FOUR+

The evolution of technology, retail cycle and consumer behavior has impacted everything we know about fashion. During World War II one of the biggest events in fashion took a turn becoming a sequel of a lifetime. FOUR+ is the newest fashion conference, representing a bridge to all fashion enthusiasts to connect. Creating opportunity for exploration and self expression without boundaries, where networking turns into relationships of a lifetime. Fashion, Opportunity, Unity and Relationship are the core values of FOUR+, unity being the most important of all. 

The four yearly rotating locations: London, Paris, Milan and New York, make it possible for anyone in the world to go , the ultimate fashion aftermath within a few steps. The main goal in this event is to vitalize all areas and environments with our four main colors, adding and irirdescent tone representing inclusion. The world needs to know, you are our plus one.

Creating a typeface FOUR+, meant to direct the main focus to two of our core values, unity and opportunity. "Oppo" is the name of the typeface for FOUR+ , and when reading from left to right or right to left this spells out the same word. This demonstrates unity within any perspective.

Oppo, is short for opportunity, as we have an influence day to day on what to wear, one can also move and experiment with the different possibilities and opportunities. When attending a conference, it is difficult to find the areas to fit things into your own schedule and not miss a thing. The FOUR+ mobile app allows everyone to be able to fit it all in your hands within less than a minute. Every single element brings this conference as a whole, making user experience cohesive and easy to access.

Presenter(s): Mariana B. Astete

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): YoungAe Kim

Poster Number: 201

Analyzing the Nature of Chemical Bonding in Lanthanide-Containing Solid-State Structures†,‡

Lanthanides are f-block elements found in the earth’s crust and commonly used in the oil industry, security applications, the creation of technology devices, energy systems, and medical work. The elements are naturally abundant and increasingly popular in modern development; however, open experimental questions remain about how their electronic structure changes upon incorporation in material, in part due to difficulty isolating them. Understanding mineral phases in environments with mixed metals is important for the disposal of nuclear waste in a geological repository. Therefore, the analysis of chemical bonding within solid-state structures containing trivalent lanthanide cations using computational methods is a necessary first step since synthetic efforts with transuranic elements is more challenging. Our goal is to investigate the electronic structure of solid-state lanthanide structures with the chemical formula Ln[B6O12(OH)(H2O)2(CrO4)] (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu). Periodic density functional theory was utilized as implemented in the Vienna ab Initio Simulation Package (VASP) to understand bonding in the materials and how the electrons occupying the unfilled f-block couple with one another to understand spin-pairing within the complexes. This project is continuing by analyzing another class of lanthanide containing solid-state structures with the chemical formula [Ln2(C4O4)4(CuO2(H2O)2)(H2O)12]*2H2O (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) to understand why these complexes have been observed in experiment to appear yellow, a rare color for lanthanides.

Presenter(s): Naomi Rehberg

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bess Vlaisavljevich

Poster Number: 104

Predicting NMR Chemical Shifts in Trivalent Lanthanide and Actinide Phosphinodiboranate Complexes†

Lanthanide and actinide molecules present intriguing challenges in understanding their chemical reactivity due to the presence of f orbitals that results in a combination of relativistic effects, strong electronic correlation, and weak crystal field environments. Additionally, the separation of spent nuclear fuel, predominantly stored at the Hanford site, WA as remnants of the Manhattan project and nuclear reactors, necessitates a more comprehensive characterization of the reactivity of these elements in order to design approaches for separation. The project aims to conduct a theoretical study focusing on calculating the spectroscopic parameter, specifically the 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and 11B NMR chemical shifts, to characterize the reactivity of the trivalent lanthanide and actinide phosphinodiboranate (tBu-PDB) complexes in organic solutions. The metals investigated include lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, uranium, neptunium, and plutonium. To achieve this, Density Functional Theory (DFT), as implemented in the Amsterdam Density Functional (ADF) program, was utilized to calculate the chemical shifts of the proton and boron nuclei for both monomeric and dimeric structures of these complexes. Additionally, to characterize the difference in chemical bonding between lanthanide/actinide metal ion and ligand, the energy decomposition analysis (EDA) calculations were performed for each of these complexes. The analysis provides insights into the contributions from electrostatic and orbitalic interactions, aiding in the understanding of bonding nature and factors influencing reactivity.

Presenter(s): Ngan Nguyen

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bess Vlaisavljevich

Poster Number: 105

Assessing State-Interaction Error in Zero Field Splitting for Actinide Complexes.*

To provide the foundation of new energy technologies, we must better understand the chemical and physical properties of the transuranic elements such as their bonding and reactivities. Presently, state-of-the-art second-order multi-reference methods can be used to predict zero-field splitting for small actinide systems using state-interaction methods, so-called spinorbit (SO-)CASPT2. However, SO-CASPT2 methods are known to produce state-truncation non-negligible errors if too few states are included by the user. Here we show the use of relativistic multi-reference methods wherein both strong correlation and spin-orbit effects can be recovered simultaneously in actinide systems (Dirac-CASSCF) to effectively predict the zero-field splitting parameters. This allows us to systematically assess state-truncation error in SO-CASPT2 for a series of linear uranium and transuranic complexes with varying ligand fields and oxidation states. Analysis of this series could provide effective choices for state-truncation with SO-CASPT2 in actinide systems or support that the truncation is system dependent and support that the full f -manifold is required to make strong predictions. With subsequent inclusion of dynamical correlation, one can predict experimentally determined parameters such as zero-field splitting, the g-tensor from electron spin resonance (EPR) measurements, magnetic susceptibility, and magnetic barrier heights. These predictions will allow us to better understand these elements.

Presenter(s): Nathan R. Loutsch

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bess Vlaisavljevich

Poster Number: 106

Fabrication of Sub-Micron Phosphor Materials by Ball Milling Process‡

Counterfeiting products have become a widespread issue affecting consumers, businesses, and governments worldwide. The United States alone loses over a billion dollars each year due to counterfeit products, which is expected to grow as time progresses. Traditional anti-counterfeiting methods can be vulnerable to replication by counterfeiters. Thus, development of new materials with unprecedented optical or chemical properties is necessary to combat counterfeiting. Our research group is exploring the synthesis and application of a series of germanate phosphor materials with unique fluorescent and phosphorescent properties for anti-counterfeiting. In this work, a ball milling process was used to reduce the phosphors particle size to increase the processibility of these phosphors in label fabrication. Several milling parameters were explored, including rotation speed, ratio of sample to grinding media, and grinding environment. Preliminary results have shown that particle size can be reduced below one micrometer. The milling process resulted in more stable particles in solution compared to a conventional grinding method using motor and pestle. Furthermore, the luminescence properties of post-milling phosphors were compared to the un-milled sample. Continuous optimization of the milling process will be done to achieve the desired particle size facilitating its application in the field of anti-counterfeiting.

Presenter(s): Zachary L. Burmood

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Chaoyang Jiang

Poster Number: 107

Dynamic Luminescence of Lead Doped Calcium Zinc Germanate for Application of Anti-Counterfeiting

As counterfeited goods appear in the consumer market through various trade routes, unsuspecting buyers are left with products that are potentially dangerous and in poor quality. Products intended for the automotive and aerospace industry are often counterfeited due to their easy market accessibility. Once these products make their way into the supply chain, it leaves the end users with a significant risk due to voided warranties and inferior product quality and design. Therefore, advanced anti-counterfeiting measures need to be developed to assure the products are genuine, as well as allow the end users to authenticate the product. Luminescent materials have already been routinely used by state and federal government agencies for security of documentation and currency. Quite often, fluorescence features are the only mode for the function of these luminescent materials. Furthermore, there have been few studies on the explorations of dynamic luminescence properties for security materials. In this work, we studied the feasibility of using a metal doped calcium zinc germanate (CZGO) for the applications in multi-level dynamic anti-counterfeiting labels. The CZGO materials were synthesized by a high-temperature solid state reaction. We systematically studied the material crystallinity of these CZGO phosphors that are synthesized with various reaction times, temperatures, and dopant concentration. With the optimized synthetic conditions, photoluminescence properties of the metal doped-CZGO were investigated using fluorophotometry. Our work demonstrated a great potential of using the newly developed CZGO materials for new generation of anti-counterfeiting labels with multi-level dynamic optical features.

Presenter(s): Levi Spencer

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): CY Jiang

Poster Number: 108

Speciation and Nucleation of Novel Uranyl-Peroxide Nanocapsules for Improving the Treatment of Nuclear Waste‡

The aqueous speciation of actinides is very complex, and relatively little is known regarding the composition, structure, and properties of transient species present during the formation of  actinide materials in basic peroxidic environments. Uranyl-peroxide nanocapsules are a unique family of actinide species that self-assemble in basic peroxidic media through a complex reaction network involving a myriad of intermediate species to form nanometric capsules. The preferred product, nucleation pathway, and speciation is highly influenced by concentration, species in solution, temperature, and pH, which usually makes key intermediates difficult to characterize experimentally, thus the imperative need of studies using modern quantum mechanical studies in conjunction with supercomputers to streamline the exploration such vast chemical space. Here, we present our initial results on the computational study of the speciation and assembly of a uranyl-peroxide nanocapsule containing 96 uranyl units, which was recently synthesized by our experimental collaborators at the University of Iowa.

Presenter(s): Dori W. Jal

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Pere Miro

Poster Number: 109

Peroxide Generation Mechanism in the Synthesis of Uranyl-Peroxide Phosphates‡

The synthesis of uranyl peroxide materials involves high initial concentrations of aqueous hydrogen peroxide that decline over time. An example of this approach are uranyl-peroxide nanocapsules in which uranyl ions rapidly self-assemble in basic peroxidic media through a myriad of reactions to coalesce into a single nanocapsule. A wide variety of capsules can be formed, and it has been proposed that square, pentagonal and hexagonal building blocks assemble prior to nanocapsule formation. Recently an alternative approach has been used in the generation of hexagonal uranyl-peroxide phosphates, where phosphates prevent the formation of nanocapsules and peroxide was generated in-situ thus maintaining a constant peroxide concentration over time. The experimentally proposed mechanism involves the autoxidation of benzaldehyde in the presence of uranyl which results in the in-situ generation of organic peroxide. Here, we present our initial results on the computational study of the peroxide generation mechanism in the synthesis of uranyl-peroxide phosphate species.

Presenter(s): Mololuwa Faithful Lasekan

Department/Division/Area: Chemistry

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Pere Miro

Poster Number: 110

The Impact of Perfectionism and Coping Flexibility on Stress Appraisal and Affective Changes*

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between perfectionistic self-presentation, test-related stress appraisal, and coping strategies employed by undergraduate students. This study implements a unique methodology that includes baseline measures of trait-level constructs in addition to pre- and post-test measures that captures one’s appraisal of test-related stress and specific instances of coping in response to that stressor. Previous research on coping with cognitive test anxiety as a targeted stressor has mainly taken place in a laboratory setting, which limits generalizability to situations in which students would actually encounter and respond to stressors. Thus, this study will more accurately represent how perfectionistic students cope with stress while taking a high-stakes exam—a situation frequently encountered by undergraduates. Further, the conceptualization of coping as a multifaceted response to one’s stressors reflects the change in the field’s examination from coping strategies to coping adaptability or flexibility, thus taking a more person-centered and nuanced approach to studying the construct. Finally, the use of various person-centered and regression-based analytic techniques will allow insight into the unique effects of perfectionistic self-presentation beyond trait perfectionism. Taken together, these unique attributes will contribute pertinent information to the body of literature regarding stress appraisal and coping in perfectionistic students.

Presenter(s): Hannah Faiman

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Doug Peterson

Poster Number: 204

Using structured video chat to improve relationships between young children and remote grandparents

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many families used video chat services such as Zoom to maintain relationships with distant family members, including grandparents. Even before the pandemic, it was challenging for grandparents to maintain relationships with their grandchildren who lived over 200 miles away, as over 50% of grandparents had at least one grandchild living at such a distance. Although 67% of grandparents expressed interest in video chatting with their grandchildren, only 28% did so regularly, despite having access to digital devices and the necessary technological skills. However, increasing the percentage of grandparents who regularly video chat with their grandchildren could significantly improve their relationship, as video chat frequency is a strong predictor of the closeness rating that grandparents give to their grandchildren. This is true even when distance is taken into account.

However, video chatting can be cognitively and socially challenging for young children, which can result in decreased child engagement during these chats. This, in turn, may lead to adults being less motivated to initiate video chat with and bond with the child.

This study compares two previously studied approaches to improving video chats between grandparents and grandchildren (aged between 18 and 72 months) through structured activities such as play and reading.

Structured video chat interactions predict higher levels of enjoyment for all triad members: parents, grandparents, and children.

We aim to determine whether and for whom structured video chat improves child engagement and increases child-initiated screen-based joint attention during video chats between grandparents and grandchildren.

Presenter(s): Hazem Sayed Ahmed

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Gabrielle Strouse

Poster Number: 205

Telescoping in on Flyover Country: Rural Youth Suicide*

Suicide disproportionately affects youth in rural areas of the United States compared to urban areas. Among rural populations, Native Americans face an even higher risk of suicide. While these trends are well known, the risk and protective factors that impact differential suicide rates have not received comprehensive treatment. This poster presentation summarizes what is known about risk and protective factors for suicide among rural youth, garnered from a systematic review of relevant literature.

Presenter(s): Todd J. Velianski

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kari Oyen

Poster Number: 207

Consultation in the Secondary School Setting: A Systematic Review*

Due to the lack of a focal teacher in secondary school settings, consultation in these settings is understudied. This systematic review analyzes the literature related to consultation in the secondary school setting. 318 articles were screened from four databases, and 52 were coded. Results are interpreted and contextualized to summarize the existing literature on consultation in secondary schools for researchers and practitioners.

Presenter(s): Gracie T. Hansen, Catherine Falk

Department/Division/Area: Counseling & Psychology in Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Miranda Zahn

Poster Number: 208

Fostering First-Year Resiliency in England (Faculty-led program)

Our theme is resiliency – how can studying abroad, experiencing the uncomfortable and unknown, etc. help make our students more resilient when they arrive on campus? This program will explore resiliency, culture, and globalization by focusing on interactive site visits in/around Edinburgh, Scotland, and Newcastle England. We will collaborate with international university staff and students to build relationships and compare ideas of globalization and culture between the U.S. and England. The program participants will benefit primarily from interactive discussions and dialogue inside and outside the classroom, with meetings with local university faculty and students, and others to get first-hand experience on campus and during our site visits.

Presenter(s): Gabe Wolff, Aysia Hall, Rachel Lorang (Poster: 214)

Presenter(s): Eleanor Dick, Hanna Van Cleave, Ella Ziegeldorf (Poster: 215)

Presenter(s): Stacie Heitritter, Madie Reed, Adrienne Weidenbach (Poster: 216)

Department/Division/Area: Gallagher Center FLP

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

Awareness of Folk Figures Across Generations in the American Midwest†

This thesis topic explores the levels of recognition of traditional pieces of American folklore and music. As a form of widespread, primarily low-class culture, these elements of the American zeitgeist are necessary to establish and furnish an American culture outside of mass media international influences. In the modern era, globalization and commodification have spread into nearly every facet of everyday American life. Knowledge of historical lore and figures tethers individuals to their time and place while strengthening community ties through collective knowledge. With the current literature, it is impossible to quantify the number of individuals who can be considered “well-versed” in traditional folklore and the presence of, if any, demographic differences. The goal of this study is to demystify these numbers and ratios, to determine the average American’s awareness of folklore and music, and to speculate on the possible reasons for the gaps that arise by completing a statewide survey and focus groups across generations. This question is significant because it raises questions about the relationship between American and global culture, the encroaching presence of commodification in art, and generational differences in the teaching of folklore. It is very likely that American-specific folk knowledge is being passed down less frequently than it has been in the past, due to several interrelated factors. This project will determine if that is the case, to what extent, and explore possible reasons for these discrepancies, which would in turn fuel remediation techniques for those with a vested interest in restoring the American zeitgeist outside of commercial culture.

Presenter(s): Addison L. Jensen

Department/Division/Area: Honors

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Bob Welch

Poster Number: 213

Gender, Parenthood, and Crime: A Study of Perceptions of Criminals†

Gender and parenthood status are factors that affect the way people behave on a daily basis. However, there have been few studies that have examined how these factors might influence perceptions of criminals. This study examines the affects that the gender and parenthood status of criminals might have on the way they are perceived by the public. Literature surrounding gender and crime reveals that most of the perpetrators of violent crime are men. Previous literature also discusses that people expect parents to be more responsible due to their duty to care and set an example for their children. This leads to the question of whether people are more surprised or feel more negatively toward a certain crime when they find out the perpetrator is female and/or has children. This research seeks to answer these questions through the use of a survey that includes a series of crime related vignettes. The survey was distributed to men and women of different ages and parenthood statuses. This study can be used to understand why people may react more negatively toward some criminals than others and how gender and parenthood status can lead to changes in perception.

Presenter(s): Madelyn Blaser

Department/Division/Area: Political Science

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

Poster Number: 211

AWOL: Healthcare Access

A.W.O.L. stands for Alternative Week Off-Campus Learning and is a branch of a larger organization called Break Away. AWOL is an organization that focuses on social issues affecting a city in the U.S. and then organizes a group of students to travel to that city over winter break or spring break to volunteer and perform service learning in those areas. This past December, we took twenty-three students to Houston, Texas to focus on our chosen social issue: healthcare access. We strived to immerse ourselves in hands-on volunteering experiences and community engagement. We used educational tools before the trip to help us understand our implicit biases and focus on becoming community collaborators. We worked with many local organizations to gain a more well-rounded understanding of healthcare access. These community partners include The Houston Food Bank, Urban Farms, Project C.U.R.E, and The Beacon to focus on what healthcare access fully encompasses. When we were not volunteering in the community, we were engaging in the culture of Houston through educational experiences like the Space Center Houston and the Houston Holocaust Museum. By immersing ourselves in our social issues and the culture of Houston, we can utilize our new experiences to empower us to become leaders and agents of social change.

Presenter(s): Hannah Healy, Macey Boerhave

Department/Division/Area: Service Learning

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): April Lee

Poster Number: 212

The Red Scare: College Students Perspective on Communism

The period of American history known as the Red Scare created national hostility towards communism and other left-wing policies and ideologies, while enforcing and encouraging nationalist values. The goal of this project was to learn how prevalent Red Scare-era opinions and values are today, and to attempt to determine where these thoughts come from. To do this, a survey was distributed at the University of South Dakota, and several students were interviewed.  Through the use of both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, the findings can contribute to a broader understanding related to positive and/or negative associations with communism as well as the self-perceived knowledge associated with leftist ideologies among college students. Our survey questions focused on the backgrounds of our respondents, followed by several questions about individual definitions of communism and attitudes towards left-wing policies. The survey also contained questions meant to gauge how informed people are on McCarthy and the Reds Scare. We hypothesize that the Red Scare reinforced nationalist values and opinions, and that these effects are still apparent in the public consciousness today. Additionally, we predict that people less informed about McCarthy and the movement he helped lead will be more likely to oppose communism. We aim to learn more about which demographics are more likely to hold a negative opinion of left-wing politics, and the specific beliefs these groups hold.

Presenter(s): Shelsy Santos Segovia , Andrew A. Cypher , Brooke A. Hanneman

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Isaiah Cohen

Poster Number: 202

The Role of Dating Apps in Long-Term Relationships in College.

As the prevalence of dating app usage continues to rise, it is imperative to explore the implications of their use, including the influence on long-term relationship formation. In this thesis, I explored whether the widespread use of dating apps amongst college students promotes long-term relationship formation. I also delved into college students’ motivations for using dating apps and whether they would want their dating app use to result in a relationship. One hundred students at the University of South Dakota were surveyed. Results indicated that 31% of respondents are current dating app users. Out of the participants who are single and current dating app users, only 39%  reported to using dating apps for the purpose of forming a relationship. Meanwhile, amongst those who are currently in a relationship, most (81%) met their partner outside of a dating app either through school or work, at a bar or party, through friends, through a church event, or Snapchat. It is evident that respondents see apps as a possible way to form a relationship, but the status of apps as an avenue into relationship is unclear and ambiguous to everyone involved. Therefore, it is not the primary method used by students when choosing to pursue a romantic relationships.

Presenter(s): Jalani Bodidasa

Department/Division/Area: Sociology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Louisa Roberts

Poster Number: 203

The Prairie Powerhouse: South Dakota's Path to a Wind-Powered Workforce Revolution

South Dakota stands at a critical turning point. With unprecedented population growth relative to the national average, and high potential for renewable energy success, the state is well suited for economic success in a world quickly abandoning fossil fuels. This proposal outlines a workforce development initiative aimed at cultivating a labor market that aligns with social trends and the economic needs of South Dakota, particularly its flourishing wind energy sector. The program envisions a multifaceted collaboration between state authorities, educational institutions, and industry stakeholders to create a talent pipeline that is responsive to the emerging demand for skilled labor in renewable energy. This workforce development plan is designed to position the state as a hub of both businesses and talent while ensuring that South Dakotans, especially those in rural areas, are not left behind. At its core, the program proposes the following: tailored educational programming that meets industry demands, strategic investments in rural and technological infrastructure, and the establishment of career pathways in wind energy. By incorporating apprenticeships, internships, and continuous learning opportunities, the program aims to keep young talent within the state while attracting sector-specific expertise. The proposal includes a detailed breakdown of potential career pathways that would open after implementation, as well as funding—in addition, the proposal recommends a first-of-its-kind statewide Wind Energy Dividend, bringing all residents of the state prosperity while encouraging further development of innovation in the wind energy sector. By fostering an ecosystem where education, skill development, and industry growth are in aligned, South Dakota can secure its place at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution, bringing wealth to the state while helping to decarbonize the nation.

Presenter(s): Blake Roberts

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Meghann Jarchow

Poster Number: 101

Open Your Eyes

In the current era of global boiling, the Open Your Eyes project aims to help consumers face their reality and recognize environmental problems. In the plethora of articles addressing environmental concerns and the incessant warnings from scientists regarding the perilous state of our planet, we often find ourselves guilty of overlooking these critical issues simply because we perceive them as obscure or ambiguous. Yet, in the face of escalating crises, it becomes imperative to reassess our stance on the clarity of these warnings. Perhaps our disregard stems from a form of indifference—an ignorance born not out of a lack of understanding, but rather a lack of concern. It is within this context that the significance of utilizing clear imagery and the manipulation of water droplets to convey a stark message becomes evident. Through this product's innovative approach, it seeks to confront indifference by presenting a vivid and undeniable portrayal of environmental degradation, thereby compelling viewers to acknowledge the urgency of the situation.

Presenter(s): Suhyeon Jeon

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): YoungAe Kim

Poster Number: 201

Uninformed Consent: Lobotomy and Feminism in the Twentieth Century†

The Informed Consent law states that health care providers are required to inform patients of the risks, benefits, and alternatives of specific medical procedures. Patients must then be able to make a voluntary decision on whether they want to undergo the procedure or not. Although the Informed Consent law went into federal effect in 1914, there have been many instances since then of physicians ignoring the wishes of vulnerable women. Thousands of nonconsensual lobotomies were performed on women in the mid-twentieth century. The purpose of the operation was to subdue impulsive and violent behavior, so victims were primarily females of color, disabilities, and mental illness. This body of work explores the harmful effects that Lobotomy had on women in the 1940s-1950s. Although this is a historical procedure, the artist hopes that viewers will draw comparisons to sexism and women's mental health struggles today.

Presenter(s): Shelby L. Wright

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Amber Hansen

Poster Number: 202

Veratridine, a Novel Anti-Metastatic Molecule for Patients with Colorectal Cancer †

Colorectal cancer (CRC) causes approximately 900,000 deaths annually worldwide. The survival rate for patients diagnosed with localized CRC is 90%. However, once the cancer metastasized, or spread 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 which can safely and efficiently target the metastatic form of CRC. Our lab has shown that Veratridine (VTD), a lipid-soluble plant alkaloid, can enhance expression of a ubiquitin-like protein called UBXN2A. UBXN2A functions as a colon specific tumor suppressor protein. Previous work shows that UBXN2A targets mortalin, an oncoprotein, for proteasomal degradation through CHIP E3 ligase. In addition, the status of another tumor suppressor protein called p53 and its interaction with its regulator, mortalin, are key factors for the development of CRC. The goal of this project is to understand the interaction between VTD-UBXN2A axis and mortalin in cells with wild type (WT) and mutant form of p53 protein. Three low and high-metastatic colon cancer cell lines: LS174T (positive for p53 mRNA expression), HCT-116 (WT p53), and HT-29 (mutant p53) will be used to complete this project. We hypothesize that the VTD-UBXN2A axis will decrease migration in a mortalin-p53 WT dependent manner. Real-time cell analysis (RTCA) using xCELLigence technology as well as western blot has been utilized to complete the study. This ongoing study will provide detailed insight into the mechanism of the VTD-UBXN2A axis as an effective inhibitor of cancer formation and progression.

Presenter(s): Kate Schraufnagel

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Khosrow Rezvani

Poster Number: 105

Effects of Psychological Disorders on Reachability Judgements‡

Understanding peripersonal space and object perception is crucial in daily life. Previous studies indicate that individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) perceive objects as being farther away. This study investigates whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often comorbid with MDD, affects reachability judgments and object perception similarly. We also examine how tool use alters perceived object distance and the underlying neural mechanisms in a clinical population. Participants, categorized into four depressive symptom groups, performed a behavioral task to estimate distances of objects placed at varying lengths, both with and without a tool. Additionally, a task-based fMRI assessed brain activity while participants viewed objects on a screen, indicating perceived distances via a button box. Contrary to expectations, PTSD did not influence reachability judgments. However, the PTSD group exhibited heightened activation in sensory, motor, and visual processing brain regions compared to the non-PTSD group. Intriguingly, objects were perceived as more distant when participants held a tool, except when within 80cm, the boundary of peripersonal space. Comparing the mild and minimal depression groups revealed significant differences in distance estimation, with the mild group reporting shorter distances. Neuroimaging showed increased activation in areas associated with inhibition, sensory processing, and self-awareness in the mild depression group. These findings suggest that tool use extends perceived peripersonal space and that depressive symptom severity influences object distance estimation and brain activation patterns. This research enhances our understanding of spatial perception in clinical populations and highlights the complex interplay between mental health conditions and sensory processing.

Presenter(s): Kamila Haliru

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lee Baugh

Poster Number: 106

Characterizing sex differences in HPV negative HNSCC*

It is now widely accepted that peripheral solid tumors are infiltrated by nerves. This infiltration of malignancies by nerves is referred to as tumor innervation. The Vermeer lab studies tumor innervation primarily in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma using a syngeneic cell line representing a mutationally-induced form of the disease; these cells are called MOC2-7 cells. In addition to defining the molecular consequences of tumor-infiltrating nerves on disease, the lab also focuses on their influence on behavior. This is important as cancer patients have a significantly higher incidence of depression and anxiety as compared to the population at large. Thus, to assess the impact of tumor infiltrating nerves on disease, MOC2-7 cells were orthotopically implanted into the mouse oral cavity and tumor growth, innervation, survival, and cancer-associated behavioral changes were analyzed. In humans, males are more susceptible to head and neck cancers than females, thus few studies have analyzed this disease using female animals. Thus, this project characterized tumor growth, innervation, and cancer-associated behavioral changes in female mice and compared them to their male counterparts. We found that MOC2-7 tumors grow significantly slower in females. Surprisingly, tumors were also significantly more innervated in females. However, there were no differences in behavioral decline between tumor-bearing males and females. These findings suggest that nerve recruitment may differ between males and females. Treatment of tumors with cisplatin and radiation, standard-of-care treatment for HNSCC patients, slowed tumor growth for both male and female mice. Interestingly, tumors from treated mice were also significantly more innervated compared to untreated mice. Moreover, treatment did not appear to improve tumor-associated behavior changes. Future directions are to analyze brains and trigeminal ganglia to determine if the tumor-brain circuit differs between males and females and with treatment.

Presenter(s): Sarah M. Barclay

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Paola Vermeer

Poster Number: 107

Develop A Synthetic Biomarker system for Early Detection of Ischemic Stroke†

Stroke, predominantly Ischemic Stroke (IS), poses a significant global health burden, necessitating early detection for effective intervention. While non-contrast computed tomography (CT) is common for diagnosis, its limited spatial resolution impedes minor IS detection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers higher resolution but is costly and inaccessible. To address this gap, a synthetic biomarker system (SBS) is proposed, leveraging a genetic sensor and peptide reporter for early IS detection. Natural biomarkers fail to detect early IS due to minimal cellular damage expression. The SBS, paired with an antibody-based assay, enables convenient self-testing, facilitating timely medical intervention and mitigating brain damage. The SBS design involves a genetic sensor detecting IS-induced cellular stress, activating an artificial gene encoding a peptide reporter. Preliminary work confirms the feasibility of the synthetic NF-kB sensor in detecting intracellular inflammatory signals. Further research involves validating the system using mouse brain vascular and human neuronal cell models, stimulated with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and H2O2 to mimic IS-induced stress. The HIS-tag-labeled peptide reporter, ideally lipophilic for efficient blood-brain barrier passage, facilitates detection via anti-HIS antibody assays. The expected outcome includes the detection of IS-induced inflammatory signaling in brain cells using the SBS, correlating reporter expression with cellular distress levels. Evaluation of IS conditions and reporter detection will determine sensor sensitivity, guiding future studies, including testing SBS in mice

Presenter(s): Mason L. Matthies

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): William Chen

Poster Number: 108

Effects of ARβ2 agonist clenbuterol on skeletal muscle recovery after IR injury in mice‡

As the largest tissue mass in the body, skeletal muscle injury is prevalent in trauma, surgical procedures, and sports. Skeletal muscle injuries can lead to muscle damage, pain, inflammation, and even permanent disability and amputation. Muscle regeneration and functional recovery after injury are affected by many factors. Adrenergic beta 2 receptor (ARβ2) agonist clenbuterol is known to promote muscle mass, but its effect on recovery of muscle injury is unclear. This study aimed to test whether clenbuterol can improve skeletal muscle recovery after ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. Mouse hindlimb IR injury was induced by placement of an orthodontic rubber band (ORB) on the hindlimb for 1.5 hours, followed by reperfusion. Clenbuterol was administered in drinking water (30mg/L) for 12 days. Following treatment, contractile function of gastrocnemius-plantaris complex was tested using an in-situ approach. Muscles of soleus and extensor digitorum longus were isolated for Western blot, and tibialis anterior muscle was isolated and snap frozen for tissue staining. After 12 days of reperfusion, all untreated mice lost body weight, whereas all treated mice gained weight. Western blot showed increases in protein levels of myosin heavy chains (MHCs) in IR soleus muscles from the clenbuterol treated mice compared with the untreated mice. These results confirmed the myotrophic effect of clenbuterol. Unexpectedly, however, the muscle contractile function in treated mice was lower than the untreated mice. Additionally, treatment significantly increased gastrocnemius muscle weight in the control but not the IR muscle, as compared to the untreated mice. Overall, these results suggest that while clenbuterol is an effective muscle mass stimulant, it may not efficiently improve muscle regeneration and functional recovery from injury.

Presenter(s): Morgan Montgomery

Department/Division/Area: Basic Biomedical Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Yifan Li

Poster Number: 109

BrainViT: Multi-Label Classification of Brain Pathologies using Vision Transformers (ViT)

Accurate classification of brain pathologies is essential for diagnosing neurological diseases, particularly when co-occurring disorders present subtle distinctions. Multi-label categorization from medical imaging holds promise for facilitating precise diagnoses in such complex scenarios. However, accurately identifying brain abnormalities remains a critical challenge. In this work, we propose BrainViT, a novel solution to address these challenges through simultaneous multi-label classification of brain pathology using Vision Transformers (ViT) which identifies various brain abnormalities accurately from medical images. The proposed model uses a multi-label vision transformer that exploits the advantages of the self-attention mechanism, eliminating convolution operations commonly found in traditional deep-learning models for disease detection. Notably, the model's capability to simultaneously identify various brain pathologies in a single pass distinguishes it from conventional methods, providing a more holistic understanding of complex clinical scenarios. To enhance the robustness and generalizability of our model, we leverage a diverse set of carefully chosen datasets representing various brain pathologies. The datasets employed include The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), The Cancer Imaging Archive (TICA), Brain Tumor Segmentation (BraTS) challenge, The image data sets in The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA), Information eXtraction from Images (IXI) dataset, Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE), Open Access Series of Imaging Studies (OASIS), NeuroImaging Tools and Resources Collaboratory (NITRC, ADHD-200), and Cincinnati MR Imaging of Neurodevelopment (C-MIND). This selection covers a comprehensive range of brain abnormalities, ensuring a realistic foundation for model training.  Our proposed BrainViT model represents a significant advancement in the multi-label classification of brain pathologies and contributes to the improvement of accurate and efficient diagnosis in the field of neuroimaging.

Presenter(s): Sony Reddy Gurram, Sainath Vaddi, Neeraj Dattu Dudam, Vivek Kiran Ballakur

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rodrigue Rizk, KC Santosh

Poster Number: 204

Proactive Anomaly Detection in Network Traffic*

As cyber-attacks become increasingly complex and sophisticated, effective anomaly detection in network traffic plays a crucial role in safeguarding vital systems and data. This work presents a novel approach to enhance security and mitigate system vulnerabilities by identifying anomalies in network data. Departing from conventional methods, our proposed methodology leverages reinforcement learning to discern anomalous patterns indicative of malicious activities or system irregularities. The process involves preprocessing network traffic data, extracting relevant features, and training a reinforcement learning model to distinguish between common and uncommon network activities. We evaluate the performance of our approach using industry-standard metrics, including recall, accuracy, and F1-score, showcasing its effectiveness in detecting abnormalities while minimizing false positives. The introduced anomaly detection system empowers enterprises with a proactive defense mechanism, enabling swift responses to emerging threats and vulnerabilities in network infrastructure. Through empirical validation and real-world application, our methodology enhances the security and resilience of contemporary network infrastructures against dynamic cyber threats.

Presenter(s): Sivani Maddepalli

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): KC Santosh, Rodrigue Rizk

Poster Number: 206

AI-Driven Predictive Modeling for Enhanced Energy Consumption Optimization in IoT Environments*

The widespread deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors in various sectors, including smart homes, industrial facilities, and commercial buildings, has resulted in the generation of voluminous data that can be leveraged for informed decision-making regarding energy consumption. This paper introduces an advanced AI model designed to analyze historical energy usage data sourced from IoT devices and sensors, with the objective of improving energy consumption optimization. The proposed model seeks to achieve precise predictions of future energy demand by discerning patterns, trends, and anomalies within the historical energy usage data. Through a comprehensive analysis of energy consumption patterns, the model can forecast future demand, thereby facilitating the implementation of proactive energy management strategies. The integration of this predictive model into existing energy management systems empowers stakeholders, including homeowners, facility managers, and utility companies, to anticipate fluctuations in energy demand and proactively optimize energy usage. This optimization approach's outcomes are expected to result in substantial cost savings for end-users and contribute to the efficiency of energy consumption in diverse applications.

Presenter(s): Satya Mouli Dhangati

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): KC Santosh, Rodrigue Rizk

Poster Number: 207

Self-Driving Future

The rapid advancement of self-driving technology is transforming the transportation industry, paving the way for vehicles to navigate the complexities of the real world without human intervention. This research work aims to develop autonomous vehicle technology with the integration of artificial intelligence and robotics. The main objective is to improve the vehicle's understanding of its surroundings and enable it to make sound decisions in volatile environments, using cutting-edge computer vision techniques. The proposed work will address technical challenges, such as improving detection and recognition algorithms for objects, and enhancing the decision-making process through reinforcement learning to enhance adaptability and road safety. This interdisciplinary work will combine theoretical research, algorithm development, simulation studies, and real-world experimentation to achieve safer and more efficient transport systems.  Through synthetic data and real-world scenarios, vehicles will continuously improve their decision-making ability, achieving Level 5 autonomy. The anticipated outcomes will contribute significantly to advancing the field and shaping the future landscape of autonomous vehicles.

Presenter(s): David Cortes

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): KC Santosh, Rodrigue Rizk

Poster Number: 209

Vision Transformer-Based Learning for Improved COVID-19 Diagnosis*

The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for advanced diagnostic tools to efficiently identify and manage cases. Traditional Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been widely employed for COVID-19 diagnosis using medical imaging such as Chest X-Rays. However, CNNs exhibit limitations, focusing on specific image portions and incurring computational complexity due to multiple convolution layers. In this work, we propose a novel approach leveraging Vision Transformers (ViT) to enhance COVID-19 diagnosis through image classification of Chest X-Rays. Unlike CNNs, ViT addresses the shortcomings by considering the entire image, achieving comparable or superior performance in natural image classification. Our proposed transformer learning technique utilizes ViT to analyze the relationships between input token pairs, overcoming the challenge of training on pixel-based images. By dividing a large image into smaller patches treated as tokens, ViT demonstrates excellent results compared to state-of-the-art convolutional networks, requiring fewer computational resources for training. The application of our technique in a clinical setting has the potential to significantly improve the diagnosis of COVID-19, aiding in timely and accurate identification of affected cases. This transformative approach contributes to the ongoing efforts to mitigate the challenges posed by the pandemic, emphasizing the efficiency and efficacy of Vision Transformer-based learning in medical image analysis for infectious disease diagnosis.

Presenter(s): Jeevan Kaphle

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rodrigue Rizk, KC Santosh

Poster Number: 210

Simulation-Based Learning in Physical Therapy Education: An Exemplar*

Simulation-based learning is an instructional technique that creates a situation or environment in which learners experience a representation of a real event for the purpose of practice, learning, evaluation, testing, or to gain understanding of systems or human actions. The use of simulation-based learning in physical therapy education can be helpful to students for many reasons. For example, students can use simulation-based learning to work on developing patient handling skills, to improve their confidence with patient care, to learn how to think critically, and to reduce potential harm to patients by being better prepared when entering the healthcare world. While there are many benefits to using simulation-based education in physical therapy, there remains a lack of knowledge among some educators and students about how to use simulation-based education according to best practice standards. Best practice standards include several elements that should be considered in simulation-based education to create high-quality and effective learning experiences for students. With increased attention to these standards of best practice, simulation-based learning has the potential to be a powerful education tool within physical therapy education. This poster presentation serves as an example of how simulation-based learning was implemented with first-year physical therapist students to help them develop clinical reasoning skills prior to working with real patients in clinics.

Presenter(s): Susannah L. Steele

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Barbara E. Goodman, Patti Berg

Poster Number: 211

The Effects of Sexual Assault Characteristics on Patient Well-Being Outcomes

Survivors of sexual assault often experience prolonged psychological and mental health outcomes. By analyzing survey responses of 400 individuals who received sexual assault medical forensic exams, negative relationships between sexual assault characteristics and well-being outcomes are found to be mediated through rape myths (social constructions of the “typical” victim) and experience with secondary victimization. Specifically analyzing the six subscales of the Trauma Symptom Checklist-40 (TSC-40), assault characteristics are compared against rape myths, as well as survivor experiences of secondary victimization by law enforcement and healthcare providers. Data of sexual assault characteristics and well-being are provided for each TSC-40 subscale.

Presenter(s): Kacy Tubbs

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

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

Poster Number: 212

Factors That Affect Language Development for Children with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities

This presentation investigates the factors that affect language development for children with intellectual or developmental disabilities. O'Toole et. al (2018) states, a meta-analysis of speech and language skills in children with Down syndrome found similar variability and individual differences, though most had an impairment when compared to typically developing children of the same nonverbal mental age (Nӕss 2011). How does intellectual disability affect developmental milestones related to language? Kover (2018) suggests that distributional cues relate to vocabulary size and language ability, hinting at a role for distributional cues for understanding how language may come to be impaired. Why is early intervention critical in children with intellectual or developmental disabilities? Houwen et. al (2016) shows how current data emphasize the importance of early interventions that boost both motor and cognitive development, and suggest that such interventions will also enhance language development. Professionals will find valuable information in this presentation that will help educate families and clients about the process of language development and how much IDD impacts this process.

Presenter(s): Madysen Schmidt

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jamie Turgeon-Drake

Poster Number: 214

Inter-rater reliability of app-based 2-D analysis of a single leg depth jump.

Background: 3-D analysis is the gold standard for biomechanical assessments of jump performance. However, clinicians have limited access to 3-D analysis tools in most rural clinics throughout South Dakota, posing the question as to whether more accessible tools can be used to assess jump performance. Currently, there is promising data in support of using app-based tools to assess jump performance and kinematics. The purpose of this study was to assess the inter-rater reliability of using app-based software to assess jump performance and knee kinematics of a single-leg depth jump. Methods - 50 participants were recruited from the USD Wellness Center. Three single-leg drop jumps were performed bilaterally with varying knee alignments: natural alignment, cued neutral alignment, and cued dynamic knee valgus alignment resulting in 18 jumps for each subject. Two researchers analyzed the results of jump height, ground contact time, reactive strength index, and dynamic knee valgus measurements from the MyJump2 app and the CoachMyVideo apps. The researchers were blinded to each other’s results. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess between-rater reliability.

Results - The ICC for Dynamic Knee Valgus was .96, jump height was .99, contact time was .99, and for reactive strength index was .99. Discussion - Using the MyJump2 app for assessing jump height, contact time, and reactive strength index resulted in a near-perfect agreement, making this a highly reliable tool for assessing jump performance. Using the CoachMyVideo app for assessing 2-D dynamic knee valgus was also a highly reliable tool. Clinicians can be confident in the reliability of using these app-based 2-D analysis tools for assessing jump performance and knee kinematics.

Presenter(s): Carson Versteeg

Department/Division/Area: Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Matt Dewald

Poster Number: 215

User Perception of Gender Portrayals in Video Games

Abstract

Alongside the increase in video game popularity, a subclass of games was formed that offer very unconventional gaming experiences. These games offer drastically different stories especially when compared to games that are made on multi-million-dollar budgets. Many of these types of games exist on the fringes of the industry and portray LGBTQ+ themes through their writing or gameplay. One of these games uses the medium of video games to process their trauma by relaying their own story. The game “He Fucked the Girl Out of Me” is an autobiographical video game that highlights the story of the Author and their experiences with transitioning and participating in sex work. Their story discusses managing their self-esteem and trauma as well as figuring out how to adapt to their ever-changing identity. Themes of gender portrayal have been studied since the advent of video games.  Games like this showcase a discussion about gender identity only it is about a real-life person rather than a character. That simple change in who the subject is makes the game much more personal and rarer to see discussed in a literary sense. The experience left me wondering how other players would react especially given its unconventional nature and strong subject matter. 279 user game reviewers were collected and analyzed for thematic elements occurring in response to the game. The results of the review analysis found that players were generally positive towards the experience and talked mainly about the content of the game, such as the story, as well as how they felt playing it. Several reviews also questioned the need for the story to be a game in the first place. This research is important as it shows how users may respond to stories from diverse audiences as well as how interactive narratives can convey lived experiences.

Presenter(s): Quinn T. Gienapp

Department/Division/Area: Media & Journalism

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Travis Loof, Charles Lubbers

Poster Number: 101

Artificial Intelligence and news consumption: A study of trust, credibility and transparency in automated journalism*

This research study explores the theoretical framework of agenda-setting and the evolving dynamics of media effects in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As trust in mass media has declined over the last 50 years, this research project aims to investigate whether the traditional findings of agenda-setting theory persist amid the prevalence of automated and personalized journalism enabled by generative AI. As such, the study explores whether users' familiarity with artificial intelligence influences public perceptions of automated and personalized news. The hypothesis of this project are: 1. News articles with transparency markers stating "personalized for you" will result in lower perceived credibility (a) and trust (b), regardless of whether the author is portrayed as a journalist or artificial intelligence; 2. Participants exposed to news reports with transparency markers indicating human authorship will perceive higher credibility and trust compared to those with markers suggesting artificial intelligence as the author; and 3. Participants with higher familiarity and acceptance towards artificial intelligence will exhibit higher levels of credibility and trust in news reports attributed to artificial intelligence than participants who are unfamiliar with AI. To examine these hypothesis, I am conducting a survey of college students where I manipulate content features in four different ways (Personalized news from an AI, Traditional news from an AI, Personalized news from a human journalist, and Traditional news from a human journalist). Particpants were randomly assigned to one of these conditions. The findings will contribute valuable insights into the evolving landscape of news consumption, especially regarding the impact of AI authorship and personalization on news credibility and trust. We are currently in the process of collecting data and will discuss the results as they are made available. Generally, we expect that participants will perceive traditional news written by a human journalist more trustworthy and credible than personalized content written by AI.

Presenter(s): Julia Lobo Paes

Department/Division/Area: Media & Journalism

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Travis Loof

Poster Number: 102

Crafting Connection: The Influence of Content Features in Creating Parasocial Interactions

Parasocial Interaction (PSI) refers to the one-sided relationships that individuals develop with media figures, such as celebrities or characters. This phenomenon has been studied extensively in the context of entertainment media, but its potential in facilitating social change and reducing stigma remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the influence of content variables, such as personal self-disclosures, authenticity, similarity, and structural elements like camera angles, voiceover, flashbacks, etc. By measuring these features, we aimed to find out their effects on viewer’s perceptions, and attitudes toward media personalities. Our research questions include, 1: Are there any content variables that influence PSI? 2: What content variables influence PSI? To conduct the study, we used the stimuli from previously published research. We anticipate that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of how content and structural variables influence PSI. We expect our findings to also shed some light on the potential of PSI to influence attitudes and perceptions, including reduction in prejudice and enhanced narrative perception. This study holds significance for the fields of media, communication, and psychology, as it specifically addresses how media can influence people’s perceptions and narratives. By identifying specific variables that can contribute to PSI, our research can create a pathway for future studies on media effects and audience engagement.

Presenter(s): Prah Haider, Rachel M. Spinks, Julia Lobo Paes, Lindsay Gagnon, Giana Smith

Department/Division/Area: Media & Journalism

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Travis Loof

Poster Number: 103

The Social Side of AI: Understanding ChatGPT Through the CASA Paradigm and Technology Acceptance

This research project aims to investigate whether individuals perceive ChatGPT usage as a tool or a teammate. By using the Computers Are Social Actors (CASA) paradigm, we investigate how individuals attribute social characteristics to AI systems like ChatGPT (Nass et al., 1994) or not, and if that perception influences adoption.  This project uses novel research methods such as the parasocial interaction web-scale framework, to measure how users engage and communicate through AI systems. Additionally, we use the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to understand how individuals accept and adopt new technologies, providing insight into how to influence users' attitudes toward AI systems (TAM; Davis,1989). By using a mixed methods approach, we have collected rich data to better understand user perception, attitudes, and system usage. As such, this study is significant in understanding human-AI interaction. Results will be discussed in terms of potential to influence future research, policy recommendations (both government and academic), and practical applications in the evolving field of AI usage.

Presenter(s): Rachel M. Spinks, Prah Haider, Julia Lobo Paes, Lindsay Gagnon, Giana Smith

Department/Division/Area: Media & Journalism

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Travis Loof

Poster Number: 104

Community-Based Participatory Action Research to Improve Health Concerns of Immigrants in South Dakota

Health concerns of the immigrant population were starkly highlighted in 2020 and 2021 when the local meatpacking industry experienced disproportionate outbreaks of COVID-19 among their immigrant workforce. Immigrants make up nearly 40 % of the meatpacking industry’s workforce nationwide but in SD, they comprise 58 % (1). During the initial phase of the COVID pandemic in 2020, while much of the U.S. was closed for business, a meatpacking plant in South Dakota stayed open and became the nation’s largest hotspot for infections (2). Significantly, 11% of the healthcare workforce in SD is of immigrant background (3), suggesting an untapped reservoir of existing expertise in health and wellness issues among this underrepresented population.  Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) is research that involves community members, academic researchers, clinicians, and others in all phases of the research process. To implement this approach to research, the CWEB (Community Wellness Explorations Board) was established at the USD SHS. The mission of the CWEB was identified as: To provide immigrants and refugees with a platform to voice their healthcare needs and priorities. We are committed to fostering equitable collaborations that highlight existing services and bridge service gaps. Through our work, we aim to cultivate trusting relationships within these communities, spreading awareness and understanding to enhance their overall wellness and healthcare experiences. The Implementation Plan includes an 1. Assessment Phase, 2. A Planning Phase, 3. An Action Phase and 4. A Reflection and Adaptation Phase. This work will describe results gathered as part of Phase 1.

Presenter(s): Zakaria P. Okuwe

Department/Division/Area: Nursing

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Sabina Kupershmidt

Poster Number: 209

The Most Commonly Challenged Books in South Dakota and Their Alternatives for Teaching

Our nation and state are currently embroiled in contentious disagreements regarding the acceptability of various classroom teaching topics, novels, and materials. Censorship in the United States reached an all-time high in 2022 (Yost, 2023) with these challenges affecting English Language Arts (ELA) educators, including those in South Dakota, through the removal of novels and resources from classrooms.

To diminish censorship’s negative effects and increase teacher preparedness, this project sought to discover some of the most frequently challenged and censored books in South Dakota and locate alternative titles for classroom implementation. Teachers affected by censorship will be assisted through provided resources and guidance for a scenario otherwise lacking clear protocol.

This project surveyed South Dakota high school ELA educators regarding novels challenged or censored in their respective districts. Fourteen schools were contacted with ten providing responses from a total of 27 teachers. Although the survey reported 59 novels challenged or censored, researchers selected the ten titles most frequently appearing including Of Mice and Men, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Hate U Give, and The Kite Runner. Alternative titles having similar or equivalent storylines and themes were then located as substitutes for these novels and educator classroom use.

Presenter(s): Anna Risty, Elena Whalen

Department/Division/Area: School of Education

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lisa Hazlett, Carla McMurry-Kozak

Poster Number: 110

Learning to Say “No”: Consent-Forward Practices in Staging Intimacy in Theatre*

This poster presentation will present findings from creative research conducted by MFA Directing candidate Mickey Morstad, supported by funding from USD’s Graduate Research and Creative Scholarship Grant, focusing on consent-forward practices in staging theatrical intimacy, in preparation for stage direction of his MFA thesis production this spring, Bat Boy The Musical. The presentation will discuss consent-forward practices, which revolve around the idea that performers involved in the theatrical creation process are empowered to give, withhold, or withdraw consent, and that this can change at any time. This give and take of consent applies not just to the person receiving touch within a rehearsal and performance process, but also extends to those completing the touch. Professionals who work on these principles and the staging of intimacy in theatrical productions are called Intimacy Directors. Intimacy Directors collaborate with the stage director and cast of the show to: establish boundaries; support and choreograph scenes of physical intimacy in a safe and ethical way; create nuanced strategies for mitigating the negative effects of implicit and structural power dynamics; utilize bystander intervention techniques to empower artists to advocate for themselves and others when a boundary is crossed; and employ a trauma-informed approach to create closure practices that support sustainability for actors and other creative team members within a theatrical production. This research will culminate in Morstad obtaining a mid-level Intimacy Director certification as a Consent Forward Artist through Intimacy Directors and Coordinators, one of the nation’s leading organizations in intimacy training and the only organization to offer a standardized certification process.

Presenter(s): Mickey Morstad

Department/Division/Area: Theatre

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Raimondo Genna

Poster Number: 203

Hearty

Heartea is a brand that embodies its core value, the heart, in every aspect of its identity and offerings. With a commitment to delivering innovative and diverse flavors, Heartea ensures a vegan and healthy choice that resonates with both individuals and the environment. The brand's logo, web, and app designs encapsulate the essence of Heartea, symbolizing its characteristics of sourness, intensity, sweetness, and smoothness. These elements not only convey the brand's dedication to providing a unique tea experience but also reflect its seamless integration into the lives of its consumers. Heartea prioritizes convenience and customer-centricity, ensuring that its products flow effortlessly into people's lives while consistently considering their preferences and well-being. Through its holistic approach to design and ethos, Heartea emerges as a beacon of mindful consumption, where the heart of tea beats in harmony with the values of health, sustainability, and enjoyment.

Presenter(s): Suhyeon Jeon, Jade Bendewald

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): YoungAe Kim

Poster Number: 201

Crush/ed: Senior Exhibition†

Madison Ervin

Senior Thesis Exhibition Artist Statement

My style of work is hyperrealistic through drawing. My current work focuses on singular objects that stand alone. My most recent body of work draws on different kinds of love I’ve experienced. My idea behind this is how to symbolize and process relationships in my life that continue or do not continue serve me anymore. I chose wax seals to represent this concept because it’s the last step of sealing a letter you' d send to someone. Letters can give you the opportunity to say things you have always wanted to say to a certain individual. The seal displays the level of attention to detail to protect the letter inside. Making a wax seal is unique to the letter you’re sealing and the person it goes to, and one of a kind each time, something that is overlooked and usually discarded. I think every time I’d look at this seal, I would be reminded of each step this person went through to create it. My work has been more about being able to create behind the scenes of the drawing itself, this has become an important process to represent my ideas through my work, making the entire process more unique to me.

Presenter(s): Madison M. Ervin

Department/Division/Area: Art

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Amber Hansen

Poster Number: 202

Environmental Factors Affecting Oxpecker Density in Southwestern Kenya

An oxpecker is a bird endemic to sub-Saharan Africa that lives most of its life on the backs of large mammal species, such as African Cape buffalo, giraffes, and rhinoceros (Palmer & Packer 2018). The mammals act as hosts to oxpeckers which eat insects, often ticks, off their hosts. In the current study, I hypothesized that oxpeckers would be denser near water sources and trees and that oxpeckers would prefer mammal hosts with more surface area to perch on, specifically giraffes. Observational data was collected in several Kenyan parks (Aberdare National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Lake Naivasha National Park) on the oxpeckers there. I observed both red-billed and yellow-billed oxpeckers but analyzed oxpecker density by combining the two species and ran that data against several environmental factors to determine whether those factors affected overall oxpecker density. I found that the number of oxpeckers differed significantly only with the number of mammals at a sighting, and not with different mammal types or habitat types (including vegetation abundance and proximity of water). Further research could be conducted to find whether oxpecker distribution in Southwestern Kenya varies based on temperature or time of the year, and also to study any one of the factors analyzed in this project in greater depth.

Presenter(s): Madeline Knox

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl

Poster Number: 209

DNMT Expression and Parental Care in the Cooperative Breeding Chestnut-Crowned Babbler Species†

Epigenetics is a phenomenon in which the environment can modify how genes, and therefore phenotypes, are expressed without altering the underlying genetic code. Epigenetic modifications are the molecular mechanism through which GxE (genetic by environment) effects occur, highlighting both nurture and nature. One type of epigenetic mechanism is DNA methylation, which alters gene expression by the addition of methyl groups to the DNA. The addition of methyl groups to CpG sites in the promoter of genes usually reduces the expression of that gene by inhibiting DNA transcription; this process is controlled by DNA methyltransferases (DNMT). Various environmental factors, including parental care and social environment, can alter the expression of DNMTs, thus influencing how DNA methylation influences the gene expression of other genes. Here, we will examine the relationship between DNMT expression in chicks and level of parental care they receive in the chestnut-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps), which is a cooperatively breeding species (meaning there is high variation in the amount of parental care offspring receive). I expect individuals raised by more helpers (i.e. with more parental care) to have higher DNMT expression at fledging. Offspring raised by more helpers are likely to be less responsive to environmental change due to a more stable and resource-rich developmental period. To quantify DNMT, I will extract mRNA from the already-collected blood samples, analyze the mRNA copy number using qPCR, and determine the impact of parental care. This study will provide key insight regarding how parenting style affects genotype, which controls phenotype and thus survival in cooperative breeding species.

Presenter(s): Grace Johnson

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl

Poster Number: 210

The effects of DNA methylation on gene expression in a cooperatively breeding species†

The effects of DNA methylation on gene expression in a cooperatively breeding species

Rylie Stonecipher, Susan Anderson, Andrea Liebl

Environmental stimuli can alter gene expression, and therefore phenotypes, by inducing molecular changes to a genome, so called epigenetic modifications. One of those modifications is DNA methylation, a process by which methyl groups are added or removed from DNA which influences whether and how genes are expressed. One type of enzyme that is particularly important for regulating DNA methylation is the DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), which dictate changes in methylation throughout the genome, thus influencing gene expression. Interestingly, DNMTs themselves can also be epigenetically modified. We have established there to be differential methylation in the promoter region of the DNMT genes. We will continue working to elucidate what these differences in methylation mean for the gene expression of these genes. This study focuses on the chestnut-crowned babbler (Pomatostomus ruficeps), a cooperatively breeding species that lives in a particularly harsh environment in which they rely on non-breeding individuals to assist in parenting as helpers. Since the number of helpers differs among groups, the environmental conditions offspring endure vary. By measuring the expression of DNMTs, we will determine how varying environmental conditions may impact not only the methylation of these genes, but also the subsequent changes in gene expression. We predict that individuals that have increased methylation will have decreased expression of the DNMT genes. With the understanding of this process, we will be able to further understand how epigenetics work throughout the genome, allowing us to predict how the environment may affect gene expression.

Presenter(s): Rylie A. Stonecipher

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl

Poster Number: 211

Telomeres as Predictors for Breeding Behaviors in Chestnut-Crowned Babblers†

Telomeres are DNA sequences at the end of chromosomes which protect them from degradation. In most birds and mammals, telomeres shorten as an individual ages due to incomplete end-replacement during DNA replication, leading to degradation of coding DNA sequences once the telomeres are destroyed. This is called senescence and results in a negative relationship between lifespan and telomere length. Additionally, telomere length has also been shown to be related to fitness. However, this relationship has typically been determined in traditional (i.e. single or bi-parental care) systems where an individual’s fitness relies solely on reproduction. In cooperative breeding systems, however, non-breeding individuals assist in the rearing of other individual’s offspring. If these non-breeders are related to the offspring, they gain indirect fitness by helping to ensure the survival of a related individual, thus passing on some of their own genetic information to the next generation. My research aims to explain the molecular basis of how breeders and helpers are determined in a cooperatively breeding species. We predict that more rapid declines in telomere length (i.e. more rapid decline in lifespan) would spur breeding activity. Specifically, using chestnut-crowned babblers (Pomatostomus ruficeps), a cooperatively breeding bird endemic to the Australian outback, we will determine the change in telomere length between two years. Reductions in telomere length will then be compared between breeders and non-breeders to determine if a relationship between breeding/helping behavior and telomere length exists. This research will contribute to the understanding of how cooperative breeding systems are established and the role telomeres play in behavioral decisions organisms make.

Presenter(s): Carson L. Langston

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Andrea Liebl

Poster Number: 212

Specializations of the chameleon pectoral and pelvic girdles to differing levels of arboreality†

As organisms transition between terrestrial and arboreal lifestyles, their locomotor systems experience disparate functional demands. Chameleons are known for their array of distinct adaptations, including their ability to change color, their ballistic tongue projection, and their pincer-like feet and prehensile tails. The chameleon family, however, is incredibly diverse in their size, morphology, natural history, behavior, and the degree to which they inhabit arboreal vs. terrestrial environments. In fact, while chameleons are often generally regarded as arboreal specialists, many species spend considerable amounts of time, particularly during the day, on the ground, and some are even almost entirely terrestrial. We examined the impact of relative arboreality on the anatomy of the pectoral and pelvic girdles of 22 chameleon species using µCT scans. These species represent all twelve described chameleon genera and, when possible, both highly arboreal and largely terrestrial taxa within each genera. Using phylogenetic comparative methods, we found consistent patterns of size and shape differences in girdle elements between arboreal and terrestrial species across the family. Beyond deepening our understandings of chameleon adaptations, this research also provides insights into how the pectoral and pelvic girdles adapt as species shift between arboreal and terrestrial habitats.

Presenter(s): Cydney Even

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Christopher V. Anderson

Poster Number: 214

Comparing Oxidative Balance of Summer and Winter Acclimatized Birds†

Bird environmental physiology is an area of study that is constantly evolving as more research is done. While there have been breakthroughs in the understanding of how birds are able to survive in various conditions, there are still questions about how they are able to overwinter in places with extreme weather, such as the Midwest. To survive in the winter months, birds must upregulate their metabolism to maintain homeostasis and support thermogenesis. With increased metabolism comes increased output of reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS are harmful to cellular tissues and can cause destruction of proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. There are multiple aspects to the defense of the body against ROS, including antioxidants, which are able to quench the ROS and reduce the damage to cells and tissues. We collected blood samples from overwintering songbirds in southeastern South Dakota during the summer and winter months. The summer samples were then analyzed for levels of antioxidants in the blood cells, total antioxidant capacity of the plasma, oxidative damage to lipids of red blood cells, and ROS production. The winter samples are in the process of being analyzed using the same tests. There are several potential outcomes. The first is that a higher level of oxidative damage may be present in the winter acclimatized birds due to the costs of increased metabolism. The second is that antioxidants may be present in higher amounts in the winter birds to offset the effects of an elevated metabolism. Thirdly, there may only be oxidative damage in winter after particularly cold weather consistent with an overwhelming of the antioxidant capacity. The findings of this project will test these potential outcomes and will further knowledge on the physiology of the oxidative balance system in birds and how this system responds to environmental variation.

Presenter(s): Olivia R. Gulseth

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): David Swanson

Poster Number: 215

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

Parents of transgender individuals can experience numerous stressors in accessing overall care and support for their child's health and well-being. Parents can also undergo significant personal growth and change as a parent of a transgender child. Unfortunately, the majority of the current literature focuses on mothers' experiences with transgender children. This study advances knowledge that can further support families navigating life with a transgender child, as the lived experiences of fathers are greatly lacking. Furthermore, the political and environmental scope in which the family is located can impact what families face when accessing care and support for their child and can result in additional parental stress and anxiety. It is crucial to understand more about how families, specifically fathers, experience these barriers and supports in states when care is banned. Zoom interviews with fathers were conducted in order to understand their lived experiences. The preliminary results of the study will be presented.

Presenter(s): Ashley Perez

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Beth Boyd

Poster Number: 101

How Stepping Up Today Leads to Stepping Out Tomorrow: Exploring the Effect of Day-to-day Location Changes*

Objective: The transition to college represents a period of profound psychological and behavioral changes, often accompanied by increased stress. Given the dynamism of human behavior and the rapid fluctuation of stressors, more novel research designs are required to capture these nuances. Aim: Examine the day-to-day associations between location changes between signals, stress, and drinking. We note that our dependent variable is at a lower level (L1), while the independent variables of interest are from various levels (L1 & L2). Method: A multilevel model (MLM) was tested with days nested within persons. Data were collected using ecological momentary assessment from a college student sample (n=199, observations= 2,894). Participants completed four random surveys daily across 15 days. Results: For every 1-unit change in daily distinct locations visited, daily stress levels decreased (b = -0.029, p =.012), and daily alcohol drinks consumed increased (b = 0.014, p = .011). Sex assigned at birth, males were inversely related to changes in daily distinct locations visited (b = -0.127, p = .053). Age was inversely associated with changes in daily distinct locations visited (b= -0.05, p = .020). Conclusion: The study reveals a complex relationship between stress, alcohol consumption, and the frequency of changing locations among college students. Notably, increased location variability correlates with increased alcohol intake but less reported stress levels. Additionally, older participants tended to report fewer changes in location between signals. These findings underscore the dynamics of coping behaviors in college students, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that consider the multifaceted nature of student lifestyles.

Presenter(s): Mason L. Hatwan, Salena Carr, Celena Hettrick

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Beth Boyd, Noah Emery

Poster Number: 102

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

Betrayal trauma (Freyd, 1996) is a specific form of trauma that occurs when a child is significantly harmed by someone they depend on or trust. Despite substantial evidence that mental health is more impacted by trauma when there is a closer relational bond between the victim and perpetrator than when trauma is lower in betrayal, only a few studies have examined important outcomes such as suicide. These studies found significant positive associations between betrayal trauma and suicidal ideation (Gomez, 2020; Rickman et al., 2021) and attempts (Edwards et al., 2012; Gomez et al., 2015). Still, the mechanisms underlying these associations are not well understood. Betrayal trauma, as a unique form of interpersonal trauma, may contribute to the development of schemas involving negative interpersonal beliefs, which may contribute to maladaptive interpersonal styles of behavior, ultimately increasing the risk of suicide. Betrayal trauma, schemas, and interpersonal problems have each been examined independently as they relate to suicidal thinking and behavior. However, no research has been conducted on the combined role of these variables in contributing to suicidal ideation. The current study aims to test this novel mechanism in 500 young adults aged 18-34. A path model is proposed where specific early maladaptive schemas (Emotional Deprivation, Social Isolation/Alienation, Defectiveness/Shame) and interpersonal problems sequentially mediate the association between childhood betrayal trauma and suicidal ideation. It is hypothesized that childhood betrayal trauma will predict early maladaptive schemas, early maladaptive schemas will predict interpersonal problems, and interpersonal problems will then predict suicidal ideation. A significant direct effect between childhood high betrayal trauma and suicidal ideation is also hypothesized. These effects are hypothesized to occur over and above the effects of gender, negative affect, and recruitment platform.

Presenter(s): Christine M. Yost

Department/Division/Area: Clinical Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Raluca Simons

Poster Number: 103

A Reward-Based AI Model for Optimizing Algorithmic Trading Strategies*

With the growing complexity and volatility of cryptocurrency markets, coupled with the increasing prevalence of algorithmic trading, the need for robust and adaptive strategies has become imperative. Traditional methods for strategy evaluation often fall short in capturing the dynamic nature of these markets, prompting the development of innovative AI-driven solutions. This work introduces a novel approach to validating and optimizing crypto and algorithmic trading strategies through the utilization of a reward-based AI model. Our proposed model creates a reward-based framework for evaluating and optimizing trading strategies. By incorporating a sophisticated reward system, the AI model is able to adapt and learn from historical market data, identifying patterns, trends, and optimal trading decisions. The model employs a combination of deep learning techniques and state-of-the-art algorithms to process large-scale financial data, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics. The model's ability to adapt to changing market conditions, optimize risk management strategies, and provide valuable insights into the underlying factors influencing trading decisions sets it apart from traditional methods. To validate the effectiveness of our proposed approach, extensive backtesting and comparative analyses are conducted using historical data from various cryptocurrency markets. The findings suggest that the proposed model holds promise for optimizing trading strategies, improving risk-adjusted returns, and adapting to evolving market conditions, thereby paving the way for the next generation of intelligent trading systems.

Presenter(s): Sabin Adhikari

Department/Division/Area: Computer Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rodrigue Rizk, KC Santosh

Poster Number: 213

Wellbeing Outcomes Related to Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Exams

In the US alone, more than 20% of women are victimized at some point in their life. About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have reported sexual coercion during their lifetime, and about 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men have reported being victimized by unwanted sexual contact during their lifetime. Between 17% and 65% of women who have had a lifetime history with sexual assault develop post-traumatic stress disorder. The correlation between the perception of the quality of sexual assault medical forensic exams and outcomes related to mental health and substance abuse has been represented in multiple studies. Sexual assault and domestic violence have been shown to increase the likelihood of depression and substance abuse, along with having strong correlations in other areas concerning mental health. We started this research with the question: whether the quality of sexual assault medical forensic exams conducted in hospitals impacts the wellbeing outcomes for survivors? We used data collected from an Amazon Mturk survey that included attention checks. The target group of this survey was sexual assault survivors in the US who received a sexual assault medical forensic exam (SAMFE). There were 400 participants in the final sample. We conducted multiple linear regressions through a program called STATA. In line with previous studies and predictions, when the quality of the sexual assault medical forensic exam increased, there were a strong correlation in an increase in post-traumatic growth, problem focused coping, and emotion focused coping. We also saw that as the exam quality increased, avoidant coping has a strong correlation of decreasing. There are also findings that college education consistently correlated to positive wellbeing post-victimization. Our findings indicate that by increasing the quality of sexual assault medical forensic exams, the wellbeing of sexual assault survivors may increase.

Presenter(s): Lindsey Grabowska

Department/Division/Area: Criminal Justice

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

Poster Number: 110

Effects of Mental Fatigue on Gait Performance*

Recent research has underscored the role of mental fatigue alongside physiological factors in influencing motor performance, particularly in endurance sports where tasks exceed 75 seconds, showing a decrease in performance without significant physiological changes but with heightened perceived exertion. Despite extensive studies on endurance performance and technical abilities, there remains a gap in understanding the impact of mental fatigue on fundamental daily activities like gait. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how mental fatigue affects gait performance in healthy young male adults. Eighteen participants walked over-ground at their preferred speed before and after engaging in a mentally fatiguing Stroop task, with kinematics recorded using a motion capture system. Mental fatigue was assessed using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), revealing a significant increase post-task. However, no significant differences were found in gait performance variables. Possible explanations include task duration or intensity, individual coping strategies, and the specific nature of the gait task used. This highlights the need for further investigation into the intricate relationship between mental fatigue and gait performance, especially concerning stability, vital for optimizing performance and well-being across diverse populations.

Presenter(s): Ali Zardosht

Department/Division/Area: Kinesiology and Sport Management

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Hyung Suk Yang

Poster Number: 108

Straight from the Source: Three Perspectives on Best Practices for Hiring People with Disabilities

The purpose of this research is to explore hiring people with intellectual disabilities from multiple perspectives in order to identify best practices for their successful employment. Despite the prominence of DEI initiatives in today’s organizations and federal legislation prohibiting discrimination, people with intellectual disabilities still struggle to find employment. This is unfortunate as employment is vital for people's physical, mental, and financial well-being, and because employers may be overlooking valuable potential employees. Through a qualitative analysis of first-hand accounts of people with intellectual disabilities, their family members, and employers who proactively hire people with disabilities, my goal is to better understand the benefits and challenges of seeking employment with an intellectual disability or hiring employees with intellectual disabilities. My analysis uncovers several common themes in these accounts, including each group’s motives for seeking employment or helping those with disabilities find employment. Drawing from the information gleaned in my study, I have identified actions organizations take to meaningfully hire people with intellectual disabilities and to positively impact both the employee and business.

Presenter(s): Elyse Whittemore

Department/Division/Area: Management

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Heather Anderson

Poster Number: 109

A Phenomenological Study of Hispanic and Latinx Community Mental Health Care Providers: Preliminary Results*

The Hispanic/Latinx population is expected to continue to grow across the United States. Despite experiencing similar rates of mental health disorders, Hispanic/Latinx individuals are less likely than other ethnic/racial groups to access mental health services. There is a growing need for culturally responsive mental health services that respond to the unique barriers to access, and unmet needs faced by Hispanic/Latinx community members. A major component of this is the representation of bilingual/bicultural Hispanic/Latinx mental healthcare providers working in community mental health settings. Community mental health organizations are critical to providing mental health care to underserved populations who experience a wide range of barriers to access. This study is based on future directions outlined in a previous study (Zare 2023) that focused on the experiences of mental health care providers who served an emerging Hispanic/Latinx community in the Midwest. Findings from the study indicated a difference between the challenges faced by Hispanic/Latinx and non-Hispanic White clinicians. The need to better understand the experiences of bicultural/bilingual Hispanic/Latinx clinicians may play an important role in exploring how to adequately value, support, and retain, their increasingly needed representation in community mental health. The present study will focus on the experiences of Hispanic/Latinx mental healthcare providers working in community mental health to explore the unique challenges they face and factors that contribute to their retention. Preliminary results will be presented.

Presenter(s): Sara Zare, Collette Bowman

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Beth Boyd

Poster Number: 104

Fashion Media and Body Dysmorphic Disorder

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) involves a preoccupation with an imagined defect in appearance, wherein individuals obsessively focus on perceived flaws that may not be visible or may not exist (Phillips, 2004). The person might try different methods of changing their body such as cosmetic procedures. BDD can lead people to avoid social situations or stop them from being in photos. Social media platforms give easy access to pictures of unattainable bodies that many times are not real. Comparing our bodies or skin to these 'perfect' images may have a large impact on BDD. To explore the potential relationship between fashion media and BDD, it is essential to examine how exposure to idealized beauty standards and unrealistic portrayals of physical appearance in media may influence individuals' perceptions of their bodies. Fashion media often promotes narrow and unattainable beauty ideals. These idealized images may exacerbate feelings of dissatisfaction and inadequacy in individuals vulnerable to BDD, leading to increased body comparison, appearance-related anxiety, and distorted self-perception. To measure this phenomenon, we created a survey which consists of participant demographics, social media consumption, a problematic fashion media survey, a body dysmorphia survey, a personal feelings or depression survey, and a section for participants to share their thoughts. We aim to uncover insight into the complex interplay between fashion media consumption and BDD, shedding light on the mechanisms through which media influences body image and mental health outcomes. At present, we are actively collecting data through an anonymous, online Qualtrics survey and have already surpassed 200 participants. Our data collection efforts will persist for the next few weeks, culminating in the presentation of our findings at IdeaFest.

Phillips K. A. (2004). Body dysmorphic disorder: recognizing and treating imagined ugliness. World psychiatry : official journal of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA), 3(1), 12–17.

Presenter(s): Alexis Terveen, Paige Pollreisz, Nathaniel Mungunkhet

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

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

Poster Number: 105

Personality Functioning and Sexual Aggression: How Criterion A of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) Relates to Sexually Aggressive Cognitions in Men*

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to provide support for an improved model of assessing personality disorders.

Objectives: 1) Assess how components of personality functioning (identity, self-direction, empathy, intimacy) relate to sexually aggressive cognitions, 2) assess which level of personality functioning best captures personality functioning, 3) determine if the best level of fit will help explain the relationship between maladaptive personality traits and sexually aggressive cognitions.

Methods: 175 participants will be recruited through Prolific and added to an existing sample of 300 participants. The existing sample completed measures of personality functioning (Levels of Personality Functioning Scale – Self Report), maladaptive traits (Personality Inventory for the DSM-5-Short Form), beliefs about rape (Illinois Rape Myth Acceptance Scale—Revised) and consent to sex (Token Resistance to Sex Scale). The new sample of 175 people will complete the same measures. Scores for beliefs about rape and consent to sex will each be converted to z-scores then added together to provide a composite score of sexually aggressive cognitions. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression analyses will be conducted using SPSS version 29. Continuous variables will be checked for normality and screened for missingness. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) will be done using Mplus 8.1.

Anticipated Results: Overall, it is expected that personality functioning will be best represented at the global level rather than specific components, due to the four components of personality functioning being inextricably connected. Further, it is expected that personality functioning will explain the relationship between maladaptive traits and sexually aggressive cognitions, due to the considerable overlap between both criterions of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders.

Impact: This project will help provide support for the validity of the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders, which will improve the accuracy of personality disorder diagnoses and treatments.

Presenter(s): Ryan Van Fossen

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Michael Granaas

Poster Number: 107

Post-Disaster Perceptions of Child Mental Health: Views from Mothers and Fathers*

Disasters can have negative impacts on parents and children. Maternal distress is linked to increased maternal reports of child psychosocial difficulties post-disaster, but there is little research on how fathers’ mental health impacts their perceptions of their child’s symptoms post-disaster. This study investigated how mothers and fathers reported on their child’s mental health following Hurricane Ian. Participants were 140 parents (73% female; ages 25-54; 86% White, 9% Black, 3% Other, and 16% Hispanic) who lived in counties impacted by Hurricane Ian and reported on their child (58% male; M age = 8.61). Fewer fathers responded to the survey than mothers; however, fathers reported greater posttraumatic stress (M=34.82 vs M=17.21), anxiety (M=9.16 vs M=3.93), and depression (M=8.89 vs M=3.69) compared to mothers (all ps<.001). Also, fathers reported higher posttraumatic stress (M=9.45 vs M=3.45), anxiety (M=7.65 vs M=3.26), depression (M=5.52 vs M=1.75), and externalizing (M=4.97 vs M=2.81) symptoms in their children compared to mothers (all ps<.001). There was no difference for attention problems. This study found greater distress in fathers post-disaster, and that fathers perceived greater psychopathology in their children after Hurricane Ian. More research is needed to understand differences between how mothers and fathers perceive child difficulties following a disaster.

Presenter(s): Jessy Thomas

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): BreAnne Danzi

Poster Number: 203

Impact of Parental Spirituality on Child Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD after a Surgical Procedure†

Religion and spirituality (R/S) may impact depression, anxiety, and PTSD following a surgical procedure. Higher levels of R/S are associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, which may result from the social support one gains from attending a place of worship. Comparatively, the relationship between anxiety and R/S is less conclusive. While some researchers theorize that some individuals use R/S to cope in different ways. Some use R/S to cope in a positive manner (e.g., God wants to challenge me) and others use it in a negative manner (e.g., God hates me).  Additionally, the available literature supports a relationship between R/S and PTSD, but more research is needed to determine the nature of the relationship. The purpose of this project is to investigate the impact of parent-reported R/S on children’s depression, anxiety, and PTSD after a surgical procedure. Participants include parents with children between the ages of 7 and 17 who have undergone a surgical procedure within the past 12 months. Interested parents scanned a QR code on a flyer, distributed in clinics, non-profits, and community events that serve pediatric populations, and provided their contact information. Afterward, a researcher sent a personalized Qualtrics link to the parent to complete the survey. We hypothesize that depressive symptoms and PTSD symptoms will be negatively correlated with R/S, while anxiety and R/S will show no relationship. This study will help identify factors that may help improve mental health outcomes for children after a surgical procedure.

Presenter(s): Ashlee M. Schendel

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): BreAnne Danzi

Poster Number: 204

Child Maltreatment and PTSD Symptoms: The Role of Abandonment Schema

Abstract

Child maltreatment is commonly associated with PTS symptoms (PTSS), and moderating factors such as repeated traumatic events and history of anxiety bolster the relationship between child maltreatment and PTSS (Copeland et al., 2007). However, the role of abandonment schema in the association between childhood maltreatment and PTSS as a moderator is unknown. This cross-sectional study tested the moderating role of abandonment schema in the link between child maltreatment and PTSS while controlling for the effects of biological sex. Participants (N = 415; Mage = 19; 73% Female, 88% White) from a mid-western university completed questionnaires via Qualtrics. The Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (CATS; Sanders et al., 1995), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms (PCL-5; Weathers et al., 2013), the abandonment subscale of the Young Schema Questionnaire- Short Form (YSQ-S3; Young and Brown, 2005) were used to assess variables. We hypothesized that the association between child maltreatment and PTSS would be significantly stronger at high levels of abandonment schema. The analyses were conducted in Stata (StataCorp, 2021) with PTSS as the outcome, child maltreatment, abandonment schema, and the interaction between maltreatment and abandonment as predictors, and biological sex as covariates. Only child maltreatment (b = .72, p = .00) and abandonment (b = .26, p = .04) were significantly associated with PTSS. The full model was significant, F (4, 387) = 46.77, p < 0.000, R2 = .33. The interaction between child maltreatment and abandonment schema was associated with PTSS, such that the association between maltreatment and PTSS was stronger at low levels of abandonment compared to mean and high levels of abandonment. As the level of maltreatment increased, the effect of abandonment on PTSS decreased. The findings offer room for both treatment and prevention initiatives.

Presenter(s): Brittany Dodds

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Raluca Simons, Surabhi Swaminath

Poster Number: 205

Associations of betrayal and nonbetrayal trauma with PTSD: The mediating role of emotion dysregulation*

According to the betrayal trauma theory, traumas perpetrated by a trusted ones can cause more severe PTSD symptoms. Emotional dysregulation may be a mechanism that could explain this association. Present study tests a structural equation model of associations between betrayal and nonbetrayal trauma and PTSD via facets of emotion dysregulation. College students (N=710, Mean age=19.41; 73% Female; 88% White) completed the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5, the Brief Betrayal Trauma Survey, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. The hypothesized path model was estimated in Mplus 8.4. The hypothesized measurement model contained PTSD as latent variable. In the structural model, betrayal and nonbetrayal trauma were entered as a predictors, facets of emotion dysregulation as mediators, and PTSD as criterion variable. Gender was entered as covariate with path to each endogenous variable. The measurement and structural model fit were examined. The indirect effects of betrayal trauma on PTSD via lack of emotional clarity (ab = 0.06, 95% CI [0.03, 0.13]) and limited access to emotion regulation strategies (ab = 0.16, 95% CI [0.09, 0.27]) were significant after controlling for gender. The direct path from nonbetrayal trauma to PTSD was not significant (ß = -0.05, 95% CI [–0.08, 0.28]). Results supports the role of emotion dysregulation in the association between betrayal trauma and PTSD.

Presenter(s): Mahsa Mojallal, Surabhi  Swaminath, Emma Shaughnessy

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Raluca Simons, Jeffrey Simons

Poster Number: 206

Perfectionism and Health Behaviors*

Personality traits, particularly perfectionism, are known to affect both psychological and physical well-being. Perfectionism involves setting excessively high standards and being overly critical of oneself, often observed in personality disorders. This trait can manifest in behaviors such as Orthorexia, an obsession with healthy eating, and feeling compelled to exercise excessively, leading to stress and health complications. Research suggests that certain forms of perfectionism, such as self-criticism and socially prescribed perfectionism, may impact stress levels and activities that influence the menstrual cycle. For instance, rigorous exercise stemming from perfectionistic tendencies can disrupt hormone levels, potentially affecting the length of the menstrual cycle. Despite investigations into the link between menstrual cycle length and psychological symptoms, the influence of reported perfectionism, specifically related to Orthorexia and obligatory exercise, remains understudied. To address this gap, ongoing data collection involves recruiting menstruating participants and administering various questionnaires to assess perfectionism, personality traits, physical activity levels, and menstrual cycle details. Correlational analyses will be conducted to explore the relationship between Orthorexia, obligatory exercise, physical activity, and menstrual cycle length. Additionally, mediation analysis will assess if self-reported perfectionism facets affect physical activity, consequently influencing menstrual cycle length. The findings hold significance for clinical practices, suggesting the importance of assessing personality features in diagnosing menstrual irregularities and devising tailored treatment plans. An interdisciplinary approach is recommended to address both physical symptoms and underlying psychological factors comprehensively, promoting early intervention and improved patient outcomes.

Presenter(s): Morgan Maples

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jean Caraway

Poster Number: 207

Residential Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Predictive Factors Associated with Restraint Use

Residential treatment facilities introduce a safe and comfortable environment for children and adolescents who have significant cognitive, behavioral, and emotional delays and disabilities and are no longer considered safe in their home and/or community. This population is

vulnerable which creates a limited availability of information to help aid in the reduction of physical restraints. Residential treatment facilities are actively working to reduce physical and mechanical restraints on children and adolescents. Although the attempt to reduce these restraints is in progress, there have been little improvements over the last ten years. The purpose of this study is to update the information available and to assess whether there has been a reduction in the overall number of restraints used. Throughout this study, the restraint patterns used within a week were examined to determine what and if there was an association between the individual’s characteristics and the restraint use. For this study to be complete, the current research would need to include the events that occurred before, after, and during the restraint. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the whole event would be significantly helpful, but with the population being vulnerable, that information is restricted. This research found that age; only one of the characteristics studied had an impact on restraint use. The patterns found in this study suggest that restraints will be used more at the beginning of the week and during the daytime hours, leading facilities to allocate more resources to that time frame.

Presenter(s): Izzy J. Berscheid

Department/Division/Area: Psychology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Rachel Post, Jean Caraway

Poster Number: 208

Examining the relationship between plant species diversity and productivity across climatic, topographic, and grazing gradients in Kazakhstan and Mongolia*

Examining the mechanisms modifying grassland structure and function of ecosystems in response to a rapid increase in grazing density is crucial for conserving and sustaining pastoral ecosystems. Investigating how structure (canopy cover, height, and above-ground biomass) and function (species richness and diversity) vary along climatic and topographic gradients offers valuable insights into the factors influencing community composition in response to environmental changes. Hence, we sampled 89 sites across Kazakhstan (from north to south) in 2022 and Mongolia (east to west) in 2023. We collected grassland attributes (plant functional types, percent canopy cover and height, above-ground biomass, leaf area index, soil moisture, and soil types) to (i) scale up quadrat-based field estimates of above-ground biomass (AGB) and canopy cover (CC) to plot-level drone imagery using a deep learning framework, (ii) analyze how species diversity varies across plots exposed to different grazing, climate, and elevation gradients, and (iii) determine how plant diversity and stability are associated with spatial productivity of grasslands. We will implement a piecewise structural equation modeling (pSEM) to model productivity as a function of topography, climate, grazing intensity, and plant species diversity and stability. We will introduce sites and quadrats within the sites as a random intercept effect in the pSEM. We will test the following hypotheses: (1) AGB and species diversity are negatively impacted by aridity, proximity to settlements and grazing density, (2) AGB and CC would increase with topography and species diversity, and (3) grazing density is negatively impacted by aridity and topography. Our findings from cross-site measurements will help unveil the relationships between species diversity/stability and productivity across different grazing and climatic gradients.

Presenter(s): Venkatesh Kolluru

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ranjeet John

Poster Number: 103

Measuring Stress in the Endangered Somatochlora hineana†

Predators tend to exhibit either solitary behavior or have a social structure in which they live in groups, with many predatory arthropods fitting into solitary living. The Hine's emerald dragonfly, (Somatochlora hineana) is a federally listed endangered aquatic species in the United States, whose larvae appear to act as independent predators. However, they may have developed a degree of conspecific tolerance because they congregate in the burrows of the plains devil crayfish for months at a time to avoid habitat drying and winter conditions (Pintor and Soluk 2006). At the University of South Dakota is a captive rearing program in which S. hineana eggs are raised to maturity with release in native habitat. Previous studies of S. hineana larvae in a captive rearing context have found that when multiple individuals are kept together they show decreased growth (Morris 2023). We will investigate whether this decreased growth is a result of stress they experience when kept in close proximity, as would be characteristic of conspecific intolerance. Responses to stress include physiological alterations, notably increased respiration rates (Kuti 2022). Using intermittent aquatic respirometry, we will measure oxygen consumption by S. hineana larvae both separately and in groups under standardized conditions of temperature and light. Specifically, we will record separate oxygen consumption for a number of similarly-sized individuals and then combine these individuals together and record their group oxygen consumption. The assumption being that perceived stress would result in the groups’ oxygen consumption being greater than the sum of the individuals’ oxygen consumption rates. Understanding whether stress is a significant factor limiting the growth rates of S. hineana will help shape our understanding of how to optimize larval density in containers for the captive rearing program for this endangered species.

Presenter(s): Alexis M. Fenhaus, Devin M. Mcginley

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 101

Atopsyche spinosa and the Chamber of Respiration: Measuring Metabolic Rates and Thermal Sensitivity of a Rare Mountain Caddisfly along an Altitudinal Gradient.

Insects provide vital ecosystem services to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.  Many insects are particularly impacted by anthropogenic changes in land use and climate that have altered temperatures, habitat availability, and food webs. Some of this sensitivity reflects their ability to respond physiologically to the changing environmental conditions.  Studies of changes in metabolic rate (the process of converting food to energy) can be one of the best ways of assessing ecophysiological response and sensitivity to changing conditions. In this study we focus on the unusual caddisfly Atopsyche spinosa (Hydrobioscidae: Trichoptera) found in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona.  Atopsyche spp. live in desert mountain streams from 300-3,810m altitude, ranging from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina. Species associated with isolated mountain streams are threatened as climate change warms their habitat forcing them into higher altitudes.  Previous studies demonstrate that Atopsyche spp. are metabolically sensitive to changes in temperature as a result of an altitudinal gradient.  We are studying larval A. spinosa over a temperature and altitudinal gradient of 1829m using intermittent respirometry to measure Standard Metabolic Rate (SMR, energy expenditure at rest), and Routine Metabolic Rate (RMR, average energy expenditure over time).  Larvae from high and low elevations will be collected and starved prior to assessment. We expect that A. spinosa will have a higher metabolic rate at lower elevations, with thermal sensitivity being the significant factor restricting their altitudinal range in mountain streams. Understanding the ecophysiology of insects most sensitive to environmental changes and temperature may provide understanding of how their ranges will shift as anthropogenic alterations to our planet continue.

Presenter(s): Devin M. Mcginley, Alexis M. Fenhaus, Daniel A. Hanson, Keileen M. A. Boom, Saharra R. Chambers

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 102

Prickly at all Ages: Demography and Habitat Selection of the Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni)

Cacti are essential for desert ecosystems, providing habitat, food, and stabilizing soils. However, they face many challenges and many are threatened or endangered due to anthropogenic activity and climate change. The fishhook barrel cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) is found in south-central Arizona, USA and northern Sorona, MX. Historically, this species provided important resources for the local fauna and indigenous populations. However, F. wislizeni now faces increased threat of extinction due to climate change and illegal harvesting. As a species with a narrow niche requirement, understanding the conditions which allow the species to thrive is important for their conservation. Within F. wislizeni’s native range in Arizona two populations will be examined, one on the east side of the Chiricahua Mountains in Cochise County near Portal  and the other in Tucson Mountain Park, Pima County.  These populations differ in that the Portal Population is on the edge of the range for this species, while the Mountain Park Population experineces more favorable conditions. Demography of the two populations will be examined  using  height, diameter, scarring, discoloration and lean of the cactus as a proxy for population health. Soil composition, loam texture-by-feel, soil color, bedrock depth, and nurse plant presence will also be assessed . NOAA and SoilWeb will provide annual temperature, precipitation, and soil data. R-Studios and ArcGIS will be used to compare populations. Understanding how cactus species respond to stress on the edge of their range can give us better insight into their resilience and survival in the face of rapid environmental change.

Presenter(s): Shayla Kelly, Allison Luedeke, Aryn Meiners, Kyron Hutchinson, Paige Cmelik, Rachel Bauer

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 103

Bottoms Up: Diurnal activity patterns of the Desert Stink Beetle Eleodes longicollis LeConte in the Sky Islands of Southeast Arizona

Understanding the ecology and physiology of Eledoes beetles aids in interpreting their movement and preferred environments for future conservation efforts. Within the Tenebrionidae family, Eleodes longicollis, or more commonly known as the desert stink or pinacate beetle, inhabits Southwestern regions of the United States. This beetle is very recognizable as it is a large flightless scavenger that raises its abdomen to release volatile vapors when threatened by predators. Many species in this genus use rodent burrows or hide under rocks when not actively foraging to dissipate heat and conserve energy. Previous studies suggest these beetles may come across habitats randomly with no particular home range, however it is still unclear if choice is a factor when seeking shelter. We will be examining movement patterns of E. longicollis in the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona using direct observations, video recordings, radio frequency identification device (RFID), and GPS. This technology allows detection of individual beetles, even when they are underground. We will mark the beetles by gluing passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags and bee tags onto the beetles elytra for later recapture using a RFID tracking device that recognizes individual tags. Trail cameras and Sony camcorders with night vision will also be used to capture individual movement. We will enter GPS coordinates of where the E. longicollis are originally found and recaptured into Google Earth Engine to document these activity patterns. We expect to find E. longicollis individuals in greater abundance along intermediate elevation gradients as it is predicted to have more activity in the desert compared to mountainous environments.

Presenter(s): Anna C. Anderson, Eleanor M. Becker, Jordan G. Lowe, Noah P. Guisinger, Rebekah J. Van Marel, Aleah S. Z. Dokter

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 104

Streams in the Desert: The Effect of Elevation on Macroinvertebrate Body Size Spectra in the Chiricahua Mountains

Body size spectra represent the distribution of body sizes and mass for organisms within a biological community. Elevation can heavily impact the productivity of an ecosystem and alter the body size spectra of invertebrate communities. Generally, high-elevation areas will have lower biodiversity than low-elevation areas depending on levels of dissolved oxygen which is affected both negatively by increasing altitude and positively by decreased temperature.  Previous research on the impact of altitude on body size spectra in freshwater systems has focused primarily on lakes, with little research centered on biodiverse streams systems. Most studies have focused on specific invertebrates and did not evaluate the body size spectra of entire stream invertebrate communities or in response to changes in altitude.  In this study, we examine the impact of altitude on body size spectra of aquatic macroinvertebrate communities in stream systems (Cave Creek and East Turkey Creek) in the Chiricahua Mountains of Southeastern Arizona. We will be sampling at multiple stations along a gradient of up to 1200 meters.  At each station, quantitative samples will be obtained along transects using “d” frame nets (0.5mm mesh size) to collect invertebrates from a 0.09 m2 area.  Using a generalized linear mixed model, we will compare the body size spectra between streams along the elevational gradient. The relationship between body size spectra and elevation has not been well documented in streams. This study provides a fundamental understanding of macroinvertebrate community structures that may be impacted by climate change and anthropogenic activities.

Presenter(s): Staci Reynolds, Morgan Hrivnak, Samuel Parrish, Haley Anciaux, Dean Magnusson, Derek Ulven

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Daniel Soluk

Poster Number: 105

Monitoring Selenium Bioaccumulation in False Map Turtles (Graptemys pseudogeographica)‡

Selenium is an element that becomes bioactivated in aquatic environments. Selenium bioaccumulation may threaten a South Dakota state threatened species, the False Map Turtle (Graptemys pseudogeographica). Invertebrate filter feeder species like zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) are known to uptake selenium via their exposure. Previous laboratory work has found that False Map Turtles consume large amounts of zebra mussels throughout the summer months leading to selenium bioaccumulation from selenium transfer. A myriad of negative effects like selenosis, reproductive infertility, and death are associated with high selenium concentrations. Sampling was done on the False Map Turtles in the summer of 2022. Samples were taken once a month from July to September. A blood sample and several morphometric measurements were collected from each turtle. Data were collected from 15 male and 38 female False Map Turtles. The average selenium concentration present during each month appeared to peak in July with an average concentration of 0.941 ug/g and a maximum concentration of 6.24 ug/g. The relationship between sex and the average selenium concentration per month showed relatively equal concentrations among males and females with similar concentrations during August and September. Yet, during the peak month of July, male turtles had a much higher selenium concentration (1.37 ug/g) than their female counterparts (0.732 ug/g). When accounting for turtle body mass in relation to sex, males appeared to have over 600% more selenium present per gram of body weight. Further work needs to be done to determine why this difference exists. Differences in overall size might alter prey selection where males are more likely to consume the smaller zebra mussels. Additionally, detoxification systems in the turtles themselves might differ between the sexes. Regardless, these findings highlight the importance of understanding the role of invasive zebra mussels in contaminant distribution in aquatic ecosystems.

Presenter(s): Grant Budden

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jacob Kerby

Poster Number: 201

All Stressed Out: Investigating Differences in Corcicosterone Levels in Amphibians Exposed to Common Environmental Stressors‡

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 amphibians2. Many species, including our model organism, the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), 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 C. Wittmuss

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jacob Kerby

Poster Number: 202

Relationship between Prodigiosin Production and Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis Metabolite Concentration†

The purpose of this research project is to identify the mechanisms and relationship between prodigiosin, a secondary metabolite pigment that is produced by Serratia bacteria, and the metabolites produced by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). It has previously been demonstrated that prodigiosin has antifungal properties and it can help to decrease the growth of Bd. However, when bacteria are grown in the same media with added Bd metabolites, there is a decrease in prodigiosin production by the bacteria. To experimentally determine the relationship between the two, I grew Serratia bacteria until it produced prodigiosin which is determined by the presence of a dark red pigment. Separately I grew Bd fungi and after approximately three days, I isolated a cell-free supernatant of the Bd metabolites and added them at different concentrations to the bacteria in different temperature treatments. The temperature treatments were in two-degree increments between 20°C and 30°C. The Bd metabolites were diluted five times in triplicate measurements. The samples consisted of a control group with no metabolites in it and metabolites from a heat-killed Bd sample. These samples were incubated at different temperature treatments. They were analyzed with a spectrophotometer that measures the light absorbency of the sample which can be used as a proxy for the density of prodigiosin. The expected results of this project should determine that the samples with cell-free supernatant will have slowed prodigiosin production. Conclusions drawn from this research could mean that organisms infected with Bd might be able to fight it off better at different temperatures using prodigiosin depending on the optimal functional temperatures of both Bd and Serratia. Preliminary analysis suggests that physiological concentrations of Serratia in Bd metabolites produce the greatest amount of prodigiosin, with the optimal production temperature being between 24° and 28°C.

Presenter(s): Nautica Hagg

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jacob Kerby

Poster Number: 203

Interaction of Temperature and Nutrients on Macroinvertebrate Size Spectra‡

Across ecosystems, body size changes seem to be regulated by temperature. However, body size is likely to be regulated by organisms in response to resource (food) availability as well. These changes can be measured across communities using size spectra, which describes the relative abundance of large to small individuals in an ecosystem. To understand how size spectra may change with different temperatures and potentially be offset by nutrient levels, a mesocosm experiment was conducted in the summer of 2022. Mesocosms were large, outdoor controlled tanks that simulate natural stream ecosystems; macroinvertebrate species naturally colonize them (Experimental Aquatic Research Site at USD). The experiment consisted of twenty-four tanks using a full-factorial design with two levels of temperature (unheated vs. heated), two levels of nutrients (ambient vs. enriched), and their interaction (n = 6 replicates each). Samples of macroinvertebrates from each tank were measured for body length using the program ImageJ. From the heated tanks, the relative abundance of larger organisms was much higher than expected from theory, but the increase depended largely on whether nutrients were added or not. The relative abundance of large individuals increased with temperature, but only in the tanks without added nutrients. With added nutrients, the relative abundance of large individuals decreased. These findings complicate predictions of food web change in response to nutrients and temperature, which have predicted reductions in large individuals with temperature unless there is a corresponding increase in resource supply; the opposite of our findings.

Presenter(s): Aria Smith

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jeff Wesner

Poster Number: 204

Temperature and predation effects on planktonic community size distribution

Individual body sizes throughout planktonic communities are expected to change with the increasing temperatures due to climate change. Increasing temperatures are expected to decrease mean body size, leading to a higher abundance of smaller individuals relative to larger individuals. However, body sizes can also be impacted by food web structure, yet it is unclear how the food web structure interacts with temperature. We used mesocosms to test how planktonic body size distribution was impacted by increased temperatures, the presence of fish, and a combination of both. Body sizes were measured by the Countess 3 Cell Counter. A generalized linear mixed model was used to estimate the change in the size spectrum exponent across treatments. Preliminary results suggest that there was no difference in the size distribution between the ambient temperature and heated tanks. However, the presence of fish does result in a more negative exponent than tanks with no fish, suggesting lower relative abundance of large individuals, though the effect size was negligible. This lack of difference between the ambient and heated tanks deviates from the expected response of body size distribution with the warming annual temperatures.

Presenter(s): Staci Reynolds

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jeff Wesner, Vojsava Gjoni

Poster Number: 205

Metabolic Scaling of Aquatic Macroinvertebrates

The common assumption in regard to metabolic rate scaling with body size is the 3/4ths law, which predicts a slope of 0.75 between log metabolic rate and log body size. Supporting evidence exists for this theory on the large, general scale. However, factors such as temperature, predation, and environment can cause the slope to deviate from 0.75. This paper takes a closer look at the effects of temperature and predation on metabolic rates via oxygen consumption in freshwater macroinvertebrate populations. To do this, 24 tanks were filled with water to allow natural populations of macroinvertebrates (predominantly Chironomidae) to colonize. The tanks were randomly chosen to be heated, heated with a fish living in the tank, unheated with a fish, or neither. Individuals from samples of the benthic layer were sorted and separated into vials. The difference in oxygen content of individuals was then measured over 30 minutes. The results suggest a metabolic scaling between 0.4 and 0.5 across treatments, substantially lower than the 0.75 predicted by theory. An interaction between temperature and predation was also observed. Increase temperatures caused the slope to increase in the absence of fish but decrease in the presence of fish. These findings indicate not only a strong deviation from 0.75, but also provide insight on how environmental changes will shape ecosystem dynamics in the future.

Presenter(s): Jacob Woelber

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Jeff Wesner, Vojsava Gjoni

Poster Number: 206

Mitochondrial Dynamics and Quality Control Under Redox Stress

Mitochondria form dynamic networks that play pivotal roles in the cell. Beyond production of cellular energy (i.e. ATP), mitochondria are involved in metabolism of other biomolecules (e.g. fatty acids, amino-acid metabolism, hormones), manage cellular waste and are involved in cell death. Amidst these essential functions, mitochondria also generate reactive oxygen species (mtROS) as a by-product of oxidative phosphorylation, the process of generating ATP in the mitochondria. At normal physiological levels, mtROS serve as communication molecules in signal transduction. But above a certain threshold, e.g. under certain genetic mutations or pathologies, mtROS induces cellular damage and possibly changes in mitochondrial morphology as well as quality. Investigating how mitochondrial dynamics are influenced, is therefore, critical for understanding mechanistic causes of diseases and the development of treatments. To this end, we use a disease model of Drosophila with a clinical redox imbalance phenotype to understand changes in mitochondrial dynamics and quality control. Specifically, we investigate if elevated mtROS results in transcriptional upregulation of genes Mfn (Mitofusin, involved in fission-fusion dynamics of mitochondrial network) and PINK-1/PARKIN (involved in mitophagy or degradation of damaged mitochondria from cell). To this end, we are quantifying transcript levels of these genes using polymerase chain reaction in the disease model of Drosophila and genetically matched controls. The broader goals of our project are to (1) understand how cells evaluate mitochondrial function, (2) evaluate if mitochondrial remodeling is involved in diseases and under physiological stress and, (2) uncover novel therapeutic approaches for mitochondrial dysfunction and disease.

Presenter(s): Avery J. Damron, Jessica L. Matthews

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Omera Matoo

Poster Number: 207

Mapping annual 10-m invasive yellow sweetclover abundance across western South Dakota during 2016–2022*

Yellow sweetclover (Melilotus Officinalis, MEOF) is an invasive forb pervasive across the Northern Great Plains which is often linked to traits such as wide adaptability, strong stress resistance, and high biomass. Despite MEOF's prevalent ecological and economic impacts, a high-resolution spatial-temporal comprehensive model to map MEOF abundance is lacking. We aim to develop a generalized model which can be applied to Sentinel-2 data to produce a time series of annual MEOF abundance (2016-2022). We hypothesize that the time series of annual maps will exhibit high spatiotemporal variability since MEOF is highly affected by moisture availability. We conducted field data collection for multiple years (2021-2023) along with UAV flights at 16 sites for the year 2023 to deliver high-quality MEOF presence classified maps at a high resolution of 4cm. Apart from in situ samples (quadrats), we also utilized observed MEOF abundance samples from various sources e.g. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), etc. along with 10m Sentinel 2A-derived surface reflectance and indices, site-specific variables of climate, terrain, and soil properties to model the MEOF percent cover distribution. We extracted MEOF percent cover for 10m Sentinel-2 pixels using high-quality MEOF classified maps obtained from 4cm aerial (unmanned aerial vehicle) imagery with a high resolution at 16 sites. The UAV-derived MEOF percent cover was used as an input for our machine learning model for training and validation purposes. Out of 16 sites, 12 sites were used as training, and the remaining 4 were used as validation sites. The output maps may be utilized to identify yearly fluctuations in the abundance of MEOF and to assist land managers in pinpointing regions that will require management due to the rapid spread of MEOF in subsequent years.

Presenter(s): Sakshi Saraf

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ranjeet John

Poster Number: 208

Using Object Based Image Analysis to Track Changes in Russian Olive Dsitributions Along the Missouri River in Response to Flooding*

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia; RO) is an invasive nitrogen-fixing tree that has become prevalent in the riparian ecosystems of the western United States. The Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) has witnessed the expansion of RO over the past few decades, potentially a consequence of modified flow patterns from upstream dams. RO has the potential to compete with native tree species, many of which have already seen declines in recruitment post dam construction, which could result in reduced tree species richness with potential impacts on populations of birds and other wildlife. Our objective is to develop a model employing object-based image analysis (OBIA) to accurately identify RO using high resolution National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP) Imagery. Image segmentation will be performed within Ecognition Developer using 4-band (RGB-NIR) imagery and two indices, Enhanced Bloom Index (EBI) and NDVI. To accomplish this, 376 present day locations of RO were identified in the field to train and validate the model. This model will serve as a valuable tool for mapping current distributions of RO and contrasting it with historical distributions from 2010, 2012 or 2014, and 2016. Through analysis of historical distributions, we seek to quantify the impacts of flood events in 2011 and 2019 on RO distributions within the MNRR. This research will contribute to our understanding of the invasive potential of RO in the MNRR and can provide insight for land managers on how RO is spreading and affected by floods. This model may also serve as a prototype for mapping other riparian invasive species using high-resolution imagery.

Presenter(s): Zach Schild

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Ranjeet John

Poster Number: 209

Embryonic ethanol exposure appears to impact the reward pathway in the midbrain in a zebrafish model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder(FASD)

Prenatal alcohol exposure affects 1 in 100 children born in the US and is associated with a host of birth defects collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Impaired social behavior is often a devastating symptom of FASD that dramatically reduces the quality of life for patients with FASD. Thus, advancing our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for ethanol-induced social defects is paramount. Zebrafish have already begun playing a role in furthering our knowledge about potential mechanisms responsible for ethanol-induced social defects. Zebrafish are social animals. Increases in dopamine levels indicate that a stimulus is rewarding. Previous work has shown that dopamine levels increase in zebrafish when shown a social stimulus. Our previous work has shown that embryonic ethanol exposure from 24 to 26 hours postfertilization (hpf) disrupts social behavior in adult zebrafish, and whole brain dopamine levels in zebrafish with embryonic ethanol exposure are lower compared to controls when shown a social stimulus, which suggests that the embryonic ethanol exposure impacts the reward system. Here we build on our previous work by using acute ethanol exposure in adult zebrafish with and without embryonic ethanol exposure as a rewarding stimulus.  Our preliminary data shows a trend in which dopamine levels are increased in the fore and midbrain of fish without embryonic ethanol exposure, however, we do not find ethanol-induced dopamine increases in fish with embryonic ethanol exposure. Our data suggest that embryonic ethanol exposure impacts the reward system and thus has the potential to provide mechanistic insights into one of the most devastating symptoms of FASD.

Presenter(s): Makayla Mofle

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Yohaan Fernandes, Mindy Rampersad

Poster Number: 211

Characterization of Behavior in Larval Zebrafish Following Embryonic Ethanol Exposure

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) encompasses all the birth defects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Learning and memory deficits are cognitive birth defects associated with FASD; these defects are life-long and can impact a person with FASD for their entire life. Furthermore, in the United States, FASD prevalence ranges between 2 to 5%. Therefore, understanding the biological mechanisms behind ethanol-induced learning and memory defects is a very important endeavor which can be aided by animal models. For example, previous research has shown that embryonic ethanol exposure from 16 to 18 hours postfertilization impairs associate learning in adult zebrafish. However, while the previous findings provide strong evidence that zebrafish can model ethanol-induced learning and memory defects the paradigm used was not amenable to high throughput screening due to its dependance on using adult zebrafish. High throughput drug and mutation screens are better adapted for younger fish called larvae. Here we show a paradigm for characterizing the effects that embryonic ethanol exposure has on associative learning in 7-day old zebrafish. We used the DanioVision observation chamber to run a fully automated learning assay in which response to a taping stimulus over time is measured. We expect fish to initially show increased movement when first exposed to the stimulus, and then to show habituation to the stimulus over time. If ethanol exposure impairs learning our hypothesis predicts that ethanol treated fish will not habituate to the stimulus. Here we will assay the learning behavior of up to 96 fish at a time. Our results provide evidence of a high throughput assay which can later be used to screen for ethanol sensitive mutations or drugs that can improve ethanol induced learning and memory deficits.

Presenter(s): Spencer Hurst

Department/Division/Area: Biology

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Yohaan Fernandes, Mindy Fernandes

Poster Number: 212

Crying Wolf: The Autoimmune Disease Lupus

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, also known as lupus, is an uncommon autoimmune condition that affects around 200,000 people in the United States alone (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2018). The disease is chronic and can present with many different symptoms. Skin rashes, joint pain, and synovitis are common and present in about 90% of patients (Fava, 2019). Renal disease, a common finding, is involved in 50% of all cases and 70% of those of African descent. Other less common symptoms involve the central nervous system: seizures and psychosis, alopecia, and photosensitivity. Some medications have been established for lupus, most importantly hydroxychloroquine which treats some of the more serious side-effects like organ damage, cardiovascular events, and seizures. In addition, Vitamin D supplementation may be necessary, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for women with lupus-caused hormone deficiencies, and corticosteroids. These can help with regulating the immune and/or endocrine system and to treat lupus and its symptoms without simultaneously increasing risk for infection or cancer. Non-pharmaceutical management includes stretching and exercise to help with fatigue and skeletomuscular pain, and lowered sun exposure as a protective measure. Current research concentrates on causative factors for lupus, diagnostic testing, classification criteria, and treatment for symptoms and the disease itself. Notable current research includes pharmaceutical treatments, biologic agents and therapies including different immunological molecules and cells, and non-pharmaceutical holistic methods. These new therapies may provide the treatment needed for the condition but lower the risk of drug toxicity, other side effects, and comorbidities associated with previously used regimens (Basta, 2020). This literature review will discuss previous findings and studies about lupus as well as suggest areas for future research that will advance disease treatment.

Presenter(s): Morgan Hart, Abby Becker, Morgan Ballard

Department/Division/Area: Medical Laboratory Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kari Potter

Poster Number: 106

Fiery Serpents of the Modern World: Guinea Worm Disease

Guinea worm disease is caused by the parasite Dracunculus medinensis and it is transmitted by drinking unfiltered water from contaminated ponds and other stagnant surface water sources (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Often times individuals that acquire this disease do not realize that they have been infected with the parasite because it takes a year for the symptoms to appear. When the symptoms do begin, the affected individual will experience fever, swelling, and pain which may become so excruciating that it feels as if their leg is on fire (CDC, 2023).  It was a major problem in poor communities in Africa in the 1980’s; starting in 1986 the eradication process began and is still active today. In 1986, there were 3.5 million cases worldwide (Hopkins et al., 2023). In 2022 there were only 13 cases. Treatment for Guinea worm disease is not what one would typically imagine. There is currently no drug available, but anti-inflammatory medicine may be beneficial. To extract the worm, individuals wait until part of the worm protrudes from the body. The worm is wrapped around a stick or a small piece of gauze, extracting it only a few centimeters a day (CDC, 2023). This process can take days to weeks. The use of PCR and electronic media has been discussed, but further research is needed. This literature review aims to educate the public on what Guinea worm disease is, the life cycle of Dracunculus medinensis, diagnosis, treatment, the process of eradicating this disease, and further research needed.

Presenter(s): Ashley Craft, Anika Vold, Joseph Vincent

Department/Division/Area: Medical Laboratory Science

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Kari Potter

Poster Number: 107

SOS Student-Focused Wellness Initiative

Nursing students experience high levels of stress that can have negative impacts on students, including long-term health effects, poor academic performance, and increased risk of burnout after licensure. Historically, Nursing programs fail to address nursing student coping, stress management, and well-being in a sustainable and transferable way to clinical professional practice. Promoting self-care and resiliency strategies should be initiated at the outset of any nursing program and continued throughout the individual’s academic journey.

This longitudinal, action-oriented, quality improvement project focuses on implementing evidence-based self-care activities to enhance nursing student wellness while exploring the impact on students’ perceived stress and sense of well-being. This project began in the Spring of 2022, with faculty collaborating with students to administer the SINS survey (Stressors in Nursing Students)3 followed by an intervention plan for each semester based on SINS results. While academic stressors are still part of student life, students report that wellness activities help their overall sense of wellness. Outcomes include decreased student-reported overall stress levels between the Fall of 2022 and the Fall of 2023. Evidence-based wellness activities empower students to practice self-care strategies that may enhance well-being in college and post-graduation employment.

Presenter(s): Brittney S. Ingram

Department/Division/Area: Nursing

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Danielle Fleming, Jean Yockey

Poster Number: 108

Save Our Students: Nutritional Wellness

An Action-Oriented Project

This project aimed to identify and implement low-cost, evidence-based interventions to improve student nurse nutrition and wellness at the University of South Dakota. Nutrition was selected as a focus area due to its significant impact on stress and cognitive function, and its potential to prevent chronic health issues. The project methodology involved a needs assessment through the "Stressors in Nursing Students" survey, followed by the implementation of two primary interventions: a community-based guest presenter and a change in snack options in available vending machines in student areas. The interventions were based on the Physical Wellness dimension of the well-being model and were developed with input from community experts and USD administration. The project outcomes included a healthy snacks presentation with a wellness expert, increased interest from students in university majors for nutritional information, and direct impact on students' eating habits. The implications of this project suggest that improving nutrition can lead to better cognitive function and increased energy levels, helping students stay focused and engaged in their studies. Promoting healthy habits early on can help prevent chronic health issues in the future and can also help reduce stress. The project's future steps include measuring the number of new snack item purchases, conducting a workshop on meal planning, and proposing a refrigerated vending machine in the Health Sciences Building. Overall, this project highlights the importance of nutrition as an integral part of an overall wellness program for nurses and nursing students, who lead by example, and whose lifestyle and habits can influence patients' health decisions.

Presenter(s): Trevor Sanson, Maddilyn Pippett

Department/Division/Area: Nursing

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Lorie Truhe, Jean Yockey

Poster Number: 109

Community-Based Participatory Action Research to Improve Health Concerns of Immigrants in South Dakota

Health concerns of the immigrant population were starkly highlighted in 2020 and 2021 when the local meatpacking industry experienced disproportionate outbreaks of COVID-19 among their immigrant workforce. Immigrants make up nearly 40 % of the meatpacking industry’s workforce nationwide but in SD, they comprise 58 % (1). During the initial phase of the COVID pandemic in 2020, while much of the U.S. was closed for business, a meatpacking plant in South Dakota stayed open and became the nation’s largest hotspot for infections (2). Significantly, 11% of the healthcare workforce in SD is of immigrant background (3), suggesting an untapped reservoir of existing expertise in health and wellness issues among this underrepresented population.  Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) is research that involves community members, academic researchers, clinicians, and others in all phases of the research process. To implement this approach to research, the CWEB (Community Wellness Explorations Board) was established at the USD SHS. The mission of the CWEB was identified as: To provide immigrants and refugees with a platform to voice their healthcare needs and priorities. We are committed to fostering equitable collaborations that highlight existing services and bridge service gaps. Through our work, we aim to cultivate trusting relationships within these communities, spreading awareness and understanding to enhance their overall wellness and healthcare experiences. The Implementation Plan includes an 1. Assessment Phase, 2. A Planning Phase, 3. An Action Phase and 4. A Reflection and Adaptation Phase. This work will describe results gathered as part of Phase 1.

Presenter(s): Zakaria P. Okuwe

Department/Division/Area: Nursing

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Sabina Kupershmidt

Poster Number: 110

Nursing Students’ Sleep Hygiene

This project aimed to identify nursing students’ current sleep hygiene habits while enrolled in the University of South Dakota nursing program. A literature review demonstrated limited research regarding sleep hygiene in nursing students. At the same time, there is a significant body of literature to support the high prevalence of sleep disorders among university students and the potential negative impacts. Sleep hygiene was selected as a focus area due to its significant impact on stress and cognitive function and its potential to prevent chronic health issues. The project methodology involved the administration of the Sleep Hygiene Questionnaire, which students completed anonymously and voluntarily. Data was collected on pre-nursing and the four-semester nursing program to determine if sleep hygiene habits changed after entering the nursing program. Quantitative analysis indicated that 137 surveys were completed, with 23.5% (N=32) pre-nursing and 76.5% (N=104) in the nursing program. There was no statistically significant difference between pre-nursing and nursing sleep hygiene habits. Future directions include identifying and implementing interventions to support nursing student sleep hygiene.

Presenter(s): Eli Cheever, Katie Leichner

Department/Division/Area: School of Health Sciences

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): Danielle Fleming, Jean Yockey

Poster Number: 213

Exploring the Role of Bacteriophage in the Rgg1-Mediated Regulation of

Streptococcus pyogenes

Bacteriophages (Ø) and other horizontal transmissible DNA elements (HTEs) constitute 10% of the chromosome in S. pyogenes, and each clinical isolate has a unique combination of bacteriophages resulting in genetic diversity among isolates. Previously, our lab identified the binding sites of a transcriptional regulatory protein named Rgg1 in the clinical isolated NZ131, which influences genome-wide gene expression. Currently, we are examining gene regulation of Rgg1 in the clinical isolate SF370, both with and without a SF370 specific bacteriophage named phage 4 (Ø.4). We hypothesize that Ø.4, can modify the transcriptome and phenotype of S. pyogenes through interactions with Rgg1. We utilized RNA-Seq to examine Rgg1 regulons in the presence and absence of Ø.4 and investigated whether Ø.4 alters the expression of virulence genes and modulates copper stress controlled by Rgg1. We also used ChIP-Seq to assess if Ø.4 influenced Rgg1 binding to DNA. Lastly, we used a mouse model of invasive infection to elucidate the impact of Ø.4-Rgg1 interactions on virulence. Our results show that Rgg1, influenced by Ø.4, may control genes related to metabolism and virulence. Our future directions include the investigation of each opening reading frame (ORF) of Ø.4 and whether the integration of Ø.4 alters Rgg1 gene regulation.

Presenter(s): Yuan Tian

Department/Division/Area: School of Medicine

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

Poster Number: 214

Develop A Synthetic Biomarker System for Early Detection of 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 (NFB) response elements that quickly respond to inflammation. During the early stages of MI, myocardial cells release NFB 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 cardio myoblast model. Withing twenty-four hours, we will detect the reporter peptide present in the culture supernatants with an antibody-based anti-His-tag assay.

As I plan to apply to medical school, this award would significantly impact my future career path as a medical professional and will greatly enhance my understanding of heart diseases and how to provide the most appropriate care to my future patients.

Presenter(s): Kennedy Bietz

Department/Division/Area: School of Medicine

Faculty/Staff Advisor(s): William Chen

Poster Number: 215

Field scale detection of cover crops and tillage using remote sensing in eastern South Dakota.*

The adoption of conservation agriculture (CA) methods, such as conservation tillage and cover cropping, has been recognized as a viable alternative to conventional farming practices for improving soil health and reducing soil carbon losses. Despite prior studies having identified the geographic extent of these techniques, a comprehensive investigation of their application in the   US Corn Belt. at the field scale has not been carried out. To address this knowledge gap, we employed multispectral and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery to infer the level of tillage intensity and identify the presence of cover crops. Additionally, we used a classifier trained with in situ field samples and environmental drivers acquired from different remote sensing datasets for the years 2022 and 2023. Satellite spectral indices were successfully used to detect both the amount of green vegetative groundcover and the type of tillage practices on the studied region. According to our findings, in the year 2023, approximately 85% of the land used for growing corn (Zea mays) in the previous season and 73% of the soybean (Glycine max) cultivated land utilized conservation tillage practices.  In 2022, the land under cover crops to the planting of summer-sown crops during the winter season was 4%. Our collective results show that farmer adoption decisions are highly dependent on the climatic and soil conditions of a region. In addition, we found a positive correlation between the adoption of cover crops by farmers and their inclination towards adopting conservation tillage.  Our collective results imply that employing these methods may present a viable means of supervising and recording the agricultural management techniques that farmers adopt on their land, particularly in regions where Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar images are accessible.

Presenter(s): Khushboo Jain

Department/Division/Area: Sustainability

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

Poster Number: 210