Department of Biological Sciences

Title: Analysis of Purine Biosynthesis and Salvage Pathway Genes and their Contributions to Genome Stability in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Authors: Jeff Flores, Daisy J. Grove, Erin D. Strome

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: The methyl cycle produces the main methyl donor for many cellular reactions. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, SAM1 and SAM2 encode the enzymes that produce this donor, AdoMet. Despite high homology, loss of SAM1 and SAM2 have opposite effects on AdoMet levels and genome stability. The direct link between the methyl cycle and genomic integrity remains unclear. One potential mechanism is that changes in the methyl cycle affect purine synthesis and salvage pathways. Purines, including adenine and guanine, are essential nucleotides that serve as building blocks of DNA and RNA. Disruptions in their synthesis or salvage may increase genome instability by altering nucleotide availability for repair and replication. We are studying genes within these pathways to determine whether their loss changes the genome's stability rate. This investigation aims to pinpoint key constituents worth further study to see whether they respond to methyl cycle perturbations.

Title: Analyzing the potential roles pck genes play in digestive and respiratory organ development

Authors: Autumn Jouett, Dr. Emily Shifley, Paige Dungan, Makayla Brown

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 and 2 (pck1 and pck2) are genes who code for major rate-limiting enzymes in gluconeogenesis, a form of reverse glycolysis in which blood sugar is regulated. The full extent of these genes in embryonic development is not yet known. I hypothesized that pck1 and pck2 might be involved in digestive organ development. I used Xenopus laevis as a model organism and documented expression of pck genes in both digestive and respiratory organs. I then inhibited pck1 and pck2 activity by injecting morpholinos into developing embryos and analyzed phenotypes. I dissected developing organs to visualize any physical deformations and looked to see if early genetic organ markers were expressed using in situ hybridization. I found that inhibiting the pck1 and pck2 genes did impact normal organ formation and gene expression. This new insight into the pck genes enhances our understanding of their complex roles during embryonic development.

Title: Assessment of air quality at green spaces and non-green spaces in Avondale Cincinnati

Authors: Anna Groendyke and Yingying Xie, PhD

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: This project investigates the impact of green space on air quality in urban environments. We have 8 air quality monitors in the community of Avondale, Cincinnati. Four are in green spaces and four are in urban non-green spaces. These monitors have collected data for one year since summer 2025 to summer 2026 including PM2.5 (small particles in the air), temperature, and relative humidity every 15 minutes. These measurements were used to calculate daily metrics across the year. Days with good and moderate air quality were also determined by following EPA standards. Then, we compared air quality among all 8 sites and between green and non-green sites. We did not find statistically significant differences between them suggesting regional impacts on air quality or limited observations due to  malfunctioned devices and data gaps at various times. Data collection will be continued for another year to reveal more details and improve understanding.

Title: Assessment of Seasonal Dynamics of Wetland Macrofungi in Northern Kentucky

Authors: Lily Zerhusen, Katie Dennison, Yingying Xie, Ph.D.

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Macrofungi in relation to wetland ecosystems remains a neglected field; however, understanding its seasonal dynamics and fluctuations will help to explain the habitat’s ecology and nutrient cycling. Our project assesses how seasonality impacts fungi biodiversity in forested wetlands at Saint Anne’s Woods and Wetlands and Northern Kentucky University Research and Education Field Station (REFS). We have conducted weekly surveys in the fall, spring, and summer seasons from 2024 to 2026, recording species, genus, size, location, and environmental conditions of macrofungi occurrences. Community science data from iNaturalist (2017-2025) was also included in data analysis. We found that the most frequently observed species in spring and summer was white jelly fungus, Protohydnum album, and Turkey tail, Trametes versicolor, in the fall, with the highest species richness in summer. Seasonal fungi observations will be characterized to provide information to the public about the diversity of mushroom observations in our local environment.

Title: Disrupting High AdoMet-Dependent Methyltransferase Pathways to Determine Cellular Impacts

Authors: Emma Ray, Tuyet Do, Daisy J. Grove, Erin D. Strome

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Changes in the availability of AdoMet, the main methyl donor in cells, has been shown to alter the stability of the genome. Methyltransferases are a major user of AdoMet, and function to transfer the methyl group onto a target molecule. In this project we are focusing on high methyl-group demand pathways to determine if disrupting their activity also alters genome stability. We utilized PCR and transformations to make diploid homozygous deletion strains, for each of six genes, and then tested genome stability and growth impacts. Preliminary results show that disruption of some of these pathways lead to genome stability changes, but with variability in the level of impact. As well, these gene deletions differentially affect tolerance to oxidative and thermal stress.

Title: Effect of leaf blight on the decomposition rate of Amur honeysuckle.

Authors: Owen Frilling-Fant, Madison Bentley, and Richard Boyce

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Plant litter decomposition is an important factor in ecosystem function, and anything that increases or decreases decomposition can alter important ecosystem processes, including nutrient cycling. While invasive plants alter litter decomposition, their infection by leaf diseases can also alter decomposition. Previous work on invasive Japanese stiltgrass showed that infection with Bipolaris leaf spot disease slowed litter decomposition. Our research focused on Insolibasidium deformans (honeysuckle leaf blight) and its effect on infected Lonicera maackii (Amur honeysuckle) leaf litter. We collected blighted and unblighted honeysuckle leaves in June. Litterbags were placed in a forest understory invaded by honeysuckle. After one month, litterbags were collected, and the fraction of the original dry weight was calculated. The average fraction remaining for the unblighted samples vs. blighted samples was 0.21 vs. 0.12, which was significantly different (P = 0.004). Thus, leaf blight is further altering nutrient cycling rates in forests invaded by honeysuckle.

Title: Effect of seed germination paper on the attractiveness of Fipronil to female Culex and Aedes mosquitoes

Authors: Kel Daniel, Lilly Keith, Kaitlyn Kramer, and Dr. Allison Parker

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Fipronil is a broad-spectrum insecticide which blocks transmission of nerve cells of insects, leading to death. This experiment evaluates whether seed germination paper used to line container habitats interact with fipronil in the water to affect attractiveness for ovipositing female Culex mosquitoes. This project also evaluates if female Aedes mosquitoes prefer to oviposit in containers with fipronil. Ten replicates of three 5-gallon buckets were divided into two assays and filled with 18 liters of grass infusion and one of the following treatments: a grass infusion control, pure fipronil, or Fipronil-Plus-C, a commercially available product. Seed germination paper clipped inside two buckets at each site to collect Aedes eggs. Aedes eggs and Culex egg rafts were collected and counted daily for nine weeks. Results show that Culex females prefer laying eggs in containers with fipronil while there is variation in attractiveness for Aedes females based on the type of fipronil use.

Title: Effects of chronic mild stress and fluoxetine on neuroinflammation and anxiety in adolescent rats

Authors: Eve Tittel, Brooke Balsley, Alexis Smith, and Lauren L. Williamson, Ph.D.

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Fluoxetine is an antidepressant that is effective against major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults but can cause suicidality and aggression in adolescents. This study assessed the connection between adolescent responses to fluoxetine and neuroinflammation. In one cohort, adolescent rats were exposed to chronic mild stress before treatment with fluoxetine. After stress and drug treatment, forced swim test (FST) and elevated zero maze (EZM) tests were run to determine anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors. Blood serum was taken for analysis. Brains were removed and half micro-dissected for hippocampus and the other half sectioned for immunohistochemistry staining. Brains were stained for microglia in the hippocampus and amygdala and astrocytes in the amygdala using Iba1 and GFAP, respectively. We have treated a new cohort of rats with fluoxetine and measured their behavior on the EZM. Brain tissue analyses are ongoing.

Title: Effects of prebiotic supplementation on the gut microbiome during pregnancy in two genotypes of mice

Authors: Deaysha Fox, Joshua T. Cooper, Mackenzie Feltner, and Christine Perdan Curran

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: The gut microbiome plays an important role in maternal health and fetal development. We previously found significant differences in the gut microbiome of mice depending on their genotype. Prebiotics are nondigestible dietary fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and increase the production of beneficial short-chain fatty acids. Previous studies demonstrated that maternal prebiotic supplementation alters the gut microbiome and improves immune and metabolic outcomes. However, the effects of different prebiotics on the maternal gut microbiome remain under-researched. We compared the effects of three widely used prebiotics: inulin, galacto-oligosaccharides and a prebiotic combination. Fecal samples were collected from Cyp1a2(+/+) wildtype and Cyp1a2(-/-) knockout mice at baseline, 7 days after prebiotic treatment began and at gestational days 7 and 14. We used flow cytometry to track changes in the microbiome over time. We also tracked pregnancy outcomes to determine if there are adverse effects from any of the treatments.

Title: FGF signaling pathway is important for development of gene expression of the pharynx of Xenopus laevis embryos

Authors: Paige Dungan, Makayla Brown, Autumn Jouett, Dr. Emily Shifley

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: The pharynx is essential for development of embryos because it forms craniofacial skeleton, thymus and parathyroid glands, and connective tissues of the neck. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) is a genetic pathway that cells use to communicate during pharyngeal development.  We used Xenopus laevis embryos to test when the FGF pathway was important for pharyngeal development and hypothesized that it might act upstream of known pharyngeal genes Pax1, Foxf1, Twist, and Sdf1. We performed an in situ hybridization experiment to see how gene expression levels changed after different time periods of FGF inhibition. Many of the pharyngeal genes showed reduced expression with certain stages of FGF inhibition compared to controls.  This shows that the FGF pathway needs to be active during certain time periods for proper gene expression.  These observations can help explain why mutations or disruptions in genetic pathways can cause birth defects in pharyngeal organs.

Title: Mosquito diversity across three microhabitats at NKU's Research and Education Field Station

Authors: Angelique Martinez, Blue Olguin-Hargett, Katrina Rolfsen, and Dr. Allison Parker

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Mosquito diversity was studied across three connected microhabitats, managed yard, forest, wetlands, at NKU’s Research and Field Station (REFS). Ovillanta, or tire, traps filled with grass-infused water attracted female mosquitoes and prompted oviposition (egg-laying). Larvae and pupae were collected weekly from three sites in each habitat for eight weeks. Larvae were euthanized with ethanol, whereas pupae were reared to adulthood. All collected mosquitoes were identified to species. Seven different mosquito species were collected across all nine sites with a total of 3,871 specimens identified. There was no significant difference in the total number of mosquitoes collected across the three habitats. This suggests that mosquito contact is equally likely in all locations represented in this study, as the surveyed populations travel easily among the microhabitats. Furthermore, this and similar mosquito surveillance research may be important in case of a potential pathogen outbreak for more effective disease control. 

Title: Shade tolerance of Callery pear as determined by photosynthetic output

Authors: Madison Bentley, Owen Frilling-Fant, and Richard Boyce

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Previous research has found that open-grown Callery pear and Amur honeysuckle have high maximum photosynthetic rates (determined by ETRmax) similar to shade-intolerant red cedar. However, honeysuckle in shaded conditions acclimates to become more shade tolerant and Callery pear behaves similarly. Two stands were selected, one containing five trees in a pear-dominated stand (closed stand), and one containing four trees in the open (open stand). Weekly measurements were taken from each stand using a chlorophyll fluorometer and then fitted to curves to determine the ETRmax. ETRmax values from the closed measurements were significantly lower than the open measurements (P < 0.0001). Closed stand ETRmax values did not differ significantly from those of snakeroot, a shade-tolerant plant, (P = 0.54). This suggests Callery pear may be able to acclimate to shaded environments similar to Amur honeysuckle. Further research is needed to compare shaded pear trees with understory honeysuckle.

Title: Spatiotemporal responses of indicator frog breeding calls phenology to climate change

Authors: Samuel Chapman and Dr. Yingying Xie

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: This project investigates the changes in timing of breeding calls of eight amphibian species under impacts from climate change. The eight species are commonly found in the United States and have varied breeding schedules from spring to summer. We sourced our data from community science networks including FrogWatch USA and iNaturalist. We developed linear mixed effect models to determine temporal shifts of calling phenology for each species in each ecoregion. We found advanced calling in all species in most ecoregions. Increased temperatures in both spring and winter led to earlier calling consistently across all species, but the rate at which they increased varied among species and ecoregions. We also found that spring precipitation had different effects on calling phenology among species. This project is vital to evaluating the varied vulnerability of amphibian indicator species under climate change to inform more effective conservation and management.

Title: The effects of early-life acetaminophen on hippocampus dependent learning and neural cell survival

Authors: Maddux Bigam, Mitsy Briceno Lopez, Miranda Smith, Ella Quirk, and Lauren L. Williamson, Ph.D.

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Acetaminophen has been correlated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) incidence when given to children and babies. In our study, we hypothesize that early-life acetaminophen treatment affects the cognitive function of rat pups. Rats were treated from days 4 through 10 with acetaminophen or saline. Postnatal day 5 and 11 brain tissues were collected and sectioned at 20-microns in the cryostat. Neonatally-treated rats were tested on a context-object discrimination (COD) cognitive test on days 24-27, and brain tissue was collected on P27. In 27-day-old brains, hippocampal pyknotic cells were then counted with a cresyl violet stain to assess cell death. Further immunohistochemistry (IHC) will be done on the P5 and P11 slices for Iba1 (microglia marker), Caspase 3 (an enzyme required for the secretion of immune molecules), and 8OHDG (marker of oxidative stress and DNA damage).

Title: The Effects of Exercise on Mitigating Benzo[a]pyrene-induced Developmental Neurotoxicity

Authors: Caleb Wilson, Emily Wright, Mackenzie Feltner, Deaysha Fox, Leah Bishop, Avah Fetzer, Sei Lillard, Carson Padgett, Kennedy Challis, Garrett Maines, Lila Ketron, and Christine Perdan Curran

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that has been linked to health issues including cancer, reduced fertility and neurological disorders. Exposure is widespread from wildfires, traffic-related air pollution and smoking. BaP can also be ingested when consuming grilled food. Genetic differences influence the severity of B[a]P-related health effects, and our lab’s previous findings identified the metabolic enzyme CYP1A2 as a key factor. We use Cyp1a2(+/+) wild type and Cyp1a2(-/-) knockout mice to model human genetic variation and showed that the knockouts are more susceptible to developmental BaP neurotoxicity. The goal of this study is to determine if regular exercise on running wheels can mitigate those adverse effects. We are using the Morris Water to analyze spatial learning and memory in young adult mice exposed to BaP during pregnancy and lactation. We hypothesize mice that exercised will outperform those that did not exercise.

Title: The FGF Genetic Signaling Pathway is Important for Craniofacial Development

Authors: Makayla Brown, Paige Dungan, Dr. Emily Shifley

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: The pharynx of developing vertebrate embryos is key to craniofacial development and when its patterning is disrupted, this can lead to birth defects. One genetic signaling pathway known to be important for pharyngeal development is the FGF pathway. To test when the FGF pathway is needed for pharyngeal patterning, we inhibited it at varying stages of Xenopus laevis embryonic development to view how it affected craniofacial development and gene expression. Through in-situ hybridization targeting sox9 and pax1 genes, sectioning, and skeletal preparations on stained cartilage, we analyzed the effects of FGF inhibition. Longer lengths of inhibition showed clear malformations in the craniofacial cartilage, while gene expression showed reductions at differing times in the inhibition phases. Knowing the key genes and the time frames in which these genetic signals work to guide craniofacial development could help inform future understanding of causes of human craniofacial defects.

Title: The temporal synchrony of female and male flowering time of Northern spicebush and the traits comparisons

Authors: Jayme Burks, Abbott Rauch, Yingying Xie, Ph.D.

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Climate change affects the timing of seasonal life events of plants, such as flowering time. To study this the native dioecious shrub, Northern spicebush (Lindera benzoin) was selected. Female and male individuals were randomly selected at NKU Research and Education Field Station (REFS). Flowering phenology observations were conducted twice a week in spring 2026. In 2026 we found that males had an earlier flowering time (~3 days) than females. Interestingly, we found individuals producing both male and female flowers on the same branch (i.e., monoecious). In the summer of 2026, we measured morphological traits among males, females, and monoecious individuals to see if there was a difference in morphological and physiological traits. Analyzation of traits is still being conducted during the time of abstract. Expanding the research beyond studies of sex improves our understanding of dioecious plants' flowering behaviors and the variation in traits and their adaptations related to sex.

Title: Wetland Macrofungi Biodiversity and the Associated Environmental Conditions

Authors: Alex Adams and Dr. Yingying Xie

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Macrofungi, commonly known as fungi that produce mushrooms found in natural ecosystems, have an important role in nutrient cycling, however, they are still understudied, especially in wetland ecosystems. One objective of this study is to examine the macrofungi biodiversity in forested wetlands and how the environmental conditions affect the biodiversity in forested wetlands at the Research and Education Field Station (REFS). Weekly surveys were conducted to record the macrofungi occurrences along with their properties (i.e. size, color, location) and environmental conditions including soil moisture and light intensity from fall 2024 to summer 2026. We found that mushroom occurrences required 30% to 65% soil moisture and were associated with relatively low light intensity between 20 lux and 320 lux. The dominant species/genus also varied between invaded and managed sites and among seasons probably due to varied environmental conditions. This study helps understanding the environments required for wetland macrofungi reproduction.

Title: Cellular Impacts of Deletion of the AdoMet-Dependent Methyltransferases of Translation

Authors: Shyna Goodhew, Tuyet Do, Daisy J. Grove, Erin D. Strome

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Methyl groups (𝐶𝐻3) are used in regulation of numerous cellular processes. S-adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) serves as the methyl donor, and methyltransferases move the methyl group off AdoMet and onto a new molecule. We have previously found changes in genome stability due to altered availability of AdoMet. This project seeks to expand this work to investigate if instability impacts are observed due to the loss of methyltransferases associated with translation. PCR and transformations were used to delete seven genes of interest and assessments of growth impacts and genome instability were conducted. Different impacts on growth and instability are observed, tied to individual gene function.

Title: Efficacy of DNA testing based on specimen age

Authors: Aubrey Walters, Lilly Emerton

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Museum specimens provide valuable sources of historical genetic material, but DNA preservation may limit their usefulness for molecular research. This study investigated DNA preservation in American robin (Turdus migratorius) specimens collected over nearly 100 years from the Cincinnati Museum Center Ornithology Collection. Toe pad samples spanning multiple decades were extracted and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and agarose gel electrophoresis. Genetic sexing was used to evaluate DNA amplification by targeting the avian CHD genes, which contain sex-linked differences that can be distinguished through PCR. Three primer pairs were tested using modified PCR conditions. PCR products were detected in specimens collected through the 1980s, while specimens collected after the 1980s showed no detectable bands. These results suggest that the ability to amplify DNA decreased with specimen age, demonstrating both the potential and limitations of museum specimens for historical genetic research.

Title: Exploring The Effect On Genome Stability Due To Deletion of Genes Of The Folate Cycle

Authors: Nhyira Sarpong, Daisy Grove, Erin D. Strome

Department: Biological Sciences

Abstract: Methylation reactions play major regulatory roles in cells. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the SAM1 and SAM2 genes encode S‑adenosylmethionine (AdoMet) synthetase, which produces AdoMet, the primary methyl donor used in hundreds of reactions. Loss of sam1 increases AdoMet levels and enhances genome stability, whereas loss of sam2 lowers AdoMet and reduces genome stability. This project aims to identify specific pathways influenced by sam1 and sam2 disruption that drive these opposing stability outcomes. AdoMet synthesis occurs within the methyl cycle and depends on one‑carbon units generated by the folate cycle, a vitamin B9-based pathway essential for DNA and RNA synthesis. We aim to delete genes involved in the folate cycle and assess their effects on genome stability. Several deletions produce measurable stability changes, indicating functional links between folate metabolism and genome stability. Ongoing work focuses on phenotypic complementation and identifying the consequences of these mutations.