PROJECT INTRODUCTIONS & Student bios

A-Z by student last name

Access Logo White.png

2024 RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM & RECEPTION

Scroll down for student bios and project introductions

April 19 | 2PM - 4:30PM | Room 206 | Crocker Science Center (CSC)

Keynote Address: Dr. Mitzi Montoya,

Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, University of Utah

ACCESS Scholars, established 1991, is committed to advancing gender equity in the STEM fields with the goal of preparing the next generation of exceptional thinkers and future leaders for success in their science education, and later careers.

The ACCESS first year experience culminates in a semester of research under the direct mentorship of a University of Utah scientist, engineer, or mathematician. This is just the beginning as over 75% of our students will continue to engage in research throughout their undergraduate education. ACCESS scholars frequently publish before graduating and numerous alumni have been recognized for their contributions to research, by way of scholarships, including the prestigious Churchill, Beckman, and Goldwater awards, as well as other distinctions.

Having been primed for research and academic success, the ACCESS 2023-2024 cohort is ready to transition into peer mentorship roles and pay it forward to future generations of aspiring scientists and engineers.

Congratulations ACCESS 2023 - 2024!

Tonie Van Dam, ACCESS Director (Email: tonie.vandam@utah.edu)

Sam Shaw, ACCESS Program Manager (Email: sam.shaw@utah.edu)

Pearl Sandick, ACCESS Advisor (Email: pearl.sandick@utah.edu)

Vahe Bandarian, ACCESS Advisor (Email: vahe@chem.utah.edu)

Poster #1

Search for Very Nearby Low Mass Galaxies

Research Advisor: Yao-Yuan Mao

Department of Physics & Astronomy, College of Science

Kate's Bio

Who: Hi! I’m Kate and I’m originally from Las Vegas, Nevada. I came to the U for the amazing physics program and the undergraduate research opportunities. I love to read and watch different shows and movies; my favorite genres are fantasy and sci-fi.

My scientific interests: I have always liked science as a subject in school. But ever since middle school, I have been fascinated by space and physics. In high school, I took chemistry and loved the subject as well. I find both of those subjects fun and interesting with many different paths to pursue within them.

Academic goals: I am a physics major with a chemistry minor. I hope to get degrees in both of these subjects with the goal of getting a PhD afterward. I want to continue my education as far as I can go to learn all that I can about my field of study.

Career goals: I want to one day be a NASA astronaut and use my degrees to study chemistry and physics amongst the stars. I want to continue pursuing research in astrophysics and chemistry, maybe one day combining that into astrochemistry. My dream is to go on a long-term space mission on a different planet or a space station out in the galaxy. I want to study the stars, and the different planets and celestial bodies of the universe.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: One of the highlights of my Access experience would be the great friends I made over the course of the two weeks. These people are some who I still hang out with, and have considered living with in the future. I also really loved how there was such a diverse exploration of the different fields of study within science and the different jobs and experiences you can have studying different things.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of STEM and academics, I love reading books and watching TV shows. While I watch shows, I enjoy cross-stitching because it gives me something to do with my hands. Plus, I can make art to give to my friends and family! I really enjoy diving deep into topics, researching and analyzing stories' lore, and learning everything I can about them.

Abstract

Scientists are studying the properties of the early universe, along with the existence of dark matter. To study these things they use the presence and existence of very nearby low-mass galaxies.

Astronomers are studying the existence of these galaxies because they can tell us about the properties and presence of dark matter, because of the small dark matter halos that they exist in. Some of these galaxies can also tell us about the properties of the beginning of the universe. Isolated low-mass galaxies can tell us more about how galaxies form and whether their star formation stops during reionization, an epoch in the early universe.

For this research, we looked at different images of the sky, using an astronomical survey that produced highly detailed images recording about ⅓ of the sky, to possibly find new candidates to be considered low-mass galaxies. We took the data from the generated candidates and looked at a combination of stellar overdensity, the presence, and direction of a red giant branch, or the star’s brightness and color that is common in galaxies, and the difference in foreground and background stars, to determine if that patch could be something interesting or a false positive.

We used code to generate the data plots and the human eye to analyze them and determine how the stellar properties interacted with each other. The plots themselves could have very detailed features or properties that are very faint, so human analysis is used because an algorithm won’t necessarily pick the faint features.

In doing this we found candidates that were submitted in a proposal to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). From there HST is going to get better data and use that to see the features clearer and determine if the candidate will be a known object from now on. Now in the lab, we are going to refine the code so that it generates more probable candidates and fewer false positives.

Kate Anderson

(she/they)

Poster #2

A Comparison of the Body Size of Small Mammals: A Case Study of the Bear River Basin

Research Advisors: Kasey Cole, Jane Darmstedt, Jessica Parson, Adriana Dunn

Science Research Initiative, College of Science. In Association with The College of Anthropology and The Natural History Museum of Utah.

Emilie's Bio

Who: Hello! I am Emilie Bailey. I’m from Lehi, Utah and came to the U for their bio medical programs and research opportunities. I love learning and being able to learn and work in groups of people and I have access and the streams that work with access.

My scientific interests: I am a big anatomy and osteology fan, as a kid I loved dinosaurs and sharks and would collect any fossils or rocks that looked like fossils I could find. Since high school I have pursued as many learning opportunities that I could in forensic science and osteology.

Academic goals: At the moment I’m trying to pursue a bachelor's degree in biology and anthropology with a minor in chemistry. I would like to attend graduate school studying anything in forensic sciences.

Career goals: Someday I hope to use my degree and skills to conduct research in medical forensics and potentially work as an analyst or medical examiner.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part of ACCESS is definitely the experiences I have been able to have in my spring research lab that ACCESS helped place me into. I love how hands off the learning is and how I’m given all the resources to learn as much as I can at my own pace.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of school I really enjoy music, both attending concerts and playing instruments with my friends. I also really love making art and drawing as well as attending my local art museums and exhibits.

Abstract

Since 1970 global temperatures have increased each year with the 2023 Global Climate report reporting June-December to be the hottest on record, more than 1.0°C above average. Increasing global temperature is impacting organisms across the globe, including their physiology. This is because body size has a direct correlation to the temperature of the environment that they live in, serving as a key mechanism of adaptive variation in differing environmental conditions over time. In particular, following Bergmann’s rule, mammals adapt to warmer environments by shrinking their body size, a phenomenon observed across North America. In this study, we evaluate this observation to assess the impact of increasing global temperature on the body size of small mammals in the Bear River Basin. Using the skeletal faunal assemblage dating to 500 years ago recovered from Thundershower Cave, we will measure small mammal body size. Then, we will compare this data to measurements taken on specimens recovered over the past 50 years housed in the Natural History Museum to assess changes in body size over time. Ultimately, the results of this study will contribute to our understanding of how small mammals are responding to global warming, ultimately aiding in future wildlife conservation and management efforts.

Emilie Bailey

(she/her)

Poster #3

An Introduction to Topological Data Analysis and Persistent Homology

Research Advisors: Robyn Brooks, Debbie Wooton, Josie Marshall

Science Research Initiative, College of Science

Eve's Bio

Who: Hello! My name is Eve Bradley. I’m from Salt Lake City, Utah, and I’m happy to be in my first year at the University of Utah!

My scientific interests: I’ve loved math for as long as I can remember, and my interests have expanded to include physics and engineering as I’ve taken more STEM classes. I’m excited every time I learn about a new way that math appears in the real world!

Academic goals: I’m currently double majoring in Applied Mathematics and Electrical Engineering. I’d love to keep doing research throughout my undergraduate experience and possibly continue to grad school after getting my bachelor’s degree.

Career goals: Whether I end up working in industry, teaching, or taking another path, I know that I’ll be happy in a job where I can make a positive impact on my community. I’m excited to see what direction my professional path will take, and I hope to find a career where I can solve problems, exercise creativity, and help people!

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: Starting research in an area that interests me has been an amazing experience! It’s also been a pleasure to get to know my cohort and to find a community of peers, mentors, and leaders who are curious and passionate.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: In my free time, I like to draw, play the ukulele, spend time with my sister, and solve all sorts of puzzles.

Abstract

Topology is an area of math that studies the underlying structural properties of shapes. Topological data analysis (TDA) transforms data into simplicial complexes that can be studied using topological tools. One such tool is persistent homology, where we allow the simplicial complexes to change over time and notice when topological features appear and disappear. This lets us distinguish between noise and important structure in the data set; features that die shortly after their birth are likely to be noise, while features that persist for a long time are likely to be important structural elements of the data. In particular, the topological features that we’re interested in are holes in various dimensions. TDA’s ability to identify structure beneath the noise in a data set makes it a useful tool in many different fields, including neuroscience, cancer research, and genetics. Our lab’s future research will include using TDA on data sets to identify structure and patterns not visible by other methods of data analysis and proving novel theorems about the mathematical tools of TDA.

Eve Bradley

(he/she/they)

Poster #4

Atmospheric Composition on High and Low O₃ Pollution Days

Research Advisor: Jessica Haskins

Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science

Natalia's Bio

Who: My name is Natalia Cyriac, I was born and raised in Draper, Utah, but my parents come from India.

My scientific interests: I’ve always been interested in science, due to my parents fostering that interest and showing us documentaries, but I more recently became interested in environmental sciences due to the ongoing problems in the world with climate change. I am interested in other areas too, like astronomy, since having gone to star parties and especially after reading Stephen Hawking’s kids book, ‘George’s Secret Key to the Universe’.

Academic Goals: I’m studying Earth and Environmental Science with an emphasis in climate science and considering a double major in Chemistry with an emphasis in atmospheric and environmental chemistry. I am also interested in Environmental Policy and Justice, so I think that is something I will look into.

Career goals: Since my high school teacher suggested being an environmental lawyer, that has been something that I have thought would be a good fit. I would like to pursue advocacy, in both a legal and scientific sense, to better conserve our environment, both for it’s sake, and the sake of the people living in it; whether that means being an environmental lawyer or more likely an environmental consultant for environmental law and policy makers.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: I’ve really loved the connections I have made as an ACCESS scholar. The summer program introduced me to some of my best friends, who I have grown so close with over the course of the program and the last two semesters. The programs TAs were an integral part of the experience, and I’m so grateful for their mentorship.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of STEM, I also like to dance! I used to be a part of a ballet company, and I still like to go to Ballet West’s open classes whenever I get a chance! I also like art (any medium form music to sketching) and it’s a great way for me to express my creativity, and I try and incorporate it in anyway I can into my academics. Being outside, and spending time with my family, friends, (and bunnies!) is also something I love to do, and is always a great way to relax.

Abstract

There are two main types of Ozone: Stratospheric and Tropospheric. Stratospheric Ozone is an upper level of the atmosphere that blocks UVB rays from reaching the Earth's surface. However, tropospheric ozone, in the atmospheric layer closest to the surface, is a harmful pollutant and causes premature deaths. This ozone is created by a chemical reaction involving Nitrogen Oxides (from emissions) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are carbon compounds that easily evaporate, that react with sunlight/heat. The EPA has regulatory limits for what is considered a healthy amount, but Salt Lake City often sees summer days that exceed that limit.

The purpose of this project is to look at the differences in atmospheric composition on days with high ozone levels, to analyze and precursors that can possibly be predictors of unhealthy ozone level days. This project uses past data collected near Salt Lake City and uses different types of graphs to identify these trends. The project found that High ozone level days always start with more NOx, but unexpectedly less VOCs, The results also showed that NO is more effective at destroying O3 on High ozone pollution days, but leaves residual NOx after the reaction stops at night, leading to higher [NOx] at the start of the day.

Natalia Cyriac

(she/her)

Poster #5

Tritium Concentration in Salt Lake City Precipitation

Research Advisors: Wil Mace, Emily Larson

Department of Geology & Geophysics, College of Science

MaKiley's Bio

Who: Hello! I am MaKiley Draper. I am from Utah, and go to the University of Utah. I picked the U for the science and research opportunities.

My Scientific Interests: I have always found how the world works. Want to find out how the rock we live on works, how small things in the innermost parts of the earth affect the outermost part.

Academic Goals: I am a Geoscience major. Exploring interests by working in ACCESS labs and finding internship opportunities.

Career Goals: I’m unsure of what I want to do.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part for ACCESS was getting to have hands-on experience. From this I get to know which direction I want to take my career.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: In my free time, I play water polo and love being outdoors.

Abstract

Tritium is naturally radioactive, tritium is also used in nuclear power plants. However, the biggest use of tritium was used in atomic bomb testing in the late 1950’s to mid 1960’s. These tests resulted in more tritium left in the atmosphere, the spike reaching close to 4,000 TU. Half-life is 12.4 years. After 12.4 years the tritium turns to a stable isotope helium-3. The tritium can help find the age of water. Why is the test for tritium levels in groundwater important? Using groundwater you can date the water by testing the levels of tritium. This will help us know which sources are more contaminant than others. Using water from an aquifer can date, and be used to see if the aquifer is older which is less likely to have contaminants. Compared to a newer more shallow aquifer which has a higher chance of more contaminants. Groundwater is collected, and put through different testing steps to get the tritium out of the water. Then left to set and decay into helium-3. We then run the water through a machine to collect data.

MaKiley Draper

(she/her)

Poster #6

Evaluating Plant Responses to Atmospheric Drought

Research Advisors: Luiza Aparecido, Bianca Zorger

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science

Lucy's Bio

Who: My name is Lucy, I was born in Salt Lake City, and I have lived here for almost 10 years. I love being in nature and the outdoors, so I really love all of the beautiful landmarks and nature that Utah has to offer!

My scientific interests: I first got interested in science when I had to take a lot of antibiotics as a kid. They tasted absolutely awful, and I wanted to grow up to be a chemist so that I could make them taste better. I didn’t end up sticking with that; my favorite science classes in high school were the ones centered around biology, and especially plant science.

Academic goals: I am pursuing degrees in Biology and Geography, as well as a certificate in Geographic Information Systems. I hope to continue on in my lab and keep doing research, and eventually go to grad school.

Career goals: While I am still figuring out what I want to do in my career, I could see myself staying in academia and doing research. I am very concerned with climate change, so I would also be interested in doing surveying or environmental consulting. Whatever I do, I’m excited to see what the future holds for me!

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: During my ACCESS experience, I have really enjoyed getting to see what it is like to work in a lab. One of my favorite parts of the ACCESS summer experience was the lab tours from faculty and mentors, because they made me feel super excited about the idea of doing lab work and research.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: As I mentioned, I love to be outdoors, and as part of that I love hiking, climbing, and biking. I also play the piano and I am learning how to play the guitar, and I find a lot of joy in making music!

Abstract

As anthropogenic climate change progresses, the frequency and intensity of drought events is expected to increase, particularly in the Western United States where desert regions can have temperatures exceeding 45°C during the summer. Warmer, drier conditions put stress on plants, as the drier the atmosphere gets, the more water plants lose through the leaves, making plants more dehydrated and damaging vascular tissues. Plants usually present two main physiological strategies for managing the effects of atmospheric drought. Some species keep their stomata open in order to keep leaves cool, and other species close their stomata to preserve water. However, it is unclear the physiological limits based on those plant strategies to deal with atmospheric drought. Here we will investigate the effect of high evaporative demand on leaf hydraulics and gas exchange. We will address response variation across seasons and species.

We will select 13 species from the University of Utah Campus, both conifers and broadleaves. We will measure leaf water potential and leaf gas exchange. These measurements will be taken over the spring and summer and will be used to determine what ecological strategies plants are using. We expect to observe that conifers are more conservative in stomatal regulation, but broad-leaved plants may be more efficient hydraulically due to diffusion through the leaves.

The results obtained from this study will help us understand how plants respond to atmospheric drought, even when the soil water is available. Additionally, they will help us understand the role that seasons play in these responses. These results will contribute to understand how plants will adjust (or won’t adjust) to climate change and will have applications in plant species conservation and urban projects.

Lucy Engar

(she/her)

Poster #7

Investigating Flagellin Shedding in Pathogenic E. Coli

Research Advisors: Matthew Mulvey, Alexis Rousek

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science

Alana's Bio

Who: My name is Alana Field. I grew up in upstate New York, but I have lived in St. George for almost seven years now. I have been loving my time here at the U so far, and I’m so excited to spend the next few years of my life here learning more science!

My scientific interests: I first knew that I wanted to enter a scientific field in ninth grade when I competed in the Anatomy and Physiology competition for Science Olympiad. My love for life and chemical sciences quickly grew, which led me to take almost every science class that my high school offered.

Academic goals: I am currently pursuing a double major in biochemistry and physics with a comprehensive emphasis. I hope to continue working in my lab for the years to come and possibly be published on a paper by the end of my undergraduate. I am also on the pre-med track so that I can go to medical school after I obtain my degree.

Career goals: I am not sure what specialty yet, but I want to become a doctor. It will be a long process, but I know that becoming a doctor will allow me to use my skills and interests in a way that will greatly benefit my community.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My ACCESS experience has been amazing so far. I enjoyed being on campus in the summer to slowly acclimate myself to campus. I’ve loved learning about the wide variety of research that is going on at the U, as well as getting the opportunity to do research of my own. But the most important part of the program by far has been the people it allowed me to meet. The members of my cohort are all wonderful people who I know I can depend on and relate to. I’ve found a great support network of friends and mentors who have made my time here nothing but great.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I love playing instruments of all sorts. I am best at piano and single reed woodwinds, but I’ve taken lessons in instruments ranging from cello to trumpet to bagpipes. I love to read fantasy and classic books. As far as sports go, I am a thoroughly mediocre tennis and pickleball player. I am also a member of the U of U powerlifting team, so if you see me in a year and I’m completely shredded don’t be surprised. On the weekends you can catch me at the Utah Symphony with my brother.

Abstract

Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), one of the most common bacterial pathogens, is a leading cause of urinary tract and bloodstream infections globally. One problem plaguing the diagnosis and treatment of ExPEC infections is patients' highly variable immune response. During an infection, the host immune response is alerted to the presence of an infecting pathogen through various mechanisms. One of these mechanisms is the detection of molecules released from bacteria. A specific factor in ExPEC that is known to alert the immune system to the presence of the pathogen is flagellin (FliC). Thousands of flagellin proteins form large bacterial tails, known as flagella, that enable ExPEC movement. It is currently unknown how much flagellin is released into the environment to act as an immunostimulant during an infection. The Mulvey lab has preliminary evidence indicating that different strains of ExPEC shed different amounts of flagellin. Our current work further investigates this initial observation, with a broad goal of aiding in understanding the disparity in immune responses during ExPEC infections. To investigate flagellar shedding, we grew ExPEC strains in vitro and extracted proteins released into the growth media. We then separated all released proteins by size to determine how much flagellin accumulated in the growth media. We find that different representative strains of ExPEC clearly show differential shedding patterns. One specific ExPEC strain CFT073 was initially seen to shed large amounts of flagellin. Intriguingly, upon screening CFT073 isolates sourced from different labs we found that the amount of flagellin shed differed between each CFT073 isolate. We have sequenced each isolate and are currently investigating how the genetic differences between the isolates may connect to impact flagellar shedding. Additionally, we broadened our screen to include clinical ExPEC isolates collected from patients with bloodstream infections. None of the isolates screened thus far show evidence of flagellar shedding as prolific as some of our ExPEC reference strains and tend to release much less protein into the supernatant overall. This work continues as we screen more isolates, utilize methods to identify lower concentrations of flagellin in the supernatant, and investigate how environmental factors may regulate this process. The data collected as a result of this investigation will help inform whether flagellar shedding may contribute to the widely disparate immune responses seen during ExPECinfection.

Alana Field

(she/her)

Poster #8

Utilizing Circular Chromosomes to Study Break Repair During Sexual Reproduction

Research Advisors: Ofer Rog, Antonia Hamrick

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science

Divya's Bio

Who: Hi! My name is Divya Forbis and I'm from Lander, Wyoming. I came to the University of Utah for the amazing research opportunities and the proximity to the mountains.

My scientific interests: I have always wanted to pursue a science major in college. In my high school chemistry and biology classes I discovered my love for chemistry and the biological sciences, and through my high school labs I discovered my love for Biochemistry.

Academic goals: I am pursuing a degree in Biochemistry, and after my bachelor’s degree I plan on going to medical school. I also hope to continue working in my research lab through my undergraduate studies.

Career goals: I plan on attending medical school and continuing my passion for STEM as well as health. I hope to become an orthopedic surgeon and help improve the overall life for patients and close the gender gap in the orthopedic surgery field.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part of ACCESS was being able to live with my cohort for two weeks during the summer and go to seminars for all of the different STEM departments. I also found my closest friends through that and I love being able to rely on my cohort for support and motivation through my freshman year.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of school I love hiking, skiing, paddleboarding, and anything else that I can do outdoors! I also love watercolor painting and wheel thrown pottery.

Abstract

During meiosis homologous chromosomes undergo double stranded breaks that must be repaired correctly to ensure proper chromosome segregation. Each chromosome is comprised of two identical DNA molecules- known as sister chromatids. Repair that utilizes the other parental chromosome as a template can result in a physical linkage (crossover), promoting correct chromosome segregation and viable offspring. However, repair using the sister chromatid does not lead to proper chromosome segregation resulting in aneuploid gametes. Exchanges between two linear sister chromatids does not typically leave a mark or affects their segregation. However, when circular chromatids undergo an exchange, the sisters become conjoined, resulting in one daughter cell receiving a larger sister and the other not receiving any sister. The nematode C. elegans can form circular extrachromosomal arrays (exCHR) when DNA is microinjected into the gonad of an adult worm. The exCHRs are inheritable across generations and receive breaks similarly to linear chromosomes. Using these properties of exCHRs in C. elegans, we will begin to study outcomes of circular chromosome repair mechanisms. Previous work has shown that sister chromatid exchanges are elevated in worms lacking the conserved helicase BLM^HIM-6. I will report our progress measuring exchanges between exCHR in wildtype worms and worms lacking BLM^HIM-6 by injecting fluorescent and phenotypic plasmids. I hypothesize that exCHR worms lacking him-6 will have elevated exchange rates between the plasmids when compared to WT worms that have the exCHR’s as well.

Divya Forbis

(she/her)

Poster #9

Can tissue stiffness promote cancer progression in melanoma? Measuring stiffness of tissue in vivo using transgenic mice.

Research Advisor: Maíra Alves-Constantino

Science Research Initiative, College of Science

Dennise's Bio

Who: Hello, I am Dennise Garcia, proud to call West Valley City, Utah my home. From a young age, my fascination with the biological world of life has been a guiding force in my career.

Scientific Interests: My love for biology focuses on the field of epigenetics. Exploring how these changes within genes influence individuals, shapes my scientific interests and studies. Knowing that epigenetics is a new and unexplored field makes me want to pursue this even more!

Academic Goals: As I continue through my undergraduate path, my goal is to undertake a double major in Biology with an emphasis on genetics, and Health Society and Policy. This will allow me to bridge the gap between biological understanding and the societal factors influencing health. With the knowledge from both fields, in my research I hope to understand the impact of social determinants on an individual's health.

Career Goals: Post my undergraduate journey, I envision myself applying to Physicians Assistant school. My goal is to become a compassionate and skilled PA. I aspire to return to West Valley, contributing to the community by establishing a clinic dedicated to providing essential healthcare services for low-income individuals.

Highlights from my ACCESS Experience: The ACCESS program has been transformative, reinforcing my sense of belonging as a first-generation Latina at the University of Utah. Connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds has broadened my perspective and opened doors to numerous opportunities.

Hobbies and Interests: Beyond the world of STEM, my interests include traveling to explore new cultures, reading and volunteering in clinics for underserved communities is a personal commitment.

Abstract

Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer, and it is often overlooked within the different types of cancer despite it being a very large public health issue. Regardless of advancements in treatment, the mortality rate of melanoma is very high, evidencing the need to develop new types of treatment. It is well known that cells are capable of sensing and responding to the mechanical properties of the microenvironment. This can lead to changes in proliferation, migration, cell state transition, among others that could aid in the progression of the cancer. However, measuring the mechanics of tissue in vivo is very challenging. Here, we develop a technique to measure the mechanical properties of tissue in vivo by combining microrheology (technique that measures mechanical properties of materials by particle tracking) with Intravital Microscopy (technique used to image tissues in live animals). Our experiment seeks to understand the role of the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix during melanoma progression by injecting fluorescent microspheres into the skin of a melanoma mouse model at different stages of the disease.

Dennise Garcia

(she/her)

Poster #10

Probing the mechanical changes of cancerous tissue during melanoma progression.

Research Advisor: Maíra Alves Constantino

Science Research Initiative, College of Science

Giovanna's Bio

Who: Hi, I am Giovanna Garcia! I have lived in the state of Utah my whole life. I love film photography, running, and philosophy.

My scientific interests: I always believe that a good day is defined by the acquiring of new information. I’ve always been curious about the way the world works in relation to the search for objective truth and general knowledge on the way humans think.

Academic goals: I am currently studying for a Physics degree with an emphasis in Biomedical Physics. My ultimate goal is to go to medical school to pursue a D.O. or an M.D.

Career goals: My goal is to be a preventive care doctor. As a doctor, I would like to help low income communities receive adequate health care.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: It was so exciting meeting so many passionate individuals who shared the love of STEM. I was also able to learn about the different science departments at the University of Utah.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I heavily enjoy consuming all sorts of media! I like watching films, going to art museums, and listening to endless amounts of music.

Abstract

Melanocytes are cells responsible for producing melanin, a natural pigment that gives color to skin and eyes and protects tissue from UV damage. Melanoma is a specific skin cancer that originates from these melanocytes. Melanoma diagnosis continues to occur in high numbers, 100,640 people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with melanoma in 2024 . The risk of melanoma increases with age, and other risk factors including exposure to UV rays, lighter skin complexion, and family history of melanoma. Different phases of melanoma are categorized by growth patterns and features of the disease, including remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In vitro experiments have shown that changes in the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix are sensed by cells and can lead to changes in proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, motility, among other responses that could aid in the progression of the disease. Here, we develop a technique to measure the mechanical properties of the ECM surrounding melanoma in vivo, at various stages of the disease to better understand how mechanotransduction aids in the progression of melanoma. Our technique combines microrheology with a process called Intravital Microscopy. Intravital Microscopy is the use of microscopes used to image issues and cells in dynamic processes. We can use the technique to infer properties of the tissue such as elasticity and viscosity from the motion of fluorescent microspheres injected into the lesions.

Giovanna Garcia

(she/her)

Poster #11

Changes in species temporal activity in response to anthropogenic influence and urbanization in northern Utah alter predator-prey and human overlap

Research Advisor: Austin Green

Science Research Initiative, College of Science

Charlotte's Bio

Who: Hello! I am Charlotte Garrison and I’m from Denver, CO. I came to Utah because I love the being so close to both the mountains and the city and I was offered great opportunities, including being a part of ACCESS.

My scientific interests: I love all fields of STEM I’ve learned about, but I am most interested in biological sciences, particularly genetics (as of right now). Science has always been my favorite subject and I am so excited for what my education will lead me to in these next few years.

Academic goals: I am currently a biology major with an emphasis in biology. That being said, I don’t remotely know what I will do with my future other than the fact that it will include something science related. In participating in my ACCESS lab (and beyond), I hope to be one step closer to the successful scientist I am confident I will one day be.

Career goals: In whatever career path I land, I will be contributing to ground-breaking, innovative research that will help the world of science expand its bubble of human knowledge to new and imaginable heights.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: While all of ACCESS has been a wonderful experience, I have to say that the highlights were going on the hike over the summer and seeing the beautiful Utah mountains in the summer along with making amazing connections with the other girls in my ACCESS cohort. It’s been great having a network of girls I can relate to and study with.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I enjoy being outside, meeting new friends, staying active, trying new food, traveling, volunteering, and spending time with my friends and sorority sisters.

Abstract

As anthropogenic influence and urban development continue to increase annually, species are put under increasing pressure to adapt to changing environments. Wildlife living throughout these gradients of urban and natural landscapes experience different pressures that, in turn, can lead to species-specific adaptations and the reorientation of novel interactions between different species. This study utilizes citizen science and camera trapping to establish an extensive dataset we can then leverage to evaluate the different ways mammals respond to varying magnitudes of human development and influence. While in the lab, we profile and tag camera trap pictures to investigate the effects of human outdoor recreational activity on wildlife behavior distribution, the correlation between species traits and urbanization adaptation, and the effects of climate and other environmental factors on species-species interactions within wild-urban matrices. Results indicate a temporal change in mammalian activity in response to increased human occupation. An increase in species activity at night and midday, when human activity is lower, and a decrease in activity in the morning and evening, times of heightened human presence, were associated with mammals living in urbanized areas. Patterns of changes in intraspecies interaction were also observed. Data suggests that some species, such as mule deer, utilize human activity in avoiding fawn predation from coyotes, being active at times of the day where humans are most active and in turn other species aren’t. The lab hopes to build off of these findings, currently investigating anthropogenic influences on mule deer that are fawning in comparison to those that aren't. These results from this lab suggest the broader implications that urbanization has on our natural ecosystems, and in turn will help to inform policies regarding development and wildlife conservation.

Charlotte Garrison

(she/her)

Poster #12

Testing for Dog Heartworm in Mosquitoes at Hogle Zoo

Research Advisors: Christopher Bibbs, Nathaniel Byers, Gregory White

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science

Natalie's Bio

Who: Hi! My name is Natalie Hammond. I am from Tulsa, Oklahoma and I came to the U for the great science program! My favorite food is ice cream.

My scientific interests: I have been interested in medicine since I was 13 years old. I love learning about strange diseases and the cell biology of cancer. Aside from medicine, I enjoy learning about environmental science and sustainability, seeing as I grew up wanting to study animals.

Academic goals: I am a Biology major, most likely to pursue an emphasis in microbiology. With that, I am also planning to get a minor in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. I would like to continue working in my ACCESS/SRI lab after this semester, and maybe search for internship opportunities or volunteer work. In the end, I hope to graduate with an Honors degree, then go off to medical school.

Career goals: Someday, I would like to be a physician, most likely in the patient care aspect of medicine. I am interested in many different fields within medicine, some including, Infectious Disease, Oncology, Rural Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. Throughout that journey I would like to join a program such as Doctors without Borders and practice medicine in developing countries.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: I loved being able to bond with everyone during the summer program! I also really enjoyed having a community of like minded STEM people to support me throughout my first-year at the U.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of school, I like to watch professional soccer, read, ski, and listen to Taylor Swift.

Abstract

Dog heartworm is an enzootic parasite alternatively known as Dirofilaria immitis. It primarily infects domestic and wild canines, however it can infect other carnivorous mammals. Mosquitoes are the intermediate hosts of heartworm and act as a vector to infect other animals. The first case of dog heartworm in Utah was detected in 1987, therefore the Hogle Zoo staff was concerned for their animals with this increasing prevalence. We optimized the detection of D. immitis from extracted mosquito samples collected from the zoo. Polymerase chain reactions (PCR) were conducted using 4 different sets of primers, 2 specific to D. immitis, and 2 panfilarial. The primers published by Rishniw et al. (2006) had better detection sensitivity, but all worked. Using these specific and panfilarial primers, we discovered that we have two positive pools for D. immitis and two pools positive for other filarial worms. The veterinarian at the zoo was notified of positive pools and began preventative treatments for their susceptible species.

Natalie Hammond

(she/her)

Poster #13

Determining the link between diet and phenotype using developmental plasticity of nematode mouth forms

Research Advisor: Michael S. Werner

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science

Charlotte's Bio

Who: Hello everyone! My name is Charlotte Hilton-Miney. I am from Davis, CA and I came to the U for the amazing research opportunities, particularly the ACCESS program. I am excited to take advantage of all the exciting skiing and events nearby.

My scientific interests: I’ve been curious about science in some way or another for as long as I can remember. Right now I am interested in pursuing genetics (particularly gene plasticity and epigenetics) and neuroscience research.

Academic goals: I am majoring in Biology, with an emphasis in neurobiology, and in Health, Society and Policy. I am also considering a minor in chemistry. After my undergraduate degree I hope to pursue an MD/MPH or an MD/PhD.

Career goals: I hope to become a doctor and a resarcher, but I am also very passionate about addressing health disparities. I hope to find a career path that allows me to explore all of these interests.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: I really enjoyed the summer program. It helped me see and learn about so many parts of the U that I would not have known about otherwise. I also really loved hearing about the different kinds of research going on and hear about different people’s career paths. The summer program also gave me a really strong connection to some of my closest friends and a chance to gain confidence before beginning classes.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: In my free time I love skiing, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Abstract

You are what you eat. This simple cliche unintentionally references a developing idea in the genetics field about diet’s influences on phenotype. Understanding how diet can serve as an environmental influence over gene expression is a complicated endeavor. However, by thoroughly understanding the relationship between diet and the mechanisms behind the “switch genes” in Pristionchus pacificus nematodes we will eventually be able to understand these mechanisms in humans. The nematode P. pacificus is an ideal model system because it has a relatively simple genome, a short lifespan, and exhibits a discrete and inducible form of phenotypic plasticity. P. pacificus adults will develop one of two distinct mouth-form phenotypes; a predatory Eurystomatous morph or a bacterivorous Stenostomatous morph. Previous research has demonstrated that methylated and acetylated histones are dependent on the amount of their metabolic precursors, and that histone lysine acetylation affects mouth-form plasticity in P. pacificus. This indicates that the “switch genes” controlling phenotypic change may be controlled by nutrient-sensitive histone modification. There also remains a non-exclusive possibility that changes in diet influence hormone levels that in turn regulate development, resulting in phenotypic changes. I am investigating which nutrients are limiting for a given developmental decision and which metabolic pathways these nutrients lead into. My approach is to develop a growth system for P. pacificus where we can control all components of nutrition. To do this, I will develop axenic media – without bacteria – culture in P. pacificus. This system will allow us to finely tune how many vitamins, lipids, carbohydrates, etc., the worms are consuming – and then evaluate which nutrient sources influence developmental decisions such as mouth form. Preliminary results show that the worms can successfully grow in axenic media, developing about a 7:3 ratio of the two mouth forms. Results also showed a slower development rate of roughly 120hrs to adulthood with the normal developmental rate on an agar plate being about 72hrs to adulthood. This follows the anticipated slower developmental rate in the liquid axenic media.

In the future, we will harness axenic media to grow worms in light, medium, and heavy-labelled nutrients. After sample collection, we will perform targeted LC-MS/MS testing on semi-purified histones and thereby connect specific nutrient sources to the histone modifications. We will also measure decreased glycolytic flux through the inclusion of a competitive glucose inhibitor at different concentrations. These experiments will allow us to determine which histone modifications are susceptible to changes in diet, and which nutrients have the most effect on phenotype.

Metabolism is one of the most conserved pathways across species. By understanding the mechanisms that govern phenotypic plasticity in nematodes, we can begin to understand the way diet influences gene expression and development in humans.

Charlotte Hilton-Miney

(she/her)

Poster #14

Electrochemical Oxide Ion Sensor for Use in Molten Cacl2-CaO-Ca

Research Advisors: Michael F. Simpson, Olivia Dale

Department of Metallurgical Engineering, College of Science

Annalee's Bio

Who: Hello everyone, I am Annalee Johnson. I am from Layton, Utah and I came to the University of Utah for the Metallurgy program. In that program I was able to join a research lab. I also live on a farm so I love animals.

My scientific interests: I'm very interested in learning more about the metallurgy fields such as mineral processing and metal composition. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity for research in Dr. Michael Simpson's lab. This lab research mainly nuclear energy and Metallurgy is a part of it. Because of this I have considered pursuing an emphasis in nuclear energy as part of my major.

Academic goals: as I had mentioned I am a metallurgy major, and I intend to finish that as my bachelor's degree and possibly continue to get a master’s in aerospace engineering. I hope to maintain my role in Dr. Simpson's lab throughout my time as an undergrad.

Career goals: At this point in time I'm not entirely sure where I want to go with my career. Fortunately I had plenty of time to figure that out! There is a possibility I may go into mineral processing and might one day work at Kennecott or I could go into aerospace, and I could one day work at Northrop and Grumman or Lockheed Martin or I could see where nuclear energy takes me. All options sound amazing at this point in time.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part of access was hearing all about the many different departments and what they did there, both with research and within the industry.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: in my free time I enjoy dabbling in writing because of my great love of reading. As I have mentioned before I have a great love for animals so I often spend time with them on my parents farm.

Abstract

In the process of reducing some actinide metals, such as PuO₂ to Pu metal, a direct oxide reduction (DOR) process is used. In this process, molten CaCl₂ is used as the electrolyte for this reaction. As the DOR proceeds CaO accumulates in the molten salt and must be measured in real time to determine when the reaction has gone to completion.

Due to the solubility and stability of the oxide ions in molten CaCl_2, it is ideal for use as the solvent or electrolyte in a DOR for the reduction of metal oxides such as PuO₂, TiO₂, and V₂O₅ in industrial and national security applications. To current knowledge, oxide/anion sensors for real-time measurements do not exist beyond this research. Instead, the measurement of the oxide concentration in molten salts is done through acid-base titrations of cooled salt which is dissolved in water.

This research will focus on, electrochemical measurements of molten CaCl₂, using three-electrode electrochemical methods with a tungsten working electrode (WE), counter electrode (CE), and a Ni/NiO/MgO reference electrode (RE). These methods include cyclic voltammetry, normal pulse voltammetry, and square wave voltammetry. These methods and their correlation to additions of CaO will be investigated up to 14.0 wt% the solubility of CaO in pure CaCl₂ in a CaCl₂-CaO-Ca salt system according to a 2009 paper titled “Solubility of calcium in CaCl₂- CaO” by Shaw, S., & Watson, R. Once a method is shown to have a good correlation with the increasing CaO concentration, it will be tested in a mock DOR setup using Sn/SnO₂ or other metal as a replacement for the Pu.

Several factors that are crucial to measuring the concentration of oxide ions in a molten CaCl₂-CaO-Ca salt system will be examined, including calcium metal solubility and electrode material stability. These will be investigated along with the three-electrode electrochemical methods.

Annalee Johnson

(she/her)

Poster #15

Characterizing the physical behaviors of deuterated Poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV)

Research Advisor: Christoph Boehme, Sabastian Atwood, Connor Nuibe

Department of Physics & Astronomy, College of Science

Kali's Bio

Who: Hello everyone! I am Kali Jones. I’m a Utah native and came to the U because it is such a research focused school! I’m undecided on my major but it will likely be some form of engineering.

My scientific interests: My scientific interests range from 2D structures all the way to our entire planet’s ecosystem. You won’t catch me doing anything with space or dark matter because that gives me an existential crisis.

Academic goals: I hope to finish an undergrad engineering major and minor in either Mandarin or French. I plan on continuing to work in labs all throughout my college experience.

Career goals: I’d love to be a sales engineer for IBM! I find this job exciting as I love connecting with people and explaining how very complicated systems work in an easy to digest way.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: The highlight from my ACCESS experience was definitely the friends I made. It’s nice to know that there is a community of women just like me that are going through the same things I am. Having girls I already know in classes makes the classes 100 times easier.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I’m part of the U’s Delta Gamma sorority and have a blast hanging out and doing fun sisterhoods with the other DG’s. I like thrifting, reading and listening to all kinds of music. If you can’t find me I’m either reading a book, playing a game with my friends or annoying my roommate Brooke with my endless stories.

Abstract

The spectroscopy of electron spin states, known as electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, is widely used in many scientific areas, such as the study of point defects in semiconductor materials [1], biomolecules [2,3],paramagnetic molecules, such as molecular magnets [4] and radicals [5], and even for imaging applications of biological tissue [6] Conventional EPR spectroscopy requires strong polarization of the studied electron spin ensemble, implying the need for high magnetic fields and/or very low temperatures. However, the EPR of some electron spin states in organic semiconductor materials, such as those associated with positive and negative charge carrier states in π-conjugated polymers, can also be observed without the need for spin polarization, e.g., through electric currents that are controlled by quantum mechanical spin selection rules [7-12]. Such experiments allow for the study of electron spin resonance in the nonperturbative EPR regime, when EPR drive energies exceed the characteristic energies of the quantum electron spin states [13-15]. Under these conditions, peculiar and little-studied quantum phenomena govern the magnetic resonance spectrum, yet they are observable only as long as the charge carrier spin signals in the electrically detected EPR spectra are not obscured by hyperfine broadening caused by the random magnetic fields of hydrogen nuclear (i.e., proton) spins that are ubiquitous throughout the polymer chains [13]. Deuterated versions of these polymers, such as deuterated poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (d-MEH-PPV), havebeen shown to reduce this effect due to the reduced magnetic moment of deuterons [12,16,17]. Since deuterated polymer materials needed for these experiments are commercially unavailable, we studied d-MEH-PPV synthesized in a chemistry SRI stream. Here, we report on the characterization of some of this material’s physical behaviors, including the thin-film’s photoluminescence emissions as well as current-voltage behaviors of devices made out of this material. Our results support the hypothesis that the material synthesized is indeed d-MEH-PPV and show promise for its use in electrically detected EPR spectroscopy.

Kali Jones

(she/her)

Poster #16

Exceptional Air Quality Events and their Impact on Public Health

Research Advisors: Gannett Hallar, Drew Hooker, Tori Brown, Ryker Ray

Department of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science

Elise's Bio

Who: Hello all! My name is Elise Kitamura and I’m from Eagle, ID. I came to Utah knowing that the U would provide me with incredible research opportunities, the ability to meet people and make friends from all over the country, and get the best of both the bustling city and the gorgeous mountains!

My scientific interests: I’ve loved science for as long as I can remember! I’ve always had an inquisitive mind (my kindergarten teacher would joke that my favorite word in the world was “why”) and after my questions grew more and more complex or nuanced, I realized the best way to get answers was to go out and find them myself. Science makes up everything around us, and I truly want to have a deeper understanding of everything that surrounds me, so what better way to do that than going straight to the root of everything!

Academic goals: I actually have a wide variety of academic interests and I am so grateful to have the opportunity to pursue so many of them. I am a Biology major with a Chemistry minor, and as much as I love each of those, I am also in an atmospheric sciences lab!

Career goals: After college I plan to go to medical school in the hopes of being a pediatric oncologist. I’ve always been a people person, so I found the intersection of my love for people and my passion for science to be medicine. I can’t wait to go out and use what I've learned to actively make a difference in peoples’ lives.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part of ACCESS was getting a crash course on every department in the college of science over the summer! It helped me see science in an academic setting as so much more than just beakers and equations, and I walked away feeling even more confident that I had made the correct choice in my academic pursuits.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of academics, I love being a part of my sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma! It gives me so many opportunities to connect with other young women, give back to the community, and pursue leadership opportunities. Outside of that I love listening to podcasts, audiobooks, and spending time catching up with all my loved ones at every chance I get.

Abstract

Exceptional events are unusual or naturally occurring events that can affect air quality but are not reasonably controlled using techniques tribal, state, or local air agencies may implement to attain and maintain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. This results in the normal planning and regulatory process established by the Clean Air Act (CAA) not being applicable. The events in question are not considered when regulatory processes regarding a particular region are put in place. For the purpose of our research, an exceptional event will be any given day of 100 AQI (air quality index) or above. A common cause of exceptional events is wildfires, which increase the amount of fine particulate matter, also referred to as PM 2.5 (aerosols measuring 2.5µm or smaller). Particles found within PM 2.5 are small enough that it can penetrate deep inside the lungs, resulting in serious health consequences. As such, we hypothesize that the days on which exceptional events occurred, the effect on public health will be seen through an increase in hospital admittance due to respiratory complaints.

To substantiate this theory, we have been collecting and analyzing data regarding exceptional events in areas of Oregon and Utah, between 2016-2019. We will be comparing this data with the hospital records regarding respiratory complaints in the surrounding areas. We are currently in the process of identifying the dates and locations of reported exceptional events, as well as events that are under consideration to be classified as such. After these dates and locations are verified, we will be undergoing the appropriate training in order to access and analyze the corresponding hospital data. This will allow us to determine the exceptional events’ impact on public health.

Elise Kitamura

(she/her)

Poster #17

Unlocking the Molecular Secrets of Legumes: Efficient Isolation of Chloroplast and Genomic DNA/RNA

Research Advisors: Melodie Weller, Alexander Romano

Science Research Initiative, School of Dentistry

Kiera's Bio

Who: I’m Kiera Lee! I was born and raised in Utah and am majoring in Biology.

My scientific interests: Thanks to my AP Biology class, I grew interested in the science behind life, namely the mechanisms behind cells. I grew to love how science is the explanation to everything in some way or another, no matter how big or small.

Academic goals: My goal academically is to find the very field in science that I’d like to devote my time to; there are just so many disciplines that sound equally interesting. I’d also love to continue to do research as an undergraduate.

Career goals: I hope to pursue a career in science that will let me help me and others better understand the structure and function of our world. Whether that be in finding answers to how viruses work or the key to creating sustainable materials, my dream is to be a part of it all.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: The best part of being a part of ACCESS was getting to be part of a community made up of like-minded women that are just as passionate about STEM as I am. Thanks to ACCESS, I’ve been able to make amazing memories through the two-week summer camp and have a group of friends to study and hang out with throughout the school year. It’s been amazing to gain exposure to various fields in STEM as well, from mining/earth sciences to math.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I love anything music related, whether that be listening to music or playing piano and guitar. I also love hiking when the weather is amazing.

Abstract

This study sought to refine DNA and RNA extraction techniques from plant materials. The extraction of genetic material is pivotal for understanding cellular processes and the influence of environmental factors on plant cells. We employed established methods for DNA and RNA isolation, examining their efficacy in legumes, particularly within the Fabaceae family.

Isolation commenced with the germination of Vigna angularis and Glycine max seeds. Cotyledon samples were collected on days 1, 3, and 5 post-germination. DNA extraction utilized the Wizard Genomic DNA Kit protocol (REF A1120), targeting genomic, chloroplast, and mitochondrial DNA. Quantification was performed using Qubit dsDNA Broad Range (BR) and High Sensitivity (HS) kits. Concurrently, RNA samples were processed using the Qiagen RNEasy Miniprep Kit.

DNA quantification via the Qubit BR assay yielded concentrations between 3.34 ng/µL to 95.00 ng/µL, with four samples below the detection threshold. The Qubit HS assay recorded concentrations ranging from 2.60 ng/µL to 41.60 ng/µL, with all samples within measurable limits. Notably, DNA yields were higher on days 1 through 3. Optimization trials indicated that sample vortexing prior to Qubit BR assay reduced variability in readings. These results suggest effective DNA isolation from the legumes, setting the stage for subsequent PCR analyses.

Our findings demonstrate the success of established DNA isolation protocols on Fabaceae legumes, affirming their utility for comprehensive genetic analysis. This lays the groundwork for future PCR and sequencing studies.

Kiera Lee

(she/her)

Poster #18

Chasing Sunlight: Impact of Panel Orientation on Performance

Research Advisors: Heayoung Yoon, Ashraful Mamun, Etee Kawna Roy

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, College of Engineering

Judy's Bio

Who: Hi! My name is Judy Ojewia, and I am from Salt Lake City. During my time at the University of Utah, I am excited to use all the opportunities available to me, meet new people, and have fun experiences.

My science interests: I love making, doing, and learning about cool things which is where my love for STEM and technology comes from. As I’ve explored the world of STEM I became increasingly interested in computing, quantum computing, and their connection to our society. Building new things, tinkering, and completing projects have been some of my favorite pastimes, so I’m excited to take on new projects in the future.

Academic/Career Goals: I am majoring in Computer Engineering with a possible double major or minor in Mathematics or another field. After my undergraduate studies, I plan to continue my education in graduate school. Completing internships, and participating in REU/SPUR is something that I am looking forward to during my time as an undergraduate. I want to continue gaining more experience and create an impact through my work.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: I have loved getting to know and making friends with my cohort, I also really enjoyed the summer portion of the program when we learned more about the schools within the College of Science. Connecting with faculty and being able to conduct research is also an amazing part of this program.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of STEM and academics I love traveling, film, and photography. I also enjoy digital art and outdoor activities.

Abstract

Fossil Fuels account for a large amount of energy sources used to meet global power demand. As these sources are depleting fast and resulting in the degradation of the environment, it is vital to work towards improving clean energy sources to meet global energy demand sustainably. The development of renewable energy sources such as solar energy is vital to meet power demands sustainably and mitigate negative environmental impacts. To improve the energy yield of solar panels it is important to determine optimal placement angles during use.

The objective of this study is to explore the influence of panel orientation on solar cell performance. A solar panel mount was designed and 3D printed to mount the mini silicon solar panel and easily change the tilt angle from 0 to 90 degrees. DC voltage and current output measurements were performed while varying the tilt angle of the solar panel. The angle of the light source remained constant (perpendicular incident when the surface is flat). However, in outdoor conditions, the angle of the sun fluctuates throughout the day. 3D houses have been constructed to accommodate the installation of solar cells. Using this setup, our objective is to determine the optimal angle for the best performance of the solar cells during various times of the day.

Judy Ojewia

(she/her)

Poster #19

Exploring Chaos through the Logistic Map

Research Advisors: Mikhael Semaan, Ada Cottam Allen, Nathan Wei Jie Jackson, Andrew James Moore

Science Research Initiative, College of Science

Katherine's Bio

Who: Hello all y’all! My name is Katherine Osterstock. I’m from Salt Lake City, Utah. The main reason I chose the U was because it is a research university and the opportunities for research are fantastic.

My scientific interests: I had some amazing teachers in junior high and high school and took many STEM classes. They helped me feel like I belonged in the world of STEM and I look forward to engaging with teachers and fellow students throughout my college career. I especially enjoy math and chemistry.

Academic goals: I am interested in a few majors, such as chemistry, material science, and graphic design. My research is in the field of physics and I have found that I enjoy this as well.

Career goals: I am undecided as to my major but I look forward to learning more through my college experience and finding a career that is a good fit for me. I hope to continue doing research and working in a field that I find interesting.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part of ACCESS was getting to go on lab tours. I had never been in labs like that before and I enjoyed seeing how diverse STEM is and yet how unified we are.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I enjoy visual art, weightlifting, and spending time with my dog, Jack (he is a good boy).

Abstract

Dynamical systems are mathematical systems that change over time according to a specified rule. Different rules describe a variety of real-world behaviors ranging from financial trends to planetary motion, but these rules often produce complex dynamics that can be challenging to understand and predict. We take a well-known example called the “logistic map,” a model of population growth, to highlight how different methods of visualization can help us make sense of dynamical systems in general.

We implement and simulate the logistic map in the computer using Python, and compare a variety of methods for visualizing the map’s long-term dynamics. Specifically, we introduce cobweb diagrams and time series plots and use them to showcase fixed-point, cyclic, and chaotic long-term behaviors of the logistic map. We then compare time series plots, bifurcation diagrams, and the Lyapunov characteristic exponent as different lenses through which to make sense of these long-term behaviors.

We see that even simple dynamical systems, like the logistic map, can produce intricate and complex behavior. Yet the methods we introduce to visualize them generalize to more complicated and realistic models of a variety of phenomena across scientific domains. Our work emphasizes the value of computational approaches in the study of such systems, and in doing so paves the way for making sense of these phenomena in a consistent, principled way.

Katherine Osterstock

(she/her)

Poster #20

Antimicrobial Properties of Copper Doped Fluorapatite Bone Scaffolds

Research Advisors: Jill Shea, Pooya Elahi

Department of Surgery, School of Medicine

Nicole's Bio

Who: Hello, my name is Nicole Payne, and I was born and raised in Tooele, Utah. I chose to attend the University of Utah to get the full science and research experience.

My scientific interests: I’m interested in exploring the complexity of chemical compounds to manufacture materials for the betterment of society. Patient cases involving severe bone damage or limb loss can impair mobility and everyday function. Currently, I want to experiment with various mediums to help engineer and implant devices capable of improving the quality of life for patients requiring patient care.

Academic Goals/ Career Goals: I want to pursue a Chemistry BS degree at the University of Utah. In addition to chemistry, I aspire to explore materials science engineering and the fundamentals of physics. I want to continue the world of sciences and engineering to advance today’s technology.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: The ACCESS program was a great place to meet new people and get a head start into knowing your way around campus. It was fun to be able to explore different fields of science by listening to lectures and doing hands-on activities. The ACCESS experience was a special opportunity to be a part of because of the early on student connection.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of my educational interests, I love to go running, rock climbing, and weight training. I love to compete in sports and really do anything outdoors! In my free time, I enjoy making baby hats for the Salt Lake Regional Hospital and picking fruit for communities through Green Urban Lunchbox. Once summer rolls around, I love to volunteer for Camp Hobe and hangout with my friends and family.

Abstract

Autografts provide the best clinical outcome for the repair of large bone defects. Despite autografts’ noteworthy capabilities, their utility is hindered by limited availability and the requirement for a second surgical site. In addition, surgical site infection is a common problem. In response to these challenges, fluorapatite (FA) scaffolds have gained traction as a viable grafting material due to their inherent biocompatibility, structural integrity, and osteogenic properties. Taking a step further, doping FA with 0.5 mol% copper (0.5% CuFA) aims to inhibit bacterial growth on the scaffolds. We hypothesize that 0.5% CuFA scaffolds can inhibit bacterial growth more than FA scaffolds.

0.5 mol% Copper-doped fluorapatite was synthesized via precipitation synthesis method using sodium fluoride, calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, sodium phosphate dibasic, and copper nitrate. Following synthesis, the resultant 0.5% Cu FA powder was then collected, sieved, and uniaxially pressed into pellets. FA pellets were prepared using identical procedures and served as the control. The pellets were then sintered at 1150 ºC and sterilized by autoclaving.

To assess the bacteriostatic properties of the scaffolds 50uL of 9.3x10⁷ gram positive staphylococcus aureus bacteria (S. aureus; ACTT 25923) in 5mL solution were plated on four 0.5% CuFA and FA disks and allowed to adhere for two hours. The number of adhered bacteria on the scaffolds were quantified using standard serial dilution technique. Differences in bacterial growth between the 0.5%CuFA and FA scaffold was calculated with a t-test, with significance set at p<0.05.

We were able to manufacture both the 0.5%CuFA and FA disks. Less bacteria grew on the 0.5%CuFA scaffolds (3.9 ± 0.6 log CFU/cm²) compared with FA (5.2 ± 0.4 log CFU/cm²)(p=0.01).

Our initial investigation suggests that 0.5%CuFA scaffolds inhibit bacterial growth more than FA scaffolds. Future investigations need to explore the impact of varying the amount of copper doped into the FA scaffold on both bacterial and bone cell growth. Further translational studies could establish FA-based materials as superior alternatives to current synthetic bone fillers improving patient outcomes.

Nicole Payne

(she/her)

Poster #21

Controlling Phase Transitions in Dialkylammonium Salts

Research Advisors: Connor Bischak, Emily Dalley, Leo Bloxham

Department of Chemistry, College of Science

Sofia's Bio

Who: Hello world! My name is Sofia Perez. I am a proud Texan originally from San Antonio, and I just recently moved to Utah this Summer during the ACCESS program. I came to Salt Lake City for the amazing undergraduate programs they have to offer and of course, the ACCESS Scholars Program. My experience this past semester has been absolutely incredible, and I’m so excited to expand my knowledge within the fields of my interests even further, as well as meet new people and make the most out of my time here at the U!

My scientific interests: Growing up, I naturally showed an interest in the sciences. I would often wonder about the “hows” and “whys” of how our world worked, and was absolutely fascinated by the many different disciplines that the sciences had to offer, especially chemistry and the physical sciences! My 10th-grade anatomy and chemistry classes definitely fueled my passions for today, and I am beyond excited to expand my knowledge even further on these topics while I am a student here. This Spring semester, I started my research with the Bischak lab, primarily focusing my studies on exploring the phase transitions of perovskites, more specifically, dialkylammonium salts, in order to create more sustainable and reliable materials for clean energy applications! My experience in the lab so far has been absolutely incredible and I am eager to learn more about the intersectionality between organic and material chemistry!

Academic goals: As of now, I am currently double-majoring in Honors Biochemistry and Physics with a minor in Anthropology. I hope to not only learn more about these disciplines but also expand my knowledge outside of the classroom by continuing to work in my current research lab, the Bischak lab, in the Chemistry Department. Moving forward, I hope I can continue working on impactful projects that excite and inspire me, as well as get more involved with STEM and the College of Science community!

Career goals: After my undergraduate journey, I would love to pursue an MD/Ph.D. so I can involve myself with my passions of Chemistry and research, while at the same time using my knowledge in a way that can help me create an impact on our own community as a physician. I believe that medical professionals definitely require not only great discipline but also a well-rounded perspective based on ethical and behavioral science outside of your typical STEM curriculum. As an anthropology minor and a student of the Honors College, I am lucky to have the opportunity to explore these fields in such a unique way, and they will definitely help me become a more reliable and trustworthy physician.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part about the ACCESS Scholars Program was definitely creating the connections I did. Getting to know the incredible members of my cohort, as well as the TAs and mentors, has been an irreplaceable experience, and I am so grateful for every opportunity that the ACCESS program has given to me. I have managed to not only connect with like-minded people interested in the same disciplines as me but also meet some of my best friends who are my biggest support system today. Before coming into college, I never thought I would be able to find such an amazing community that I would fit into, but the ACCESS Program has definitely proven that wrong. If I could, I would love to relive my memories of ACCESS over, and over again.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of school, I love bowling! Back in high school, I was on the bowling team and grew to love the sport. The competitive, yet exciting nature of each tournament was the highlight of each week! Other than that, you will most likely catch me crocheting plushies or more recently, lifting with the Powerlifting Club here on campus! I am also the Social Media lead for the American Chemical Society Student Chapter here at the University of Utah, so I love to interact with the community and promote STEM education through fun ways such as creating Research Spotlight TikToks and Outreach Event posts on our Instagram!

Abstract

Compressive cooling technologies play a critical role in over 4 billion conditioners, refrigerators, and heat pumps all over the world. The active materials in these compressive cooling technologies are typically hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are potent greenhouse gasses that may leak into the atmosphere upon disposal of the cooling equipment. A promising alternative to these harmful gasses are solid-state materials. Among these solid-state materials, two-dimensional metal-halide perovskites are promising for energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. However, the inorganic component of two-dimensional perovskites add a significant amount of weight and volume without directly contributing to thermal energy storage. To mitigate these issues, this study focuses on metal-free dialkylammonium halide salts for solid-state hydrocarbon transitions that produce strong barocaloric effects similar to the two-dimensional metal-halide perovskites. Dialkylammonium salts consist of layers of hydrocarbon chains that undergo solid-solid phase transition where the alkyl chain layers “melt,” yet the material remains solid. This phase change can be fine-tuned by changing the organic cation and length of the alkyl chains. Using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), temperature dependent grazing incident wide angle x-ray scattering (GIWAXS), and x-ray diffraction (XRD), we determine the phase transition temperature and lattice spacing of dialkylammonium salts with different alkyl chains and different anions. Our next steps are to determine the impact of the phase transition temperature and change in enthalpy by mixing two alkyl chains of different lengths and two different anions.

Sofia Perez

(she/her)

Poster #22

How Plant Chemistry Influences Pathogen Growth

Research Advisors: Talia Karasov, Madelyn Allen

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science

Kate's Bio

Who: Hello! My name is Kate Persak and I was born in Minnesota and grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I decided to come to the U because of their great research programs and opportunities for pre-med students. I love meeting other people who have similar academic interests as me so we can help each other out and study together!

Scientific Interests: I grew up with my mom as a Pediatrician and she has always inspired me to go into medicine. My favorite classes in high school were Anatomy and AP Psychology. Specifically, I started to be super interested in neurology after working as an intern with the special education students at my high school.

Academic Goals: I am currently a biology major hoping to emphasize neurobiology. I hope to have many more experiences in different labs such as my ACCESS and SRI lab as I continue through college. I also hope to find an internship or job as a CNA at one of the Salt Lake City hospitals or clinics within my time here at the U.

Career Goals: My dream is to go to medical school directly following college and eventually pursue a career as a pediatric doctor. I am currently interested specifically in neurology, but I want to keep my mind open as there are so many different specialties, and learning more about them as I grow in my journey may make me change my mind!

Highlights From My ACCESS Experience: My favorite part of my ACCESS Experience was the two weeks I got to spend at the U in the summer prior to my freshman year. I loved meeting other girls who had similar interests as me, and it was great to go into my freshman year with tons of friends already! Specifically, I loved hearing about all the different researchers and the different types of work they do in their specific fields.

Hobbies/Interests Outside of STEM: In my free time, I love getting coffee, walking my dog, snowboarding, going to concerts, and trying new cafes and restaurants in downtown Salt Lake with my friends!

Abstract

Plant secondary metabolites are chemicals produced by plants that aren't essential for basic functions like growth but play key roles in interactions with other organisms, including pathogens. When plants are attacked, they often produce these compounds as a defense mechanism. Many drugs used by pharmacies are derived from these plant compounds. However, 90% of clinical antibiotics are derived from bacteria. As we witness a rise in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, many have realized there is a need for new antibiotics. Studies on these plant compounds can be done to uncover new possible antibiotics. Through this, scientists can also understand how pathogens avoid chemical defense mechanisms and how to decrease pathogens' resistance to them.

Gallic acid is a common plant secondary metabolite that has been shown to inhibit the growth of some bacteria by disrupting bacterial communication and preventing biofilm formation, reducing the ability of pathogens to resist antibiotics. These properties make gallic acid a promising candidate for fighting infections and addressing antibiotic resistance. By testing this compound against pathogenic Pseudomonas known to colonize plants, we can observe how gallic acid interacts with the strains’ unique genetic makeup and understand how certain underlying mechanisms within the bacteria react to the gallic acid. This knowledge can be used to design or modify other compounds that target similar pathways or mechanisms, leading to the development of new antibiotics. It also highlights potential mechanisms for resistance that may evolve under selective pressure.

To determine if this compound inhibited the growth of plant pathogens, we grew a luminescence-tagged, pathogenic Pseudomonas strain (P5H11), initially collected from wild Arabidopsis plants in Europe, with various concentrations of gallic acid (0.5 mg/mL,1 mg/mL, 1.5 mg/mL, 2 mg/mL, 2.5 mg/mL, and 3 mg/mL), and measured bacterial luminescence after 24 hours of growth. We found that P5H11 was suppressed by gallic acid. Additionally, the study revealed a dose-dependent relationship between gallic acid concentration and inhibition of Pseudomonas growth. At higher concentrations of gallic acid, greater suppression of bacterial luminescence was observed, indicating stronger inhibition of bacterial growth. These findings suggest that gallic acid could be a promising candidate for the development of new antimicrobial agents. Now that the sensitivity of P5H11 to gallic acid has been determined further research can be done to understand what influences P5H11's susceptibility and resistance to gallic acid and these various concentrations.

Kate P_Symposium.png

Kate Persak

(she/her)

Poster #23

Using Machine Learning To Sort Conference Abstracts

Research Advisors: Christel Hohenegger

Department of Mathematics, College of Science

Kaylee's Bio

Who: I am Kaylee Pho, originally from Vietnam. Currently, I'm pursuing a major in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Modern Dance at the University of Utah.

Science Interests: My journey with mathematics has been unexpected. As a young girl, I never imagined falling in love with math. In fact, I used to dread it. However, everything changed when I encountered my AP Calculus teacher. His engaging lectures transformed my perception of math, igniting a passion within me for the subject and guiding me towards a future in mathematics.

Academic Goals: At present, I am committed to my Applied Mathematics major, actively pushing myself to delve deeper into STEM exploration. The upcoming spring holds an exciting prospect, as I am honored to gain hands-on research experience with Professor Christel. Looking ahead, I am eager to explore internships and delve into scientific research in my second year.

Career Goals: While I haven't yet finalized my career path, I have two primary options in mind upon completing my Bachelor's degree in Mathematics: becoming an Actuary or a Data Analyst. Each presents its unique path to success, and I'm keen to explore both further as I continue my college journey.

Highlights from ACCESS Experience: My time at the ACCESS program provided an unforgettable two-week immersion into STEM last summer. Transitioning to a new environment, I had the privilege of forging friendships, absorbing valuable knowledge across various STEM disciplines, and receiving guidance from professors and fellow ACCESS participants. It's an experience I'll always cherish.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Beyond STEM and academics, I find joy in indulging in my hobbies, such as savoring boba, dancing, and continuously expanding my horizons through exploration and meeting new people.

Abstract

This project focuses on addressing the language clustering problem within the context of abstracts submitted to the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics for one year (about 2500 abstracts). The current manual sorting process necessitates significant time and effort. The aim is to develop a methodology that can achieve faster and accurate results compared to manual sorting. By leveraging advanced dimensional reduction and clustering techniques, we seek to streamline the categorization of abstracts based on their language patterns, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of information retrieval within the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics database.

The complete process of encoding and sorting the abstracts follows a multistep process. We use the Scikit-Learn library in Python. First, we transform the raw data into numerical values using a document-term frequency approach. This Term Frequency Inverse Document Frequency (TFIDF) method treats documents as points in Euclidean space and weighs each word relative to its occurrence in the document. Next, we apply Latent Semantic Analysis (LSA) to reduce dimensionality and extract two dimensions aiming to capture the inherent topics within the document. Subsequently, we apply K-means clustering to group similar observations together, facilitating visualization of shared characteristics among the data sets. We use the elbow method to determine the ideal size of the cluster. Finally, we compare our results to manual sorting and discuss improvements.

Additionally, our project incorporates the use of Large Language Models (LLMs), known for their exceptional predictive capabilities with minimal input. LLMs excel in generative AI tasks, generating content based on human language prompts. Initially, LLMs struggled with discerning relationships between words, such as synonyms. However, we addressed this limitation by leveraging multi-dimensional word embeddings, which represent words in a vector space to capture contextual and semantic similarities, thereby enhancing the model's language understanding and predictive accuracy.

Kaylee Pho

(she/her)

Poster #24

Impacts of Global Warming on Small Mammal Body Size: A Case Study from UT House Range Mountains

Research Advisor: Kasey Cole

Science Research Initiative, College of Science

Jailyn's Bio

Who: Hello! My name is Jailyn Primero Diaz, and I am from Ogden, Utah. I am of Mexican descent and a first-generation student who aspires to study medicine.

My Scientific Interests: My interest in science began in 7th grade with a science fair project I did to avoid writing an essay. In my science fair project, I studied the freezing point of water and to my surprise, I earned one of the top awards. Learning about the scientific process was one of the best academic experiences I had ever had. From this moment on I had a new love for learning about the way things worked. Additionally, after taking as many science classes as I could in the first two years of high school I became especially interested in the way the body and its organ systems work. I have found that I love to learn about the human body and all of the biological processes, and am excited to keep learning about it.

Academic Goals: I am currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Anatomy and Physiology, after which I hope to attend medical school and become a doctor.

Career Goals: My biggest goal is to become a doctor, specifically a pediatrician. I hope to specialize in either emergency medicine or oncology. Moreover, I’d also like to serve a medical mission to provide for those unable to access medical care and open a clinic in a rural area to help underserved populations.

Highlights from my ACCESS Experience: My favorite part about ACCESS was getting to meet like-minded people in my cohort and the science department while getting to learn and grow. Throughout the last year, I have met and shared moments with so many amazing and intelligent people who have taught me a lot about science, college, and being a better person. I am so glad that I was able to meet these people who are making me a better person.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of school, my favorite things to do include reading, scrapbooking, yoga, watching movies, and spending time in nature.

Abstract

Over the last few years, climate change has been a pressing issue in the science community. Recently, the effects of global warming have been documented amongst different organisms, including North American mammals. In particular, studies have found that as temperatures rise, the size of North American mammals decreases. Studying body size is important because it can influence physiological, behavioral, and ecological traits of a species, and can further impact the ecosystems they inhabit. In this study, we aim to evaluate if recent climate change has impacted small mammal body size in Utah’s House Range Mountains through an examination of animal bones recovered from Tubafore Cave that date over the past 1000 years. We will compare the size of mammals recovered from this cave system to modern specimens housed in the Natural Museum of Utah. Through this examination, we will identify if changes in size brought about because of climate change occurred in this region. The results of this study will help us further understand how small mammals are responding to global warming, which will aid in future wildlife conservation and management efforts.

Jailyn Primero Diaz

(she/her)

Poster #25

Topological Materials and Devices

Research Advisors: Vikram Deshpande, Eric Montoya, Dinesh Yadav

Department of Physics & Astronomy, College of Science

Jane's Bio

Who: My name is Gracy Jane Pugmire. I’m from Salt Lake City.

My scientific interests: Studying physics at an extremely small scale.

Academic goals: I’m double majoring in physics and Instrumental performance, with a minor in music technology. I hope to go to graduate school studying music.

Career goals: I hope to become a professional bassoonist.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: Making lots of friends and learning about different career paths that are available.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I like to lift weights, collect Pokémon cards, play Pokémon and make reeds for my bassoon.

Abstract

Graphene is one atomic layer of carbon atom and hexagonal lattice structure with a Dirac band. We exfoliated the proper size of graphene, boron nitride (BN), and graphite to make a heterostructure. We used scotch tape to exfoliate these two-dimensional (2D) materials. After that, we used the transfer stage to make a three-layer stack using the glass slide, PC (polycarbonate) film, and PDMS dome. The glass slide with the dome and PC film makes contact, sticks to each material, and stacks them on top of each other. Using these three-layer stacks, we will make nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) devices using graphene and other 2D materials to correlate electronic features with mechanical resonance measurements and investigate the thermodynamic properties. These NEMS devices are applicable to the different types of sensing devices.

Gracy Jane Pugmire

(she/her)

Poster #26

Modeling the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Research Advisor: Jody Reimer

Department of Mathematics, College of Science

Kitty's Bio

Who: Hi! My name’s Keerthana Saravanan, but I go by Kitty. I’m from South Jordan, Utah.

My scientific interests: Math and science have always been my favorite subjects in school, even when I was a kid. The various STEM classes and events I’ve attended only grew my interest in those topics. My favorite part of STEM was learning statistics, and something that I’m really curious about is astronomy.

Academic goals: I’m pursuing a Data Science major with hopes to minor in Mathematics and Psychology. My plans are to go into industry after graduation.

Career goals: Though I’m not fully certain of what I would work in, I do know I want to work on something I’d be happy doing. I’ve always wanted my work to have some kind of real-world application/impact so that would also be an important factor in what I choose to do.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part of the ACCESS program was getting to meet other girls with STEM interests and hanging out with them. It definitely helped me make a lot of friends early on.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I really like to play video games; my favorites are usually open-world video games. I also really like to cook, and I’ll occasionally dabble in sewing.

Abstract

On April 20, 2010, an explosion occurred on the Deepwater Horizon drilling platform in the Gulf of Mexico, causing the platform to sink and oil to leak out. Around 134 million gallons of oil had spilled into the Gulf by the time the oil well was sealed on July 15, 2010, making this the largest offshore oil spill in US history. We wanted to model the amount of spilled oil and contextualize it in order to understand possible used clean-up techniques. To achieve this, we looked at forecast maps from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, analyzing color distributions and using given map scales to find estimates of spilled oil around the region. This being done for several maps over the duration of the oil spill gave various data points for the model. Furthermore, we came up with different clean-up scenarios given by differential equations. These equations served as best-fit lines for the model, from which we can infer the clean-up techniques used. The results showed us that some viable clean-up techniques used were removing amounts of oil proportional to the water or skimming the oil at a constant rate.

Kitty Saravanan

(she/her)

Poster #27

Synthetic Studies Towards the Total Synthesis of Gadusol from Inexpensive Chiral Feedstocks

Research Advisor: Ryan Stolley, Liam Catterson, Emily Norton

Department of Chemistry, College of Science

Regan's Bio

Who: Hello, I’m Regan Simmers. I was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, but have lived most of my life in Phoenix, Arizona. I came to the University of Utah for a change of scenery and for the opportunities in research and chemistry offered.

My scientific interests: After working as a pharmacy clerk for my mom’s pharmacy, I began to grow interested in life inside of a lab. I am mainly interested in chemistry, specifically organic compounds that could be applied to developing clean cosmetics and fragrance. I am interested in exploring molecularly pure substitutes for fragrances, aiming to identify safer chemical options.

Academic goals: I am majoring in Chemistry with either a double major or minor in Business. In addition to working in my ACCESS lab, I would love to pursue my interests by looking for internship opportunities. I am looking to either pursue a Masters and work in the cosmetic and fragrance industry or pursue dermatology, but I'm eager to see what opportunities lie ahead for me.

Career goals: My career goals involve working in perfume chemistry, engaging in the investigation of eco-conscious fragrances. I hope to be able to utilize my chemistry and business knowledge one day and develop the future of perfumes.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite part of the ACCESS Experience was the nature hikes we did over the summer. The view was beautiful and the hands-on learning about the local wildlife was one memory I’ll never forget.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: In my free time, I love to cook, do yoga, hike, and ski.

Abstract

What is gadusol? In short, it’s fish sunscreen; made by fish, for fish. Since fish embryos and larvae are especially susceptible to UV damage in their early stages of development, this protection is essential. Throughout the tree of life, organisms have developed a range of natural sunscreens to guard against UVR-induced cellular stress, or sun damage. But, only melanin is known to function as a sunscreen in vertebrates. Gadusol, a translucent substance found in fish eggs more than forty years ago, is a sunscreen that mothers give their offspring and is necessary for their survival when they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

It has been known for forty years, but it has never been synthesized. The objective of our initiative is to explore the potential for academic and commercial uses, given its crucial biological importance, specifically using inexpensive, chiral feedstocks. Chiral feedstocks have a non-superimposable mirror image. Similar to how your left and right hands are mirror pictures of each other but are not identical, this stereocenter leads to two potential configurations that are mirror images of each other but cannot be overlaid. Numerous compounds found in nature have sophisticated ring systems, numerous chiral centers, and a range of functional groups, among other complex structural features. Chemical synthesis necessitates a sequence of exact and selective reactions that must all proceed with high yield and specificity in order to replicate these structures.

Retrosynthetic analysis is the first step in the synthesis process. Retrosynthesis is a technique that breaks down a target molecule into smaller precursor molecules in order to design its synthesis. By dividing the original molecule into A and B as seen in the figure, we can break it down into more manageable, basic molecules by using a procedure known as "disconnection." Based on established chemical reactions that create ties between atoms or groups of atoms, these disconnections were selected. The idea is to get back to more accessible, basic beginning, and affordable materials. After the retrosynthetic analysis, we then conduct a series of experiments on the respective starting molecules. First, we target the A portion, rearranging the atom for a hopeful end goal of a cyclohexenol. Second, we focus on B, the synthesis or purchase, and the oxidation. Oxidation involves the process of changing a molecule's hydrogen content or oxygen content to raise one or more of its carbon atoms' oxidation state. The question mark in the figure alludes to the fact that this reaction is very hard to carry out. Now that we had the essential synthetic components for gadusol, we planned a course of action that starts with the carboxylic acid of (R)-cyclohex-3-ene. A cheap chiral material (100g/$25).

Regan Simmers

(she/her)

Poster #28

Evaluation of the Effects of the Toxicant Carbon Monoxide on Dravet Syndrome Pathophysiology

Research Advisors: Cameron Metcalf, Ashwini Sri Hari, Karen Wilcox

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy

Taylor's Bio

Who: My name is Taylor Simpson, and I grew up in Utah and have lived here my whole life. I have enjoyed the community at the U, and it has provided me with so many more opportunities than I could imagine. I feel that I can truly pursue my passions here.

My scientific interests: I feel that my interest in science has always been with me. I remember being in elementary school asking for a chemistry set for my birthday. I even chose a chemist to present on for my class’s famous persons day. Growing up my mom would often teach me about the brain, and I now get to share that passion with her.

Academic goals: I am majoring in biology with an emphasis on anatomy and physiology and a minor in chemistry. I plan to attend medical school and then complete a surgical residency. I am absolutely in love with the work being done in my current lab under Dr. Cameron Metcalf, and I would like to continue working in it for the rest of my undergraduate years. I have found a strong passion for research, and I may consider applying to a few MD-Ph.D programs.

Career goals: My current career goal is to become a neurosurgeon, which is very scary to say out loud. I know that I love medicine and I am set on that path, but I am very open to all fields, as I won’t know where I fit best until I experience it. I would like to continue pursuing research, whether it be as a primary investigator, or working as a surgical specialist on a research team. I find anatomy to be the most interesting thing in the world to learn about, as the physiological aspects of the human body are so incredibly important and complicated. My love for medicine comes from my complete and utter fascination with the puzzle that is the human body.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: ACCESS has been the most incredible opportunity for me. I met my best friend through the program, and I am so thankful to have her in my life. Being able to fully embrace my love for science and to share it with so many people in such a genuine manner has only increased my certainty that I belong in science. In the summer course, meeting faculty and talking to ACCESS alumni about the amazing things they are doing was very inspiring, and I have gained confidence in my ability to go far in my career because of it.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: It is very hard for me to identify hobbies and interests outside of STEM, as it truly is my favorite thing to focus on. I love to learn about geology and mineralogy, and I would spend my whole life in museums if I could. I often make jewelry inspired by science or with minerals incorporated into the piece. I also like to play games on my switch like Animal Crossing, and I love TV series and films.

Abstract

Dravet Syndrome (DS) is a rare, genetic condition that causes childhood epilepsy. DS is mostly (~80%) caused by de novo mutations in the SCN1A gene which encodes the alpha subunit of voltage-gated sodium channel Na_V1.1. DS is characterized by early-life seizures, drug resistance, progressive intellectual disability, and motor dysfunction, all of which adversely impact quality of life. DS has a high mortality rate as sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is fairly common. SUDEP has no known cause, but it is hypothesized that respiratory decline following seizures may be an important factor. With respiratory distress as a probable cause of SUDEP in DS patients, there is likely a link between high air pollution levels and increased seizure-related morbidity. Carbon monoxide (CO) is one of the most common toxicants affecting the general public and its toxicity is associated with brain injury and increased risk of subclinical seizures. Very few studies have addressed the impact of CO exposure on DS pathophysiology. In previous studies, we have observed changes in brainstem metabolism, which may be an indication of oxidative stress and metabolic variation contributing to breathing dysfunction. We asked if sub-chronic CO exposure would induce certain metabolic changes in the brainstem and forebrain. To address this, we used the Scn1a^A1783V/WTmouse (HET) model of DS which has a missense, loss-of-function mutation in the Scn1a gene and accurately recapitulates clinical features of DS. P75-95 Het and age-matched wildtype (WT) mice were exposed to 100-300 ppm CO or room air for 40 minutes every day for 4 consecutive days. On the 5^th day, mice were euthanized, and plasma/brain tissue was collected. Plasma carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were assessed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. Levels of COHb were undetectable in most samples owing to limited sample availability. We also measured the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) that is essential for redox balance, and cell growth by a colorimetric plate assay. Previous studies have shown that there are significant changes in PPP metabolites in the brainstem and forebrain of DS mice which may indicate changes in cellular metabolism and redox status. We wanted to understand if CO exposure would alter G6PD activity in these brain regions which may impact the metabolome and redox balance. Intriguingly, CO exposure significantly (p<0.05) decreased brainstem G6PD activity in HETs compared to WTs. The activity of G6PD in the forebrain of air-exposed HETs was significantly (p<0.05) lower compared to air-exposed WTs. This data suggests the following: (i) basal G6PD activity is lower in the forebrain but not the brainstem of HETs; (ii) the brainstem is particularly susceptible to CO exposure owing to the presence of several respiratory centers. However, studies that explore why and how CO exposure alters G6PD activity in the brainstem are warranted.

Taylor Simpson

(she/her)

Poster #29

Investigating the effects of genetic background on innate odor preferences in Drosophila melanogaster

Research Advisors: Sophie Caron, Ameris Aponte-Pizarro

School of Biological Sciences, College of Science

Gianna's Bio

Who: Hello! My name is Gianna Toscano, and I am from Reno, Nevada. I came to the U for its extensive opportunities for undergraduate STEM majors, and to enjoy the beautiful skiing conditions that the Wasatch has to offer.

My scientific interests: I was always interested in science when I was younger, with my primary career goal from the ages of 4-8 being paleontology, but I didn’t start considering going into a STEM field for college until my freshman year of high school. In freshman year biology, I remember learning about viruses, microbiology, and the functions of the human body, and I’ve been hooked ever since! My fascination with microorganisms and the relationships between them and humans is what drew me to study biology at the U!

Academic goals: I am a biology major with an emphasis in cellular and molecular biology and I plan to pursue a minor in chemistry, and perhaps physics as well. I am also a member of the University of Utah’s Honors College. I have been planning on pursuing medical school since before entering college, but I have developed a love and passion for research through ACCESS, and I now hope to pursue an M.D/Ph.D.!

Career goals: My ultimate career goal is to practice both medicine and research. I want to be able to help people in both the clinical setting and behind the scenes in a lab! I hope to do research and clinical work surrounding autoimmune and chronic disorders, which are my primary areas of interest.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: My favorite parts of my ACCESS experience were the two-week-long summer program and the exposure to research. The ACCESS summer experience helped me feel so much more comfortable and excited about being away from home for college. All of the friends and connections that I made during the summer are incredibly precious to me and have greatly helped me to succeed in my first year of college. I also really love that ACCESS has given me exposure to research. I wasn’t sure whether research would be my thing, but ACCESS helped me discover my love for it!

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: Outside of STEM and academics, I enjoy playing music, skiing, going to the gym, and horseback riding! I play the viola in the University of Utah Campus Symphony, and love spending as much time on the mountain as I can in the winter! Besides my hobbies, I am also a part of a sorority, Phi Sigma Rho, which has been a great source of support for me in my first year.

Abstract

Have you ever wondered why you enjoy the smell of some things and hate the smell of others? Humans have both innate and learned odor preferences that determine the smells we find pleasant or unpleasant. Since we have limited knowledge of the circuits that give rise to individual preferences in humans, it is difficult to recognize a genetic basis for odor preferences. Drosophila melanogaster, however, has a small and completely sequenced genome, and since we know their complete connectome, it can be used to determine whether genetic background impacts innate odor preferences. Like any other organism, individual strains of the same species of D. melanogaster will have slight genetic modifications even when collected from the same place. The Petrov lab¹ has collected approximately 65 strains of D. melanogaster from Linvilla Orchard, Media PA, USA, and has completely sequenced the genome of each respective strain. We hypothesize that genomic variation in D. melanogaster causes the differences in innate odor preferences and could lead to differences in their olfactory circuits. In this experiment, I tested the innate preferences for three distinct odors: geosmin, valencene, and farnesol. These odors were chosen because they bind and activate specific and singular compartments of the olfactory system, glomerulus. Glomeruli form part of the antennal lobe – the primary olfactory processing center – in the Drosophila brain. I tested D. melanogaster’s innate preference for these odors against air inside a T-maze, also named an odor acuity assay. The flies’ distribution between the two choices is measured after the two minutes are done. Results from ten strains of D. melanogaster suggest varying innate odor preferences among strains of the same species. These findings prompt us to investigate genetic influence on circuit architecture and further research these flies’ genomes to locate the genetic basis for differences in innate odor preferences.

References:

Rudman, S. M., & Petrov, D. A. (2022, March 18). Direct observation of adaptive tracking on ecological time scales in drosophila | science. Direct observation of adaptive tracking on ecological time scales in Drosophila.

Gianna Toscano

(she/her)

Poster #30

Wind and Earthquakes Excite Strong Vibration of an Ancient Cliff Dwelling (Tonto National Monument, AZ)

Research Advisor: Jeffrey Moore

Department of Geology & Geophysics, College of Science

Eliza's Bio

Who: Hi! I am Eliza Watson. I’m from Millcreek UT and I’m a freshman here at the U. I am studying Mining Engineering with a minor in Geology.

My scientific interests: For as long as I remember, I have been drawn to the sciences. I have always loved thinking about how the world around me works and what processes govern nature – especially pertaining to geology and the earth sciences. However, engineering has also long been of interest to me because of the opportunities to solve issues that we face as a society. Because of my interests, I have chosen a degree in Mining Engineering.

Academic goals: As I pursue my bachelor’s degree, I hope to possibly continue working in a lab in future years. I also look forward to getting summer internships in the mining industry and expanding my skills and knowledge.

Career goals: In the future, I hope to work on a mine site overseeing ground/slope stability. I also hope to work on mine reclamation projects. Mine reclamation is the process of returning a retired mine site as close to its pre-mining condition as possible.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: ACCESS gave me an unmatched opportunity to get to know other girls in STEM fields and connect with them on a personal level.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: I love nature and enjoy any outdoor activity, but hiking is my favorite! I love hiking with my friends, family, and dogs. I also enjoy the gym, reading, and collecting rocks.

Abstract

In-situ seismic monitoring can be used to measure vibration of ancient structures supporting damage risk assessment and mitigation. Constructed nearly 700 years ago, cliff dwellings at Tonto National Monument in central Arizona consist of partially-collapsed block and mortar walls which have been deteriorating since abandonment. These structures are susceptible to vibration-induced damage, however, it is unclear how they are affected by modern-day earthquakes, wind, helicopters, and even people. Here we analyzed data from an inexpensive Raspberry Shake seismometer placed atop a cliff dwelling wall. We found that winds frequently generated peak vibration velocities of 1 mm/s or greater, larger than anticipated and approaching a commonly accepted damage initiation threshold (2 mm/s). Earthquakes were also observed, the largest of which generated peak vibration velocity of 7.5 mm/s, well above the damage initiation threshold. Our data provide insight into how each source may impact degradation of the cliff dwelling structure. Tonto National Monument is an example of a unique cultural and historic site in the southwest US. In order to preserve these monuments, improved understanding of vibration-induced damage is crucial and can help support improved management policies.

Eliza Watson

(she/her)

Poster #31

Cauchy's Theorem

Research Advisor: Kevin Wortman

Department of Mathematics, College of Science

Hailey's Bio

Who: My name is Hailey Williams and my hometown is Henderson, Nevada. I chose to attend the University of Utah because of all of the amazing opportunities at the University and in the Salt Lake Valley.

My Scientific Interests: I was inspired to pursue an education in Mathematics because my 9th grade Geometry teacher was a joy and made learning math so much fun. Later in high school I was incredibly lucky to have two more outstanding Math teachers who helped me realize how much I truly love math and showed me the many different career paths available to me with a Math degree. On top of this my high school Physics teacher always told us to keep an open mind about physics as it impacts our every day lives. Because of his persistent encouragement I decided to add a second major in Physics

Academic Goals: I am currently an Applied Mathematics and Physics double major and I am highly interested in continuing my mathematics education in graduate school and potentially earning a Ph.D.

Career Goals: I am currently exploring different career paths I can follow and right now I am keeping all of my options open and exploring all opportunities until I find a spark. My interests are as diverse as working as an engineer or mathematician for NASA to working as a sports analyst for ESPN.

Highlights from my ACCESS experience: The biggest highlight from my ACCESS experience so far is all of the friends and connections I have made by being involved in the program. Also, the summer program was a significant help with my transition into college as I had a ton of friends from ACCESS to support me when I arrived on campus to start Fall Semester.

My hobbies and interests outside of STEM and academics: When I’m not working on homework you will either find me watching the Los Angeles Dodgers during baseball season, or college football in the fall. If neither are in season, I am most likely binging on one of my favorite TV shows. On top of that, I am a HUGE Taylor Swift fan and a big crafter.

Abstract

Cauchy’s Theorem is fundamental to Complex Analysis by helping describe analytic functions in the complex plane. Cauchy’s Theorem has many applications in math, physics, and engineering by providing integration formulas to help solve differential equations. In general, Cauchy’s Theorem takes closed loops and analytic functions with no singularities and provides a contour integral which describes the integral of the form We will show a visual intuition for the linear combination that Cauchy’s Theorem takes and provides two distinct examples of singularities located inside and outside a closed contour. This allows us to have a better understand of Cauchy’s Theorem in a few categories of its applications.

Hailey Williams

(she/her)