Poster Presentations: Three

Westminster University concluded last academic year's theatre season with a production of Ride the Cyclone, a musical by Jacob Richmond and Brooke Maxwell. Set in a purgatorial realm and including characters such as a powerful animatronic fortune-telling machine, an anonymous student with a doll head, and a social outcast who dreams of being an intergalactic superhero, this show was a lot to take on in terms of tech and design. Working with Mark Fossen, the director, and Spencer Potter, the set and costume designer, I designed the full costume looks for both Karnak, the ringleading animatronic, and Ricky, the space-faring rock star, along with the makeup look for Jane Doe, the unidentified student.

From collecting image inspiration, sketching and drafting, sourcing materials, and the construction itself, I worked collaboratively with other designers to best execute our visions. For Ricky, I drew upon things such as sci-fi B movies, David Bowie, and even Star Trek, for Karnak, ringleaders, comic books, and early 1900s animatronics served as inspiration, and for Jane Doe, antique dolls and a touch of silent film. I specifically worked on the construction of Ricky's costume with the guidance of costume shop manager Andrea Davenport, translating my design into actuality with both machine and hand sewing. This was my first foray into designing in a full production, and working on this project helped me better understand the full responsibilities and workflow of a designer. Taking on this role gave me the opportunity to experience the process myself, in an educational context, with successful results.

This project presents a measured drawing analytique of the Salt Lake City and County Building, a historic landmark that stands as one of Utah's most architecturally and civically significant structures. Completed in 1894, the building embodies Richardsonian Romanesque design, combining intricate masonry, grand arches, and ornamental detailing to reflect both the artistic ambition and civic pride of the late 19th century. Through a process of on-site observation, proportional measurement, and detailed watercolor rendering, this analytique explores the building's architectural composition, its relationship to the surrounding urban fabric, and its enduring symbolic value within the city's identity.

The composition of the drawing frames the central tower of the building through an arched window, emphasizing perspective, symmetry, and spatial hierarchy. The measured representation highlights key architectural elements---such as the rhythmic use of arches, columns, and stone carvings---while the use of color differentiates material textures and spatial depth. An inset plan on the easel at the lower right corner contextualizes the building within its landscaped setting, linking architectural form to site design.

Beyond technical precision, the project investigates how architectural drawings serve as both analytical tools and artistic interpretations. The analytique format---traditionally used to deconstruct and celebrate architectural masterpieces---encourages a deeper understanding of proportion, structure, and ornamentation. By reconstructing the Salt Lake City and County Building through drawing, the project bridges historical research and visual communication, transforming observation into interpretation.

Ultimately, this work underscores the role of measured drawing as a means of architectural storytelling. It honors the building not merely as a physical artifact, but as a living symbol of Salt Lake City's civic and cultural evolution. The presentation aims to reveal how careful documentation and artistic expression can preserve and reinterpret historic architecture for future generations.

Touchstone is a new body of artwork created for Professor Bornhoft's solo show at the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art, running September 26th, 2025 to January 3rd, 2026. The exhibition features three large-scale sculptures and 4 video projections in the 350-square-foot Artist-in-Residence gallery. The work shown in the exhibition culminates the research and art-making that took place during the year-long residency at the museum, which focuses on the shared materialities of the geological and the human body. Our human bodies are mainly composed of sixteen earthly minerals. For example, according to the National Institute of Health, the average human body contains 1.3 kilograms of calcium, 25 grams of magnesium, 4 grams of iron, around 700 grams of phosphorus, etc. Two student researchers, Xanthe Harris and Janika Linville worked with Professor Bornhoft to research, design, fabricate and install the work. We built 10 5-foot by 5-foot sculptures that weigh varied amounts between 200 and 50 pounds to reflect different weight classes in an American population. According to the NIH's data, the sheets of cast resin are embedded with the accurate amounts of minerals the average human body contains. Our research employs innovative approaches to increasing the impact of scientific knowledge through Visual Art. In addition to the work in the exhibition, the students created an interactive website that shares further information about the 16 minerals in the human body. In the age of the Anthropocene, we must understand how our human impact on the Earth is damaging its ecosystems at unsustainable rates. We must comprehend the Earth as a moving, shaking, malleable body. More than reading data, this knowledge must saturate our experience to evoke change. Art does that; it helps us conceptualize the unfathomable predictions that scientific research has made evident.

This thesis examines Utah's House Bill 0261 (HB0261), also known as the Equal Opportunity Initiatives, and its effects on minority and marginalized students in the state's higher education system. HB0261 prohibits diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices, centers, initiatives, mandatory training, and identity needs-based scholarships within Utah's public colleges and universities. While the bill's stated goal is to promote equality and prevent “differential treatment”, the bill has led to a widespread closure and restructuring of DEI centers, loss of staff and reduced resources targeted at specific student needs within Utah's higher education. Using a review of DEI concepts, the bill's provisions, campus-level changes, community perceptions, research regarding the correlation of belonging to student persistence, the analysis argues that HB0261 undermines students' sense of belonging which ultimately affects student success and persistence within Utah's higher education among minority and marginalized students. In addition, HB0261 also hinders cultural competence among faculty and staff promoting harming bias. HB0261 exacerbates historical inequities by treating all students identically without regard to their interpersonal identities and backgrounds. Allowing equitable opportunities for diverse, minority, and marginalized populations within Utah's higher education is not discrimination nor promoting differential treatment. The analysis concludes that equitable, not merely equal resources and centers are essential for fostering belonging, student success, and academic achievement among diverse student populations within Utah's higher education system.

This poster presentation will study how performing collaborative piano repertoire can mitigate performance anxiety in solo pianists through ensemble listening, cueing, group dynamics, and reinforcing healthy techniques.

Anxiety is one of the most common obstacles to musical performance, with a study by Belén Gomez-Lopez finding that 60% to 80% of professional musicians struggle with crippling performance anxiety. It is also a shared experience across many disciplinaries, which I discovered as a collegiate tennis player at Utah Tech University and Southern Virginia University. Experts have long noted the similarity, with Timothy Gallwey's book The Inner Game of Tennis establishing the importance of establishing a strong mental approach to sports. My experience as a collaborative pianist has greatly improved my anxiety in both music and sports, and this poster presentation will summarize the methods used to gain increased confidence.

Collaborative pianists focus outward, not inward. They need to listen to all performers in a group, not just themselves. This reflexively silences the inner critical voice and places the performer in the present instead of the past or future. Cueing, or the act of gesturing others for entrances or breaths, similarly helps reset mentally and reinforces the team over the individual. This is also found in doubles tennis, where cueing involves covert hand signals and court placement to a doubles partner. Additionally, the lack of required memorization in collaborative piano removes a major source of mental strain in performances, building confidence for future solo playing. Collaborative playing creates reservoirs of confidence through lower-stake performances.

Lastly, a healthy and relaxed piano technique is critical to successful solo performances. One of these techniques is how the hands approach the piano, through preparation and follow through gestures. This is also true in tennis. Collaborative pianists regularly see how string and wind players need to physically prepare to make sound, helping to reinforce this technique on the piano. This preparation gesture also alleviates tension in the shoulders and arms, a major cause of mistakes which restarts the performance anxiety loop.

At one point during my collegiate tennis career my anxiety prevented me from winning against players who, on paper, were at a lower level. I have likewise struggled with performance anxiety as a piano major at Utah Valley University. Incorporating skills learned as a collaborative pianist has greatly improved my solo piano playing and confidence in tennis.

In an effort to better understand the classical architecture of Utah, I studied the history and details of the original Salt Lake Public Library not only through research, but also through on-site measurements, drawing, and painting.

Designed by the nationally revered architects Heins & LaFarge of New York City, the library was funded and built through donations from mining millionaire John Quackenbos Packard in 1904.

Following the Beaux-Arts style, the structure features exquisite Doric and Ionic exterior detailing. A signature large curved stone gable punctuates the roofline and is supported by four pilasters elegantly directing the eye toward the grand, stately terrace perched high upon the third level. Below the terrace, the entry is marked by colossal columns flanking each side of the three large oak double doors with arched windows above. This motif continues around the building where second-story windows are set within large arches and supported by colossal pilasters on either side. This repetition creates an elegant rhythm that "lightens" the feel of an otherwise square and potentially heavy looking structure. The elongated curved brackets that accentuate the deep eaves further contribute to this lightening effect. Continuing the curvaceous theme, the grand foyer is connected to the main building mass through curved walls that follow the curved spiral stairs within.

While research was essential in studying this building, it was through the multi-sensory process of measuring, drawing, scaling and assembling its elements---and finally rendering them in watercolor---that my understanding truly deepened. Through each phase of this in-depth study, I discovered details that might otherwise go unnoticed and ultimately learned how seemingly small themes can work together to create a gloriously beautiful building that stands as a sentinel for generations to come.

Ogden, Utah's historic U.S. Forest Service Building requires a preservation-led mixed-use redesign that protects its Art Deco character and honors its history, while delivering universal access, clear wayfinding, and contemporary performance standards for public, learning, enterprise, and attainable residential uses. Peer-reviewed research informs this brief: adaptive reuse benefits from strategies that balance authenticity with new function through stakeholder collaboration and interior interventions that are careful and reversible (Swai, 2025). Interior wayfinding performance is directly tied to floor-plan configuration, distinctive landmarks, and legible signage, with user needs considered across cognitive, behavioral, and environmental factors (Jamshidi, Ensafi, & Pati, 2020). Creative and cultural venues work best when layouts are flexible, multi-sensory, and community-oriented, with spaces that invite collaboration and display (Awaliyah, 2023).

Radiance Collective mirrors the idea of a shared campfire. Light that gathers and warmth that invites connection guide a preservation-first mixed-use interior where historic materials stay centered, routes and signage read clearly, and daily life flows through flexible learning spaces, a visible startup foothold, and dignified, attainable homes designed for curiosity and creative exchange.

The method is programming-led adaptive reuse using precedent analysis, preservation mapping of character-defining elements, code and ADA audits, spatial testing, and quick stakeholder touchpoints to validate adjacencies and performance targets. The expected outcome is a clear, testable program and concept that safeguards character, meets accessibility and life-safety requirements, and returns the building to daily service with a balanced public, learning, enterprise, and residential mix.

The goal of the Ogden's Art Deco Restoration project is to adaptively utilize the U.S. Forest Service Building through Ogden's Art Deco Restoration into a dynamic mixed-use cultural center that incorporates modern living, creative studios, and social gathering areas within a historic framework. In a study by Bullen and Love (2011), good interior makeovers create both environmental and spatial value by striking a balance between preserving historical features and incorporating contemporary utility. Additionally, according to Prihatmanti and Susan (2018) and Cedalyn (2019), acoustic improvements and sensitive lighting interventions can increase user comfort without compromising historic integrity. In order to support sustainability and cultural enrichment, the design strategy places a strong emphasis on natural daylighting, adaptable floor designs, and the restoration of original Art Deco features. The project shows how interior design can bridge the gap between preservation and creativity by converting this neglected monument into a multipurpose creative hub. This ensures that Ogden's architectural legacy remains relevant and strengthens the sense of community identity.

Without sacrificing the building's historical significance, indoor air quality and energy efficiency will be the focus by utilizing low-VOC coatings, long-lasting materials, and natural daylighting. Insights from research on lighting and acoustic improvements will be applied by creating cozy areas while maintaining the original look. By incorporating these sustainable practices, the project not only restores a historic building but also fosters community involvement and cultural continuity by creating a useful and inspiring space.

In conclusion, the Ogden's Art Deco Restoration project serves as an example of how historic preservation and sustainable design may coexist. Low-VOC materials, natural daylighting, and well-considered acoustic and lighting upgrades are all included in the project to increase comfort and functionality while preserving the Art Deco character of the building. The building will continue to be a dynamic cultural landmark that upholds community identity and environmental responsibility thanks to this harmony between innovation and preservation.

The world today overlooks face-to-face interaction because of the advances in technology and the ease of separation. The purposefully designed creative spaces that we use can play a crucial role in enhancing personal connections, fostering creativity, and supporting uncharted discovery(Zacoth, Mauroner, & Emes, 2024). This research explores how interior design strategies can intentionally shape experiences for everyone who enters the building. The concept, "The Journey," lifted by the pillars discover, connect, and create, proposes the historic U.S. Forest Building in Ogden, Utah, as a dynamic mixed-use facility that honors its past while supporting a connected future.

A challenge in this modern age is the lack of accessible, inspiring spaces that foster genuine human interaction and creative expression. Many modern workplaces and living spaces can contribute to individualized isolation and undervalued spontaneous encounters(Zacoth, Mauroner, & Emes, 2024). This study applies research on the effects of historic environments on psychological well-being, the importance of flexible makerspaces, and the role of biophilic design. The project investigates how these choices can impact the creative process and the connection users have to the past, themselves, and others. Rehabilitated historic heritage sites can promote a sense of belonging and overall well-being through shared stories and an understood potential(Gallou, 2022).

Design interventions for "The Journey" include bringing seating and table widths closer together in collaboration areas and lounges on the Weber State levels, and in the coffee shop to facilitate dialogue while also ensuring compliance with accessibility standards. The connection creatives feel towards other creatives can stimulate growth and exploration(Zacoth, Mauroner, & Emes). More opportunities for creative collaboration are brought in through many flexible studios and communal lounges that support interdisciplinary creation. Natural materials, vegetation, natural light, and other biophilic elements will be integrated into locations where users can benefit from them. Adaptive reuse is more than preservation. It's about community. Creativity. Breathing renewed life into old spaces.

There is a growing need for safe, functional, healing spaces for those seeking domestic violence shelters in Northern Utah. Currently in Box Elder county, there is one shelter with only 11 beds. With the 272.8% increase in 2020 during the pandemic alone, there is a big need for this area to have some more space for these survivors.

Since the environment influences behavior , emotions, healing, and interactions of individuals, elements of the optimal healing environment (OHE) framework will also be applied to the interior. Light, color, nature, esthetics, art, and music will combine a healthy environment for these victim's to grow and overcome the past and prepare for a better future. (McCullough, 2019)

To fulfill these goals, our team will ensure there's plenty of lighting in the area, showcasing lovely arched windows that allow for lots of natural light, paired with high-quality lighting fixtures. The building also introduce natural wood tones and earthy accent colors throughout the space, weaving in biophilic design elements. These aspects will work together to create a healing environment for victims, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. By creating a sanctuary focused on well-being, to assist people in rebuilding their lives and coming out even stronger, able to face the future with new confidence and optimism.

There is a growing need for safe, functional, healing spaces for those seeking domestic violence shelters in Northern Utah. Currently in Box Elder county, there is one shelter with only 11 beds. With the 272.8% increase in 2020 during the pandemic alone, there is a big need for this area to have some more space for these survivors. Since the environment influences behavior , emotions, healing, and interactions of individuals, elements of the optimal healing environment (OHE) framework will also be applied to the interior. Light, color, nature, esthetics, art, and music will combine a healthy environment for these victim's to grow and overcome the past and prepare for a better future. (McCullough, 2019) To fulfill these goals, our team will ensure there’s plenty of lighting in the area, showcasing lovely arched windows that allow for lots of natural light, paired with high-quality lighting fixtures. The building also introduce natural wood tones and earthy accent colors throughout the space, weaving in biophilic design elements. These aspects will work together to create a healing environment for victims, fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere. By creating a sanctuary focused on well-being, to assist people in rebuilding their lives and coming out even stronger, able to face the future with new confidence and optimism.×

Halophilic nematodes have been discovered in the Great Salt Lake (GSL) (Jung et al., 2024). They were found to be associated with bacteria-built mounds called microbialite that line the shallow areas of the lake (Lindsay et al., 2019); significantly higher numbers of nematodes were found living in microbialite sediment than in sediment adjacent to the microbialite (Jung et al. 2024). The mechanism of survival in hypersalinity remains unknown. We hypothesize that cross-kingdom interactions between bacteria and nematodes may provide part of the answer. To test whether bacteria in GSL can increase saline tolerance of nematodes, we grew laboratory nematode Caenorhabditis elegans on either 1) standard laboratory bacteria E. coli OP-50 or 2) various bacterial isolates. Worm survival 5 minutes and 24 hours after exposure to saline water was then measured. Nematodes raised on microbialite were observed to have increased survival in salinity up to 16% over both time points. This suggests that bacteria from microbialites can provide salinity tolerance to GSL nematodes and also to other species of nematodes. The reason for improved survivability is unknown and requires further investigation. Ongoing work is being conducted to isolate distinct bacterial colonies that provide salinity tolerance to C. elegans. Using a combination of laboratory, wild nematodes, and associated bacteria, this research aims to discover the mechanisms behind the GSL nematodes’ ability to survive in highly saline environments.×

CRISPR has become a widely used gene editing technology since its discovery, though results vary in efficiency, especially in primary cells. The understanding of variability in CRISPR editing among different CD34+ cells from different individuals is limited. Some CD34+ cell batches respond to CRISPR gene editing better than others which limits reproducibility and reliability of hematopoietic stem cell research. This study aims to identify cellular markers associated with the variability in CRISPR gene editing outcomes and to establish a criterion that will improve gene knockout and homology-directed repair consistency. Not only will this experiment help us understand the cellular difference that affects CRISPR gene editing outcomes, it will also improve the lab’s workflow. In this experiment, I have and will continue to gather and isolate stocks of hematopoietic stem cells from human cord blood. Once sufficient stocks are stored in liquid nitrogen, we will begin thawing samples and processing cells for next-generation sequencing. Next, we will perform CRISPR gene editing, knocking out Integrin Alpha 2b using a previously established guide. We will perform an ELISA after each transfection to evaluate cellular uptake of Cas-9. We will then run the gene-edited samples through flow cytometry to understand the knockout efficacy and organize samples based on the cell batch’s ability to respond to the gene knockout of Integrin Alpha 2b. We will be able to analyze differences in the effective and ineffective gene knockouts by comparing their DNA sequence, from next-generation sequencing, as well as quantify the amount of Cas-9 localized in the cell. We hope to find a correlation between certain genes in CD34+ cells that are affecting CRISPR gene editing outcomes. From analyzing cell counts and viability, we were able to determine that cord blood over three days between collection and isolation have significantly decreased cell counts on day three after isolation. This has allowed us to consistently gather ample numbers of viable cells to perform CRISPR gene editing and has improved efficiency. Understanding the factors that contribute to the ability of CD34+ cell batches to respond to CRISPR editing will allow us to increase reproducibility and reliability of gene editing in hematopoietic stem cell research.×

Introduction: The lung disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), is prevalent in preterm neonates born intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR). BPD is characterized by impaired lung development, which depends on adequate nutrient provision at critical developmental stages. One important nutrient for lung development is docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Prematurity and IUGR decrease fetal DHA. DHA contributes to lung development by activating the transcription factor PPARγ. PPARγ activity is reduced by a dominant-negative splice variant, PPARγΔ5. Thus, the PPARγ/PPARγΔ5 ratio is a surrogate for overall PPARγ activity. Recent clinical trials of postnatal DHA supplementation in preterm neonates have shown conflicting results. Challenges remain in determining optimal timing for supplementation. Our group has previously demonstrated that DHA naturally declines in the rat lung during lung development which corresponds to increased PPARγ activity. We hypothesize that supplemental DHA administered during development reduces the lung PPARγ/PPARγΔ5 ratio in male and female rat lungs. Methods: IUGR was induced in Sprague Dawley rats by bilateral uterine artery ligation. Pregnant rats were randomized to receive standard chow or chow supplemented with 1% DHA. Pups were delivered at term, and lungs were harvested during a key period in lung development (postnatal day 7). Western blotting was used to determine protein levels of PPARγ and PPARγΔ5. Statistical differences were determined using ANOVA with Fishers post-hoc least squares analysis. Results: All data are compared to sex-matched control and *P<0.05. In male rat lung, IUGR reduced levels of PPARγ by 34±9%* and PPARγΔ5 by 35±6%*. In male rat lung, IUGR with DHA also reduced levels of PPARγ by 30±19%* and did not alter levels of PPARγΔ5. The resulting PPARγ/PPARγΔ5 ratio was unchanged in male rat lung with IUGR, but was reduced by 25±23%* in IUGR with DHA males. In female rat lung, IUGR also reduced levels of PPARγ by 46±9%* and PPARγΔ5 by 34±7%*. IUGR with DHA reduced levels of PPARγ by 28±7%* and levels of PPARγΔ5 by 21±7%*. Thus, in female rat lung, the resulting PPARγ/PPARγΔ5 ratio was reduced by 29±9%* in IUGR and by 19±9%* in IUGR with DHA. Conclusion: Supplemental DHA reduces the lung PPARγ/PPARγΔ5 ratio in male and female rat lungs during development. We speculate that decreases in the rat PPARγ/PPARγΔ5 ratio induced by DHA during lung development may result in developmental abnormalities consistent with BPD. Our data suggest that the timing of DHA supplementation in preterm neonates may be important in promoting lung development and reducing BPD risk.×

The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic relationships among four geographically distinct populations of Roundtail Chub (Gila robusta) within Utah. These data are intended to inform hatchery supplementation strategies aimed at mitigating population declines and preserving genetic diversity in wild populations. Fin clips were collected from 8–10 individuals per population from the White River (W), San Rafael River (S), Dolores River (D), and Escalante River (E). Samples were preserved in ethanol and subjected to standard DNA extraction protocols to obtain high-quality genomic material suitable for whole genome sequencing. Subsequent bioinformatic analyses focused on key population genetic metrics, including measures of heterozygosity, pairwise FST, and relatedness. Population genetic structure was assessed to guide broodstock selection for hatchery propagation. To maximize genetic variability in offspring, mating pairs should be selected based on low pairwise relatedness and high individual heterozygosity. Populations exhibiting moderate genetic differentiation (FST ≈ 0.05–0.15) are ideal candidates for inclusion in broodstock, as they contribute to genetic diversity without introducing excessive divergence that could compromise local adaptation. All four populations sampled represent important reservoirs of genetic variation within Utah. However, the Escalante River population shows signs of a genetic bottleneck, likely resulting in reduced allelic richness and increased homozygosity. While this population may retain unique alleles, its inclusion in hatchery broodstock should be limited to avoid genetic swamping of more diverse populations. This study underscores the importance of integrating population genetic data into conservation planning to ensure the long-term viability and adaptive potential of Roundtail Chub in Utah’s river systems.×

Acceptance of evolution has been increasing among the general population in the United States. Several factors influence the acceptance of evolution such as; religion, age, scientific literacy, education, and question presentation. Longitudinal studies that examine the acceptance of evolution have indicated an increased acceptance over the last couple decades. The objective of this study is to evaluate the long-term trends of evolution acceptance of students in a public open-enrollment university, as an overall representation of the general public. This study used surveys taken from Introductory Biology classes (non-majors) from 2011-2021. It was observed that during this course of 10 years, the proportion of students who accept evolution, prior to any instruction regarding the subject, increased from 25% in 2011 to 44% in 2021. A comparison of these results will be made to other longitudinal results and similar studies looking at the acceptance of evolution.×

Pectobacterium carotovorum is a major soft rot pathogen affecting a wide variety of produce. Our lab used transposon sequencing (TnSeq) on P. carotovorum to identify genes that were important for virulence. This TnSeq identified many crucial genes in the bacteria, but I am attempting to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of two in particular: fliC, a flagellar gene, and barA, a transcriptional regulator. To better understand the pathogenic roles of the fliC and barA genes in the M3 strain of P. carotovorum, I utilized precision gene knockout to generate two mutants, each one lacking either the barA or fliC gene. Virulence assays on potato and cabbage demonstrated that both mutants showed significantly reduced tissue decomposition compared to the wild-type. Conductivity assays further confirmed diminished cell degradation and ion release in the mutant-infected samples. Biofilm and absorbance assays showed that the barA mutant had increased biofilm production compared to the wild-type. Motility assays on swimming agar plates indicated decreased motility in both mutants compared to the wild-type, as well as differing motility types, namely swarming motility for wild-type, sliding motility for the fliC mutant, and swimming motility for the barA mutant. Additionally, pectinase activity assays showed that both mutants had considerable reductions in pectinase production. These findings suggest that the fliC and barA genes play critical roles in the virulence and survival strategies of P. carotovorum.×

Many neuroscience studies have shown that left-handed people are more likely than right-handed people to have atypical patterns of brain organization for language. It is theorized that left-handers have their language networks lateralized to opposite hemispheres. However, it could also be that many left-handers simply have weaker or less pronounced asymmetry overall. A study from 4 years ago (Johnstone et al, 2021) found that left-handers with typical cerebral asymmetries are less lateralized for language, faces, and bodies than their right-handed counterparts. We replicated this project to see if differences in lateralization are compensated by other lateralized networks. Are there any complementary patterns in left handers with reduced lateralization? If so, which networks are compensating for any potential reductions in lateralization? Data from the Human Connectome Project and Human Connectome Project-Development datasets were used. There were 1858 participants between the two datasets. For this particular project, only left-handed participants were studied, which numbered 73. An exploratory factor analysis of this data was performed using the program R. A correlation matrix was made. Testing for assumptions was done, including multivariate tests for normality, multicollinearity tests, Bartlett's test of sphericity, and KMO test of sampling adequacy. Principal factor analysis was used to also explore compensatory networks in left-handers. Negative correlations between the Dorsal-Attention-A and Limbic-B networks (r=-0.62), the Dorsal-Attention-A and the Visual-B networks (r=-0.44), and the Salience-A and Language networks (r=-0.34) were identified. Two factors were extracted during principal factor analysis. The first factor had an eigenvalue of 1.65 (Rsquared= 0.83) and the second factor of 1.34 (Rsquared= 0.68). Our main findings were negative correlations between the Dorsal-Attention-A and Limbic-B networks, the Dorsal-Attention-A and the Visual-B networks, and the Salience-A and Language networks. Limitations of this study included its small sample size. With only 72 left-handers in the dataset, the findings are not as statistically powerful. Future directions of this study are toward understanding neurodevelopmental conditions like autism, which is characterized by disruptions in lateralization. In conclusion, we identified several compensatory networks in left-handers, which include the Dorsal-Attention-A and Limbic-B networks, the Dorsal-Attention-A and the Visual-B networks, and the Salience-A and Language networks.×

Ephemeroptera are “a small but diverse order of amphinotic insects associated with liquid freshwater worldwide” (Jacobus et al., 2019) that include at least “3083 species, 376 genera, and 37 described families” (Ogden, Whiting, 2005). With more than 600 species and 36 genera, the Heptageniidae family of mayflies is primarily found throughout the Holarctic, Oriental, and Afrotropical biogeographic realms, with some presence in Central and South America; however, their abundance in these realms is largely dependent upon the season in which they’re found (Wolda, Flowers, 1985). These flat-headed mayflies dwell in streams and rivers and consume detritus and diatoms. Historically, the relationship of Heptageniidae relative to other mayfly families hasn’t been well understood (Ogden et al. 2009, Yanai et al 2017, Ogden et al 2019). Furthermore, the placement of the genera Arthroplea and Pseudiron has been inconclusive. This project seeks to test the Ogden et al 2009 and Ogden et al 2019 hypothesis that Arthroplea and Pseudiron are derived Heptageniids within the context of a larger sampling of heptageniids. This study also aims to investigate the monophyly of select genera. This project uses data generated by both PCR with Sanger sequencing and targeted capture sequencing of more than 450 protein-coding loci, along with data from GenBank. This data was then subjected to phylogenetic reconstruction in likelihood and Bayesian frameworks to create a supermatrix, combining all of the data that we had obtained. Bootstrap and posterior probability values were calculated to estimate node support confidence. The results conclude that Arthroplea and Pseudiron are indeed both derived from Heptageniids. Additionally, the genera were investigated to test for monophyly and higher-level relationships within the family.×

There are an estimated 589 million adults worldwide who suffer from either type 1 diabetes (T1D) or type 2 diabetes (T2D). This number is expected to increase to 853 million by 2050, signaling the need for more effective therapeutics to help treat these millions of individuals. While the factors that contribute to the development of both T1D and T2D are greatly varied, both conditions result in a loss of functional β-cell mass, leading to impaired blood glucose homeostasis. In this study, we show that cell culture under glucolipotoxic (GLT) conditions result in a loss of β-cell viability, simulating the conditions of T2D. Nr4a1 and Nr4a3, orphaned members of the nuclear hormone receptor family, have been found to regulate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and promote β-cell proliferation, both of which are essential for the regulation of glucose homeostasis. We further show the effects overexpression of Nr4a1 and Nr4a3 have on the viability of the pancreatic β-cell. These findings further our understanding of molecular pathways that can enhance functional beta cell mass, providing further pathways for potential therapeutics to treat type 2 diabetes.×

The current standard for UTI diagnosis involves culturing bacteria acquired from urine samples to determine the number and type of colony forming units present in the fluid. However, this process requires several days, and general antibiotics are often prescribed before a formal identification of the specific bacteria type, which contributes to increasing antibiotic resistance and can produce unwanted side effects. We present a new device for rapid UTI detection that utilizes scattered laser light to identify bacterial species, without requiring a cultured sample. In this process, light from a visible diode laser (635 nm) is projected through the fluid as it is peristaltically pumped through a circuit of plastic tubing. A special glass viewing window with a flat surface and a narrow (<0.1 mm) flow channel provides a thin layer of bacteria to reduce multi-scattering effects while maintaining a high flow volume for fast data collection. The resulting speckle patterns are then collected by a CMOS detector and analyzed by a convolutional neural network (CNN). The structure of the proposed device will be demonstrated and detection results will be presented for bacteria samples in saline solution to determine morphology of the bacteria in the sample.×

Across a variety of taxa, individuals can develop novel behaviors that are transmitted through the population via their interactions with others. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are known to develop unique feeding behaviors that are regionally specific. These well-established feeding strategies are often described at the population level; however, rarely are these new behaviors observed during their early stages of transmission. To understand how a novel behavior becomes widespread throughout a population and how individuals differ in their use of the behavior, it is necessary to first characterize and describe the detailed mechanisms associated with performing behavior. Recently, a novel feeding behavior called “shipside feeding” was observed in bottlenose dolphins (T. erebennus) living in Charleston Harbor in South Carolina. Individuals swim alongside large, docked container ships and use them as barriers against which to catch fish. To detail the specific mechanisms involved in shipside feeding, we conducted boat-based focal-follow surveys for five consecutive days across three seasonal time points (March 2024, March 2025, August 2025). We filmed individual dolphins performing shipside feeding behavior. We developed an ethogram and scored the behaviors and surfacing rates that occurred before, during, and after shipside feeding bouts using BORIS software. In March shipside feeding sightings occurred across multiple days and lasted anywhere from 5-55 minutes. This differed from shipside feeding observed during August 2025, which occurred across two days and lasted anywhere from 3-15 minutes. We quantified breathing rates, orientation while chasing fish, and successful catches to determine the mechanisms associated with how individuals perform this behavior and to determine whether shipside feeding behavior differs across seasons. This information can be used to track similarities in behavior among individuals and help demonstrate how social transmission leads to the widespread use of this behavior in the population.×

Temporal dynamics describe how ecological systems change through time by encompassing the patterns, rates, and consistency of processes that shape ecosystem function. Temporal stability reflects the degree of consistency within ecosystem processes (e.g., plant growth) and can show how resistant a system is to disturbances like environmental stressors. While stability is often assessed through shifts in species abundance or diversity, stability in behavioral processes is an underexplored component that can influence ecological change. The timing and consistency of behavior can determine how organisms respond to and influence their environments. This is particularly important in mutualistic systems where changes in one species’ behavior can alter the behavior of others and generate cascading ecological effects. Western thatch ants (Formica obscuripes) are one such species that engage in defensive mutualism with honeydew-producing aphids. This defensive behavior, which is important to both colony success and mutualistic community structure, is impacted by environmental stress, making assessments of behavioral stability in this defensive mutualistic relationship a viable model for examining ecological temporal dynamics. To assess how stress affects the stability of the thatch ants’ mutualistic defensive behavior, we first exposed thatch ant colonies to a simulated bear attack each May during the study period (2022: n = 6 simulated bear attack, n = 22 not attacked; 2023: n = 8 simulated bear attack, n = 29 not attacked; 2024: n = 8 simulated bear attack, n = 30 not attacked). Trials to assess the defensive mutualistic behavior occurred 5 and 13 weeks after the stressor took place by exposing thatch ants tending aphids to a freeze-dried lady beetle (an aphid predator) for one minute. Trials were recorded and scored in BORIS software to quantify aggression. Behavioral stability scores for nests that experienced the simulated stressor were compared to control nests’ scores. This research will help to determine how stress-induced shifts in behavior can impact temporal stability via behavioral mechanisms and provide a foundation for linking behavioral patterns to broader ecosystem processes.×

Arthropods, including insects and arachnids, make up around 80% of all known living species (Sollai et al., 2024). They play a large role in maintaining the ecosystem. With ecosystems continuously being affected by natural disasters, it is important to understand how arthropods respond. In 2017, Brian Head experienced a fire exceeding 70,000 acres (Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands, 2017). Following this fire, SUU ecology students in 2017-2018 were able to conduct research into the ecological aftermath of this fire. They researched how intensity of fire damage affected the variation of insects and arthropods that were collected in traps. Due to the constraints of the class project, arthropods were identified to the order level, which is a relatively broad taxonomic level. Our goal is to identify these arthropods to a more specific taxonomic level. In this study we hypothesized that biodiversity may increase the more precise the taxonomic naming is. Many of these organisms were reclassified into the family level. This includes: bees, wasps, and ants (Hymenoptera), beetles (Coleoptera), flies (Diptera), etc. This identification resulted in a total of 49 different families found. From this, a Shannon index was created. A Shannon index is a mathematical tool that creates a single number which accounts for both the number of families present and how evenly spread out families were within each sample. The Shannon index from order of arthropods to families of arthropods increased 2.65 to 3.52 respectively. The increase in the Shannon index revealed greater diversity when looking at the family level. There appears to be a large diversity of Arthropods at Brian Head, Utah, following the 2017 wildfire. It is possible that the expanded diversity was increased immediately after the fire due to increased resources and a loss of predators. The results that we have found are consistent with others research. It could have been beneficial to have identified more arthropods for increased data. We plan on continuing research in following years by going up to Brian Head and resampling randomly selected plots to compare the immediate and 9-year- post fire comparison of arthropod biodiversity. Sollai, G., A. Giglio, P.G. Giulianini, R. Crnjar, P. Solari. 2024. Topic: Arthropod Biodiversity: Ecological and Functional Aspects. Insects, 15(10), 766. Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. 2017. Interior West Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA). Forest Resources.×

Established non-native species can be used as model systems for understanding both human-mediated dispersal and how taxa change (whether it be genetic or plastic) when introduced into novel environments. Understanding the processes behind patterns in dispersion, establishment, and expansion of introduced species can illuminate strategies to reduce the occurrence of introduction and mitigate its effects. Information on source population, dispersion paths, and number of introduction events can be gained by examining the evolutionary genetics of multiple introduced populations and populations from the native range. Aspidoscelis neomexicanus (the New Mexico whiptail) is native to the Rio Grande basin in New Mexico and Trans Pecos Texas. Introduced populations exist in northern Utah (Salt Lake and Utah counties) and northeastern Arizona (Navajo and Apache counties), and putative introductions have occurred in southern Utah (Washington county), and northwestern New Mexico (San Juan county). To understand the evolutionary history of these introduced populations, we captured individuals from nine sites (five non-native and four native) and used collected DNA sequence data to perform phylogenetic population and genetic analyses. We also tested whether populations cluster based on morphology, and whether patterns reflect their estimated evolutionary history. We have targeted rapidly evolving regions of their genomes (16S, MS7, CytB) to amplify. From this, we were able to get population allelic frequencies that can shed some light on the dispersal path and number of introduction events. We have also gotten a full genome sequenced from each of the nine populations and those have been mapped to a reference genome. From these genomes, bioinformatic techniques will be used to extract genome-wide genetic variation, quantify epigenetic variation, and compare genetic/epigenetic signatures of each population to determine their relatedness and ancestry.×

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the progressive degeneration of motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and ultimately respiratory failure. Despite extensive research, the precise cause of ALS remains unclear. Among the genetic mutations associated with ALS, mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and transactive response DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) genes are some of the most abundant in ALS and subject of medical interest. In ALS, mutated SOD1 and TDP-43 proteins both aggregate, meaning the mutated proteins will clump together and lose function. The loss in function however is replaced with a “toxic gain of function” whose exact mechanisms and effects remain elusive. The “toxic gain of function” will be investigated using two groups of genetically modified Drosophila menganster fruit flies as an ALS model: one with hSOD1(G86R) and one with hTDP-43(M337V). This project will be looking at the concentration of protein aggregates using a western blot analysis. Additionally, ICP analysis for Ca, Zn, Mg, P, Fe and Cu will be run to determine if any ion homeostasis mechanisms have been compromised due to the “toxic gain of function”.×

Spiders are increasingly used as biomonitors of mercury availability in and coming out of stream ecosystems. Terrestrial spiders living near streams function as top predators of emerging stream invertebrates. Top predators should have higher levels of mercury due to biomagnification. Aquatic invertebrates were first collected from Strong’s Creek (Ogden, UT) in 2024 and the results of that preliminary study found that some taxa, especially blackfly larvae, had elevated levels of mercury. In 2025, we returned to Strong’s Creek with a focus on collecting terrestrial spiders to determine whether predators in the adjacent terrestrial ecosystem were accumulating mercury from emerging stream invertebrates. We hypothesized that if spiders were feeding on these emergent aquatic invertebrates (such as blackflies and mayflies), they would have higher mercury than other stream invertebrates sampled owing to their higher trophic position. We collected different species of spiders (mainly those in Family Tetragnathidae and Agelenopsis) from along the creek, plucking them from overhanging vegetation. We found that mercury concentrations varied significantly within and among spider taxa. Mercury concentrations in spiders, as predicted, were higher than in the other stream invertebrates sampled. Further, our results suggest that mercury levels in individual spiders may vary due to factors such as body size or their distance from the water, and not just their diet.×

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic, long-lasting chemicals once widely used in electrical manufacturing (1930s–1970s). Although now banned in the U.S. due to serious health risks and environmental persistence, PCBs remain in ecosystems because of improper disposal and their resistance to degradation. Here we are studying the microbial diversity and potential for bioremediation of PCBs. In summer 2023, PCB and heavy metal contaminated sediments were collected from the historically-contaminated Woods Pond, Massachusetts. Analysis of the sediments confirmed that PCBs, various heavy metals, and diverse microbial communities, including known PCB-degrading microbes, were present. The sediments were then used to create microcosm cultures with three different treatments: aerobic, anaerobic, and anaerobic with the addition of sulfate. These microcosms have been growing since July 2023 and show signs of active microbial metabolism (e.g. rust patches in sediment, gas production). Additionally, the microcosms have been used as inoculate for agar plates containing PCBs and more than 100 PCB-tolerant colonies have been isolated from the microcosms. After years of growth, we’ve terminated the microcosms to analyze how the microbial communities have changed over time by DNA sequencing and if they were able to degrade the PCBs by gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy. This data will aid further research to determine if and how these microbes metabolize PCB compounds and may contribute to the future bioremediation of chronically contaminated environments.×

Phenology is the study of the timing of seasonal biological processes, and is a key factor in understanding our ecosystems. The timing of reproductive processes can have a ripple effect when mismatched with a plant’s natural pollinator, which can influence the entire food web and change the structure of plant and animal populations. For our study, we focus on plants from the Wasatch and Uinta mountains, and the timing of their reproductive processes in response to our changing climate. Our research goal was to continue to fill a regional gap in the phenology data of plants from the Intermountain West. Reproductive phenology in the context of climate change is an area largely studied in coastal regions, but data for the Intermountain West specifically is lacking. Utilizing digitized herbarium specimens from multiple herbaria, we determined the reproductive status of 20 species of plants from the Wasatch and Uinta Mountains. We analyzed temperature and precipitation data from the collection month and the six preceding months as well as historical average data from the same months. Using statistical analyses, we identified the optimal variables to model change in reproductive phenology over time. Our results suggest that as our springs and summers get warmer, native plants are flowering and fruiting later than historical patterns suggest. These results differ from the available literature, and our original hypothesis that earlier and warmer temperatures would result in earlier flowering. The reason for this regional difference will continue to be studied in order to contribute to the larger understanding of phenology over the United States.×

Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH) is a rare disorder in which pulmonary emboli persist in the lungs, leading to sustained pulmonary hypertension. This persistent elevation in pressure places excessive strain on the right side of the heart, ultimately leading to right heart failure. Several genes have been implicated in CTEPH, including the clottyboi (clot) gene. The clot gene encodes a protein involved in the clearance of metabolic waste and apoptotic cells, as well as in the regulation of clotting factors such as Von Willebrand factor (vwf). However, the mechanisms by which clot contributes to CTEPH pathogenesis remain poorly understood. The goal of this research is to establish and validate a zebrafish model for CTEPH and to elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Using morpholino-mediated knockdown, we successfully suppressed clot expression and reproduced thromboembolic phenotypes consistent with CTEPH. By applying advanced imaging and molecular techniques, we will quantify thrombus formation and vascular changes, thereby validating zebrafish as a suitable model for studying CTEPH and the functional role of clot in thromboembolic disease.×

Utah's Great Salt Lake (GSL) is one of the most unique natural bodies of water in the American West. The GSL is incredibly saline, separated into two distinct sections called the "North Arm" and "South Arm," and is fed by the Bear, Weber, and Jordan rivers as well as by precipitation (Salt Lake County). Despite its harsh conditions, it is home to more than 400 species including archaea, bacteria, and phytoplankton, it provides a feeding ground and essential migration stop for over 7 million migratory birds each year, and it would be catastrophic if this ecosystem disappeared (Salt Lake County; Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, 2021). Unfortunately, the GSL is shrinking due to water mismanagement and the Earth's warming temperatures. The two distinct arms of the GSL are separated by a railroad causeway and have different salinities and environmental conditions. The dominant genus of microalgae in the lake is Dunaliella, and species distribution corresponds to the two arms. D. salina predominates in the saltier north arm while D. viridis is dominant in the less saline south arm. Both species are halophilic, but it is not yet known whether they contribute differently to carbon dioxide dynamics. This experiment aims to better understand a very important aspect of the GSL ecosystem: the algae that thrive in its saline conditions and their role in the carbon cycle. We use a Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer (CRDS) to measure carbon dioxide concentrations and their associated stable isotopes in an actively growing algal culture. This project focuses on understanding how microalgae influence carbon dynamics specifically within the GSL ecosystem and establishing a baseline regarding this current relationship. With expectations that environmental conditions will soon shift due to climate change, it is even more important to understand the current relationship in order to analyze changes in the future, which is why I find this to be both scientifically and ecologically significant.×

Waves of neuronal and glial depolarization, termed spreading depolarizations (SDs), commonly propagate through the cortical tissue of patients experiencing traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, seizure, or migraine with aura. SD initiates from a variety of neural stressors and results in vascular constriction, cell swelling, and electrical silencing of neuronal activity. Recovery of ionic homeostasis following SD is metabolically taxing, and the resulting energy shortage can lead to mitochondrial impairment and cell death. To characterize the impact of SD on cortical metabolism, we measured acute mitochondrial fitness in mouse brain slices. Because ketone bodies have demonstrated therapeutic potential in SD-associated neurological disorders, we further assessed whether elevating ketone bodies may likewise mitigate SD-induced neuronal damage. Previous studies suggest that SD disrupts mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby impairing ATP production; however, this relationship has not been directly characterized. We therefore first examined how SD influences mitochondrial complex I (CI)- and complex II (CII)-linked oxidative-phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which approximates the physiological capacity of the coupled electron transfer system. Using elevated-potassium artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF), we induced SDs in neocortical slices from healthy adult mice and recorded the associated shift in local field potential with a direct-current (DC) electrode. Concurrently, we observed the accompanying wave of cell swelling propagating through the tissue using intrinsic optical signal (IOS) imaging. High-resolution respirometry analysis of post-SD slices revealed a significant reduction in CI- and CII-linked OXPHOS oxygen consumption, indicating impaired overall mitochondrial capacity as compared with a control slice. Given this deficit, we next tested whether elevating ketone bodies could preserve mitochondrial function. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is the most abundant ketone body in the brain and has been shown to help neurons respond more efficiently to increased energy demands. We hypothesized that elevating BHB would have a protective effect on mitochondrial fitness following SD. To test this hypothesis, we incubated neocortical slices in a ketone-enriched aCSF (7.5 mM BHB, 2.5 mM glucose) prior to SD induction. These slices showed no significant reduction in OXPHOS capacity post-SD, a reversal of the effect observed in slices incubated in glucose aCSF (10 mM glucose), suggesting that ketone incubation mitigates the adverse effects of SD on the mitochondria. These ketone-incubated slices also exhibited significantly smaller SD amplitudes, suggesting a reduction in SD severity. Together, these findings suggest that ketone bodies may ameliorate the negative impact of SD on mitochondrial fitness, supporting the therapeutic potential of ketogenic interventions in SD-associated neurological disorders.×

Tropical freshwater fishes exhibit remarkable diversity, yet species boundaries within some groups remain uncertain. This study reexamines the taxonomic distinction between Brachyrhaphis rhabdophora and Brachyrhaphis olomina to determine whether they represent separate species or a single taxonomic unit. Using museum specimens, we will measure morphological traits such as body size, barring, and gonopodial structure originally used to define the species. We hypothesize that variation within each putative species exceeds variation between them, supporting their synonymy. Preliminary observations suggest these two species may be geographically isolated, influencing morphological differences. This research will clarify species boundaries in Brachyrhaphis and contribute to broader understanding of tropical biodiversity and species delimitation.×

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and cancer patients are at particularly high risk due to the cardiotoxic effects of certain chemotherapies. The use of doxorubicin, a widely used anthracycline for treating various cancers, is limited by its potential to cause doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), characterized by arrhythmias, ventricular dysfunction, and heart failure. DIC has been strongly linked to DNA damage, oxidative stress, and cell death (Sheng et al., 2025). Recent studies show that doxorubicin activates the cyclic GMP–AMP synthase–stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS–STING) pathway in cardiac endothelial cells, promoting inflammation and cell death (Zhou et al., 2023). Activation of repetitive elements (REs) can exacerbate DNA damage, further driving cGAS–STING signaling. Thus, reducing DNA damage presents a promising therapeutic strategy to mitigate DIC. Our findings indicate that the overexpression of Fbxo44, which encodes the F-box protein 44 involved in protein ubiquitination, downregulates the cGAS–STING pathway and increases DNA methylation in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs), suggesting a potential cardioprotective role. In this study, we investigated whether Fbxo44 mitigates doxorubicin-induced DNA damage and cardiotoxicity. Doxorubicin treatment in NRVMs activated the Tp53 pathway, a key marker of DNA damage, whereas co-treatment with Fbxo44 overexpression reduced Tp53 activation. Supporting this, immunofluorescence analysis revealed a marked decrease in DNA damage foci, as indicated by reduced 53BP1 and γH2AX staining, in Fbxo44-overexpressing NRVMs treated with doxorubicin. These findings suggest that Fbxo44 may confer cardioprotection by limiting DNA damage and suppressing the cGAS–STING pathway, offering a potential therapeutic target for preventing DIC. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of Fbxo44 restoration on RE activation. References: Sheng, S., Wu, X., Xiao, C., Li, J., Ke, C., Hu, X., & Ni, C. (2025). FMO2 expression confers cardioprotection in doxorubicin therapy while preserving antitumor activity. Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology, 207, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjmcc.2025.07.018 Zhou, J., Zhuang, Z., Li, J., & Feng, Z. (2023). Significance of the cGAS-STING Pathway in Health and Disease. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(17), 13316. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241713316×

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is characterized by decreased β-cell function and mass that leads to chronic complications that effect almost every organ of the human body. β-cell mass is critical for healthy glucose homeostasis. Understanding the mechanism behind factors that increase β-cell proliferation will be useful for the development of therapeutic treatments for T2D. We have shown that overexpression of the transcription factor Nr4a1 is sufficient to induce β-cell proliferation as part of the Nkx6.1-mediated response pathway. It has also been shown that Exendin-4 (Ex4), a GLP-1r agonist, can induce β-cell proliferation in mice through the cAMP pathway. It remains to be seen if Ex4 treatment works through an Nr4a1 pathway, and if β-cell proliferation from Ex4 treatment is dependent on Nr4a1. We hypothesized that Ex4 mediated β-cell proliferation is dependent on Nr4a1. We explored the effect of Ex4 treatment on wild type and Nr4a1 deficient β-cells in terms of Nr4a1 expression, Nr4a1 activity, and β-cell proliferation. The findings of this study show the results of Ex4-induced and Nr4a1 dependent β-cell proliferation and can be used to suggest how this pathway can be manipulated to develop treatments for T2D.×

Addressing the roles of adaptive (i.e. natural selection) and non-adaptive (i.e. genetic drift, plesiomorphy) processes in the evolution of traits is an essential aspect of ecomorphology. Generally, morphological traits are expected to play a functional role in an organism, but non-adaptive forces may occasionally result in the expression of a superfluous trait. Evaluating relative contributions of environment (adaptive) and phylogeny (non-adaptive) to trait evolution aids in our understanding of trait function. Recently, we observed an undescribed morphological structure found exclusively in the squamate suborder Iguania. The structure appears to be an extension (or scalloping) of the outermost scales of the eyelids, creating an extended guard at the interface of the eyelid and the eye. There appears to be considerable morphological variation in the structure throughout the order – being reduced, modified, or absent within families or completely absent from other families. Qualitatively speaking, the structure is most apparent in cursorial lizards occupying sandy environments, indicating that it may be a convergent adaptation to habitats with loose substrate, perhaps to prevent substrate from entering the eye. Alternatively, the presence of the trait throughout Iguania and absence in other squamates may indicate that the trait is plesiomorphic. To understand the roles of convergent adaptation and phylogeny in the expression of shared traits, we will use multivariate statistics (PCA) and phylogenetic comparative methods (PCM) to test effects of habitat, diet, locomotion, and phylogeny on eyelid morphology. With assistance from the University of Florida’s CT imaging laboratories, we plan to quantify eyelid morphology across Iguania using CT scan 3D geometric morphometrics. If shared eyelid morphology is a result of adaptive convergence, we predict to find a strong association between habitat variables and morphological variation. Conversely, if the trait is due to plesiomorphy or genetic drift, then we would expect limited to no association with our selected variables.×

During the time period of 1930 to 1948 racial covenants were used to maintain residential segregation. A racial covenant is a neighborhood-level agreement that includes a racial clause that restricts non-caucasian people from owning or living on the property unless they work on the property. Questions have been raised on how this practice has affected current socioeconomic factors. This analysis looks at the impact of these racial covenants on income and racial demographics within Weber County, Ogden more specifically. I run a multiple linear regression, to look at correlations between the density of racial covenants within a block group, the current median income, and percentage of non-white population, to determine if that correlation is statistically significant. Results of this analysis show two separate findings. Related to income, the data reveals a positive correlation between median income and the density of covenanted blocks. Related to non-white racial demographics, we also see a positive correlation between non-white demographic density and density of covenanted blocks. Both results are insignificant. These findings suggest that while there is still minimal diversity within Weber county, racial covenants alone were not the deciding factor of that restricted diversification. Other policies and/or practices of residential segregation may have a bigger impact or complement the impact of racial covenants, these other policies should be taken into account.×

Consumer adoption of electric vehicles, or EVs, offers a promising solution to address environmental damage through emissions. The United States represents the third-largest market for EVs, yet research on EV adoption from a consumer perspective is limited to date. This study is intended to investigate consumer adoption of electric vehicles in the U.S. This will address limited research on EV adoption from a consumer perspective. Further, it will examine how political party identification influences EV purchase intentions. This will build upon prior research conducted by Graul & Huff (2022) and Clawson et al. (2023). To begin, a survey of 225 U.S. residents, both male and female, was conducted to examine the frames influencing the adoption of electric vehicles and related policy perceptions. This involved administering a questionnaire designed to gather information from consumers. The survey also included a series of Likert scale questions to gauge participants' views of related constructs such as policy perceptions and adoption likelihood. To uncover our findings, we applied statistical analysis tools through SPSS. Methods of analysis included descriptive and modeling statistics, including ANOVA, regression, t-tests, and moderation modeling. Through these analyses, we find that Democrats are significantly more likely to consider adopting EVs than Republicans, replicating findings from Graul & Huff (2022). We also uncover that political party identification predicts support of EV incentives. Surprisingly, sustainability frames can heighten adoption for both Democrats and Republicans (p=.065). The expected interaction between frames and party identification is not significant.×

This paper investigates whether the Law of One Price holds for raw sugar between Brazil and China. Using monthly sugar price data and bilateral exchange rates from September 2008 to November 2024, we document a persistent price difference, with Chinese raw sugar prices consistently exceeding Brazilian prices. Although such differences could, in principle, create profitable arbitrage opportunities, the evidence shows no long-run convergence of prices across the two markets. The persistence of these differentials likely reflects tariff policies, transportation costs, and volatility in the Real-Yuan exchange rate. Keywords: Law of One Price, China-Brazil trade, Exchange rate volatility, Price convergence. JEL Classification: F30, F31, F33  ×

Do humans trust bots as much as they do other humans? This study is a public goods experiment designed to determine whether humans cooperate with artificial intelligence in public goods games. There is a lack of research that studies human-bot interactions within public goods games. According to previous economic research research, humans are more reluctant to cooperate with bots than with humans within the adjacent field of trust games. If this is true, participants will contribute less on average to groups with bots than groups without them. As humans interact more with AI agents it becomes increasingly likely that these agents will participate directly in economic activity, making it much more important to study interactions between humans and bots in economic scenarios. Such a scenario that provides a particular interest is the provision of public goods which require at least some form of cooperation to enable successful procurement of funds. In this experiment we examine the effects of such agents participating in 10 round repeated provisioning of public goods with a ratio of 50% humans. Several control groups, with 100% humans, will be run in a similar manner. In each session there were always four participants. Depending upon if a group was part of the treatment or control, two bots would occupy two participant slots. We predict that the human participants will not cooperate with such artificial agents at the same level they cooperate among groups with solely human participants in the provision of public goods. Initial results suggest that there is a difference between the average total contribution in mixed human-bot rounds and human-human rounds.×

This project looks at how predator and prey populations interact, but through an econometrics angle. The classic Lotka-Volterra (LV) model is used as a handy way to explore endogeneity—basically, when variables influence each other—and how to fix it with instrumental variables (IV). The LV setup boils down to two linked nonlinear equations tracking predator-prey ups and downs. To crunch real numbers, we tweak them into per-capita growth rates, where each side's growth depends straight-up linearly on the other's numbers. This turns it into something like a supply-demand system, perfect for simple OLS regression or beefed-up 2SLS with instruments. We break it into two parts. First, a simulation: We build fake predator-prey data with set parameters and dialed-in endogeneity, then test how OLS messes up (like understating predation) and if 2SLS nails the truth, depending on instrument quality and noise levels. Second, real-world test: We apply it to Yellowstone's wolves and elk after the 1995 wolf comeback. Pulling annual wolf pack counts and elk estimates, we run the growth equations, check for that two-way feedback causing endogeneity, and use stuff like heavy snowpack or hunting limits as instruments. The simulations confirm the point: OLS underestimates predation effects thanks to those mutual feedback loops, but 2SLS nails the true values when the instruments hold up. The Yellowstone example reveals endogeneity in action, just like in economic markets. In the end, this setup makes ecological models a lively, real-data playground for unpacking econometrics essentials—endogeneity, identification, and IVs—while linking theory straight to the chaotic, policy-shaping stuff out in nature.×

My central research question is as follows: How have state-level deregulation policies differently affected average electricity prices across the residential, commercial, industrial sectors? Previous research has shown conflicting results, with some finding no difference in effect across sectors, while others find that some sectors benefitted or were hurt more in comparison to the others. The results from this study will provide clearer insight into the true impact of these policy implementations, which will be valuable for future policy design in similar markets. To test the effects of deregulation a difference-in-difference-in-difference (DDD for short) model will be utilized, holding trends across states and time fixed to isolate the causal impact of the policy change. I expect to find different impacts across sectors, due to the incentive to over-capitalize in certain sectors (due to the cost-of-service pricing that takes place in regulated electricity markets) being removed, leading to disproportionate cost adjustments across sectors. Additionally, different customer sectors have different relative costs to switch electricity providers, causing some customers to stay with their current provider while others find it worth their time to switch. For example, the average industrial and commercial customer demands more electricity than the average residential customer, leading me to expect that the industrial and commercial sectors will benefit more from the free market than the residential sector.×

Health-insurance literacy is a persistent barrier to effective healthcare decision-making in the United States. Complex contract language, dense exclusions, and ambiguous coverage terms often prevent consumers from accurately identifying their benefits and responsibilities. This study investigates whether large-language-model (LLM) assistance can improve comprehension of a fake insurance document—the BluePeak health plan contract—compared with traditional self-guided reading. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) reading the contract alone, (2) reading it with open-web access, or (3) interacting with an AI tool capable of answering questions about the contract. The AI condition uses a custom web interface built with the OpenAI API and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) so that the model answers exclusively from the contract’s text. Each participant completes a 20-item comprehension survey covering key coverage scenarios (e.g., emergency visits, out-of-network care, prescription limits). The experiment will include approximately 100 participants. All data are collected anonymously through Qualtrics. Expected results are that the AI-assisted group will achieve higher accuracy and confidence than both control groups, indicating improved interpretive efficiency without a significant increase in completion time. Planned analyses include ANOVA and mixed-effects modelling to compare mean comprehension scores while accounting for question-level variance. This work contributes to ongoing efforts to improve digital health literacy by empirically testing a scalable intervention grounded in current artificial-intelligence technology. Beyond demonstrating feasibility and low implementation cost (under $10 per study run), the project highlights the potential of context-restricted AI systems to make legal and insurance documents more accessible to everyday consumers. Findings will inform future studies exploring trust, bias, and explainability in consumer-facing AI health tools.×

In an increasingly energy-dependent world with inconsistent energy production and usage, efficient short-term and long-term energy storage remains a critical challenge. This research explores a mechanical approach to energy storage using compliant mechanisms—structures that achieve motion through a single, flexible body rather than multiple rigid bodies. By replacing traditional hinges with flexures, we can create a mechanism that stores recoverable energy within itself through controlled deformation, referred to as a mechanical accumulation device. The properties of compliant mechanisms naturally avoid common drawbacks of chemical batteries such as charge degradation, limited life cycles, and scalability constraints. Since compliant mechanisms share these benefits with other mechanical storage devices, such as pumped-storage hydropower, flywheels, and gravity batteries, our goal was to design and test a compliant mechanism that could perform as well as or better than those systems while remaining space efficient and cost effective. Using small-scale prototypes to evaluate deflection, stiffness, and energy stored, we investigated many configurations of mechanisms including planar, rotational, and helical spring assemblies. Promising designs were further analyzed through computational modeling to simulate energy density and performance across different materials and geometries. The final prototype consisted of a vertical stack of helical springs compressed by an electric motor. Electrical measurements were taken to evaluate the system’s energy storage capacity and efficiency by comparing the recovered energy to both the input energy used to compress the device and the analytically predicted energy stored at that deflection. Although the mechanical accumulator only achieved about 25% of the intended compression, the system successfully recovered 0.02 watt-hours of energy, approximately 24% of the potential energy stored in the device. Overall performance was heavily impacted by frictional losses, and a non-ideal recovery system. Analysis showed that the loading efficiency was consistently 20.6%, suggesting that both phases share similar sources of loss and that optimizing one would improve the other. This prototype demonstrates the possibility of mechanical energy storage through a compliant mechanism mechanical accumulator. The main potential of this technology could be realized in power grid applications. During low energy usage hours, the system would be loaded with excess energy to recover during high usage times. With optimized geometry, more efficient energy conversion methods, and more effective recovery devices, compliant systems have potential as scalable, durable alternatives to current energy storage technologies.×

One of the earliest symptoms of many neurological disorders is dysphagia, where muscles in the throat are weakened or behave asynchronously with one another, making it more difficult to swallow or speak. The present work describes the development and initial testing of a wearable device that can measure real-time skin strains proximal to the hyoid, as well as track breathing during daily activities, such as swallowing or speaking, for the purpose of monitoring dysphagia. The wearable device consists of four nanocomposite high-deflection strain sensors arranged sequentially along the superior-inferior axis of the throat at intervals of 28 mm. The device was positioned such that the 3rd sensor of the array was placed slightly underneath the palpated thyroid notch, and the 2nd sensor was placed on the hyoid bone. The 2 remaining sensors provided biomechanical measurements superior to and inferior to the hyoid region. An additional sensor was placed on the abdomen crossing the subject’s left costal cartilage. After the device was placed on the participant’s neck, the participant was asked to perform a series of nine activities consisting of swallowing, speaking, and breathing. Following the completion of these exercises, participants shared their thoughts on the usability of the device through a 10-question survey. The device successfully gathered skin strain data for each exercise from all 17 healthy subjects that participated in the study. Additionally, 82% of the participants reported that the device was comfortable to wear, and 94% of the participants reported that it did not restrict breathing or swallowing. The data obtained in this study show that the device records detailed biomechanical data of the hyoid and adjacent throat structures during swallowing, speaking, and breathing, and does so consistently. Each sensor monitors different areas of the subject’s neck, allowing the investigator to see the movement progression of throat deformation during swallowing and speaking. These data verify the functionality of the device and provide a data set that can be used for comparison in future work on individuals with neurological disorders. The engineering validation of this device is the first step towards creating an inexpensive, wearable system that is capable of identifying and tracking dysphagia, dysarthria, and pulmonary ventilation, with applications to individuals with neurological disorders.×

Materials that can transition between high and low stiffness can enable a wide range of desirable functionalities. For example, a variable-stiffness hospital bed could be rigid during a medical procedure then switched post-operation into a flexible state to enhance patient comfort. One method of enabling variable stiffness is using mechanical metamaterials, which are materials composed of repeating unit cells that can be designed to produce unique mechanical properties. Previous works have demonstrated variable-stiffness mechanisms that rely on static balancing and layer jamming, and variable-stiffness metamaterials that rely on electro-thermal actuation. However, the ability to create variable stiffness using mechanical metamaterials that can be toggled on-demand remains largely unexplored. Here, we design a mechanical metamaterial that can be toggled on-demand between high stiffness and low stiffness using soft, bistable unit cells. The metamaterial’s unit cell is based on a bistable four-bar linkage geometry that has a high stiffness state due to contact between the geometry of two links, and a low stiffness state due to the elasticity of the links and joints. In this study, we show the effect of the link lengths and the link rigid-body geometry on the range of motion in the unit cell and the ratio between high and low stiffness. We then demonstrate the change in stiffness using a physical metamaterial prototype that can be toggled between the locked and unlocked stable states. We anticipate that the results of this study can lead to a broad range of variable-stiffness materials. For example, we envision this concept being integrated into variable-stiffness exoskeletons to enhance user strength or endurance, in packaging to prevent damage during transit, and in athletic equipment to balance performance, safety, and comfort.×

Flash sintering, in which an electric current is applied directly through a ceramic body during heating, has emerged as a promising low-energy densification method capable of accelerating grain coarsening. This project investigates the relationship between electrical conditions and microstructural development in YSZ to determine which parameters most effectively promote large grain formation during sintering. Rectangular YSZ specimens (10 × 10 × 0.5 mm) are contacted using 16-gauge nichrome wire attached with conductive silver paint. The current is applied across the 0.5 mm thickness to maximize current density. A modified MTI vacuum furnace is used as a tube furnace for high-temperature operation while allowing external electrical feedthrough. Samples are held at 800°C for up to 24 hours while maintaining a constant 5 A current, with additional controlled variation of voltage, current magnitude, cross-sectional area, temperature, and dwell time. This work seeks to establish a simpler, lower-temperature, and faster route to produce large-grained ceramic samples. By optimizing flash sintering conditions for YSZ, the project aims to create a reliable processing method that can be easily adopted by other students and researchers in our group. Improving access to well-controlled, large-grain specimens will reduce fabrication time and enable more efficient progress in ongoing materials research within the lab.×

The Hunt for the Hologram program transforms high school students across Utah into real research collaborators in the search for better particles for photophoretic trapping—the foundation of the world’s first true 3D, screenless display. These displays, pioneered at Brigham Young University and published in Nature, use focused light to trap and move microscopic particles in air, creating images like the “Princess Leia hologram” from Star Wars. To scale this technology, researchers must determine which particle materials trap most efficiently under different optical conditions. The Hunt for the Hologram invites students to join this discovery process through a statewide competition. Using educational kits aligned with Utah SEEd standards and developed in partnership with the Utah STEM Action Center and Loose in the Lab, students experiment with particle types, analyze trapping efficiency, and submit their results to a shared database. Top student discoveries are verified and credited in research publications and patents, allowing young scientists to make genuine contributions to emerging 3D display technology. This program not only advances the science of optical trapping but also democratizes research, turning classrooms into laboratories and students into co-authors of the future.×

Saffron, the expensive spice obtained from the Crocus Sativus flower, is usually harvested manually by field workers. Harvesting is a labor-intensive task requiring sustained stooping and crouching, which makes it slow and physically taxing for workers. To mitigate these ergonomic and efficiency issues, we designed and tested a saffron harvesting cart which allows workers to maintain a facedown posture while picking flowers. The purpose of this cart is to make harvesting more comfortable by reducing physical strain on the worker while also improving their efficiency by allowing them to continuously pick flowers as the cart moves across the field. In this study, human volunteers are assessed as they pick a row of saffron flowers (represented by pom poms on a grass field) both manually and using the assistive cart. The assessment of these individuals involved heart rate (to assess physical strain), time spent collecting a row of flowers, and a subjective comfort survey to capture self-reported physical discomfort. Preliminary results show a reduction in both time spent and heart rate for the cart-assisted harvesting method. These findings confirm the saffron harvesting cart as an effective solution that supports worker efficiency and reduces physical strain.×

A composite sandwich panel is composed of 3 layers: a lightweight core and 2 thin skin layers. The combination of these layers provides rigidity where weight-savings is a high priority in aerospace applications such as in rockets, airplanes, and helicopters. Current composite solutions have the downside of being labor-intensive and costly due to the need for skilled workers and customs molds. Recent research has explored origami tessellations such as the Miura fold as a possible core for composited sandwich panels. In this investigation, a sheet lamination system using a laser cutter and selective gluing processes was used to create composite sheets that could produce the necessary core structure and curvature. The core is manufactured in this machine in a flat plane orientation including an activation layer (i.e. prestrained polystyrene) and then actuated by heat or other catalysts to transform it and introduce the correct shape. The purpose of this investigation was to discover origami tessellations that could be modified in predictable ways to reliably produce the curvatures required by these aerospace and other applications without the need for a mold. This investigation involved literature reviews for possible tessellation patterns and actuation layers, testing via design and prototyping, and optimizing for manufacturability.×

Molten salt reactors are an efficient and safer alternative to traditional nuclear reactors, but it is difficult to collect accurate data due to high temperatures and the corrosive properties of these salts. The TEMP lab at BYU has established a new measurement approach wherein a needle probe contains a thermocouple and heating wires to more accurately measure the thermal conductivity of salts. By transitioning to a different sheath material, a newly designed probe can operate at higher temperature and has the potential to collect data with the precision needed to make molten salts a viable fuel source. This presentation is focused on the demonstration of this new probe design.×

Lower-limb loss affects millions of people worldwide, creating a growing need for prosthetic devices that improve quality of life by restoring mobility and independence. Prosthetic devices that include a motor are becoming increasingly common, offering more natural movement and improved function. However, these systems often remain expensive, complex, and power intensive. This project focuses on designing and implementing a compliant, piecewise-linear spring system to operate in parallel with a motor in a robotic prosthetic ankle. The proposed spring is a single, low-cost component that can be customized based on user mass and activity level and reduces the required motor torque, extending motor life and decreasing power consumption. We have developed an optimization scheme and manufacturing process that allow us to create these customizable springs. Two optimization algorithms were implemented. The first determines the optimal spring stiffness from the activity profile (walking, sit-to-stand, etc.), user mass, and spring type (linear, quadratic, piecewise-linear, etc.) to minimize overall motor torque. After examining a variety of spring designs to fulfill the spring parameters given by the first optimization, we selected spiral springs for their simplicity and ease of manufacture. The second calculates the spiral spring’s physical parameters based on material properties, target stiffness, and desired range of motion. To validate the design, optimal springs for a scaled user mass of 1.5 kg were 3D printed using SLA and will be tested in two stages. We will conduct preliminary torque testing to verify that the spring achieves the desired stiffness and range of motion, followed by testing using a setup at the University of Notre Dame to demonstrate that the spring reduces overall motor torque for a given activity profile. Following validation, our future work will integrate the spring system into the ankle of the Open-Source Leg (OSL), a robotic prosthesis developed by the University of Michigan. Because the design process directly links spring parameters to user mass and activity profile, it enables straightforward customization for individuals of varying weights and activity levels. This scalable approach has the potential to make robotic prosthetics more adaptable, affordable, and effective across a broad user population.×

The forest service building in Ogden, Utah was recently acquired by Giv Group, with the hope that it would be turned into a live-work space for creative residents of Ogden. This follows what the Giv Group has already been doing in the downtown Ogden area. Others that are working with Giv Group are Weber State University and Historical Preservation Utah. The final project is to be a well-designed space that can be enjoyed by the public, and a reprieve for those who live there. Through the concept of Feng Shui, the design will allow for a balance in all things. There will be a mix of masculine and feminine, sharper and curved lines, and an emphasis on balance and flow between the historical and the modern parts of the building. In a 2010 study done by Marino Bonaiuto in the Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, he describes that without this balance, the designs will “result in environmental discomfort. This, in turn, affects the people who live, work, or study in that place” (Bonaiuto, 27). The purpose of this adaptive reuse project is to foster community growth and enhance the creativity of Ogden. Its design concept is ‘The Forest’, because one tree alone is just a tree, but many trees make a forest. Many artists/people in collaboration can create something greater and more meaningful than just the individual.×

Wildlife detection using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) mounted thermal and optical cameras is increasingly central to conservation and ecological monitoring, yet significant challenges remain in dense, mountainous, and outdoor recreational environments where precise detection is crucial for both research and safety. Although thermal cameras are known for their sensitivity in low-light conditions, their susceptibility to false positives—such as those caused by sun-warmed rocks and dense vegetation—remains an issue. This research will investigate effectiveness of thermal and optical imaging for medium-sized mammal detection, develop automated false positive detection capabilities, and create an early warning system on Utah trails. The goal of this research is to address three major knowledge gaps: (1) the incomplete evaluation of thermal and optical detection performance across varying environmental settings, (2) the lack of systematic false positive categorization and model-based mitigation strategies, and (3) the integration of automated wildlife detection into real-world safety applications. This study will utilize a DJI Matrice 350 RTK UAV equipped with standard optical and thermal sensors, capturing data along Utah trail segments in diverse environments. Automated grid flights at varying times of day will be annotated in real-time with both wildlife targets and common false positive sources. Lightweight object detection models, including YOLOv8 Nano and EfficientDet-Lite, will be trained to recognize and filter out false positives based on features such as object size, persistence, shape, and relative temperature. Unlike prior studies that rely on in-person ground verification of false positives, this research strives to achieve real-time false positive processing during the UAV flight, enabling immediate and informed safety alert generation. Evaluation metrics include precision, recall, and false positive rates, systematically compared across thermal, optical, and fused streams. Key expected outcomes are: the creation of a unique optical-thermal mammal dataset under varying conditions; a deployable model for in-flight false positive mitigation; and a proof-of-concept safety system overlaying real-time wildlife detections on trail maps for instant hiker alerts. This research will advance both the technical state of UAV-based wildlife monitoring and its translation into protective tools for outdoor recreation×

This research investigates the use of high-resolution 3D printing in the fabrication of small (18mm x 7mm x 1mm) thermoelectric devices for use in isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and Peltier-element-based adiabatic scanning calorimetry (pASC). Thermoelectric devices, sometimes referred to as Peltier elements, use a combination of two metals or semiconductors with different Seebeck coefficients which generate electrical energy based on a temperature difference between two regions of the device. These devices have proven useful in calorimetry as they are able to measure this temperature difference with great accuracy. However, it is also important to limit the heat flow between these two regions in calorimetry. Unfortunately, common thermoelectric devices conduct heat effectively, leading to a degradation in precision. This problem may be resolved through the use of 3d printed structures coated with semiconductor films. On these 3D printed structures, the semiconductor films must be separated into strips that alternate between the two semiconductors in order to display the desired effect. 3D printing offers a method of easily creating these distinct strips while also offering novel geometries beyond the common flat-plate type thermoelectric devices. Additionally, the 3D printed material reduces heat conduction through the device compared to commercially available thermoelectric. To explore the potential of these 3d printed thermoelectric devices in these areas, multiple designs have been produced and evaluated by measuring the voltage output of the devices when placed between two surfaces of different temperatures. These tests have led to the development of a thermoelectric device design that can easily be customized, produced, and that generates a strong signal in response to temperature differences. This makes these custom devices an attractive option for use in pASC and ITC devices, as well as any other setting that may require interfacing with complex geometries.×

After a transfemoral amputation, individuals become more likely to fall when walking, with 52% falling at least once a year. Falls carry substantial risk of injury, and fear of falling can limit mobility and participation in the community. Interventions such as powered exoskeletons or enhanced prosthesis control strategies have the potential to improve balance and reduce risk of falling. However, to design such interventions, we must first answer the central research question: Why do amputees experience greater instability in response to perturbation, and how do their recovery attempts differ from those without amputation? In this study we quantify and classify recovery strategies for amputee and able-bodied subjects after perturbation. We recruited eight transfemoral amputees and eight able-bodied participants to walk on an instrumented treadmill in a motion capture lab while receiving perturbations at the waist from an open-source cable-pull system. Each subject participated in five walking trials with twelve randomized perturbations occurring in two directions (left and right), two force magnitudes (7.5% and 15% body weight), and three gait-phase pull timings: contralateral heel strike, contralateral late swing, and contralateral late single support. We used whole-body angular momentum (WBAM) to determine levels of instability and time needed to return to steady state walking. Data analysis identified 42 falls in the amputee group and 0 in the able-bodied group. Both groups displayed greatest instability in response to high force pulls during late single support. Able-bodied participants generally responded to this condition with a cross-behind stepping strategy. Amputees never attempted this strategy when pulled towards their sound side limb. Instead, they relied on their sound side to recover, which often led to jumps and falls. When pulled toward their prosthesis side, amputees again relied on their sound limb, using either a cross-over or cross-behind strategy. Comparing average recovery time, participants with an amputation took longer to recover than those without when pulled at high force towards their prosthesis side. Additionally, amputees took more time to recover when pulled toward their prosthesis side than their sound side, regardless of perturbation magnitude or timing. Our results suggest that amputees fall more often and experience greater instability in response to perturbation. Able-bodied subjects used a wider variety of recovery strategies and regained stability faster than above-knee amputees. Future research will help our understanding of joint reaction torques during recovery and improve the development of powered exoskeletons and recovery control schemes for transfemoral amputees.×

Effectively recycling spent batteries is essential to a sustainable energy future. Battery cathodes contain valuable metals, which can include Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and Manganese. To improve sustainability, these valuable metals must be recovered in an efficient, cost-effective manner. A branch of solvents called deep eutectic solvents have been presented for recovering battery metals because they are green, low-cost, and show promise for recovering these metals [1]. This project demonstrates how Infrared (IR) and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy can be used to assess the metal ion recovery capabilities of a DES. The investigated DES is Choline Chloride:L-Ascorbic Acid:H2O with a molar ratio of 2:1:6. Infrared light interacts with molecular bonds, so IR spectroscopy is used to understand the bonding behavior of substances. The introduction of metal ions to a DES alters the bonding environment of the molecule, which detected by shifts in the IR absorbance spectra. The IR spectra for the L-AA DES with several ions reveal that the C=O bond of the L-Ascorbic Acid interacts with the dissolved ions. This makes sense because the negatively charged oxygen attracts the positively charged ions. This causes the C=O bond of several solvent molecules to “coordinate” around each ion. Using these shifts in the IR spectra, the coordination behavior of the DES with various dissolved ions was investigated. Understanding the coordination behavior of the DES with different metal ions provides additional details about the solubility and transport of ions, which influences metal extraction. To complement these findings, UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to differentiate between several metal ions. UV-Vis spectroscopy uses ultraviolet and visible light to measure the electronic transitions of molecules. These electronic transitions often correspond to color, and the different ions are different colors when dissolved in the L-AA DES. This project demonstrates how UV-Vis spectroscopy coupled with regression models can be used to simultaneously determine the presence and concentration of multiple ions in solution, which can be applied to battery recycling for rapidly measuring the leaching capabilities of DES. These findings show that IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy are valuable tools for assessing the validity of the ChCl:L-AA:H2O DES as a battery-recycling solvent because they describe coordination behavior and evaluate the dissolution of several ions at the same time. These findings can inform the design of more effective systems for sustainable battery metal recovery.×

It’s no secret that the illustrious facade of AI is everywhere. As companies and influencers begin to use AI in their advertisements and such, does the alarming rate of ‘Whitewashing’ begins to degrade our sense between humanly created and artificial images? This study is conducted as an experiment followed by EDA (Exploratory Data Analysis). First, gathering 102 respondents, they answer a short survey. Inclusion of their name, age, and most importantly, time spent on the internet are followed by a 20 question quiz. These 20 questions, ranging in difficulty, are simply a two choice answer. The tester must determine which image is AI generated, or human made. However, difficulty increases, hence question 1 being the easiest and 10 almost impossible. Once done, the testers are given a score. With a score of 20 being the highest, meaning they scored correctly, thus having little to no impairment in differentiating between human objects and vice versa. In conclusion, after splitting the data by gender, Males are correlated to have a better score with an increased time on the internet. In terms of the Female group, more time leads them to flatline to a score of 50% or worse. Overall, these findings aren’t supposed to be taken into a firm account, but more data might prove a stable conclusion.×

Topological data analysis is an area of math that seeks to quantify the underlying shape of a data set. One powerful tool in topological data analysis is the persistent homology pipeline, which allows us to understand topological information about a data set in the form of a barcode--a summary of persistent homological features ("holes") across a one-dimensional filtration of simplicial complexes on our data. However, many data sets warrant investigation across multiple dimensions, which necessitates the use of filtrations indexed by more than one parameter. Key information about these multidimensional filtrations cannot be completely described by just one barcode. Instead, summarizing the data requires a collection of barcodes, where each barcode corresponds to a one-dimensional filtration of our data along a straight line through the parameter space. Critical points, points in the filtration where the simplicial complex undergoes a change in homology, partition such one-dimensional filtrations into equivalence classes by barcode. Our research aims to enumerate and describe these equivalence classes. Equivalently, in two dimensions, we want to understand how many ways a line with positive slope can partition a set of points in the plane.×

The study of topological data analysis (a comparatively new branch of mathematics) concerns itself with analyzing data by observing the features of a topological object constructed from it, and is becoming an increasing relevant tool as we acquire datasets of higher dimensionality and greater complexity. One means of applying topology to data is persistent homology, which takes as input data and gives as output a filtration of topological spaces (clique complexes) and a persistence barcode which summarizes the existence of topological features within the filtration. Persistent homology has commonly been employed in the field of neuroscience, where the "shape" of neuronal networks is important to their dynamics and function. The sparse nature of data in this area motivates a deeper investigation of all possible filtrations. Our aim is to determine the number of unique possible filtrations on a fixed number of vertices (data points). We restrict our scope to explicitly examining resulting filtrations from fixed small finite sets of vertices, and attempt to directly compute these filtrations and the topological features at each step using a computer algorithm. Since the filtrations we are considering are composed of clique complexes, our question can be reduced to looking at complete graphs, subgraphs, and how graph isomorphism changes between graphs differing only by an edge. Studying graph automorphisms has given us ways to draw conclusions about non-isomorphic graphs, which is valuable as that gives us information on how a filtration changes as you add edges. We give several results about graph isomorphism in graphs that differ by an edge and define a slightly weaker notion of symmetry to this end. Conclusions drawn about small fixed numbers of vertices will be of use in data analysis of markedly sparse datasets, where our results may lend further insight into the significance of particular barcodes.×

Increases in wildfires in the Western United States are an increasing hazard, endangering life and infrastructure, affecting thousands of people every year. Effectively fighting wildfires requires effective resource management, and rapid decision making in dynamically changing environments. Reinforcement learning is a machine learning technique that works by interfacing a simulated agent to an environment, and penalizing or rewarding actions and outcomes, thereby training the agent by the effect of its actions in a given state. The utilization of reinforcement learning algorithms to address wildland firefighting has been attempted in several contexts, including UAV and aerial firefighting. Nevertheless, there remains a persistent challenge in creating realistic environments and action states and coordinating multiple agents to create optimal firefighting strategies. In our research, we attempt to increase the realism of the environment, as well as the action space available to a given agent. We began by personalizing environmental topography and vegetation maps to Southern Utah. We also improved the action and state space of the agent by incorporating topographic movement restrictions, and parameters governing the effectiveness of the activities of the agent, as well as wind speed and other factors. Our eventual goal is to create a realistic multi-agent reinforcement learning model to assist in dynamic decision making and resource allocation.×

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that causes progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. In this research, we plan to develop a deep learning model with a large language model (LLM) structure that can significantly help with identifying Alzheimer's disease at an early stage. This prediction will be based on external symptoms in the brain found through Magnetic Resonance Images (MRI) to successively provide a warning to patients. The LLM will train on a dataset that is comprised of MRI brain scans and they will then be classified into None, Very Mild, Mild, and Moderate. The performance of the LLM will be measured in accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score.×

Individual-level data for undergraduate Mathematics and Mathematics Education majors were used to detect patterns of student’s persistence. Data mining tools will be used in this investigation. A comparative analysis of different data mining methods will be discussed. Some R implementations will be presented. The data used consist of all available computerized students' records of undergraduate students enrolled in mathematics and math education majors. Data was collected for a seven years period. Some of the features include date of enrollment, math ACT, math GPA, term GPA, financial aid, gender, among many other features. A complete data wrangling, data exploration and visualization will be presented. To provide a clearer picture of the student population, additional descriptive summaries will be included to highlight the distribution of these features over the seven-year period. This expanded view of the dataset will help establish the context in which persistence patterns may develop and will illustrate the range of academic and demographic indicators available for analysis. The presentation of data preparation steps will also emphasize how missing values, inconsistencies, and outliers were addressed to ensure the reliability of the subsequent modeling efforts. This work is a follow up on a published earlier work where survival analysis methodology was used to estimate the likelihood that a student will leave the math program, either by switching majors or drop out of school, in a given academic term. In this current study, the earlier findings simply provide background context for the broader investigation, helping frame the motivation for exploring persistence using additional data mining tools. The goal is not to replicate or directly compare with the earlier work, but to extend the overall understanding of persistence using different analytical approaches.×

Background: Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is a widely used statistical method for comparing group means under the assumptions of normality, homogeneity of variance, and independence. However, real-world data often deviate from these assumptions. Violations such as unequal variances or non-normal distributions can affect the validity of ANOVA’s F-test, potentially leading to incorrect conclusions. Understanding the robustness of ANOVA under such violations is essential for determining when the test can still provide reliable results. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to evaluate how robust one-way ANOVA is when its underlying assumptions are systematically violated. Specifically, the simulation examines how varying degrees of variance heterogeneity and departures from normality influence ANOVA’s Type I error rate across three distributions: Normal, Gamma, and Uniform. Methodology: Simulation with 10,000 iterations each were conducted in Python. Three datasets were generated for each iteration using Normal, Gamma, or Uniform distributions. Each dataset contained 30 samples per group. The study manipulated variance multipliers (ranging from 1 to 10) to introduce increasing heterogeneity while holding means constant. ANOVA was applied to each simulated dataset, and the resulting p-values were recorded. The proportion of simulations yielding p-values below 0.05 was used to estimate the empirical Type I error rate. This allowed assessment of ANOVA’s sensitivity to violations of normality and homogeneity. Key Results: For the Normal distribution, the proportion of p-values less than 0.05 remained close to 0.05 even as variance increased, indicating strong robustness under moderate heterogeneity. The Gamma distribution showed a decently drastic increase in the proportion of low p-values, suggesting that skewed, non-normal data may affect ANOVA’s sensitivity but not drastically inflate Type I errors. The Uniform distribution still produced stable proportions of low p-values around 0.05–0.08, suggesting that ANOVA maintains reasonable accuracy under mild to moderate violations of the normality assumption. However, when the distributions are skewed and the variances are not equal, the proportion of p-values varies noticeably from 0.05. Conclusion: The findings suggest that one-way ANOVA is relatively robust to moderate violations of normality and homogeneity, particularly when sample sizes are equal across groups. However, extreme differences in variance or highly skewed distributions can cause minor deviations in Type I error rates. In practice, this supports the cautious use of ANOVA even when data are not perfectly normal, provided that group sizes are balanced and no extreme outliers exist.×

Credit card fraud is becoming more common as online payments and digital transactions grow worldwide. With more people shopping and paying online, fraudsters have more opportunities to exploit weaknesses in financial systems. Detecting fraudulent transactions is difficult because they are very rare compared to normal transactions, which makes datasets highly imbalanced. A good fraud detection method needs to not only be accurate overall but also correctly identify fraud cases, avoiding both missed frauds and false alarms. This study explores using K-Means clustering combined with Isolation Forest to find unusual transactions. While this method achieves high overall accuracy, it struggles to correctly detect fraud, resulting in low precision and recall. Another approach combines K-Means clustering with Random Forest. This method performs better than Isolation Forest alone, but the imbalance in the dataset still limits its ability to detect fraud. To improve results, the Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) is applied to increase the number of fraud examples in the dataset. After using SMOTE, the model shows much better precision, recall, and F1-score, while keeping high accuracy. Analysis by cluster shows that some transaction groups are easier to detect than others, which helps identify areas where the model could improve. The results show that combining clustering with a supervised learning model improves fraud detection compared to using only unsupervised methods. Using SMOTE further helps the model learn from rare fraud examples. Overall, this approach offers a clear and practical way to handle imbalanced datasets and improve credit card fraud detection, providing useful guidance for financial security and online transaction monitoring. Keywords: credit card fraud, anomaly detection, K-Means clustering, Random Forest, SMOTE, imbalanced dataset, supervised learning, unsupervised learning×

The Utah State Hospital provides inpatient care for children and adolescents with psychiatric and behavioral disorders. Though patients are primarily admitted for severe mood, psychotic, and behavioral issues, clinicians have noticed an increase in eating and body image concerns. Consequently, the Utah State Hospital asked Dr. Cavallini’s eating disorder lab at Brigham Young University for support in assessing the severity of these issues. Given initial concerns–with early temperament/personality being a positive predictor of ED attitudes and behavior (Brown et al., 2020)–and the higher prevalence of these disorders in women, we predicted that moderate levels of eating and body image concerns would be present in their female population and significant levels in the male population though lower than the female group. After a thorough review of current and validated measures, the Youth Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (YEDE-Q) was selected to assess their participants (N=35) for potential risk for eating disorder pathology. This measure consists of 39 items and is validated for ages 8 to 17. Each item pertains to one of four subscales: restraint, eating concern, shape concern, and weight concern, from which a Global score is derived to indicate general severity. After selecting our measure, participants were assessed between April and June 2025. Their entire adolescent population was assessed, except for one male patient. Overall, this inpatient population was at much greater risk for eating disorders than originally anticipated. A staggering 53% of female participants scored clinical levels of potential eating disorder pathology with another 13% scoring as borderline. Furthermore, a concerning 33% of male participants scored clinical levels and another 11% as borderline. Scores show large variability with participants scoring higher in shape and weight concerns in comparison to restraint and eating concerns. However, skewed scores might be the result of the hospital’s effort to manage eating behavior, thus, we observed suppressed severity in eating behavior and restraint. Despite the small sample size, these findings suggest that adolescents who struggle with psychiatric or behavioral disorders might be more susceptible or predisposed to eating disorder risk factors. Future directions: Patients in the pediatric unit will continue to be assessed as they are admitted, and prevention strategies and intervention options (e.g. intuitive eating groups, The Body Project, mindfulness-based interventions, etc.) will be proposed to the clinical team at the Utah State Hospital. References Brown, M., Hochman, A., & Micali, N. (2020). Emotional instability as a trait risk factor for eating disorder behaviors in adolescents: Sex differences in a large-scale prospective study. Psychological Medicine, 50(11), 1783–1794. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719001818×

On of May 1st, 1962, an article published in the Mobile Register informed Stephen Croons a native of Mobile, Alabama and the chairman of the Mobile Chamber's Committee for Preservation of Historical Landmarks of the fate of the storied USS ALABAMA (BB-60): the nine battle star battleship and "Heroine of the Pacific" during WWII was to be struck from the Naval Vessel Register and slated for disposal. The story precepted a tremendous effort from the community of Mobile, Alabama, and the state of Alabama to bring the USS ALABAMA "home." Paradoxically, this grassroots expression of American patriotism coincided with Alabama’s 1950s resistance to federal exertion of power to enforce the racial integration of Civil Rights Era and an ensuing Southern resurgence in anti-federal and neo-Confederate cultural sentiment. To understand this apparent inconsistency fully, we must consider Alabama's need for ontological security (the need for “security of self” in an unstable and changing world). Through such a paradigm, Alabama's mobilization for the USS ALABAMA constitutes an effort to strengthen the robustness of Alabama's ontological security. That security, which had been traditionally grounded in the "Lost Cause" notions of liberty and sacrifice, was directly at risk in an era when the Confederate legacy of segregation collapsed under the weight of the federal government’s support for Civil Rights, and racial equality. Accordingly, desegregation constituted a critical juncture in the stability of Alabama's cognitive environment, by inhibiting the state’s historical auto-biographical narrative of self. Thus, this ontological insecurity may have been instrumental in persuading the state to publicly draw on a less-controversial source of liberty and sacrifice narratives–the American victory and valor in WWII (as embodied by the USS ALABAMA), to enforce Alabama's central values, while privately justifying the internal perpetuation and endurance of the Confederate-legacy identity.×

In 2024, 19.2 percent of the U.S. civilian labor force were economic migrants, 48% of which were of Latino or Hispanic Ethnicity (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024). Yet scholars predict that more than seven million migrants will be needed for future labor markets to counteract the retiring population (Watson, 2024). Despite the country’s definitive need for migrants, a substantial number of U.S. citizens hold harmful prejudices directed towards migrants from many backgrounds (O’Brien, 2003). These prejudices can contribute to harmful decisions and policies that negatively impact not only migrants, but the United States as a whole (Morey, 2018). Therefore, there is a clear and timely need to utilize intervention methods to effectively and efficiently reduce these problematic prejudices in a manner that addresses the root cause: fearful animosity (Du Bose, 2024). Past research suggests that combining cognitive and affective interventions may be a potential pathway to reduce animosity towards migrants (Moore-Berg et al., 2021). Additionally, past research suggests that interventions are most effective when the messaging comes from ingroup members versus outgroup members (Greenway et al., 2015; Mackie et al., 1990; Maoz et al., 2002). Thus, we developed video interventions appealing to both cognitive and affective arguments for economic migrants and highlighting the perspective of either (1) ingroup members (i.e., American farmers/employers), (2) outgroup members (i.e., undocumented migrants employees from Central and South America), or (3) a combination of both ingroup and outgroup members. We then ran a pre-registered study (n = 756 U.S. adults), where participants were randomly assigned to one of three video conditions: (1) farmers, (2) migrants, (3) both farmers and migrants; or to an empty control group. Participants' attitudes and beliefs were then collected through quantitative post-intervention surveys. We found that participants in the intervention conditions (vs. the control condition) expressed lower prejudice towards undocumented migrant workers. We also found that this reduced prejudice is correlated with lower support for harmful anti-immigrant policies and greater support for bipartisan compromise on immigration policy. Taken together, these results suggest that video interventions may be able to reduce prejudice towards migrants, providing evidence for a practical solution for how to challenge the stigmatization of migrant communities.×

The Fag el-Gamous cemetery, located near Egypt’s Faiyum Oasis, offers a unique archaeological window into the culture and transformation of burial practices in Egypt during the Graeco-Roman period (ca. 300 BCE – 500 CE). After thirty years of active excavation, our corpus of burial data had never been fully integrated into a GIS framework—until now. As part of this project, we created a comprehensive geospatial model of the Fag el-Gamous burial site, converting decades of excavation records into GIS-ready spatial datasets through Python scripting and Esri products. Our model now incorporates over 1,000 documented burials and enables 2D mapping, 3D visualization, and analytical modeling of burial orientations, depths, and spatial distributions. Preliminary analyses of our data have revealed significant cultural patterns, including a directional shift from east-facing to west-facing burials that may reflect, in part, changing religious and cultural influences in the region. The construction of our spatial dataset has not only illuminated the chronology and cultural dimension at Fag el-Gamous, but has also been foundational for future research. We are now nearing the completion of a publicly accessible, open-source GIS database deployed using Getty’s Arches Platform, with the express purpose of making decades of excavation data available to researchers and the public alike. In this way, our infrastructure can be a model for how legacy archaeological datasets can become meaningful in a digital age—though careful conversion, analysis, and publication. Through our efforts, the GIS work supporting the Fag el-Gamous Excavation Project not only illuminates Egyptian funerary practices in antiquity, but also demonstrates the usage of a spatial framework for data preservation and analysis in archaeology.×

Counterfactual thinking (CFT) is the mental process of imagining alternative outcomes to past events by considering how things might have turned out differently. These imagined alternatives can vary in direction: upward CFT (uCFT) involves thinking about better outcomes, while downward CFT (dCFT) involves imagining worse ones. uCFT often evoke regret or motivation to improve, whereas dCFT tend to elicit relief or serve to justify past actions. CFT may become distorted or dysregulated during periods of heightened negative affect. Increased CFT has been linked to greater symptom severity in mood-related mental health conditions. Since CFT relies on reflecting on past experiences, most research has focused on its connection to negative events. However, individuals may differ in their general tendency to engage in CFT, regardless of context. This study examined how dispositional CFT directionality relates to psychological distress, rumination, and affect. A final sample of 314 participants completed self-report measures assessing CFT frequency and directionality, depression, anxiety, stress, rumination subtypes, and positive and negative affect. Correlational analyses showed that both uCFT and dCFT were significantly associated with psychological distress and negative affect, with uCFT showing stronger correlations. Rumination, especially brooding and depressive thinking, had the most robust associations with both CFT directions. Regression analyses identified brooding as the strongest predictor of uCFT, while dCFT was best predicted by uCFT and anxiety. When rumination was statistically controlled, distress measures no longer significantly predicted CFT. These findings highlight cognitive style, particularly rumination, as a key factor in counterfactual thinking.×

The literature shows that body image and relationship satisfaction are meaningfully related (Lee, 2016; van den Brink et al., 2018). Relationship satisfaction is generally defined as an overall contentment with one’s intimate relationships. A contributing aspect to this contentment is the feeling that one’s emotional needs are being met. We wanted to understand the correlation between body appreciation and feeling that one’s emotional needs are being met. In our study, body appreciation was defined as a positive and accepting attitude toward one’s body. Relationship satisfaction was operationalized as the extent to which individuals perceived their relational needs as being consistently fulfilled by their spouse. We hypothesized that individuals with a greater appreciation for their bodies would report that their emotional needs are met to a greater extent. A sample of 114 married university students participated in the study. Participants completed two self-report measures: the Relationships Needs (e.g., “When I am with my significant other, I feel loved and cared about,”) and the Body Appreciation Scale (e.g., “Despite my flaws, I accept my body for what it is.”). The survey was administered via Qualtrics, and recruitment occurred through flyers distributed across two university campuses. Eligibility criteria required participants to be currently married, though spouses were not required to participate together. Data were analyzed using linear regression in SPSS. Results supported our hypothesis, revealing a significant positive association between body appreciation and perceived relationship needs met (B = 0.13, SE = 0.04, t = 3.26, p = .001). These findings suggest that body appreciation plays a meaningful role in shaping perceptions of needs being met within marital relationships. The results contribute to a growing body of research emphasizing the interconnectedness of self-perception and relational functioning, offering potential insight into gender differences and avenues for future intervention and research.×

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This study examines the relationship between media consumption and fear of terrorism among adults in the United States. Drawing on cultivation theory and risk perception frameworks, the research examines how various types of media exposure, including television news, online news, and social media, influence individuals’ perceptions of terrorism risk and personal safety. Despite growing public concern about terrorism and the influence of media on fear, there remains a lack of comprehensive empirical research investigating this relationship. Previous studies have often focused on general fear of crime or single forms of media, leaving a gap in understanding how multiple media platforms collectively influence fear of terrorism. This study addresses this gap by providing a systematic examination of how various media channels contribute to the perception of terrorism threats. The data used for this analysis come from the 2022 Chapman University Survey on American Fears (CSAF), conducted by SSRS, a full-service survey and market research firm. The survey was administered online via the SSRS Opinion Panel and included a random sample of adults aged 18 and older across the United States. Using regression analysis (N = 1013), the findings reveal that higher consumption of legacy media, such as television and print news, is positively associated with a fear of terrorism. In addition, a significant relationship was found between social media consumption and fear of terrorism. The study concludes with policy implications and discusses the importance of promoting balanced news coverage and media literacy education.×

A sense of place is central to human experience; when it’s lost, people feel disoriented or disconnected (Relph, 1976). People often develop attachment to specific, and favorite places that can involve personal meanings, social bonds, and psychological processes that connect people to places (Scannell, & Gifford, 2010). Research done on favorite places and restorative experiences found that people use favorite (special) places for emotional self-regulation, such as calming down, reflecting, or restoring attention (Korpela, 2008). This research showed that these special places are emotionally therapeutic, linked to self-identity and can help individuals recover from everyday stress and maintain psychological balance. This was foundational work for understanding why certain environments feel special. Our current study explores the characteristics and psychological significance of “special places” as described by Southern Utah University students, building on Korpela’s foundational research on restorative environments. Using a quantitative content analysis of 358 student essays, descriptions of participants’ favorite places were coded to identify key features, activities, and psychological experiences associated with these special places. The data analyzed in this study was divided into two sets: qualitative descriptions written before the COVID-19 pandemic (2016- February, 2020) and those written during the pandemic (March, 2020-August, 2021), allowing for comparison of environmental and emotional themes across different social contexts. Preliminary results in both samples reveal that a majority of students’ special places are located in natural environments, particularly forests and lakes, and are characterized by high levels of restorative qualities such as relaxation, reflection, and emotional renewal. Chi-square analyses found significant differences between the type of environment, activities, and psychological experiences in special places that were written about prior to and during the covid-19 pandemic. Mountains, deserts, and protected areas were found to be more common special places during the pandemic than before. Differences were apparent with seeking happiness and introspection/healing in special places before and during covid. These findings support prior research suggesting that natural settings provide important psychological benefits and further highlight how external circumstances, such as a pandemic, may influence individuals’ connections to and experiences of their meaningful places. This study lends deeper understanding to how meaningful places support emotional well-being and resilience, especially during times of social disruption such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal how external circumstances shape students' connection to restorative environments. Future analyses will focus on data sets collected post-covid.×

Common factors (CF) therapy emphasizes shared principles of psychotherapeutic change that contribute to positive outcomes across diverse therapeutic orientations. Bailey and Ogles (2023) outlined foundational principles for CF therapy in their book, Common Factors Therapy: a Principle-Based Treatment Framework. There is a current need for a comprehensive tool to evaluate therapists’ effectiveness in implementing CF principles. This study introduces a prototype assessment tool, the Review of Change Principles in Therapy (RCPT), that is designed to measure clients’ experiences in therapy through self-report and provide therapists with actionable feedback on their implementation of CF principles. The RCPT features sections addressing foundational and active change principles, including the therapeutic relationship, motivation for change, corrective experiencing, insight, and self-efficacy. Key items assess client experiences related to the therapeutic bond, tasks/goals, cultural humility, rupture/repair, emotional expression, and skills application. Pilot testing involves two populations: current or former psychotherapy clients, who complete the RCPT as respondents; and therapists, who will give feedback on the utility of RCPT items. To date, 455 client responses and 74 therapist responses have been collected. The RCPT will undergo refinement utilizing these pilot study results. Data collection is complete and data analysis is underway now. Psychometric analyses will evaluate internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, factor structure, and other analyses. Preliminary findings are expected to demonstrate the tool’s reliability and alignment with CF theory. At the conference, Results of these analyses will be presented alongside a revised version of the RCPT. Next steps for evaluating the measure will be discussed including replication studies with the refined measure and longitudinal research tracking client change using the RCPT over the course of therapy. The RCPT shows promise as a resource for therapists and researchers to evaluate and enhance the use of CF therapy principles in clinical practice.×

The current experiment investigated whether or not meditation is useful in decreasing anxiety and promoting mindfulness in college students at Utah Valley University and Weber State University. Undergraduate participants were randomly assigned to a mindfulness meditation condition and a jazz condition. These conditions were the independent variables, including the participants both watching a five-minute meditation video and a five-minute jazz video. The dependent variables were two surveys: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measuring anxiety and the Cognitive and Affective Mindfulness Scale Revised (CAMS-R) questionnaire measuring mindfulness. The current experiment’s data shows that students who watch a five-minute meditation video have decreased anxiety and increased mindfulness based on the results of the STAI and the CAMS-R. A majority of the participants indicated that they had recently experienced a life changing event, which signifies there is an increased need for mindfulness methods to decrease anxiety. This is important because many people experience frequent anxiety and can benefit from a free, accessible, and brief meditation that increases mindfulness and the ability to destress when life becomes overwhelming and demanding.×

The primary goal of this research project was to investigate the relationship between scarcity and fixed mindsets and the effects of self-sufficiency mentorship, in a study spanning six countries and approximately three hundred participants. Mentoring communities outside the United States was facilitated by the SEED (Small Enterprise Education and Development) program at Utah State University’s Jon M. Huntsman School of Business. SEED allows students from USU and other universities to spend a semester living abroad, teaching entrepreneurship skills to individuals in impoverished conditions with the goal of improving their economic self-sufficiency. A scarcity mindset, characterized by the belief that resources are permanently limited (Hsee & Zhang, 2010), and a fixed mindset, the belief that intelligence and abilities are unchangeable (Dweck, 2006) are particularly detrimental to those in poverty. These mindsets lead to poorer decision-making, reduced long-term planning (Shah, Mullainathan, & Shafir, 2012), and an inability to take risks or pursue growth opportunities (Klehe et al., 2017), all of which are critical skills for economic self-sufficiency. SEED specifically teaches skills to start and grow businesses, and while it doesn’t directly teach mindsets, this study measured how this mentorship may promote positive mindset shifts and measurable economic growth. Data were collected through pre- and post-mentorship surveys using adapted items from the Scarcity Mindset Scale (Mullainathan & Shafir, 2013) and Dweck’s Growth Mindset Scale. Surveys were translated into English and Spanish, verified for cultural appropriateness, and administered across six SEED locations: Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Peru, Cebu and Manila in the Philippines, and Ghana. Responses were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics with regression analysis to compare pre- and post-mentorship results and quantify changes in mindset. Preliminary data from a pilot study in Mérida, Mexico, revealed statistically significant increases in both growth and abundance mindsets over a three-month mentorship period. Notably, participants with lower levels of formal education demonstrated the largest gains in growth mindset and reached levels equal to their more highly educated peers. Participants also reported up to a threefold increase in income, reduced debt, and increased savings by the end of the program. Overall, findings indicate that SEED’s mentorship program not only strengthens business and entrepreneurial capacity but also drives measurable mindset transformation. These results highlight the value of mentorship-based interventions in fostering both economic empowerment and lasting shifts toward growth and abundance mindsets. Presentation may be oral or poster.×

Before COVID-19, loneliness levels were on the rise (Buecker et al., 2021). To no surprise, COVID-19 exacerbated loneliness levels despite access to virtual communication (Lewis, 2024; Lee et al., 2020). Recent data suggest it remains a persistent issue among young adults (Goddard & Parker, 2025). This study investigates whether the type of social support, typical (in-person) versus technological (online), predicts loneliness levels. We hypothesized that individuals receiving more in-person support would report lower loneliness than those relying primarily on technological support. Data were collected May to October 2025 via an online survey from 114 married undergraduate students at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and in Rexburg, Idaho (ages 19-44, M = 23.68, SD = 3.40, 51.80% female). Participants completed the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (Cohen & Hoberman, 1983), the Social Support on Technology Scale (Nick et al., 2018), and the Short Loneliness Scale (Hughes et al., 2004). A multiple regression analysis revealed a significant model, F(2, 111) = 17.62, p < .001, accounting for 24.10% of the variance in loneliness. In-person support significantly predicted lower loneliness (β = -.48, p < .001), while technological support did not (β = -.06, p = .49). These findings suggest that physical connection remains more effective than virtual interaction in mitigating loneliness. This aligns with prior research conducted during COVID-19 that found virtual interaction did not significantly impact loneliness levels (Towner et al., 2022). These results highlight the importance of prioritizing in-person social support in efforts to address the ongoing loneliness crisis.×

Shame is a powerful emotion that influences how individuals perceive and present themselves. It targets the self, leading to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness, as well as tendencies toward withdrawal and self-criticism. Shame develops through early interpersonal experiences rather than being innate. Caregiving, attachment patterns, and negative childhood experiences shape shame-proneness, with insecure attachment and emotional rejection increasing vulnerability to chronic shame. When shame becomes chronic and pervasive, it is referred to as dispositional shame. High levels of dispositional shame have been linked to various psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, narcissism, emotional dysregulation, personality disorders, addictive behaviors, and substance use. Understanding dispositional shame is important because it affects not only internal emotional experiences, but also interpersonal dynamics, influencing how individuals connect with others and cope with aversive situations. More specifically, dispositional shame heightens fear of intimacy by promoting self-doubt, reducing self-esteem, and increasing sensitivity to perceived rejection. Shame also impairs empathy, as individuals high in dispositional shame often redirect emotional energy toward self-protection rather than understanding others’ experiences. Shame-driven habits can damage relationships and limit healthy emotional development. These defensive actions may lead to a fear of intimacy and reduced empathetic concern. It was hypothesized that dispositional shame will be negatively correlated with empathetic concern and positively correlated with fear of intimacy. Participants will complete an online survey including the Guilt and Shame Proneness Scale (GASP; Cohen et al., 2011), the Fear of Intimacy Scale (Descutner & Thelen, 1991) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1983). This study examines how dispositional shame influences both empathy and intimacy.×

Mercury (Hg) biomagnification through food webs has always been of great concern due to its potential of creating adverse health effects in both wildlife and humans. Within most food webs high levels of mercury accumulate in predators due to a process called biomagnification, where they consume lower trophic level species and accumulate a greater concentration of heavy metals. However, it has been found in several studies that blackflies, who are filter collectors and feed at a low trophic level, tend to have high concentrations of mercury. Blackfly specimens that were previously collected and analyzed in 2024 from Strongs Creek, located in Ogden, Utah (USA), by other Weber State University students have also confirmed these findings. The goal of our study was to collect macroinvertebrates from Strongs Creek and analyze their mercury concentrations, with a particular emphasis on blackflies (family Simuliidae). On July 3, 2025, and August 14, 2025, we collected macroinvertebrate specimens from Strongs Creek. We weighed, dried, and analyzed the invertebrates for total Hg in a Nippon MA-300 Direct Mercury Analyzer. We found that the average mercury concentration of blackflies was 0.133 ± 0.018 ppm dry weight (n = 75). When compared to other macroinvertebrate predators, such as water striders (order Gerridae) and stoneflies (order Plecoptera), the blackflies were found to have much higher levels of mercury than these predators. This pattern was also found in 2024, suggesting that blackflies are somehow directly collecting heavy metals from the water column. This is of particular concern as blackflies have a temporary aquatic larval stage before they emerge as flighted adults and become prey for terrestrial predators, transferring Hg from the aquatic ecosystem to the terrestrial ecosystem. Hg levels in blackflies are relatively unstudied and our research helps to draw attention to another source of Hg transfer to terrestrial ecosystems.×

Acorn viability is a crucial sign in determining Gamble Oak regeneration potential and overall reproductive success. Reduced seed viability can limit recruitment of new individuals, differ species composition, and lower habitat quality for species dependent on Gamble Oaks. This study was targeted to determine the percentage of viable acorns produced during the 2025 fall season across 4 different transects within the university natural research area. Acorns were collected weekly from late September through October using standardized ground traps. Each acorn was initially categorized as infested or non-infested visually, then dissected to confirm the viability based on absence of insect damage and overall embryo integrity. Across all 4 sampling sites, a total of 572 acorns were collected, and 248 were dissected. Only 2 acorns contained viable embryos indicating an overall viability rate of approximately 0.8%. This incredibly low viability suggests that the 2025 acorn mast experienced high rates of weevil infestation or other prior mortality factors. Having such low seed survival could have a significant impact on Gamble Oak regeneration, as reduced viable seed production may limit recruitment and long-term forest stability. Continued monitoring of Gamble Oak acorn viability and infestation rates will be key for understanding population dynamics and guiding conservation management for these Gamble Oak ecosystems.×

There are millions of Americans that suffer from retinal degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. These diseases can result in permanent blindness due to the inability to regenerate the central nervous system. Researchers are exploring ways to improve people’s ability to regenerate their retina through stem cell therapies. Despite current research, retinal stem cell therapies are largely ineffective due to limited stem cell survival and the inability to control cell migration and integration. Zebrafish are a valuable animal model for informing stem cell therapies for regenerating retinal tissue since they can naturally regenerate their retina after injury through proliferation of Müller glial cells. These new cells then migrate to injured regions to replace lost cells. The ultimate goal of our research is to understand how zebrafish stem cells interact with their extracellular environment to contribute to retinal regeneration. Our current aim is to induce injury and regeneration in the retina of larval zebrafish using a transgenic model which selectively induces rod cell death through the gene nitroreductase. This project also aims to develop a research model suitable for an undergraduate classroom setting, allowing students to gain hands-on research experience in a single semester using larval zebrafish, which regenerate quickly and are easily analyzed. Briefly, five day old larval zebrafish were exposed to metronidazole to induce rod cell death. Using confocal microscopy, we observed that the majority of the rod cells disappeared after two days. Students can now focus on researching the roles of different extracellular components during regeneration. This model of research is accessible to any undergraduate student and by learning more about how these components enable regeneration in zebrafish, we can identify possible strategies to improve current stem cell based retinal therapies.×

This study was conducted at Strongs Creek, located northeast of Weber State University, to examine invertebrate communities across different stream microhabitats. Our group focused on identifying the functional feeding groups of Trichoptera (caddisflies) to better understand their ecological roles. Caddisflies are primarily classified as collector-filterers, meaning they obtain food by filtering suspended organic matter from the water. Invertebrates were collected using kick nets and by gathering rocks with attached specimens from multiple habitats. Samples were preserved in ethanol and later sorted by order, family, genus, and functional feeding group. We then analyzed the abundance of each feeding group across distinct habitat types and graphed the results. A total of 98% of Trichoptera was identified as collector-filterers, while the remaining 2% consisted of shredders and predators/scrapers. Among the shredders, genera such as Goera were observed, primarily inhabiting debris-rich and slower-flowing microhabitats where coarse particulate organic matter was abundant. In contrast, collector-filterers such as Hydropsyche and Diplecentrona were more prevalent in rapids and cascades, where higher flow rates facilitate filter feeding. These findings suggest that Trichoptera feeding groups exhibit clear habitat partitioning based on food resource availability and flow conditions. Overall, this study provided a foundational understanding of stream ecology and demonstrated distinct habitat preferences among Trichoptera feeding groups.×