumbens and the VTA. We expect to see high levels of abnormal activity in those who have  addiction, and further abnormalities in those who have both* PTSD and addiction.  We expect these scans will allow for further understanding of addiction's physical impact on the brain, and lend new information to the study and treatment of addiction.

Presenter(s): Sophia M Culuris

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Taylor Bosch, Lisa McFadden

Poster Number: 219

The Effects of Medium Switching in Multitasking

The need to simultaneously manage multiple tasks is a part of daily life that requires frequent switching of attention between tasks (Jolicoeur, 1999; McCann & Johnston, 1992; Pashler, 1994). Multitasking often involves interacting with multiple data presentation mediums, such as writing notes while listening to a lecture or even switching screens on a computer.  While several theories explain why multitasking impairs memory performance (Barrouillet et al., 2004; Popov & Reder, 2020; Ricker & Vergauwe, 2022), research is needed to study how different mediums of data presentation influence the efficiency of multitasking performance.  To understand the effects of medium switching in multitasking, this study explores the predictions of three respected, but mutually exclusive, models of working memory.  Each model examines the interplay between dual-tasking and the presentation of information:  The Time-Based Resource-Sharing model (Barrouillet et al., 2004), Resource Depletion Theory (Popov & Reder, 2020), and Memory Enrichment Theory (Ricker & Vergauwe, 2022).  To mimic real-world scenarios of data presentation, participants must perform a computer-based memory task while at the same time engaging in a second task using a reference table that is either printed, on-screen, or accessed on-screen by clicking a button.  We expect the paper reference condition to show poorer recall compared to the on-screen conditions as interacting with the printed document requires one to switch their attention across mediums from a computer to a physical piece of paper.  These findings would indicate that interweaving screen-based and physical mediums of data presentation would decrease the speed and efficiency of day-to-day multitasking performance compared to a purely digital interface.

Presenter(s): Asia E Sletten

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Timothy Ricker

Poster Number: 220

Spatio-Temporal Patterns of Biomass, Canopy Cover, and Livestock Behavior in Semi-Arid Mongolian Grasslands*

Grassland resources are the most prevalent natural resources on the Mongolian Plateau and are fundamental for animal husbandry. Grasslands offer numerous ecological services, including the production of food for livestock which in turn supplies meat and milk for human use and the sequestration of atmospheric carbon, thereby reducing global warming. Monitoring biomass and canopy cover dynamics is essential for effective rangeland management to support sustainable grazing practices and ecosystem health. This study employs remote sensing techniques to map above-ground biomass (AGB) and canopy cover (CC) across Mongolia and analyze their relationship with sheep grazing behavior. Landsat imagery provides high-resolution, multi-temporal data for biomass and vegetation assessment. By integrating Landsat archive data, the study achieves improved accuracy in estimating biomass distribution and grazing patterns, addressing key gaps in existing research. Results reveal regional variations, with degradation trends in the western and southern regions and positive trends in the east. These spatial patterns align with previous studies, demonstrating the reliability of our models. The insights underscore the impacts of climate change and land use practices on grassland productivity and livestock health. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of understanding how variations in biomass and canopy cover influence sheep behavior and movement. The findings contribute to rangeland management by providing actionable data for livestock managers to optimize grazing practices. Additionally, this research offers valuable insights for maintaining the long-term health and resilience of Mongolian grasslands, ensuring sustainable livelihoods and ecosystem services amidst the growing challenges of climate change.

Presenter(s): Abhinav Chandel

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ranjeet John

Poster Number: 101

Human Contributions to Dust Emissions in Utah's Great Basin.

Anthropogenic activities play an important role in dust emission potential and understanding how these activities contribute to dust emissions will aid in predicting dust events and in choosing mitigation strategies while contributing to the global dust emission models. The Great Basin of Utah is a known source of dust production, but limited research exists on the impact of human influence contributing to the emission of dust in the region. This study investigates anthropogenic dust sources (disturbance of the soil due to vehicles, cattle trampling, agricultural practices, and other activities) over the past 2 decades (2004–2024) in the eastern Great Basin using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data, land cover data, and meteorological data. In the basin, spring months are notable for increased dust events, which correspond to higher winds. Analysis of land use reveals that over two decades, the area covered by water, primarily the Great Salt Lake, declined by 3.3% and barren land increased by 1.1%. The area of cropland decreased by 10.1%, shrub/scrub decreased by 0.4% and grassland increased by 14.0%. The changes were primarily driven by increases in water use and urban expansion, and multidecadal drought. Consequently, preliminary analysis of dust source mapping reveals that barren land produced most dust plumes. With 172 visible dust plumes, barren land is a primary source of dust in this region due to the lack of vegetative cover combined with human disturbance due to off-highway vehicles and military activities. Barren lands close to cultivated lands were likely disturbed or reactivated during farming. 102 plumes were observed on shrubs/scrubs, while crops had three plumes. This study will further elucidate human versus natural dust production within the Great Basin, where proper monitoring and sustainable management of land use practices in this region is needed.

Presenter(s): Beatrice O Ogbuagu

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Mark Sweeney

Poster Number: 102

Harnessing Controlled Environment Agriculture to Secure Sustainability & Economic Growth

Food insecurity, harsh weather and economic instability disproportionately impact rural and tribal communities. Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) offers a promising solution by enabling climate-resilient food production through hydroponic systems that require fewer natural resources than traditional farming. This research explores the socioeconomic potential of CEA in resource-limited communities, particularly tribal nations, by examining its viability for economic growth, food sovereignty, and workforce development.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, we assess community perceptions, adoption barriers, and economic feasibility of CEA. Listening sessions and surveys with tribal stakeholders, including collaboration with Sicangu Co. on the Rosebud Reservation, provide insights into attitudes toward CEA, while system dynamics modeling evaluates its financial sustainability and scalability in different community settings. A life cycle assessment (LCA) further examines the environmental footprint of CEA compared to conventional agriculture. By integrating these factors, we develop policy recommendations and decision-support tools to guide implementation strategies tailored to tribal and rural economies.

Expected outcomes include increased food security, job creation, and the development of a skilled workforce through CEA training programs. By leveraging CEA’s potential, this research aims to empower communities with sustainable agricultural solutions that foster long-term economic resilience.

Presenter(s): Glen Marshall

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Meghann Jarchow

Poster Number: 103

Going for gold: looking to improve USD's sustainability rating from the last STARS report.

The University of South Dakota Sustainability Department is currently in the process of completing its second Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Ratings System (STARS) report. This report will provide a designation reflecting how USD’s promotion of, and education in, sustainability compares to universities worldwide. The previous report, completed by a Sustainability Capstone class, rated USD ‘Bronze’ out of four possible ratings (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum). Having surpassed the first recognition level, USD is now in the process of completing the report again, as the first report was submitted on an accelerated timeline and was not fully complete. The goal is to raise the university’s rating through a more complete view of USD. Additionally, each report is valid for three years after the submission date; as such, a secondary goal is to lay the groundwork for streamlining future reporting. These reports can offer prospective students in sustainability and related fields a window into USD’s sustainability programming and focus; the larger prospective student body would benefit from the reports social and economic aspects regarding equity and student success, as well as a view of the campus’ environmental impact. Such information could be helpful in swaying prospective students deciding where to apply and attend.

Presenter(s): Haley J Anciaux

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Joe Kantenbacher

Poster Number: 104

Evaluating the large-scale impact of Agricultural practices and ecological variables on greenhouse gas emissions in eastern South Dakota*

Climate-smart agriculture has become essential in combating climate change, especially in response to higher temperatures caused by increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and a rise in extreme weather events. Agricultural practices affect the dynamics of soil nitrogen (N) and carbon (C), therefore influencing the emissions of N2O, CO2 and CH4. Practices such as adoption of no-tillage, reduction of fallow lands, and frequent crop rotation have been identified as effective management practices for sustainable production. This study fills in this gap by understanding the relationship between climatic and edaphic variables driving the adoption of conservation practices and GHG emissions at larger temporal and spatial scale. We evaluate the influence of climate change on greenhouse gasses within the context of conservation practices under future IPCC climate scenarios. The Bayesian generalized linear model revealed significant relationships between management practices and key environmental variables. Our analysis showed that areas with higher land surface temperature (LST), GDD, precipitation, and drought conditions were more likely to adopt conservation tillage. In contrast, cover crop adoption was positively correlated with higher LST, soil moisture, and precipitation but negatively associated with reduced drought severity, clay content, and GDD. Silt content had a negligible effect on both conservation tillage and cover crop adoption. Furthermore, we examined the impact of environmental and management factors on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Higher precipitation and cover crop adoption were correlated with increased GHG emissions, with additional positive but weaker correlations observed for LST and soil silt content. Conversely, soil moisture and PDSI were negatively associated with both CO₂ and CH4 emissions, drought severity may reduce emissions. Other variables, GDD, clay content, and tillage practices had minimal effects, did not significantly influence methane emissions.

The Bayesian mediation model revealed significant relationships between soil moisture (SM), GHG emissions, and environmental variables. In both the mediation models, soil moisture had a significant effect on conservation tillage and cover crop adoption, with conservation tillage negatively linked with SM (-0.44) and cover crops showing a positive relation with SM (0.20) This suggests that both cover crops and tillage altered the role of soil moisture in carbon fluxes. However, CO₂ emissions were significantly psotively impacted by both conservation tillage (0.43) and increase in cover cropping. Both models demonstrated consistent effects of precipitation and temperature on CO₂ emissions, with higher precipitation increasing emissions (0.40 and 0.43) and temperature reducing them (-0.22 and -0.25).

Presenter(s): Khushboo Jain

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Meghann Jarchow, Ranjeet john

Poster Number: 105

Trash to Treasure: A Worm's Guide to Composting

This visual work presents an educational comic strip that is meant to engage and inform readers about the composting process and its benefits. Composting mitigates climate change and has several benefits for the individual and environment, such as improving soil health and reducing harmful emissions. Many people are not familiar with the worsening impact of food waste or may feel that the composting process is too complicated. Increased awareness and participation in composting will lead to reduced landfill pollution, less greenhouse gas emissions, and improved soil health. In general, people are more open to adopting sustainable habits when they are convenient and fit into their daily routines. Using the story of a worm coaching two people on how to transform their waste, this comic strip aims to present composting as a constructive, easy change that anybody can make using items from their own home. I aimed to correct some common misconceptions about composting, such as bad odor or insects, and provided ways for people to avoid these problems. I wanted to transform what may seem like a boring topic into something that feels exciting. Public education is an important part of creating widespread change. By continuing to combine art and sustainability, we can educate and inspire meaningful action on a larger scale.

Presenter(s): Margaret Kathol

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Anna Moore

Poster Number: 106

Sustainable Yard Landscapes: Enhancing Urban Ecology Through assessment and Redesign.

In urban residential areas, the most prevalent thing is conventional grass-dominated lawns, but they provide minimal ecological benefits. Because of cities facing environmental challenges such as climate change, biodiversity scarcity, and water shortage, native landscaping comes forward as a sustainable alternative. Planting native plants can enhance biodiversity, improve water retention, and contribute to carbon sequestration. The aim of this presentation is to illustrate the advantages and disadvantages of native-designed landscaping compared to conventional lawns. This includes the necessity of rethinking urban yard landscapes and proposing a methodology for evaluating and improving them. Steps like assessing native landscaping and introducing a hypothetical design model to illustrate potential transformations of current yard conditions will help to identify sustainable alternatives. Some common concerns, such as maintenance challenges and public perception, will also be addressed. The proposed methodology will detail strategies for integrating sustainable landscaping elements such as native plants, rain gardens, and other eco-friendly designs. In conclusion, future research directions and practical steps for promoting native landscaping adoption in urban environments will be discussed in this idea. This work aims to provide insights for urban planners, architects, policymakers, and community stakeholders to foster ecologically functional and resilient urban landscapes.

Presenter(s): Sharad Chowdhury

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Meghann Jarchow

Poster Number: 107

Building A Sustainable Future Through Harnessing AI For Climate Resilience.

In the wake of climate change, artificial intelligence (AI) holds the potential to be an effective tool that can address climate effects through monitoring, forecasting, and mitigation using datasets and technologies hence, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient future for our planet.

Presenter(s): Vivian Omondi

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Joe Kantenbacher

Poster Number: 108

Exploring the Relationship between Sediment Size and Macroinvertebrate Individual Size Distribution in North American Freshwater Streams

Individual size distribution (ISD) is the scaling relationship between body mass and density of individuals within a community. Sediment can impact the physical environment where macroinvertebrates live and can carry potentially harmful chemicals and pollutants. Previous studies examine the relationship between the macroinvertebrate communities and chemical properties associated with sediment rather than the physical size of sediment in wadeable streams. This project aimed to explore the relationship between the sediment size of the substrate and the ISD of macroinvertebrates over 21 National Ecological Observation Network (NEON) wadeable streams across North America from Alaska to Puerto Rico. Using a multilevel gamma model, we estimated the particle size distribution of each pebble count survey from 2017 to 2021 and the corresponding ISD of macroinvertebrates. Preliminary results show a more positive relationship between the slopes of finer sediment sites than larger, more cobble sediment sites. Not only is this relationship understudied, but this study provides a potential pathway to using ISD to monitor streams as sediment changes after events of disturbance like flooding.

Presenter(s): Morgan Hrivnak

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jeff Wesner

Poster Number: 213

UMatter Campaign - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

UMatter Campaign about Overcoming Imposter Syndrome is an interactive and educational visual project designed to raise awareness about imposter syndrome and provide strategies for overcoming it. This project consists of a large informational poster that outlines key aspects of imposter syndrome including its signs, symptoms, different types, treatment options, examples, and ways to find out how to help each person individually. This project also consists of five smaller posters, each featuring an Augmented Reality AR video to deepen engagement. These AR components offer an immersive experience, allowing viewers to interact with the posters and engage more with what they are trying to say, and really look into what the poster is talking about and the examples it provides.

By combining bold visuals, research-based information, and interactive technology, UMatter creates an accessible and impactful resource for individuals who struggle with self-doubt, question their own achievements, or compare themselves to others. The project also encourages viewers to recognize the signs of imposter syndrome in those around them, fostering a more supportive and understanding environment. Through this blend of information and digital interactivity, UMatter serves as a call to action reminding individuals that their accomplishments are valid, their voices matter, and they are not alone in their experiences.

Presenter(s): Jade S Bendewald

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 201

Growth†

This piece is titled Growth and that is what it is about. This cast iron fish is placed into a fish tank that gets filled with a solution to make the cast iron rust under the paint. After each exhibition the fish is documented then cleaned and painted again. Although it looks similar and pretty each time, it will never be the same. This piece talks about going through tough things in life that break you down. You have to rebuild yourself and become presentable once again. But eventually everything will have rusted away and nothing will be left. And depending on the solution it is in more or less damage will be done at a time. But even though some iron is lost after each time, the idea of it and the spirit of it is growing.

Presenter(s): Keegan Reinier

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Chris Meyer

Poster Number: 202

Public Healthcare Access Alternative Break, Fort Worth TX

By leading my service trip with AWOL (Alternative Week of Learning), I had the opportunity to engage deeply with public healthcare access and the systems that prevent illness. Our work focused on key factors affecting community health, including food insecurity, child well-being in schools, and the therapeutic benefits of horses. By working with national organizations, we gained firsthand insight into the barriers that prevent individuals from accessing essential resources and services, beyond our local understanding. One of the most impactful aspects of this experience was the opportunity to interact directly with community members and see how structural inequalities influence health outcomes. From assisting with school programs that support child wellness to understanding how therapy animals contribute to mental and physical health, we explored innovative approaches to preventative care. What makes AWOL unique is its emphasis on education through service. Unlike traditional volunteer efforts, AWOL fosters personal connections and critical discussions, encouraging volunteers to reflect on the systemic issues that shape public health. This immersive approach provided a deeper awareness of the challenges faced by underserved populations and the importance of sustainable, community-driven solutions. My experience on this trip reinforced my commitment to healthcare advocacy and the need for a more holistic, preventative approach to well-being.

Presenter(s): River Heynen, Jacob Degroot

Department/Division/Area: AWOL (Alternative Way of Learning)

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): April Lee

Poster Number: 107

Child Wellbeing Alternative Break - Dallas, Texas

From January 4th to January 9th, Hector Gallardo-Duarte and I led an AWOL Alternative Break trip to Dallas, Texas, with a focus on Child Wellbeing, but also helping other populations that coincide. Our objective was to provide volunteer support to nonprofit organizations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, specifically the Spina Bifida Association of North Texas (SBANT), Easterseals North Texas and Little Lonestar Academy, the Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB), and Love Thy Neighbor (LTN). These organizations work to improve the lives of underserved populations, often with limited staff or volunteers. Our team reached out ahead of time to schedule specific volunteer tasks to ensure our efforts were impactful and met the immediate needs of these organizations. Over the course of our trip, we assisted with tasks such as sorting donations (food, clothing, medical supplies), cleaning rooms, and performing any other duties needed to ease the workload of the staff. Our goal was to make a meaningful contribution by completing tasks that would have otherwise taken the staff weeks to accomplish, in just a few hours. This hands-on experience highlights the importance of service and community engagement, especially in organizations facing resource limitations. Our efforts demonstrate how collective action, even in short periods, can significantly support nonprofit organizations. Each night, we would reflect on what we had done that day and how it impacted both the participants and the community. Although the trip was initially planned for a week, we returned early on January 9th due to unforeseen circumstances. This experience deepened our understanding of the importance of volunteering and helping those who are often unable to complete such work themselves, reinforcing our commitment to service and community outreach.

Presenter(s): Katherine Thompson, Hector Gallardo-Duarte

Department/Division/Area: AWOL (Alternative Way of Learning)

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): April Lee

Poster Number: 108

Panda-monium in Conservation: The Umbrella Species Effect in Action

Once the most famous endangered species, the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is now only listed as vulnerable, with over 1,800 living in the wild. In China, they still receive high levels of protection and are the focus of intensive reintroduction efforts. Pandas are not just “cute” animals, they do play important roles in spreading the seeds of bamboo and other plants through their feces, which in turn controls runoff, reduces soil erosion, and maintains water quality in their mountain ecosystems. However, it is likely that their fame is just as important for habitat conservation as their ecological role. Globally, the giant panda is probably the best example of a “flagship” endangered species who, through the attention they receive, help raise public awareness and funds for conserving their native habitat. Such species, because of their protected status, may then create an “umbrella” effect, aiding other, less obvious species that share their habitat. The value of umbrella species as a conservation strategy extends beyond pandas and many other species, including those more familiar to Americans, play important ecological and non-ecological roles in maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem stability. For example, preserving the American bison was one of the key justifications for the establishment of Yellowstone National Park. Our study reviews the literature on giant pandas and other similar umbrella species in order to examine the important relationships between flagship endangered species and the neighboring species in their native habitats. We illustrate both the positives and the negatives of this sort of approach for broader ecosystem conservation efforts.

Presenter(s): Trent A Daley, Alison Nankivel, Maia Blonsky, Jacob Larsen, Isabelle Neville, Petra-Zlata Iva

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 110

Living Forests: Can Humans and Biodiversity Thrive Together in National Parks?

The Amazon Rainforest’s Intangible Zone in Ecuador is a region of profound mystery and biodiversity, home to almost countless species and people with rich indigenous traditions. Evidence of ancient earthworks and fertile terra preta soils suggests that large human populations once inhabited and actively shaped the landscape, enhancing soil fertility and fostering biodiversity. In collaboration with the Waorani people, who have lived in this forest for generations, scientists are uncovering the intricate ways in which humans and nature have historically coexisted. However, ongoing threats such as oil prospecting jeopardize this delicate balance. We review what is known about the potential for indigenous communities, including the Waorani, to thrive alongside intensive conservation efforts. Such an approach, challenges the traditional separation between conserving untouched nature and human resource exploitation. Although avoiding the use of natural resources is challenging, we can responsibly maximize their potential through careful strategies and innovative methods, as shown by the Waorani people. By reviewing both traditional ecological knowledge and contemporary scientific approaches, we seek to identify conservation strategies that protect both the rainforest and its people. Ultimately, our research aims to explore whether humans and nature can sustainably coexist within national parks, hoping to gain insights into approaches that could aid global forest conservation efforts.

Presenter(s): Deepa Rajbanshi, Paige Cmelik, Alexander McGhee, Santiaago Granados, John DePriest, Evan Seney

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 212

All Stressed Out: An Investigation on the Effects of Stressors on Corticosterone Levels in the Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)‡

Corticosterone (CORT) is the primary glucocorticoid in many vertebrates including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. When an organism is exposed to external or internal stressors, CORT levels often increase. An increase in CORT can cause adverse physiological effects such as slower growth, malformations in different parts of the body, and specific blood sugar diseases such as diabetes. CORT levels are indicators of survival, growth, and reproduction in larval amphibians. Many species, including our model organism, the Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens), are often subjected to a wide variety of environmental stressors including environmental contaminants and disease-causing pathogens which can contribute to various physiological effects. Although there is some information regarding the effects of singular stressors on CORT in amphibians, there is a gap in the literature regarding the effects of multiple, combined stressors on CORT in amphibians.  It is important to investigate this topic to improve our understanding of how chemical stressors and disease influence the production of CORT and the subsequent consequences of these physiological changes. I hypothesized that an increase in number of environmental stressors and their severity would contribute to elevated levels of CORT. I also predicted that such increases would be associated with faster development.

Presenter(s): Ella Wittmuss

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jacob Kerby

Poster Number: 213

Elephants: Nature’s Engineers Shaping Ecosystems and enhancing Biodiversity

Ecosystem engineers are species that significantly modify, create, or maintain habitats, thereby influencing the structure and flow of energy within ecosystems. Elephants are prime examples of such engineers. Through their foraging activities, elephants alter landscapes by uprooting trees, stripping bark, and trampling vegetation, which in turn reshapes plant community dynamics and creates microhabitats that support numerous species. Their role in seed dispersal is particularly critical, as they facilitate the germination and distribution of many tree species, contributing to forest regeneration and ecological heterogeneity. Elephants also enhance nutrient cycling by dispersing organic matter through dung, enriching soil fertility, and providing essential resources for decomposers and primary producers. Many parts of Africa and tropical Asia have experienced a decline in biodiversity, with elephant populations diminishing in many areas where they were once abundant. This decline, compounded by human-elephant conflicts and widespread culling, has further strained ecosystems. We review the current state of knowledge on the management of Elephant populations in Africa and Asia especially focused on non-lethal management strategies.  Our research indicates the need to recognize elephants as integral components of ecosystems rather than merely a species to be managed. Conservation approaches that preserve the broader ecological services provided by elephants, and other ecosystem engineers are vital for maintaining the health and resilience of many ecosystems.

Presenter(s): Isaac M Kieti, Aaron J Eikanger, Ethan J Schroeder, Evan M Shirley, Kyron R Hutchinson

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 214

Monitoring the Qosh Tepa Canal Project: A geospatial timeline of Taliban water diversion

In response to the food, water, and economic crisis in Afghanistan, the Taliban is constructing the Qosh Tepa Canal (QTC), a 285 km canal designed to divert up to 60% of the Amu Darya River’s water. The Amu Darya is crucial to millions in Central Asia, with over 2.4 million people potentially facing climate displacement by 2050 (World Bank, 2021).

This study aims to visually analyze the construction of the QTC using satellite imagery. Key research questions include: (1) At what rate is the canal being built? (2) How is the canal being built? (3) How do the answers to these two first questions reflect on the impact that the canal will ultimately have on the Amu Darya?

Using satellite imagery, we track the canal’s progress and review literature on efficient canal construction. The Taliban’s initial completion estimate for 2028 now appears ahead of schedule, with roughly two-thirds of the canal completed since 2022. A breach in the canal’s walls caused what is now a spill spanning roughly six miles of desert, highlighting poor water management. Additionally, materials for the canal walls are sourced from sediment dug to make way for the canal, leading to walls that are poorly constructed and prone to erosion.

Our findings suggest that while the canal is progressing quickly, there is little effort to minimize ecological or water waste impacts. The rapid construction, coupled with the breach and poor canal design, demonstrates a lack of caution in managing such a powerful water source and ultimately reflects poorly on the implications for Central Asia’s largest river, the Amu Darya.

Presenter(s): Enerel L Crosslin

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ranjeet John

Poster Number: 215

The size distributions of reef fish in Xpu-Ha Bay as related to depth

Individual size distribution (ISD) is a way of studying the overall community structure of an ecosystem. The distribution of individuals by biomass can offer insight into community dynamics, and continued ISD research can demonstrate the effects of disturbances on those dynamics. Previous research into ISD in freshwater aquatic systems has found no significant impact of elevational gradients on size distributions in macroinvertebrate communities; this paper aims to explore whether the same holds true for ISD’s relationship to depth, in fish communities in Xpu-Ha Bay, a marine coral reef ecosystem. Through dividing fish into size classes based on estimated length and converting length to biomass, a mixed model was used to parse the effects of depth (divided into shallow [0-20 ft] and deep [30-50 ft] categories) on fish ISD. It was found that there was no significant effect on size distribution; however, the calculated distribution for both categories was significantly lower than the theoretical value. This suggests that there is a higher ratio of small organisms to large than would be expected in a typical ecosystem. Further research would be required to determine whether the lack of relationship of ISD to depth can be extrapolated out to a larger depth gradient, such as in areas with deeper reef ecosystems.

Presenter(s): Haley J Anciaux

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jeff Wesner

Poster Number: 216

Survey of Interior Least Tern abundance along 59-mile reach of the MNRR

The purpose of our project was to survey the abundance of the Interior Least Tern at on- and off-river sites along the Missouri National Recreational River. Previous research and this study’s observational data suggests that terns may use off-river sites for foraging purposes, but the importance of off-river foraging to tern energy budgets and nesting success remains unknown. Multiple sites were surveyed within 30km north of the river and the 59-mile MNNR in South Dakota. Observations include that terns were seen >10km away from the river, and a high abundance at off-river flooded areas were also observed during the June 2024 flood event. Least terns regularly use off-river locations for foraging purposes, and future research should focus on how off-river shallow water habitat used by terns may provide benefits to energy budgets.

Presenter(s): Hannah Slattery, Zoe Donelan

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): David Swanson

Poster Number: 217

Shell Shocked: The Impact of Environmental Change on Marine Bivalves

Habitat destruction is one of the most pressing issues confronting humanity today. With oceans covering over 70% of the planet’s surface, this ecosystem is experiencing tremendous amounts of overexploitation, pollution, and climate change due to human activity. Unfortunately, this environmental degradation extends to marine life, with more than 1,500 marine species threatened with extinction. Among them are marine bivalves, such as mussels, oysters, and clams, that act as ecosystem engineers producing valuable reef habitat for numerous marine species, such as fish, crabs, anemones, snails, and plants. Bivalves serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health, yet they are increasingly impacted by declining ocean conditions. We will review what is known about the main causes of marine bivalve habitat loss and possible solutions to help restore these important ecosystems. It is clear that reefs created by bivalves should be sustained to have functioning healthy marine ecosystems, and that this can be accomplished through multiple conservation avenues. For example, a top recommended conservation method for oysters is shell planting, and with mussels, some conservation tactics include marsh protection and enhancement. It is important to increase the benefits to people and the environment in bivalve restoration since there are limited resources invested. Successful reintroduction of marine bivalves into our oceans is possible and understanding how to do this is of critical importance for marine conservation, policymaking, and aquaculture efforts.

Presenter(s): Emily M Zavacki, Savannah Schultz, Alexa Sees, Jessica Matthew, Kaia Olson

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 218

Identifying physiological traits of resilience against thermal stress in a regionally threatened freshwater mussel, Lampsilis cardium

Rising water temperatures (Tw) due to climate change (~ 0.08°C per year)1 and changes in land-usage (e.g. alterations to river channels)2 and water usage (e.g. thermal effluent from power stations and wastewater treatment plants)2 are significant ecological challenges for freshwater ecosystems. Freshwater ectotherms follow the fundamental biogeographical principle of ‘adapt, move or die’ under thermal challenge.3 Freshwater mussels are particularly vulnerable to Tw due to (1) sedentary lifestyle and limited mobility, (2) complex life history with their larva dependent on thermal sensitivity of host fishes, and (3) long generation times.4-6 Studies suggest that freshwater mussels in North America are already living close to their upper thermal tolerances.7 However, the specific physiological traits that enable mussels to acclimate and/or adapt to thermal stress at an organismal level remain unknown. In this study, we investigated metabolic plasticity of Lampsilis cardium (Plain Pocketbook), a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in South Dakota8, which is at risk of becoming extinct, extirpated, endangered, or threatened due to low or declining populations. Specifically, we hypothesized that Plain Pocketbook lack necessary physiological plasticity to withstand chronic thermal stress in watersheds. To address this, we quantified (1) Standard Metabolic Rate (SMR, an emergent organismal property that integrates the cost of living) and (2) activity of a key metabolic enzyme, the sodium-potassium ATPase (NKA) of Plain Pocketbook after six weeks of thermal challenge to 25 °C in laboratory. We predicted that chronic thermal challenge would result in a metabolic shut down reflected as low SMR and NKA activity, indicating limited plasticity to thermal stress. These mechanistic investigations are necessary not only to identify specific targets of natural selection in the face of thermal variation. Importantly, individual-level physiology, when combined with field studies and modeling efforts, is critical for conservation efforts aimed at mitigating climatic threats to freshwater mussels.

Presenter(s): Jessica Matthew, Alexis Fenhaus, Emily M Zavacki

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Omera Matoo

Poster Number: 219

Comparing microclimates of different songbird nest types*

Since 1970, North America has lost 3.2 billion birds, and because of climate change, this number is increasing. Songbirds, which make up the majority of declining bird species, are adapted to temperatures and weather patterns which no longer prevail. This mismatch is particularly problematic for songbird reproduction. Eggs and nestling songbirds are unable to regulate their body temperature and therefore rely on the incubating parent and nest microclimate (internal nest temperature) for heat required to grow. Because of climate change, nest microclimates may become unsuitable for growing nestlings, making it harder for them to survive. However, different species of birds build different types of nests, and certain nest types may be better able to withstand the effects of altered ambient temperatures. My upcoming research will examine the differences in microclimate within cavity and open cup nests of songbirds breeding in Southeast South Dakota and Northwest Iowa. Cavity nests are built inside trees or nest boxes by species such as black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), northern house wrens (Troglodytes aedon), house sparrows (Passer domesticus), and eastern bluebirds (Sialis sialis). Cup nests are built on the branches of trees and bushes by species including American robins, (Turdus migratorius), northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), yellow warblers (Setophaga petechia), and gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis). Because cavity nests are more insulated and less ventilated than cup nests, I expect that they will have higher internal temperatures that are slower to change in response to fluctuations in ambient temperature. This is in contrast to cup nests, which I expect to have internal temperatures much closer to ambient temperature. Understanding how nest microclimates differ between nest types, as well as how they are affected by ambient temperatures, will help predict which songbirds are most vulnerable to climate change.

Presenter(s): Jillian Murphy

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl

Poster Number: 220

A Comparison of Natural and Synthesized Speech in a Case of Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech

Primary Progressive Apraxia of Speech (PPAoS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deficits in motor planning abilities for speech. Individuals with PPAoS experience phonetic and prosodic differences in their speech, affecting intelligibility, naturalness, speaking rate, and fluency (Botha et al., 2018). When a person’s speech is disordered, communication breakdowns may occur. Some individuals with disordered speech choose to use a text-to-speech program that synthesizes speech to improve communication. The differences between natural speech and synthesized speech have seldom been studied in relation to PPAoS. This study focused on the differences in intelligibility, naturalness, and listener workload between natural and synthesized speech. To gather information about the three separate variables, participants were recruited from the student population on a university campus. Twenty-five students participated in a listening activity where they were randomly assigned to listen to recordings of either natural or synthesized speech. Participants transcribed the phrases in English as they heard the recordings. Participants also rated the naturalness of the speech. Finally, participants filled out a questionnaire to determine workload exerted for the task. Intelligibility scores were higher for the synthesized speech. Naturalness scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Listener workload scores were lower for participants who listened to synthesized speech. The findings demonstrated the usefulness of synthesized speech with a speech generating device as the increased intelligibility and decreased listener workload suggest it is more effective than disordered natural speech. Therefore, the results provided important information about improving communication by using a speech generating device in place of disordered speech.

Presenter(s): Kaitlyn S Tegethoff

Department/Division/Area: Communication Sciences & Disorders

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Elizabeth Hanson

Poster Number: 106

A Deep Learning Approach for Monkeypox and Other Skin Lesion Classification

Monkeypox is a viral disease, originates from animals and can spread to humans. It causes skin lesions that often resemble those seen in conditions like chickenpox and cowpox, making accurate and timely diagnosis challenging. Accurately identifying monkeypox is essential because its distinctive skin lesions often resemble those of other diseases, which can make diagnosis difficult and delay treatment. Often lack the precision

needed to tackle the specific challenges of diagnosing monkeypox and similar skin diseases, especially in resource-limited settings. This study introduces to develop and validate an optimized AI-driven framework for accurately classifying monkeypox and related skin lesions, addressing the limitations of existing diagnostic

systems by delivering high accuracy, scalability, and applicability in real-world healthcare settings, especially in resource constrained environments. Using Mpox Skin Lesion Dataset Version 2.0 enriched with extensive augmentation, and eight advanced deep learning models such as EfficientNetB5, ResNet50,

ResNet101, MobileNet, Xception, DenseNet121, NasNetMobile, and InceptionV3 were systematically evaluated through a rigorous 5-fold cross-validation, ensuring robust generalization. The novelty lies in integrating adaptive augmentation, optimized preprocessing, and lightweight architectures like EfficientNetB5

and MobileNet, designed for efficiency without compromising accuracy. Both models outperformed others, achieving over (±90%) accuracy and F1 scores, demonstrating exceptional efficiency

and robustness for practical use. This framework addresses key limitations in automated dermatological diagnostics by providing a scalable, precise, and resource-efficient solution, enabling healthcare professionals to improve workflows, make informed decisions, and enhance patient outcomes, especially in resource limited and high-demand environments.

Presenter(s): Jahirul Islam, Kazi S Sharif, Dill Mahzabina Tabila

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Debash Jha

Poster Number: 101

Hybrid DL Classification Model based on Transformer and CNN to Classify Pap Smear Cell

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide, with early detection through Pap smear screening significantly reducing mortality rates. However, traditional analysis of Pap smear samples is resource-intensive and heavily reliant on the expertise of cytologists, creating challenges in resource- limited settings. The Pap Smear Cell Classification Challenge (PS3C), part of the International Symposium on Biomedical Imaging (ISBI) 2025 Challenge Program, seeks to address this issue by encouraging the development of automated machine learning models for classifying cervical cell images from Pap smears into three categories: Healthy, Rubbish, and Unhealthy. In this paper, we propose a hybrid deep learning model that combines the strengths of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Transformer architectures, leveraging CNN’s ability to capture robust local features and the Transformer’s capacity to model high-level global context. This integration enables the model to better handle the complexities in Pap smear data. We proposed two hybrid models: combining CNN with Vision Transformer (CNN- ViT) and combining CNN with Hierarchical Vision Transformer using Shifted Windows (CNN-Swin). CNN- Swin outperforms CNN-ViT, and achieves F1 scores of 0.83175. From confusion matrices, reveal that the Unhealthy class has a lower classification rate, likely due to its smaller size in terms of number samples, compared to the Healthy and Rubbish classes, which impacts overall performance. To address this class imbalance, we apply a weighted categorical focal loss, which enhances performance and provides better robustness. Additionally, we employ an ensemble technique using the top two hybrid models (CNN-Swin) to further boost classifier performance and improve resilience against overfitting and imbalanced classes. As a result, our model secured third place on the final unlabeled test dataset with an F1 score of 0.79446. To further enhance performance, we recommend collecting and labeling more samples for unhealthy class, or alternatively generative  dversarial networks (GANs) can be used to generate synthetic unhealthy data.

Presenter(s): Krishna Phanindra Marupaka

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lina Chato

Poster Number: 102

ResPyr-Net: A Hybrid Res-Net with Smooth Decoder for Multi-Scale Image Segmentation

Medical image segmentation remains a challenging task, particularly when it comes to identifying small, detailed structures within the human body, which can vary greatly across individuals. Existing models like U-Net, Res-Net, and their variants excel in local feature extraction but struggle to capture global context or multi-scale information effectively, leading to inaccurate results, especially on datasets with irregular or small shapes. Additionally, many of these variants depend heavily on pre-trained weights, limiting their adaptability across different medical imaging domains. To address these limitations, we introduce the Res-Net Smooth Pyramid network (ResPyr-Net), a novel architecture for image segmentation that focuses on fine-grained details with global context to produce more accurate and detailed results. It has a Res-Net-like encoder structure, Feature Pyramid Network (FPN), and smooth convolutional layers. This encoder extracts features while capturing multi-scale semantic information. FPN is integrated to capture more contextual information across different scales and aggregate features from multiple resolutions. Smooth convolutional layers refine these multi-scale features, improving the segmentation quality and preserving finer details. We assess ResPyr-Net using the Breast Ultrasound Images (BUSI) dataset, a benchmark tumor dataset in medical segmentation tasks. Our model aims to surpass U-Net by at least 5% in DICE score on this dataset and the other state-of-the-art models across key evaluation metrics, including accuracy, Dice coefficient, and Intersection over Union (IoU). This shows the robustness of ResPyr-Net and its potential as a strong model for medical segmentation tasks with broad transferability across diverse medical imaging domains.

Presenter(s): Sainath Vaddi, Sony Reddy Gurram

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rodrigue Rizk, Lina Chato

Poster Number: 103

Medical Image Synthesis for Improved Classification and Segmentation: A CycleGAN-based Approach

In this study, we propose two deep learning (DL) pipelines that utilize Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), specifically the CycleGAN architecture, to generate synthetic medical images. These pipelines aim to address the challenges of data imbalance, limited availability of annotated data, and the time-consuming, expert-dependent labeling process in medical imaging. We apply our approach to two distinct medical domains: 2D pap smear classification for cervical cancer screening and 3D MRI brain tumor segmentation. Our framework includes preprocessing pipelines, synthetic data generation, and downstream classification/segmentation models. By exploring cross-modality data augmentation strategies, we aim to improve diagnostic accuracy and develop more robust artificial intelligence (AI) systems for clinical applications. Cervical cancer causes over 300,000 deaths annually, and early detection through screening is critical for reducing mortality. For cervical cancer screening, we focus on 2D image analysis, generating synthetic pap smear images to balance underrepresented classes, particularly the unhealthy class that has smaller size compared to other two classes (healthy and rubbish). This approach aims to enhance performance of automatic classification system based on Artificial intelligence (AI) in the ISBI 2025 Pap Smear Cell Classification Challenge. Our model achieves a Fréchet Inception Distance (FID) score of 45, and we are currently working on improving these results. AI brain tumor classification and segmentation are important to enhance the diagnosis and prognosis process. Availability of multimodal medical imaging with annotations it is very challenging. We use a 3D modified CycleGAN to generate synthetic multi-modal MRI scans (T1, T1Gd, T2, T2-FLAIR), while preserving clinically relevant tumor features; these generated images will be used in segmenting brain tumor using SwinUNETR, evaluated in the Multimodal Tumor Segmentation (BraTS) Challenge as part of MICCAI 2025. Finally, we are seeking to involve healthcare experts to evaluate the generated data, in addition to using image-based and AI-based evaluation measures.

Presenter(s): Timothy Sereda, Dan Hanson, Deborah Asamoah, Rebecca Bonah

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lina Chato

Poster Number: 104

Video Chat Interactions Can Increase Closeness Among Grandparents and Grandchildren

Two-thirds of grandparents reported that distance from their grandchildren has become an increasing barrier in forming connections, with 52% of grandparents reporting that they live more than 200 miles away from at least one grandchild. (David & Nelson-Kakulla, 2018). Strengthening the quality of these connections is vital, as feelings of closeness between grandparents and grandchildren are positively linked to the well-being of both parties (Arpino et al., 2021; Lussier et al., 2002; Duflos et al., 2022). This study aimed to explore how the closeness of a grandparent-grandchild relationship changes after they engage in a series of video chats. Triads (n=178) consisted of a parent, grandparent, and child (18 months to 6 years). The triads completed a pre-video chat survey rating closeness, intergenerational solidarity, and enjoyment of previous video chats (scale 0-100). Triads were then instructed to complete 11 video chats that were a minimum of 5 minutes long, aiming for 1-2 video chats per week. After completing the video chats, they completed the same survey items again. We plan to run separate ANCOVAs for grandparents and parents. For each ANCOVA, change in closeness will be the dependent variable, study conditions (control, reading, play) as a fixed factor, and pre-test ratings of closeness, intergenerational solidarity, and enjoyment along with child age are covariates. We anticipate increased closeness, particularly among grandparents who report lower initial closeness or higher levels of enjoyment. Stronger intergenerational relationships with one another may enhance closeness over time. Video chats may be especially beneficial for families who live geographically far from one another and can be a method to foster familial closeness and improve well-being.

Presenter(s): Bre Dunn, Shanae Bergt

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Gabrielle Strouse

Poster Number: 209

Understanding Undergraduate Aspirations for Law Enforcement Careers and Motivation in the Classroom†

This study investigates the factors shaping individuals’ interest in law enforcement careers among undergraduate students. Specifically, it examines how external influences, motivations for pursuing a public service career, and background characteristics shape career interest overall; how personal influences and these factors shape career interest within each gender; and how these same factors influence motivation to engage with specific law enforcement course topics. By surveying students from various Midwestern universities, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between social influences, gender, and curricular exposure in shaping law enforcement career aspirations. Findings inform policy and curriculum design.

Presenter(s): Gabriella Burt

Department/Division/Area: Criminal Justice

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Thomas Mrozla, Julia Hellwege, Jenna Borseth

Poster Number: 207

Classroom Noise Cancellation

As a group we took on the challenge of minimizing distracting classroom noise. Through our research and interviews we have discovered that unnecessary classroom noise directly impacts the learning ability of students. Therefore, we sought to find a solution. We discovered that noise cancellation technology has already been developed on a small scale. Therefore, our goal is to upscale this technology for use in the classroom. Ultimately we will be creating a prototype that will record sound waves through a microphone then play the exact same pressure waves in reverse through a speaker.

Presenter(s): Devon B Forsberg, Bridget Farmer, Stori Miles, Caleb Schulte

Department/Division/Area: Entrepreneurship

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Gregory Bertsch

Poster Number: 105

Ultra Processed Food's Impact on Health and Agriculture†

This research poster analyzes the rise of ultra-processed foods within the US and how it has adversely affected our health and agriculture practices. This was done through literature reviews and aims to show possible shifts in practices to better the situation. We begin by exploring when and how processed foods became common and how they continued to become popular in our diets. The focus shifts to the trade-offs caused by our consumption of processed foods. The first adverse effect focused on is our worsening health due to overconsumption of processed foods leading to obesity and cardiovascular diseases. The second adverse effect of our consumption of processed foods is the shift in our agriculture towards monoculture of soybeans and corn to meet demand. This has caused many ecological disasters and has the potential to lead to famine caused by a lack of diversity of crops. Furthermore, the poster explores the potential of alternative agricultural and nutrition practices including opening community gardens and using various agricultural polyculture practices to meet demand while offering a variety in crop type. These practices in theory should benefit farmers, consumers, and the environment while reducing the need for processed foods. 

Presenter(s): Caleb Blair

Department/Division/Area: Honors

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bob Welch

Poster Number: 210

The Dutch Famine of 1944-1945 and Fetal Development†

In late 1944, due to the disruption caused by the Second World War, a famine struck the Netherlands. This famine would last until the country’s liberation in May of 1945.  This catastrophe, despite its devastation, makes for an informative natural experiment on the impacts of starvation on fetal development. This project examines research done on survivors of the famine, as well as controlled studies on animal models. This research is important because understanding the impact of nutrition on pregnancy has implications for health. It is apparent that fetal development during this famine has long-lasting, and often detrimental, effects on the individuals, and that many of these effects are transmitted to their own children. Many health issues are common among individuals who had starved while in utero, such as diabetes, age-related cognitive decline, and schizophrenia.  Research done on the famine reveals that its developmental influences are dependent upon timing. For example, obesity is an issue common among those exposed prenatally to the famine, specifically among those exposed early in development. Many studies also suggest that some of the health impacts, such as obesity, can be passed down to the individuals’ children. Upon inspection of the physiological devastation left by famine, it becomes clear that some disasters have far-reaching consequences that can span many generations.

Presenter(s): Keileen Boom

Department/Division/Area: Honors College

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bob Welch

Poster Number: 211

Less Gas, More Class: Revolutionizing U.S. Methane Policy

Methane is a highly potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential far exceeding carbon dioxide over shorter timescales. Despite its relatively brief atmospheric lifespan, methane significantly accelerates climate change by trapping heat and contributing to rising global temperatures. The largest agricultural source of methane is enteric fermentation in ruminant livestock, making it a key target for emission reduction. A promising solution is biological feed management using Asparagopsis taxiformis, a red seaweed that contains bioactive compounds inhibiting methanogenesis in the rumen. Research shows that supplementing cattle feed with just 0.2% Asparagopsis can reduce methane emissions by up to 98%, while also improving feed conversion efficiency by 10–15%. This approach offers a scalable, cost-effective alternative to infrastructure-intensive policies, integrating seamlessly into existing agricultural practices. Financial incentives, including carbon credits, further enhance its viability. While large-scale seaweed cultivation poses challenges, current production capacity is sufficient for U.S. implementation. Compared to other methane mitigation strategies, Asparagopsis taxiformis supplementation presents a highly effective and economically feasible solution, delivering substantial environmental benefits with minimal disruption to the livestock industry. As methane levels continue to rise, implementing such innovative, science-driven solutions is critical for achieving meaningful climate action.

Presenter(s): Samir Yusuf

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rick Wang, Sarah Wittmuss

Poster Number: 208

Navigating Adversity: The Intersection of Parental Adverse Childhood Experiences and Perceived Life Threat in Influencing Child Mental Health Following A Natural Disaster*

Parental exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is associated with negative outcomes for themselves and their children (Graft et al., 2023). Perceived life threat (PLT) is known to contribute to PTSD (Moss et al., 2019), yet little is known about whether a history of ACEs influences parental perceptions of threat and increases risk for parent and child psychopathology. This study investigated the influence of parental ACEs and PLT on parent and child mental health following a hurricane. Participants were 217 parents (78% female; 87% White, 7% Black, 6% Other, and 14% Hispanic) who lived in counties impacted by a Category 5 hurricane and reported on their child (44% female; M age = 8.94). Higher ACEs scores were linked with PLT in parents (p=.011). Parent ACEs moderated the relationship between parent PLT and parent anxiety symptoms (β=.13, 95% CI [0.05, 0.72], p =.024), but not for parent depressive or PTSD symptoms. Additionally, parent ACES moderated the relationship between parent PLT and child PTSD (β=.12, 95% CI [0.09, 0.31], p =.037), anxiety (β=.19, 95% CI [0.05, 0.31], p=.008), and depressive symptoms (β=.15, 95% CI [0.01, 0.22], p=.040). Findings indicate that parent ACES interacts with parent perceptions of life threat to influence child mental health outcomes, further highlighting the intergenerational impact of ACEs in the context of a natural disaster.

Presenter(s): Jessy L Thomas

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): BreAnne Danzi

Poster Number: 109

Blasé Attitude and the Tragedy of Culture in the Age of Social Media†

The increasing prevalence of social media raises questions about its impact on emotional detachment (the blasé attitude), as individuals navigate constant exposure to digital stimuli. Moreover, the overwhelming proliferation of content, characteristic of social media (the tragedy of culture), may foster feelings of insignificance, alienation, and disconnection. This study aims to explore how social media affects users’ emotional responses, perceptions of cultural overload, and processes of self-definition. This study uses a qualitative methodology, specifically, we employ semi-structured interviews to gather in-depth participant insights. By integrating classical Simmelian theory with contemporary digital realities, we aim to advance our understanding of the interplay between technology, identity, and mental health.

Presenter(s): Brooke A Hanneman, Shelsy Santos Segovia, Guo Ming Nicholas Boon

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 203

Did I Homeschool Me? A Qualitative Exploration of Matriculated Homeschooled Student Experiences†

Homeschooling’s exponential growth pattern has continued over the last several decades, with its growth seeing its true beginnings during the evangelical exodus from the public schools to home education in the 1980s and 1990s. There has been much debate within society regarding the merits and pitfalls of homeschooling for children and whether engaging in home education is even a healthy decision for the families or students themselves. Relatively little work has been done to explore the individual student’s experiences with homeschooling once they’ve graduated from the system. Much of the existing research focuses on quantitative measures that explore homeschooler academic outcomes as compared with their peers. This project seeks to fill that void through a grounded theory exploration of open-ended survey questions examining formerly-homeschooled students’ assessments of their educational experience and likelihood to replicate it for their future children. By investigating their experiences, we are better able to understand the long and short-term impacts of home education and its positionality in the American education market.

Presenter(s): Moriah Scorzafava

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 204

Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Matriculation and Student Mental Health†

COVID-19 created many challenges for students who were in higher education at the height of the pandemic. Increasing and renewed prevalence of online education, along with forced social isolation, further shunted students who were still trying to find themselves into a fast, changing world. Existing literature has found that this state of active anomie led to a sense of social isolation and visible increase in reported mental health crises across the nation. These outcomes were further exacerbated for those who experienced personal and family financial hardships. Building on this research, the current study examined the impact of COVID-19 on student matriculation and mental health (broadly understood). Given that mental health is such a complex and multifaceted concept, the study utilizes a trinal approach to explore the divergent impacts of COVID-19 on student mental health—while controlling for sociodemographic factors such as political affiliation, gender, class, and race. Results indicate that COVID’s impact on mental health was not homogenous and appeared to vary by time and enrollment status at the height of the pandemic.

Presenter(s): Tarynn Ball

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 205

“Hands Off My School”: Exploring State Regulation of Homeschooling†

Homeschooling has grown exponentially over the last few decades. As a result, many states have been moving forward to enact regulations in response to this growth. The degree to which regulation of homeschooling varied across the states, however, was uncertain. This study employs Frattaroli and Vernick’s close reading method, finding not all states to be equally regulative. As a result, an examination for predictors for these regulation levels is also conducted. Using poisson regression modeling, data from the 50 states and District of Columbia are evaluated for state level indicators for increased regulation of homeschoolers. Results from these analyses indicate that increased presence of evangelical Christians, large urbanicity, and large numbers of children in the public schools are indicators for low regulation levels. In contrast, increased presence of blacks serves as a predictor of high regulation levels. The study concludes by signifying areas for further study.

Presenter(s): Zakary Cason

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 206

SERENOVA: App and Web Design

SERENOVA is a thoughtfully designed digital platform that connects users with serene spaces ideal for work, study, and relaxation. Existing studies highlight the impact of noise pollution on mental health and cognitive function, reinforcing the necessity for solutions that promote balance. In today’s fast-paced urban environments, finding quiet locations can be challenging, and SERENOVA aims to solve this by curating and recommending peaceful spaces. SERENOVA contributes to this discourse by offering a research-driven app that curates serene spaces through user-generated data, geolocation services, and sound analysis. The app allows users to explore locations, save favorites, and contribute new spots by uploading images, 20-second noise level videos, and detailed surveys that assess the ambiance. SERENOVA’s website introduces the core features of the app, catering to both everyday users and business partners looking to feature their venues. Businesses can enroll in pricing plans, complete a survey, and enhance visibility among mindfulness and wellness seekers. This project was created using an iterative design process that combined target audience research, visual design, and interactive prototyping. The design concept incorporates a calming green-blue gradient, geometric shapes, and dynamic solid and dashed lines to symbolize movement, discovery, and clarity. SERENOVA bridges the gap between urban noise and tranquility, offering a visually cohesive, intuitive, and research-driven experience. By fostering balance between productivity and peace, the platform empowers individuals and businesses to cultivate environments that support focus and well-being.

Presenter(s): Yaslin Ruedas, Ishika Hippola

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Young Ae Kim

Poster Number: 201

The Language of Non-Objective Abstraction*

My work is about movement, texture, and emotion. I use bold colors and organic shapes to create structured and spontaneous compositions. I build my surfaces with thick layers of paint, letting the texture become part of the experience. Each piece begins with an idea, but I allow the process to guide me, adjusting as I respond to the forms and colors as they develop. I want my work to feel alive, full of energy, depth, and contrast. The colors interact in a way that creates both tension and harmony, much like human emotions. Some areas feel chaotic, while others offer a sense of calm. This creates a sense of movement beyond the surface, making the work feel fluid and organic. My inspiration comes from the natural world, human experiences, and the way colors and textures communicate without words. I hope my work invites people to look closely, feel the energy, and find their connections to it. My goal is to create pieces that engage the senses, challenge perceptions, and evoke emotion in a way that is personal to each viewer.

Presenter(s): Mariom Manjury Nishe

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Amber Hansen

Poster Number: 202

Variation in metabolic rates, tissue masses, and mitochondrial function in response to fluctuating cold in House Sparrows

This research explores how small songbirds physiologically and metabolically respond to increasing winter temperature variability, a consequence of global climate change characterized by overall warming trends and more frequent extreme cold snaps. The study focuses on understanding the birds' capacity to adjust their basal and maximal cold-induced metabolic rates in response to rapid temperature fluctuations and investigates whether these adjustments can occur quickly enough to match environmental changes. By combining both natural field observations and controlled laboratory experiments, the project examines the physiological, tissue-level, cellular, and sub-cellular mechanisms underlying these metabolic adjustments. Additionally, the research seeks to identify potential energetic or physiological costs associated with these adaptations, which may impose limits on the birds' ability to cope with fluctuating temperatures. During my internship, I was actively involved in both field and laboratory components of the research. I assisted in capturing and handling birds, measuring metabolic rates using respirometry techniques, and analyzing physiological responses under varying temperature conditions. I also contributed to data collection, organization, and preliminary statistical analysis to identify trends in metabolic performance across different environmental scenarios. The findings aim to provide valuable insights into the resilience and vulnerability of small songbirds to ongoing and future climate change, contributing to broader ecological and conservation efforts.

Presenter(s): Leyli Mammedowa

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): David Swanson

Poster Number: 212

Conserving Biodiversity: Harnessing In-Field Genomics for Effective Survey and Management of Freshwater Mussel Biodiversity‡

Freshwater mussels play a critical role in aquatic ecosystems, including nutrient cycling and habitat availability but are among the most at-risk organisms in North America. Their populations face significant declines due to habitat loss, pollution, and climate change, with ∼72% of the nearly 300 species being of special concern, threatened, endangered or even extinct. Thermal pollution of watersheds, exacerbated by intensive agricultural land use, especially in the Great Plains states have further resulted in precipitous decline of native mussel populations. For example, only 12 (out of 30 historically known) and 13 (out of 36 historically known) mussel species have stable populations in Nebraska (NE) and South Dakota (SD) respectively. Captive propagation has been instrumental in the conservation of at-risk mussel species allowing for their augmentation, reintroduction, and introduction. Because the current distribution and status of freshwater mussels is poorly understood, it is difficult to identify potential source brood to maintain genetic diversity in the hatchery, locate waterways appropriate for reintroduction, or even assess the declines of historically common species. This study seeks to evaluate freshwater mussel biodiversity in Eastern South Dakota by employing an innovative combination of environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding and in-situ field genomics. eDNA metabarcoding offers a non-invasive approach to detecting mussel species by analyzing genetic material present in water samples, allowing for more comprehensive biodiversity assessments than time-consuming and inefficient tactile surveys.

We are leveraging advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) and portable sequencing platforms, such as the Oxford MinION portable sequencing device, to develop a proof-of-concept study for real-time mussel species identification. The results from this study will inform the effectiveness of in-situ field genomics as a technique for assessing freshwater mussel populations, comparing results with historical records to track changes in species composition and distribution. By advancing DNA-based monitoring tools, this study aims to further supplement our limited understanding of freshwater mussels and continue the upward trajectory in the recovery of these imperiled species.

Presenter(s): Noah Guisinger

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Omera Matoo

Poster Number: 213

Quantifying the Effects of Invasive Plants like Yellow Sweetclover on Native Plant Diversity in Relation to Non-Native Plant Composition and Environmental Drivers*

Invasive plant species pose a significant threat to the native biodiversity of the Northern Great Plains (NGP) in the context of ongoing climate change. Studies have shown the negative impacts of invasive plant species on native diversity at the local scale. However,

there is a significant knowledge gap of how these

impacts differ across heterogeneous landscapes and ecoregions on a broader scale. We used plot-level data from 4185 vegetation surveys spread across the NGP to quantify the effects of non-native plant cover on native plant composition. We will fi t mixed effects models to understand how native plant composition (richness, inverse Simpson diversity, and Smith Wilson evenness)varies with non-native cover(%). We aim to test how this relationship varies when non-native cover (%) interacts with non-native plant composition(richness and Smith Wilson evenness) and with environmental drivers (net primary productivity and global human modification index as human activity).We also want to introduce Yellow Sweetclover (Melilotus Officinalis; MEOF) as a model organism to examine whether a single invasive plant species can significantly affect the native plant community at the landscape level. Out of4185 vegetation surveys, we have 616 plots with MEOF as an invasive plant species. MEOF is an N-fixing invasive legume known to colonize and dominate vast areas provided suitable environmental conditions. MEOF has a competitive advantage in displacing native perennials due to their inherent traits, including rapid growth, efficient resource utilization, and adaptability to varying environmental conditions, resulting in biodiversity loss. We expect to see negative relationship between the non-native plant invasions and native plant communities and diversity, and their strength could be better explained by invasive plant composition as compared to environmental interaction at the landscape scale. The results from this study could provide us with a broader picture of trends in plant community composition at varying scales.

Presenter(s): Sakshi Saraf

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ranjeet John

Poster Number: 214

Navigating Stakeholder Interests and Sustainable Solutions for the Missouri River in an Era of Climate Change

In Introduction to River Studies (BIOL/ESCI 442/542) Fall 2024, students participated in a role-playing activity in which they explored stakeholder perspectives on river management, values, and adaptation strategies in the thick of climate change. The activity focused on the complexities of Missouri River management amid challenges such as climate change, conservation efforts, and economic activities. Stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and industries, each have unique interests and values that create their approach to river management. Through research and role-playing, students analyzed the potential conflicts between these interests, ultimately highlighting the importance of collaborative management. As group leaders in the role-playing exercise, we put forward that the future of river management must be grounded in cooperation, with stakeholders working together to create a framework that balances environmental, social, and economic considerations. Adaptive, flexible management strategies are essential to mitigating the impact of climate change on river systems. The role-playing activity emphasized the need for open dialogue among stakeholders and the development of solutions to be both sustainable and responsive to changing environmental conditions. Ultimately, we conclude that effective river management, on the Missouri River, requires ongoing collaboration to address the complex, interconnected challenges posed by climate change, conservation, and commerce.

Presenter(s): Sonja Braucht, Kimberly Magnuson, Annastasia Bair

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Mark Dixon, Mark Sweeney

Poster Number: 215

The Dirty, Wet, and Wild Truth About Land Use, Carbon Sinks, and Global Peatlands.

Peatlands are terrestrial wetland ecosystems composed of partially decomposed plant material due to waterlogged conditions, allowing them to store vast amounts of carbon. Peatlands are often overlooked; however, they play a significant role in climate change because they are among Earth’s most significant carbon sinks. Unfortunately, the degradation and mining of peatlands for commercial and agricultural development releases substantial amounts of carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change. Commercial operations such as palm oil plantations and other human activities have also led to peatland degradation and biodiversity loss. Global peatlands are located primarily in the northern hemisphere, although they can be found worldwide, with significant peatland ecosystems in many tropical areas. Regionally, Scotland and Canada are home to extensive peatland ecosystems that serve as critical habitats, aid in water retention, and serve as carbon reservoirs. Peatlands in Borneo and other Southeast Asian countries act as important biodiversity spots and help with flood prevention, despite being under significant threat from deforestation, fires, and industrial agriculture. Efforts to protect peatlands and prevent their destruction vary by region. We review peatland management in three different parts of the globe and evaluate how effective conservation strategies are for these ecosystems. By analyzing policies from different areas, we hope to identify policy and management approaches that can enhance peatland protection. Our analysis highlights the critical role of peatland conservation in the fight against climate change through carbon capture, preserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable land use. We hope to increase awareness about the ways to strengthen conservation efforts in the U.S. and globally, to ensure peatland ecosystems can continue to provide essential environmental benefits.

Presenter(s): Sophie E H Wagemaker, Waverly Patterson, Erin Smith, Josiah Sholes, Saharra Chambers, Reese Young-Oestmann

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 216

Let it Flow: Sustainable Management of the Colorado River and the Potential for Increased Biodiversity

The Colorado River, a vital water source for seven U.S. states and Mexico, faces significant conservation challenges. There is a critical need to improve and protect the biodiversity of the river including threatened and endangered species such as the Colorado Pikeminnow, Razorback Sucker, and Southwestern Willow Flycatcher. Key threats to the river's sustainability include climate change, water scarcity, habitat degradation, invasive species, and water quality issues. We review the historical context, current state, and importance of the river for various stakeholders, including federal and state governments, Native American tribes, and the agricultural sector. Our research indicates that the over-allocation of water resources, rapid population growth, and large water diversion projects are critical factors driving degradation of ecosystems associated with the river. Conservation policies and management strategies, such as the Bureau of Reclamation's post-2026 guidelines, federal investments, and state and local initiatives, are examined for their effectiveness in addressing these challenges. Our research  aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted issues affecting both humans and wildlife along the Colorado River and to examine the effectiveness of proposed solutions for its conservation.

Presenter(s): Zoe Donelan, Aislinn Bilgere, Jayden Clarin, Aleah Dokter, Kyle Jorgensen

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 217

Helper Number, Not DNA Methylation, Predicts Plasma Corticosterone Levels

Developmental environments have lifelong phenotypic consequences (e.g. how they respond to external stimuli). Such plasticity is of interest as it involves the interactions between the genome and the environment, both current and developmental. For example, environments such as parental care, food availability, and sociality lead to variations in stress responses and associated behaviors later in life, which can have lasting impacts on spatial and cognitive learning, as well as on an individual's sensitivity to glucocorticoids. While it is well-supported that environmental conditions can alter an individual's stress response, the mechanisms behind this response are less understood. Interestingly, epigenetics—specifically DNA methylation, a biochemical interaction between the environment and DNA—may drive variation in stress responses by altering the expression of glucocorticoid receptor and metabolic genes. In this study, chestnut-crowned babblers, a cooperatively breeding species that vary in the number of carers contributing to offspring care, were used to analyze how levels of DNA methylation influence corticosterone levels in fledglings. Corticosterone was extracted using ELISA from blood samples after a 30-minute stressor and a dexamethasone injection (to simulate negative feedback) and compared with DNA methylation determined using EM-seq from blood samples. We expect to find that methylation of the promoters of genes related to stress signaling and metabolism will predict corticosterone levels in this species, illustrating the impact of epigenetic signals and the environments that lead to them.

Presenter(s): Susan C Anderson

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl

Poster Number: 218

American Football Internal Helmet Padding Material and Design Testing†

Football helmets play a critical role in player safety, evolving significantly to address the risks of concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Early helmets provided only basic protection with leather shells, but advances in materials, design, and a better understanding of head impact kinematics have led to modern helmets with multi-layered systems designed to absorb and distribute energy. To contribute to the ongoing research in helmet safety, I have designed and 3D printed a custom head form modeled after my own head, which securely fits a WitMotion BWT901BLECL5.0 accelerometer. This head form will allow me to collect detailed impact data during controlled drop tests, simulating head impacts under consistent conditions. My project will compare the performance of internal padding materials such as spray foam, bubble wrap, Oobleck, 3D-printed filaments, and components modeled after modern helmet designs. Each material will be tested multiple times to ensure reliable data, and the instrumented head form will capture linear and rotational acceleration during impact. To analyze the data, I will use statistical methods including t-tests and ANOVAs to evaluate differences across test conditions. This structured approach will allow me to compare the performance of different padding materials against each other and modern helmet designs, ultimately providing new insights into how accessible materials and additive manufacturing techniques could contribute to future helmet innovation.

Presenter(s): Spencer Pigman

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lisa MacFadden

Poster Number: 220

Characterization of an Endocannabinoid Synthesizing Enzyme‡

According to the International Association for the Study of Pain, pain is defined as both an unpleasant sensory and emotional response to tissue damage, or potential damage (IASP). In the year 2016 alone, 20% of American adults reported having chronic pain (CDC). Therefore, there is  serious concern when it comes to the subject of pain in the United States, and, there is a very obvious need to study potential treatments for pain. Today, opioids and NADs are still the primary treatments used for both chronic and acute pain. However, these treatments are not reliable, and can often cause more harm than good. It has been shown that opioids are not reliable when it comes to managing pain beyond short-term use (i.e after a surgical procedure). Currently, there are alternatives to opioids and NADs, one of which is cannabis. However, there are legitimate questions about whether these therapies are effective. In the Burrell Lab, we are trying to analyze the basic biology of the endogenous cannabinoid system. We are using leeches as a model system because they are useful for studying neurobehavioral systems, and because they contain many of the same endocannabinoids as humans do. Specifically, we are focusing on characterizing the enzyme, DAG lipase, which is responsible for synthesizing the endocannabinoids, 2-AG from the protein DAG, in the leech nervous system. In order to do this we will be using three distinct methods. First, we will express the leech version of DAG lipase, to ensure that they synthesize 2-AG, while also conducting a bioinformatics analysis. Then, we want to determine whether drugs that block mammalian DAGL also block the leech version. Lastly, we will conduct mutagenesis to better analyze the functions of the enzyme, which could have implications for future work in creating treatments to regulate pain.

Presenter(s): Dori W Jal

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Brian Burrell, Emily Kabeiseman

Poster Number: 219

Synaptic Pruning and Cognitive Efficiency: Exploring the impact on Brain Functioning

Synaptic pruning is a neurodevelopmental process critical for optimizing brain function by refining neural circuits. This mechanism selectively removes weaker synaptic connections while strengthening essential pathways, enhancing neural communication. Predominantly occurring during early childhood and adolescence, synaptic pruning supports key cognitive functions such as learning, memory, and executive functioning. Microglial cells play a central role in pruning by identifying and eliminating unnecessary synapses, guided by genetic factors such as complement proteins and activity-dependent signals. Enriched environments during early development enhance the formation of synaptic connections, supporting cognitive development and minimizing excessive pruning. This principle also explains why learning multiple languages in childhood fosters greater proficiency than starting later in life. Disruptions in synaptic pruning can lead to cognitive deficits and neurological or psychiatric conditions. Over-pruning is linked to schizophrenia, where excessive synapse elimination impairs cognitive function, while insufficient pruning is associated with autism spectrum disorders, resulting in excessive connectivity and inefficiencies in information processing. A deeper understanding of synaptic pruning and its role in cognitive efficiency offers valuable insights into brain development and highlights the significance of early environmental enrichment.

Presenter(s): Haya N Al Shraideh

Department/Division/Area: Independent Literary Review

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Taylor Bosch

Poster Number: 108

Eye Eye Captain: Research into Acanthamoeba Keratitis Care and Testing

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare parasitic eye infection caused by protozoans of the Acanthamoeba genus. This infection affects approximately 2.9 million people annually, with improper contact lens usage being the primary contributing factor in developed countries (Azzopardi et al., 2023). AK often manifests as severe pain and, if left untreated, can lead to varying degrees of visual impairment, including blindness. Additionally, AK infections can be complicated by co-infections involving bacteria or fungi, making accurate differential diagnosis essential for effective treatment (Raghavan & Rammohan, 2024). Estimates suggest that 75% to 90% of patients with AK are initially misdiagnosed (Somani et al., 2023). While diagnostic testing for AK is extensive and includes various methods such as corneal biopsy, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in vivo confocal microscopy, and tomography, current literature indicates a need for a deeper understanding of these diagnostic techniques to reduce the alarming misdiagnosis rates. For example, corneal scrapings have been considered the gold standard for diagnosing AK. However, emerging evidence indicates that Acanthamoeba can penetrate deeper into the stroma, making corneal scrapings more challenging to perform. The sensitivity of these scrapings varies widely, ranging from 33.3% to 66.7%, depending on the technique employed (Azzopardi et al., 2023). This literature review explores and examines additional diagnostic testing methods, such as PCR and photo-activated chromophore for keratitis-corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL), which can reduce misdiagnosis and inaccurate results, ultimately ensuring proper care and effective treatment for those affected.

Presenter(s): Sadie Dillon, Addie Farrell, Paige Milstead

Department/Division/Area: Medical Laboratory Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kari Potter

Poster Number: 204

Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677): The Empowered Virtuosa of Venice*

It is generally agreed upon that studying underrepresented women composers is vital to expanding the breadth of musical study prior to 1900. However, when teaching about lesser-known women musicians, it is often misconstrued that these women were simply "granted" a musical career by a man within their network. Because society would not allow them a chance otherwise, the woman had little to no say in what happened next. This presentation will show that Venetian composer and virtuosa Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) exemplifies the woman musician who empowered herself by using societally acceptable means to further her musical career. While Strozzi was allowed certain privileges due to the circumstances of her upbringing, she used those privileges strategically despite the oppressive societal standards against women of seventeenth century Europe. She had personal agency in the flourishing of her career as a musician. This is supported by: 1) the painted portrait of Strozzi (Bernardo Strozzi, not closely related – c. 1640), likely commissioned to the advantage of her profession, displaying her as both an accomplished musician and a sexualized woman; 2) the progression of Strozzi’s written dedications prefacing her opuses over time, which give some insight into the development of her career; 3) Strozzi’s strategic treatment of text in the madrigals of Op. 1, which indicate her desire to be recognized as an esteemed composer; and 4) Strozzi’s publication of Op. 3, which clearly reflects the empowering feminist ideologies that surrounded her upbringing in the accademie.

Presenter(s): Abigail Rockhill-Beckler

Department/Division/Area: Music

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): David Moskowitz

Poster Number: 203

"You Gonna Be Like Mama": A Case Study of Intergenerational Sex Trafficking‡

It has been established within the literature that child sex trafficking can be and is perpetuated by family members, though limited research exists that documents this type of sexual exploitation. This unspoken, yet distinct form of abuse against children is rarely reported, yet studies show in about 36% of human trafficking cases, those trafficked as children were intentionally sexually exploited by family members. Previous research has demonstrated that the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) can be passed through generations within a family, resulting in victims experiencing difficulties with self-regulation, substance addiction, socio-economic functioning, and psychiatric disorders. CSEC is defined as “a range of crimes and activities involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child for the financial benefit of any person, or in exchange for anything of value given or received by any person.” This paper strives to expand the limited literature base on the CSEC perpetuated by family members by examining the characteristics of a case of intergenerational sex trafficking and compare that case to the knowledge base about the prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of familial sex trafficking. This case study emphasizes the ways in which sexual exploitation can pass through generations, focusing on the factors that lead to exploitation and leave children vulnerable. This paper also highlights the psychological impacts of childhood sex trafficking and familial involvement in trafficking.

Presenter(s): Lindsey M Grabowska

Department/Division/Area: Department of Public Health and Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bridget Diamond-Welch

Poster Number: 206

Conceptual Framework for Utilizing Resources to Create a Solution for the Homeless Population

The data on the issue of homelessness is continuously changing as we can never exactly pinpoint the number of the homeless population at any given point. Over time there have been many ideas and voices that have proposed ideas on how to solve the growing issue in the United States. Although there have been many efforts to improve and correct this problem, there is never a strong solution. The purpose of this article is to take a deep dive into the research behind the homeless population and the solutions that have been proposed. After a thorough evaluation has been established, the purpose is to improve upon the already established ideas and create a cohesive plan that will benefit the good of the homeless people in the United States, including housing, mental health services, food, necessities, etc. Because each person’s situation is different, one must take apart the snapshot and look at the individual’s situation to assess what systematic barriers are in their way.

Presenter(s): Selma Almodovar

Department/Division/Area: Public Health

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Mike Allgrunn

Poster Number: 208

Subcellular Localization of ATG2 in WDR45 C52 C>T Mouse Brains

Beta-Propeller Protein-Associated Neurodegeneration (BPAN) is a rare and devastating progressive disease with a broad phenotypic display that causes neurological symptoms like tractable seizures, developmental delay, and motor and cognitive decline in adolescents. BPAN is inherited through variations of the WDR45 gene on the X chromosome. Currently, there is no cure for this disease, only symptomatic treatment. While the specific function of the WDR45 protein is unknown, we have determined that its top protein interactor is ATG2 through BioID experiments which agrees with previous literature. ATG2 is an autophagy-associated protein that facilitates lipid transfer between two lipid membranes. Recent publications showed that in HeLa and neuroblastoma cells, WDR45 loss of function leads to mislocalization of ATG2, causing lipid peroxidation and driving cell death via ferroptosis. As BPAN is a principally neurological disease, we wanted to determine the localization of ATG2 in both WT and WDR45 C52 C>T neuronal cultures, which mimics a patient mutation of WDR45. These cultures were used with immunofluorescent imaging to determine colocalization of mitochondrial protein with ATG2. We used subcellular fractionation of cortical tissue collected from WDR45 mutant mice that allowed us to isolate mitochondrial fractions from the tissues, then used western blotting to quantify the amount of ATG2 localizing to these fractions. From this, we did not observe altered ATG2 abundance in the mitochondrial fraction in the absence of WDR45. This finding provides further insight into the function of WDR45 and how it interacts within the scope of BPAN.

Presenter(s): Ariana C Edwards

Department/Division/Area: Sanford Biomedical Research (SPUR Program)

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Hannah Faiman

Poster Number: 205

Mechanism of Action of first-in-class Fully Human Anti-ThymoGlobulin experimental Drug (SAB-142) as a Treatment Option for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells. People with T1D have a life-long dependence on exogenous insulin. Anti-thymoglobulin (ATG) is an immunoglobulin fraction of serum from animals immunized with human thymocytes; it is composed of antibodies raised against various surface lymphocyte markers. The general mechanism of ATG action is immunosuppression by means of temporal lymphodepletion. As T1D is caused by hyperactivation of self-reactive T lymphocytes that kill β cells, it is logical to suggest that transient lymphodepletion by ATGs might be beneficial. According to Haller et al, (2019) a single administration of low-dose ATG to T1D patients partially preserved β cell function for up to 2 years. Animal ATGs, however, cannot be re-dosed without serious risk of anaphylaxis, which is caused by a severe allergic reaction following repeated administration of xenobiotic agents of animal origin (antibodies). Therefore, we hypothesized that an agent possessing beneficial effects of the current animal ATGs but lacking risk of xenobiotic responses would be significantly advantageous for prolonged β cell preservation in a T1D setting. The first-in-class fully human ATG drug, SAB-142, is produced in transchromosomal bovines with a human Ig locus inserted into their genome. Here, we will test SAB-142 using rabbit ATG (rATG, Thymoglobulin®) as an active comparator. My objective is to uncover the specific mechanism of action of SAB-142 compared to rATG. Specifically, we will expose peripheral blood mononuclear cells (WBC) from healthy volunteers and T1D patients to SAB-142 and rATG and perform single-cell RNA sequencing to identify drug-induced changes.

Presenter(s): Olivia V Allen

Department/Division/Area: Sanford Research/School of Medicine

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Alexei Savinov

Poster Number: 207

Challenges of a Nation: A Trip to Pine Ridge, SD

The Cultural Immersion course gives medical students at the USD Sanford School of Medicine the opportunity to gain valuable exposure to diverse cultures as part of their Pillar 2 medical curriculum. The course consists of several discussions with speakers from diverse backgrounds, a day at a Hutterite colony, and an experience at a culturally diverse site in South Dakota. The authors of this poster presentation had their experience take place on the Pine Ridge Reservation. The experience was based out of the Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center. The center operates homeless day and night shelters, youth programs, food and clothing distribution programs, and educational and career advancement for community members. Through their immersion program, the center aims to bring awareness to both the history of Lakota culture and people and the struggles they face on the reservation today. One major problem that faces the Pine Ridge Reservation is homelessness. Through discussions with local tribal members, elders, and the staff at the Reconciliation Center, the authors were able to discuss three major factors that act as driving forces for homelessness on the reservation. Those factors include land and housing availability, drug and alcohol use, and violent crime. Through the experience, the authors were then able to meet with the people and organizations that are working to combat those factors driving homelessness in the area to gain their insight on what can and needs to be done to make a change.

Presenter(s): Alexander Bergeson, Wesley Genant

Department/Division/Area: School of Medicine

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jason Wickersham

Poster Number: 210

Maximizing Long-Term Care Resident Satisfaction Using the Kano Model

With the growing demand for long-term care facilities, understanding residents' values is critical to delivering high-quality care and enhancing their quality of life. This project aimed to identify the quality-of-life features most valued by residents to optimize resource allocation and maximize satisfaction. A survey assessing 11 quality-of-life features was conducted with residents at a South Dakota nursing home. Survey responses were analyzed using the Kano Model, which categorizes features as "must-be," "performance," "attractive," or "indifferent," reflecting their impact on satisfaction and prioritization. "Must-be" features represent expectations essential to satisfaction, while "performance" features influence satisfaction proportionally. "Attractive" features offer added value by improving satisfaction, without reducing it when absent. "Indifferent" features provide opportunities to reallocate resources toward higher-priority needs. Thirty-three residents participated in the survey, and analysis of their responses revealed distinct categorizations for the quality-of-life features. Features identified as "must-be" included permission to leave, autonomy in sleep schedules, help when needed, shared decision-making, and security of possessions. Features categorized as "performance" were organized activities, religious activities, and comfortable room temperature. "Attractive" features consisted of enjoying food and staff taking personal interest, while private phone calls were classified as "indifferent." To add prioritization within these categories, importance scores from the survey were incorporated. Based on these scores, the features were ranked in the following order to maximize satisfaction: help when needed, security of possessions, permission to leave, shared decision-making, autonomy in sleep schedules, room temperature, religious activities, organized activities, enjoying food, staff taking personal interest, and private phone calls. The findings highlight the importance residents assign to quality-of-life features and demonstrate which features residents value most. This allows administrators to make data-driven decisions to efficiently enhance resident satisfaction.

Presenter(s): Carly Haring

Department/Division/Area: School of Medicine

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Dan Rath

Poster Number: 211

The role of nutrition in exacerbating ADHD symptoms in Sioux Falls, SD.

My research question is: 'How do dietary factors, including sugar, processed foods, and artificial food dyes, contribute to the exacerbation of ADHD symptoms in children (aged 4-17) in Sioux Falls, SD?' Food additives, dyes, sugar, and processed foods are speculated to exacerbate ADHD symptoms in children with an existing diagnosis. This study aims to investigate the role of unhealthy dietary habits in increasing symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity among children aged 4-17 in Sioux Falls, SD. ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders worldwide, affecting a significant number of children in U.S. classrooms. The research will include a comprehensive literature review on ADHD, nutrition, and environmental factors, along with a community assessment of Sioux Falls. The assessment will explore local barriers such as limited access to nutritious food, availability of mental health services, and medication costs to identify factors that may contribute to ADHD symptom exacerbation in the community. The findings of this study suggest that a limited access to nutritious food and unhealthy dietary habits may contribute to the severity of ADHD symptoms. This study will conclude with possible solutions for mitigating or preventing ADHD symptoms.

Presenter(s): Kelly J Young

Department/Division/Area: School of Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Minga Vargas

Poster Number: 209

Malta & Sicily FLP: Community on a Small Island

Malta is a country that is comprised of three islands in the Mediterranean Sea. The population of this country is a little over half a million, while the length of Malta is about 17 miles long. This means that people live in close proximity to each other. This photo essay reflects on how this close proximity leads to a tight-knit community. By going to Malta during the Malta and Sicily Faculty Led program, I was able to observe the community and how people interact with each other. This presentation shows the way the physical proximity and the Maltese culture interact, reflecting the idea of Malta having a close community culture. The photos in this presentation reflect Maltese culture, the physical landscape, and everyday life that contribute to the close-knit society of the Maltese Islands.

Presenter(s): Abreanna Pollman

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jennifer Fierro

Poster Number: 101

Malta & Sicily FLP: Life In A Water Stressed Nation

In the nation of Malta, a small group of islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, freshwater has historically been a highly valuable commodity.  With the nation’s location, freshwater sources are few and their size is very small, especially when compared to those found here in the US. The challenges that come with a general lack of water have historically been a problem, with people using it drinking and for farming, droughts of drinking water leading to problems that can even be felt today. Today, with Malta being a large tourist destination with over 3 million people visiting in 2024, water concerns are still a very big problem to consider.  With freshwater being historically in low supply, Malta has spent several centuries finding ways to collect and retain their water levels using building standards, higher efficiency farming, using techniques like reverse osmosis. With my recent trip to the islands, I had the opportunity to talk to and visit presentations by locals and experts in fields surrounding sustainability on the island. With visits to historic sites like several of the oldest cities and learned why they were made on the locations where they were built. By using a poster presentation, I hope to show ways that we could help to conserve water back here in the United States.

Presenter(s): Alexis Bullinger

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jennifer Fierro

Poster Number: 102

Urbanization In Malta- Balancing Growth and Sustainability

Malta, one of the most densely populated countries in Europe, faces unique challenges stemming from rapid urbanization, construction pressures, and limited land availability. As the island continues to develop, issues related to housing, green spaces, and sustainability have become increasingly urgent. The demand for residential and commercial properties has led to significant land-use changes, often at the expense of natural landscapes and green spaces. This presentation explores the complex relationship between urban expansion and environmental preservation in Malta. It examines how a rising population density influences housing affordability, infrastructure development, and the conservation of green areas. By analyzing current policies, development trends, and case studies, this poster will highlight both the challenges and opportunities facing Malta’s urban landscape. The presentation will also lightly cover potential solutions, including smart growth initiatives, improved public transportation, and sustainable building practices, all of which are crucial for maintaining the island’s livability.

Presenter(s): Cabbot M Johnson

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jennifer Fierro

Poster Number: 103

Malta & Sicily FLP: Modern Reflections on Malta’s Prehistoric and Historic Heritage

Malta’s prehistoric and historic past is defined by over 7,000 years of cultural occupations and migrations, which shaped its identity, environment, and traditions into today's modern Maltese heritage. Being positioned between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East has made Malta a key player in serving as a crossroads for civilizations, influencing and being influenced by different regional powers and cultures. The first settlers arrived in Malta in 5000 BC and stayed until 2500 BC when they constructed monumental Neolithic temples built from limestone. Over the next two thousand years (800 BC- 1090 AD), Malta was successively occupied by five separate cultural groups: Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, each leaving long-lasting imprints that shaped many aspects of the Maltese island, including architecture, language, and culture. During the Middle Ages(1090 AD- 1798 AD), Malta once again saw multiple different cultural groups occupy and rule the islands by the Normans, Sicilians, and the Knights of St. John, who fortified the islands and shifted the capital from Mdina to Valletta. Malta was also briefly occupied by the French and Napolean’s troops from 1798 AD to 1800 AD, who exiled the Knights before being taken over by British rule. The British stayed on the island until 1964 when Malta gained their independence. Each era contributed to Malta’s linguistic, architectural, and cultural landscape, with Arabic shaping the Maltese language and the British influence evident in modern customs and institutions. By examining the different eras of occupation, we gain insight and create connections in how Malta’s historical resilience, adaptability, and cultural synthesis continue to shape present populations and generations.

Presenter(s): Emma G Byrne

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jennifer Fierro

Poster Number: 104

Malta & Sicily FLP: The Fruits of Sicily

Malta & Sicily FLP: The Fruits of Sicily

During the studying abroad program, the group was able to take a break from the Maltese islands and take a two-hour ferry ride to its neighboring island, Sicily. Sicily is a small island territory off the coast of its mainland, Italy. It is home to an active volcano, Mount Etna, and has a Mediterranean climate due to its location in the center of the Mediterranean. These factors give the island its nutrient-rich soil and the perfect climate for Sicilian farmers to grow high-quality produce like grapes, olives, almonds, and lemons. While in Sicily, the group had the opportunity to visit Zisola Winery to speak to an expert about their approach to farming and the processes utilized while making their incredible wine and olive oil. On the group's tour of the winery, the group gained a large amount of knowledge on traditional farming practices that Zisola still incorporates to this day. The groups also learned about some of the effects that global climate change has had on farming in the Mediterranean and how they are adapting to these changes to continue competing in the market. This photo essay paints a picture of farming on the scenic island of Sicily. The images selected show the process of creating Zisola products, from the growing of the fruits to the aging and processes and the final products. Together, they create a timeline and a story from farm to table.

Presenter(s): Josie K Hamer

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jennifer Fierro

Poster Number: 105

Malta & Sicily FLP: Preserving Malta’s Natural Landscapes

Malta is a small island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean; it is a place of limited space, but lots of people. In the past, Malta has disregarded the conservation and preservation of its natural spaces, but in recent years, this has increased in importance due to awareness from the citizens and the intervention of conservation groups. It was explored during the Malta & Sicily Faculty-Led program, how Malta is working to reclaim and preserve its natural spaces, while remnants of the area’s history remain noticeable. This progress has positive sustainability impacts in all three pillars–environmental, social, and economic. The images highlight the current state of Malta’s nature parks and the environment’s importance in daily life for Maltese citizens as well as impacting tourism. The stunning natural landscapes bring so much draw for the island and now the preservation will allow people to admire these landscapes for years to come.

Presenter(s): Maggie Bruse

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jennifer Fierro

Poster Number: 106

Malta & Sicily FLP: History Meets Modernity in Malta

Malta, a small island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, between Sicily and Africa, is one of the oldest countries to have inhabitants. Human settlement dates back to around 5900 BC. As it has been continuously inhabited, there have been many different rulers in its past. Because of the different influences over the years, the culture in Malta has been altered over and over. The old Arab architecture from the Middle Ages is just one example of occupation influence. Modern architecture is few and far between on the islands, with most of the buildings being hundreds of years old. However, that does not mean it does not exist. Hotels are some of the most modern buildings in Malta, with the differences between historic buildings and hotels being quite stark. I will be presenting the juxtapositions between history and modernity in Malta.

Presenter(s): Rachel L Sadler

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jennifer Fierro

Poster Number: 107