The Undergraduate Scholarly Showcase is an event where students from across the University share their scholarly work in the form of poster and podium presentations. At this multidisciplinary event, students are instructed and coached to develop presentations for multidisciplinary audiences.
Conformational Dynamics of Hexamer and Pore Loops of Spiral Configuration of Hsp104
Record ID: 281 Abstract: The heat-shock protein HSP104, from Saccharomyces cerevisiae or Brewer’s yeast, plays a crucial role in protein quality control by unfolding aberrant or toxic proteins to maintain protein homeostasis. HSP104 performs as a hexameric nanomachine by resolubilizing abnormalities such as amyloids and aggregates in the biological environment that cause neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's and polyglutamine disease. Interactions between the heat-shock protein and the amyloid substrate are facilitated by translocating the substrate along the axial channel from polypeptide to polypeptide, contacting various pore loop active sites, in the presence of ATP hydrolysis. However, the conformational changes of pore loop interactions with the substrate remain incompletely understood. So far, the machine's functional states have been discovered: spiral (PDB ID: 5vya) and ring (PDB ID: 5vjh). This computational study aims to explain the asymmetric pore dynamics of HSP104 by conducting all-atom molecular dynamic simulations for commotions of the spiral configuration. Our results are informed by root mean square deviation (RMSD) analysis, root mean square fluctuations of specific α-carbon atoms, principal component analysis (PCA), and dynamic cross-correlation (DCCM) analysis to discern correlated motions of regions in the hexameric structure during our molecular dynamic simulations.
Service-Learning Collaboratory: International Education Opportunities
Record ID: 334 Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program Affiliation: Service Learning Presentation Type: Video Abstract: This video presentation will display the progress and outcomes of our group's mission to incorporate service learning into the faculty-led study abroad in Vancouver, Canada. The research team worked alongside the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies and the International Experience Program to bring the University of Cincinnati's service-learning program abroad. At the time of writing, we were working with the client to finalize the budget and itinerary for said trip to Vancouver as well as finding an organization to partner with for experiential learning. We were able to confirm the itinerary and budget with the client; elaborating on the previous itinerary and budget being used for the trip. We also developed marketing materials and strategies to present to students in an effort to gain interest. The client used these materials to plan the upcoming Service-Learning trip to Vancouver, Canada, and the introduction of UC's Service-Learning program abroad.
Service Learning-Collaboratory: India Experiences
Record ID: 323 Program Affiliation: Service Learning Presentation Type: Video Abstract: This video presentation will tell the story of broadening the University of Cincinnati's network by establishing connections with local and regional partners to create opportunities for UC students in India. Furthermore, our commitment extends to developing a comprehensive portfolio outlining the framework of the CCPS UC International Experiential Program in India. By meticulously documenting every aspect of the program, we aim to encapsulate its essence and vision by the project's culmination. Our methods included fully understanding the problem set as assigned by the client. This required us to not only research the client but to interact with the client several times, asking critical questions, and ensuring that we fully understood what was being asked. This step was followed by identifying potential solutions which were vetted with the client, this, after having an ambitious list the third-party providers who were contacted via email. After hearing back from potential partners, we shared this information with the client. The client then identified those of which we should reach out to and pursue. We then established connections and pivoted towards the process of creating final deliverables for the client. This research experience has benefitted the group tremendously including the individuals in it. We have learnt to wrestle with ambiguity, overcoming obstacles, and demonstrating collective impact within our group and larger class so that our final deliverable for the client will be of high value and impact. The final deliverable given to the client included a vetted partner, and a detailed portfolio of potential curriculum.
Record ID: 305 Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Video Abstract: My scholarly research focuses on the strong emotional style expressed in Lera Auerbach's Lonely suite for violin. To feeling the emotional resonance that the composer wants to convey to the audience. According to the emotional expression in the piece, I will illustrate to audience about the emotional analysis and provide the composer's intention to express to the audience aim to arouse resonance.
Developing Career Pathways in Cincinnati's Urban Agriculture
Record ID: 250 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: Urban agriculture is the cultivation and distribution of food crops within an urban area. It is a practice composed of agricultural knowledge, sustainable development, and social implications. As the human population continues to grow and people migrate towards city living, it is necessary that cities develop to support a booming population while working to bridge the socioeconomic gaps related to food security and urban living. Using the guidelines of the Green Cincinnati plan, we can help develop a prosperous job market and improve the accessibility of education involving urban agriculture. Primarily, people need an incentive to join this sector of the workforce and have access to higher education and training regarding urban agriculture. To accomplish this, research must be done on what government funding is available, what are the success stories of urban agriculture plans in other cities, and what current educational and training opportunities are available in Cincinnati. Based on that research, a plan for Cincinnati can be formulated to support career pathways and education in urban agriculture.
Dyadic Coordination in an Online Time Estimation Task
Record ID: 236 Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Video Abstract: Pairs of individuals were asked take repeatedly turns estimating 3/4 of a second. Each participant completed 1100 trials in sessions that lasted approximately 75 minutes. The goal was to test for signs of synchronization and coordination in the participants successive judgments. Previous research established entrainment in an unperson version of the task. This study was aimed at assessing the degree to which coordination is evident in a spatially distributed online version of the task. Spectral or Fourier analysis is used to test for coordination.
Empowering Cincinnati's Clean Energy Future
Record ID: 224 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: The urgent need to mitigate climate change and foster sustainable urban development has spurred cities like Cincinnati to embark on ambitious initiatives such as the Green Cincinnati Plan. This project aims to investigate the effectiveness of incentivizing developers to electrify new buildings or integrate adaptable infrastructure for future all-electric conversion. Through a multidisciplinary lens, this research examines the design and implementation of incentives tailored to the local context, considering economic, social, and environmental factors. By analyzing best practices, stakeholder engagement, and policy frameworks, the study seeks to provide actionable insights to policymakers and urban planners. Additionally, this research will include examples of electrification initiatives from other states and countries, offering valuable comparative perspectives. The outcome of this work not only contributes new knowledge on incentivization strategies but also fosters the transition towards a healthier, more equitable, and resilient Cincinnati.
Use of Motivational Interviewing in Substance Use Counseling for Adolescents Coping with Addiction
Record ID: 170 Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Video Abstract: The adolescent years can be turbulent emotionally, socially, and biologically. The change from childhood to adolescence brings new challenges to maintaining one's mental well-being, like social development, finding a sense of belonging, and in Erik Erikson's developmental theory, finding a "sense of identity in occupation, sex roles, politics, and religion" (cortland.edu, n.d.). Some adolescents seek out brief relief from the emotional toll of adolescent development from alcohol and drugs. Other adolescents use alcohol and drugs and label their behavior as "fun". Regardless of the impetus, when the time comes that usage and using behavior becomes problematic, many methods of intervention are available to the willing helpers and clinicians that work to assist adolescents toward recovery. Of these many interventions, this team will study the effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing as it is used to treat adolescents with substance abuse disorders in both group and individual settings. We will use a scoping review of peer-reviewed studies in PubMed, PsycNet, and Google Scholar, from the past two years to identify interventions that work and discuss areas of intervention that still need improvement for employing Motivational Interviewing based on research. We will present ideas for applying this technique to help adolescents and provide our ideas for moving research in this field ahead to assist adolescents and their families.
Creating a Neighborhood Recycling Workforce for Communities In Need of Recycling Education and Proper Usage
Record ID: 150 Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Video Abstract: The amount of garbage waste that humans produce is increasingly becoming detrimental to Earth. Recycling is one way to reduce waste and that material is used to create new items. Although this is a helpful resource, there are many residents and workplaces that don't have access to recycling bins, or the knowledge necessary for effective recycling readily available to them. Some districts and communities are lacking this resource, therefore my research question is: Can jobs be created to educate people in Cincinnati about recycling? Looking into other areas around the United States area in which they have already set up neighborhood recycling programs give ideas on whether certain areas in Cincinnati, or the whole of Cincinnati, could adopt similar action plans. In accordance with the Green Cincinnati Plan, under the priority action of Zero Waste and Recycling, communities in Cincinnati with potential can get ideas from other communities to set up neighborhood recycling workforces. These jobs can be made available to those who are living in the area, creating new job opportunities, which in turn can bring recycling education to the neighborhood.
Envisioning the Future of the University of Cincinnati's International Experience Program
Record ID: 128 Program Affiliation: Service Learning Presentation Type: Video Abstract: When exploring the future possibilities of the University of Cincinnati's International Experience Program, conducting market research on international service learning and utilizing data obtained to identify opportunities and recommendations for expansion was key. By analyzing the data received in the form of a university wide survey, we were able to comprehensively identify two new preferential service-learning locations which, in turn, provided the program coordinators a valuable and exciting insight into what the future could hold for the university and its students. A comprehensive, detailed and informative deliverable was compiled which will help shape the vision for the program's future generation of participants.
Incorporating Citizen Science to Complete a Biodiversity Assessment for the City of Cincinnati
Record ID: 107 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: The Green Cincinnati Plan states that to understand the health of our ecosystems we must have a complete biodiversity assessment. In 2021 the Mill Creek Biodiversity Assessment was completed for The Midwest Biodiversity Institute. This assessment was focused on aquatic and semi-aquatic areas, leaving little information about other ecosystems in our city such as woodlands and pastures. There is a sizable gap in the knowledge of which species can be found in Cincinnati and the surrounding areas. Understanding specific species and their niches can help scientists understand the structure of local ecosystems, and better predict changes in them. My research question for this project is: What are the pros and cons of conducting a city wide biodiversity assessment using citizen science? Using public participation to identify and record local species could potentially lead to inaccurate or biased data being recorded. Finding the most effective way to gather data for a biodiversity assessment will be essential for this project to prosper.
Developing Strategies to Increase Biodiversity and Native Plants in Urban Agriculture to Mitigate Climate Change
Record ID: 105 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: Current climate trends have a major impact on crop success. Climate change causes issues with growing seasons and precipitation. This has large impacts on the success of farming in urban areas and rural areas, which can dissuade people from pursuing work in gardens or urban farming and impact food security. I looked at current methods of urban farming and how they are impacted by or contributing to climate change and crop failure and what methods could be adjusted or changed to mitigate these effects. I researched native Ohio plants that are edible and how to increase the use of these and biodiversity in gardening and urban farming, as well as how garden locations and indoor farming could help mitigate changing climate and increase urban agriculture's success. Promoting rooftop gardens and increasing knowledge about native plants would help farmers combat climate change and success in farming in urban areas. Rooftop gardens are important for battling heat island effect caused by climate change and increasing local, accessible food. promoting native edible plants in urban agriculture would help this. Native plants improve the biodiversity of pollinators and other animals and require less maintenance. These could help mitigate climate change consequences and provide food security. This would contribute to other areas of the Green Cincinnati Plan and would create agriculture jobs in Cincinnati. Some next steps could include increasing funding and incentives for biodiverse, native plants in gardening, and for use of controlled environment agriculture or similar methods of urban farming.
Improving the Recycle Mindset in the Cincinnati Area
Record ID: 103 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: Recycling systems and infrastructure across the globe are flawed as they cannot accept hard to recycle items such as plastics bags, plastic and foam kitchen items like straws, plastic liners, foam peanuts, and bubble wrap. Many of these items would normally go to a landfill. The mission is to reroute these items to go to a recycling facility to be made into new valued resources. The Hefty ReNew Program makes this a priority. They sell plastic bags specifically for this reason, where these types of items are not going to landfills. Our specific question is: How can we improve the recycling mindset here in Cincinnati to reduce the amount of plastic going into the landfill? To answer this question, we look to expand on the implemented Hefty ReNew Program in the area by making the recycling collection more inclusive, reach it to a larger audience, create incentives and after the Hefty - Rumpke partnership ends; ways in which Rumpke can keep the program going. This program has been successful in areas like Nebraska, Georgia, Tennessee, and Idaho. It is successful in these areas because of numerous partnerships, and haulers that collect these orange bags and transport them. They also receive grant money for investing in the program, and there is more than one local material recovery facility used for sorting. Our findings and steps to complete this project are ongoing. The outcome of the work will allow further improvement of the overall health of the Cincinnati area.
Record ID: 100 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: As cities worldwide confront the imperative of transitioning towards sustainable energy systems, the electrification of buildings emerges as a pivotal strategy for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing urban resilience. This research project investigates the existence and efficacy of developer incentives to electrify buildings, drawing insights from successful initiatives in other cities and soliciting feedback from stakeholders here in Cincinnati. Through a multidisciplinary lens, the study aims to address the overarching goal of promoting electrification as a means to combat climate change and advance sustainability objectives, leaving the city of Cincinnati's reliance on fossil fuels a thing of the past. The specific research question guiding this investigation is: What tools and strategies have proven successful in incentivizing developers to electrify buildings in other cities, and how can these approaches be adapted to meet the goals of its ambitious green plan? The methodology involves a comprehensive review of existing literature, case studies of electrification initiatives in cities elsewhere, and qualitative interviews with key development figures in the Cincinnati community. The anticipated outcome of this research is a set of actionable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, and industry stakeholders in Cincinnati to develop effective incentives for electrification. By fostering dialogue and collaboration across sectors, the findings aim to catalyze the adoption of electrification technologies, thereby contributing to a more sustainable community.
Improving Air Quality in Cincinnati with Low Emission Zones
Record ID: 99 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: As transportation needs around Cincinnati increase, the subsequent air quality will continue to be impacted. Cincinnati has struggled with maintaining EPA air quality and pollutant standards throughout its history. These air quality issues become even more exacerbated during the warm summer months when the ground-level ozone and humidity spike. The Green Cincinnati Plan attempts to find a solution that improves the overall air quality while concurrently improving living standards through community action. Though no current plan exists to reach the goal, we can look into how other cities have mitigated these same concerns. Our specific question is: how can we improve air quality to better improve the quality of life for our citizens? The answer could be through the implementation of low-emission zones. These zones are a type of vehicle access restriction plans that limit access to an area by the most polluting vehicles. Further research on how Cincinnati can implement a plan similar to these zones could improve air quality while reducing other car-related issues such as noise and light pollution. This work's outcome could help improve Cincinnati citizens' quality of life and focus on sustainable community actions.
Strategies for Adapting Urban Agriculture to Climate Change
Record ID: 98 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: Climate change is affecting the yield, quality, and resiliency of our crops. With The City of Cincinnati already addressing food insecurity through the Green Cincinnati Plan, this Research aims to specifically address the impact, and possible mitigation, of climate change on our agricultural industry. Topics researched include, most at risk crops, responses from other areas within the United States, and possible opportunities for new crops. The outcome of this research will further the strategic response to climate change in our urban agricultural industry, allowing for the possibility of decreased food insecurity, and increased food resiliency in our city. The next steps would be to partner with our local growers to implement these strategies and help improve the resilience of our urban agricultural industry.
A Proposed Complete Biodiversity Assessment for Cincinnati Using Citizen Science
Record ID: 95 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: To create sustainable green spaces in Cincinnati, it is essential to understand the city's biodiversity. Invasive species have been a struggle for the city due to the competition created for native species, which reduces biodiversity and ecosystem services. Following the priority action from the Green Cincinnati Plan that was suggested through community outreach sessions to have a biodiversity assessment done for Cincinnati incorporating citizen science. For my capstone, I researched the current biodiversity assessments in Cincinnati and worldwide, the gaps in these assessments, and how to integrate citizen science. Through my research, I found that the City Biodiversity Index created by Singapore while performing its biodiversity assessment would be a valuable tool, along with using apps such as iNaturalist or Field Maps to incorporate citizen science. My research also suggests breaking Cincinnati down into smaller quadrants and performing biodiversity assessments in smaller sections. Understanding biodiversity in the area will help with creating these green spaces written into the Green Cincinnati Plan and possibly boost biodiversity in Cincinnati.
Improvement of Urban Farming and Gardening in Adaptation to Climate Trends
Record ID: 88 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Video Abstract: The City of Cincinnati has developed the Green Cincinnati Plan to increase the city's sustainability. Urban farming and gardening contribute to the sustainable food production of Cincinnati. One of the issues within the plan is that urban farmers and gardeners are experiencing changes in climate trends that can negatively affect crop production. If not anticipated or adapted then there will be a decrease in the sustainability within Cincinnati. The capstone project will research the techniques and systems urban farmers and gardeners could use to adapt to climate change to increase the success of crop production, as well as the pros and cons of each technique and system. I will research how exactly specific crops are being affected by the increasing temperatures and how to prevent or limit the effect it causes to preserve the health of crops. How can urban farmers and gardeners prepare for changing climate conditions, and are there programs that are already in place to help them? If farmers and gardeners become more experienced in crop production and maintenance in response to climate change, there will be higher food security and reduced impact on food production from climate trends.
Record ID: 50 Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Video Abstract: This presentation will explore the diverse needs of children aged 5-12 years who have at least one parent/caregiver seeking treatment for a substance use disorder. First, an analysis of peer-reviewed research and scholarly articles published in the past five years will be conducted. Abstracts will be reviewed to determine if manuscripts meet criteria by addressing children's socio-emotional development (aged 5-12). Next, information on the methods and outcomes of studies will be examined, and results will be synthesized. Finally, we will present our findings: interpreting outcome data and discussing supportive, evidence-based interventions to improve the socio-emotional functioning of young children whose parents face addiction. We will articulate concepts for interventions and techniques to improve socio-emotional development and functioning for children. We will present innovative ideas to support young children and suggest designs for health professionals and substance use counselors who serve this vulnerable population. This subject is important because children of parents dealing with substance use disorders can experience a range of socio-emotional difficulties. Through examination of the latest studies, we will enlighten practitioners and researchers, identifying practical ideas for use by substance use counselors. The insights we share will go beyond theory-they are assured to inform interventions that could significantly improve youth's social and emotional development. We aim to convert research into practical, knowledgeable, tangible, and enriching interventions professionals can use to support children. Research on interventions to improve child functioning is critical, as there is potential to change lives forever. functioning is critical, as there is potential to change lives forever.
Record ID: 340 Program Affiliation: Service Learning Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: The goal of this research project was to determine if engineering design principles can be found within the popular digital sandbox games: Minecraft and Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This was achieved by finding videos of people playing the games with both creative and story-driven methods and scoring them based on how many steps of the engineering design process they followed within a given time frame. Inter-rater-reliability using Cohen's Kappa was utilized to ensure accurate and precise data related to these videos. This data was paired with our own research into the realism of both games through testing of the convertible measurement systems, friction, conventional mechanics, gravity, and collisions. Together, this research allows us to have a better understanding of the teachings of engineering principles from popular media and those teachings applicability to the real world. From this understanding we have generated recommendations for future media to instill engineering principles, and education in general, into their design.
Advancing Education and Professional Practice
The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom
Agroforestry at the Ancient Maya City of Calakmul, Mexico
Record ID: 337 Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: The ancient city of Calakmul, once a leading polity of the Classic Maya world, has drawn the attention of scholarly investigation for nearly a century. Despite the long history of academic research, the intricate relationship of the densely populated center with its surrounding tropical forest environment has only recently come into clear focus. How did they provide adequate supplies of food and forest products to expanding populations during an occupation that lasted well over a millennium? These and other questions have been the focus of a recent study conducted by a multidisciplinary team of biologists, geographers and archaeologists. In this poster we will address these questions using the identification of wood remains using a combination of light and Scanning Electron Microscopy.
Sensing, Perception, and Sensory Technology
How the Implementation of Crisis Prevention Intervention Training May Worsen a Student's Experience in a Regular School Setting
Record ID: 313 Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: This study was conducted to measure the relationship between the implementation of Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) Training and student's experience in a regular school setting. There are differing opinions that suggest the implementation of CPI training would not appear different in varying settings, nor would the student's experience be altered. In this study, clients from Wasserman Day Treatment were surveyed about their experience in a regular school setting and how staff handled their crises. This study shows that staff in regular school settings did not handle client's crises in the expected terms outlined in CPI trainings and actually worsened the client's experience at school. The implementation of CPI training varies between school based and mental health based settings causing school based settings to not always be best fit for individuals struggling behaviorally.
Impact of Cyanobacteria and Their Associated Toxins on Fish Gut Microbiomes
Record ID: 312 Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: The field of freshwater fish microbiome is still widely under-studied and is largely focused on marine fish and fish mucous membranes. The gut microbiome of fish is a gateway to understanding the influences of toxins and primary producers in a system. Knowing the impact on the microbiome can give light to the health of the fish in the system or the overall health of the system. It's known that the Central stoneroller fish has a vast diversity of its gut microbiome but also is very immersed in its environment as it consumes algae in the system. Diving into relationships between the environment and fish gut microbiome in a simulation, the goal was to find direct links between toxins and the impacts on the Central Stonerollers. The target species, the Central stonerollers, are native to the Little Miami River; the fish collected from the experiment system were then dissected. The guts were extracted and DNA sequenced by the Environmental Protection Agency. The outcome of this work will help build an understanding of the health of our streams and fish compared to the toxins that are produced by primary producers.
Nutrient And Primary Producer Influences
Educating Pediatric Nursing Students on Coping Strategies When Dealing with The Loss of a Child Patient
Record ID: 304 Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: Almost 75% of pediatric nurses will experience the loss of a child patient within their first year of working. No specific training is provided to nursing students coping with the loss of a patient. The purpose of this project was to provide information to students on positive coping strategies they can use with the focus on the benefits of group debrief sessions as well as individualized personal strategies. We conducted a literature search that consisted of current evidence published within the last seven years and created a PowerPoint educational session to present to a pediatric nursing class. This content outlined the purpose of our research, how the research applies to students, the various types of coping strategies, resources available, and the strategies that proved to be most beneficial when coping with the death of a patient. The pre and post-tests will assess the knowledge of students before and after our presentation. Ultimately, they will assess their confidence level when seeking support, identifying healthy coping strategies, and their understanding of bereavement. Results of this project are pending. The outcome of the education will help future nurses have a better understanding on how to cope with the loss of a patient. Students will be able to identify effective coping strategies such as group debriefing and understand the benefits utilizing this strategy will grant them rather than less effective strategies that only involve the individual alone.
Gender Differences in Muscle Oxygenation Recovery Following Intermittent Cycling Exercise
Record ID: 285 Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: Differences in fatiguability between human males and females following repeated cycling power outputs has been documented. However, potential differences in muscle oxygenation recovery levels as a potential explanation has not been measured. Understanding differences between male and female muscle oxygenation recovery profiles would be beneficial in establishing both rehabilitation treatment and athletic performance protocols. We hypothesize that females will recover muscle oxygenation levels more robustly than males following 4 x 60s maximal effort cycling bouts with 30s recovery between bouts. Subjects participated in a single day session that included the following: A 4-6 minute warm up on the cycle ergometer (Wahoo KICKR). Four, one-minute maximal effort cycling bouts separated by 30s of recovery between. At the completion of the 4th bout, subjects remained seated on the cycle ergometer for 3 minutes while oxygen recovery levels (Moxy Oxygen Monitor) and blood lactate levels (Lactate Plus) were measured. Heart Rate and Power output were also recorded. Results are pending, but we expect that females will have an enhanced recovery profile compared to males participating in the same exercise.
Development of Metal Nanoparticles as Catalysts for a Color-Changing Reaction
Record ID: 283 Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: Detection of toxins, cancers, and other harmful substances is a key challenge and area of development in modern medicine. The analytes can be detected using a catalytic reaction with a fluorescent dye and appropriate catalysts. In this project, the goal is to optimize the preparation of the catalyst to maximally intensify the color change of the dye, so that the catalyst can be used in subsequent sensor development. The research task is to synthesize a series of metal nanoparticle catalysts and evaluate their efficiency in catalyzing the color-changing reaction. In the future, we plan to integrate these metal nanoparticles into sensing schemes for applications.
Impacts of Hydrological Conditions on Fish Diversity and Populations in a Small Urban Stream
Record ID: 280 Program Affiliation: NA Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: The characteristics of urban streams create stressors for fish that cause dramatic shifts in population dynamics. These characteristics include, a flashy hydrograph, increased nutrient input, loss of biodiversity, and channelization. Hydrology is a major factor that impacts fish compositions because it determines habitat availability in streams. Hydrology is especially important in urban streams, as urban fish communities already face habitat degradation compared to natural streams. Urban streams are populated by fewer species that are more tolerant to changes caused by urbanization, but these species are still affected by changing hydrology. Using a five-year dataset collected in four sites within Cooper Creek, an urban headwater stream in Cincinnati, OH, we analyze variations in fish population and community structure in response to habitat availability in wet and dry years in an urban stream. The two focuses of this study are understanding (1) how fish community composition and (2) population characteristics (e.g., size distribution, body condition) change in wet versus dry years. Cooper Creek is inhabited by tolerant pioneer species like Creek Chub, Western Black nose Dace, Central Stoneroller, and a few more species present in the lower reaches of the creek. In this study we hypothesize that there is a correlation between fish community composition/population characteristics and the amount of rainfall in a year. We predict that in wetter years with more rainfall there will be greater habitat availability. This will result in better population numbers, larger fish, and more well rounded size distributions.
The Impact of Rising Temperatures on Wolf Spider Phenology
Record ID: 278 Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: Climate change is one of the defining challenges of our time, and accelerating global warming is a destabilizing factor for ecosystems in every corner of the world. As ectotherms, invertebrates are expected to be affected by our changing climate, with warmer temperatures causing faster growth rates. The goal of this research is to understand what impact rising temperatures due to climate change have had on the phenology, or annual life cycle of the wolf spider, Schizocosa ocreata. In order to quantify this relationship, molt records of spiders collected from the Cincinnati Nature Center as part of ongoing research from 2001 to 2023 were evaluated. From each year, four dates were obtained: the dates when the first male and first female matured, and the dates when half of the male and half of the female populations had matured. Growing degree days (GDD), a measure of heat accumulation, were calculated for each year prior to the start of maturation to determine the relationship between temperature and maturation rate. The results show a strong correlation between cumulative GDD and advanced maturation dates, with both male and female wolf spiders maturing 25 to 30 days earlier today than in 2001. These findings are clear evidence that rising temperatures are having a significant effect on the phenology of wolf spiders and underscore the importance of further investigation into the impacts of climate change on invertebrate populations around the world.
The Effects of Shoulder Position on Bicep Brachii Activation
Record ID: 264 Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: Our study aims to investigate how different shoulder positions affect the activation of the biceps brachii muscle during bicep flexion resistance exercises. Limited research shows that shoulder position from extended to neutral to flexed changes biceps activations. Here we use electromyography (EMG) to identify which shoulder position elicits the greatest relative activation (i.e., electrical activity produced by the muscle). The EMG of the biceps brachii will be measured in shoulder extension, anatomical position, and shoulder flexion. The EMG data will be derived from an elbow flexion curl exercise and a metronome will be used to keep consistent speed of repetitions. We anticipate that performing a bicep curl with the shoulder in an extended position will produce the greatest EMG activation due to the reduced force generating capabilities in an extended position. This extended position would have increased biceps activations from having to recruit more muscle fibers to complete the biceps curl with the relative external load and the induced stretch of the biceps from the initial starting position. Results of this study can be used to inform strength training and rehabilitation programs.
Record ID: 247 Award(s): Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentorship Program Affiliation: Capstone Presentation Type: Poster Abstract: The City of Cincinnati has proposed the Green Cincinnati Plan to help reduce greenhouse emissions and improve sustainability. Within this plan, there are many actions proposed to help make the city sustainable. Specifically, one proposed action focuses on whether carbon crediting can be an incentive to create green spaces throughout Cincinnati. Currently, there has been little research done on carbon credits in Cincinnati, although my preliminary research on other cities has shown that carbon credits can help incentivize green spaces but with little impact on overall carbon emissions. Partnering with the city's Office of Environment and Sustainability, I have conducted research centered around this question: How can the City of Cincinnati provide incentives and support for the use of carbon crediting and/or carbon offset programs to fund tree planting, maintenance, land conservation, and forest rehabilitation? In order to provide the Office with the information needed, I conducted research on how cities similar to Cincinnati have handled this action. Topics such as the upkeep of green spaces and how they affect the surrounding communities have also been observed. Additionally, data on the effectiveness of carbon crediting and carbon offsetting was collected. The outcome of this work will allow the city of Cincinnati to put in place actions to support green spaces.