SUP Students Archive - The Graduate School’s Student Success program

9:00-9:20	Indyya Harvey Presentation Time: 9:00-9:20 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Kennita Johnson, Biomedical engineering Program: SMART Research Title: Towards Early Detection of Diabetic Kidney Disease Using Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Perfusion Parameters Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease and 40% of type 2 diabetic patients will go on to develop end stage kidney disease. However, current clinical markers lag behind disease progression. In contrast to blood and urine markers, renal perfusion may help to detect diabetic kidney disease quicker. Earlier detection will allow clinicians to identify patients susceptible to developing kidney disease and take steps to mitigate and possibly prevent disease progression. Compared to other imaging modalities, ultrasound is cost effective, portable, widely accessible, does not involve ionizing radiation, and ultrasound contrast agents (microbubbles) are safe for use in compromised kidneys. Microbubbles are highly echogenic micron-sized gas particles surrounded by a lipid shell that enable detection of microvascular flow. Microbubble transit through the kidney was observed to capture the wash in and wash out phases, in order to assess changes in renal perfusion between healthy, insulin-resistant, and diabetic populations. Time-intensity curve data from the bolus injection was fit with three different perfusion models (log-normal, lagged normal, and gamma variate) to determine the best fit model for each data set. Perfusion parameters such as mean transit time (MTT), time to peak enhancement (TTP), and area under the curve were extracted to identify parameters with the potential to distinguish healthy and diseased kidneys.	Towards Early Detection of Diabetic Kidney Disease Using Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound Perfusion Parameters	SMART
9:00-9:20	Breannah Keys Presentation Time: 9:00-9:20 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Dorothy Erie, Chemistry Program: CSS Research Title: DNA Mismatch Repair Proteins DNA mismatch repair is essential for maintenance of genome stability. Mismatch repair (MMR) corrects errors made during DNA replication, including mismatches and insertion-deletion loops. This process enhances DNA replication by about 100 to 1000-fold by improving the accuracy of the incorporated base pairs. We used the MMR protein MutS from Thermus aquaticus as our model. Previous studies have shown that a glutamate in the DNA binding domain of MutS hydrogen bonds with a mismatched nucleotide leading to a change of shape in the DNA, determinant of repair. In this study, we were specifically interested in MutS’s interaction with thymine inserts (T-bulges) and GT mismatches. Previous studies have shown that wild type MutS can repair T-bulges and GT mismatches whereas mutating glutamate to alanine, MutS can only repair T-bulges and not GT mismatches. We have mutated the glutamate to alanine to inhibit MutS causing conformational changes in the DNA with GT mismatches leading to MMR so we could study how MutS is interacting with the DNA. To visualize the protein-DNA interaction, a Cys mutation was also introduced into the MutS protein so it could be fluorescently labeled. Single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments were performed to visualize measure conformational changes of the mutated protein and DNA. FRET is a function of the distance between the donor and acceptor fluorescent dyes.	DNA Mismatch Repair Proteins	CSS
9:00-9:20	Oheneba Boateng Presentation Time: 9:00-9:20 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Michael Falvo, Physics Program: McNair Research Title: Development of a Phagocytic Uptake Assay based on Actin Regulator Manipulation Phagocytosis is an essential part of the immune system in which phagocytes engulf foreign bodies. Engulfment relies on force-dependent reorganization of a cell’s cytoskeleton which is primarily made up of actin. Actin undergoes a complicated orchestration whereby polymerizing and restructuring during uptake. There are many key contributors over the course of engulfment that play specific roles in actin polymerization. An assay was developed to influence polymerization in RAW Ftracin_Halo Macrophages. The phagocytes were supplied with 6um IgG-coated polystyrene beads and treated with 100nM Liposaccharide and 100nM Latrunculin A (LatA). Uptake ratio was defined as the number of active cells to the number of total cells. We hypothesized that LPS would increase uptake and Latrunculin A (LatA) would decrease uptake. The Fisher Exact Test along with comparative plots are presented to display variances. This assay can be built upon for force scaling experiments using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). AFM measurements can quantify forces through the stages of phagocytosis and the experimental design can benefit from the controls of this study. Understanding how actin regulators affect uptake gives insight into the different signaling pathways associated with phagocytosis. Disease states with respect to the immune system can be addressed with biomedical applications that affect cell engulfment.	Development of a Phagocytic Uptake Assay based on Actin Regulator Manipulation	McNair
9:00-9:20	Charity Janae Smith Presentation Time: 9:00-9:20 Home University: North Carolina Central University Research Mentor: Kristina De Paris, Microbiology and Immunology Program: M&I-HBCU SROP Research Title: Adjuvant Induced Gene Expression Rhesus Macaques To reduce infant HIV infection rates by vaccination, the current study was designed to identify innate molecular signatures activated by two different vaccine regimens. Previously, we determined that infant rhesus macaques (RMs) vaccinated with an HIV envelope (Env) protein with a toll-like receptor (TLR) 7/8 adjuvant versus alum adjuvant had higher Env-specific antibody responses. Here, we selected two adjuvants, TLR7/8-based R848 or TLR3-based Ampligen, in an HIV vaccine regimen consisting of Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) expressing HIV Env and HIV env protein. Infant RMs were divided into four groups. Control RMs (Group A) received empty MVA intradermally (ID) and sublingually (SL) at weeks (wks) 0 and 4, and Ampligen or R848 only at wks 4 and 10, respectively. Group B and C RMs were immunized with MVA-Env (wks 0, 4) and HIV Env protein (wks 4, 10) in Ampligen or R848, respectively. One day after each immunization, 0.25mL of EDTA-anticoagulated blood was collected. Samples were stored in TRIzol until RNA extraction. Purified RNA was analyzed using the nCounter Nonhuman Primate Immunology Panel by NanoString to assess changes in gene expression. The data will be analyzed using the nCounter Analysis Software to identify specific biological pathways induced by the two distinct adjuvant. We will then correlate the different innate response to the vaccine-induced antibody responses to determine the optimal vaccine regimen.	Adjuvant Induced Gene Expression Rhesus Macaques	M&I-HBCU SROP
9:00-9:20	Jasmine Evans Presentation Time: 9:00-9:20 Home University: Bennett College Research Mentor: Ann Sam, Jessica Steinbrenner, Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute Program: McKinney Scholars Program Research Title: Self determination in early Childhood Abstract During this presentation, I will share information on self-determination in early childhood. Self-determination is a way that provides support to individuals so they can have the ability to learn, grow, and much more. There are several aspects of becoming self-determined: choice-making, decision-making, goal setting, problem-solving, planning, self-management, and self-advocacy. Throughout my presentation, I will be speaking about the self-determination Learning Model of Support (SDLMS). The self-determination learning model of support guides children towards independence by helping them set a goal, take action, and adjusting to that specific goal. In addition, I will be providing a case study example from my life. It will illustrate what self-determination can look like to help children with or without a disability. I will share an interview with my parents that I conducted. In this interview, they spoke about everything I experienced in the early stages of my life related to self-determination, from my challenges to my success. In conclusion, self-determination can be essential for children with or without a disability. Self-determination skills enable individuals to assume greater responsibility and control. Moreover, when people with disabilities take responsibility for planning and decision-making, others change their views and expectations. The reason why I choose this project was that I could make a connection.	Self determination in early Childhood	McKinney Scholars Program
9:25-9:45	Oscar A. Lasserra Presentation Time: 9:25-9:45 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Kristen Lindquist, Psychology and Neuroscience Program: SMART Research Title: Amygdala activation during negative emotional experiences Salience detection facilitates scanning and learning from environments, enabling organisms to focus on relevant stimuli in their visual field for the purpose of survival. Although the brain circuits that underlie this process center around the amygdala, the psychological mechanisms that facilitate such process are poorly understood. Ambiguity has been shown to drive salience detection, and the amygdala has been shown to activate during various emotional experiences, including fear and sadness. Here, we merge these previous findings by testing whether psychological features (appraisals, including ambiguity of a situation) characterize amygdala activity related to instances of fear and sadness. Using evocative stimuli, fear and sadness were induced in forty-five participants while undergoing fMRI; half the participants were White Americans, while the other half were Chinese Natives. A separate and independent American sample rated the stimuli on ten features, or appraisals (e.g., dangerousness of the situation, ambiguity of the situation). Through hierarchical linear regression, we find that ambiguity has a robust effect on bilateral amygdala activation related to experiences of fear and sadness above and beyond the other appraisals. Moreover, we find this effect holds across both Chinese and American participants, suggesting ambiguity during instances of fear and sadness may recruit amygdala activation similarly across the cultural groups. Overall, our results suggest ambiguity in negative emotional experiences renders them salient to the human mind.	Amygdala activation during negative emotional experiences	SMART
9:25-9:45	Caryn Fletcher Presentation Time: 9:25-9:45 Home University: Fayetteville State University Research Mentor: Christina Kasprzak and Thomas McGhee, Technical Assistance Program: McKinney Scholars Program Research Title: How can we Educate, Empower and Connect Families about their Rights within the Individualized Education Plan ( IEP) My research project is focused on finding ways to educate, empower and connect families about knowing their rights within the IEP process. I had the opportunity to interview five individuals within the education arena: a teacher, administrator, provider, parent, and lastly, a student. I interviewed them to see the different issues they are facing and how we can improve communication within the IEP process. There was one common thread throughout all my interviews: the process and their rights are not explained with a clear understanding. Throughout my presentation, I will provide recommendations that will help improve the issues so that we can start closing the gap of families not understanding the rights.	How can we Educate, Empower and Connect Families about their Rights within the Individualized Education Plan ( IEP)	McKinney Scholars Program
9:25-9:45	Autumn Tucker Presentation Time: 9:25-9:45 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Dr. Leon Coleman, Pharmacology Program: CSF, CSS Research Title: Persistent Effects of Alcohol Use on Alzheimer's Disease Tau Pathology Several epidemiological studies have found that heavy alcohol use may increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD), although the mechanisms behind this link are unclear. The increase in neuroinflammation seen during alcohol abuse and AD may drive this connection, however, the effects of heavy alcohol use on Alzheimer’s pathology during abstinence have not been explored. Additionally, the persistent effects of alcohol abuse on the sexual dimorphism of AD pathology remain to be explored. Triple transgenic AD mice models were treated with ethanol for three months during adulthood followed by five months of abstinence to model sustained recovery following heavy alcohol use until Alzheimer’s pathology begins to develop. By visualizing brain tissue via immunohistochemistry and analyzing cortical and hippocampal protein and gene expression through western blotting and RT-PCR, the sustained changes in AD pathology as a result of alcohol abuse were studied. The two pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) were measured to directly analyze these conditions. Although there was not a persistent increase in amyloid plaques as a result of alcohol use, there was a persistent increase in phosphorylated tau in female subjects, particularly in the piriform cortex, which is known to be sensitive to alcohol. There is a correlation between the increase in phosphorylated tau with long-term changes in several genes known to play a role in immunoinflammatory responses.	Persistent Effects of Alcohol Use on Alzheimer's Disease Tau Pathology	CSF, CSS
9:25-9:45	Montia Daniels Presentation Time: 9:25-9:45 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Sharon P. Holland, American Studies Program: McNair Research Title: God Loves Women, and I Do Too: Black Queer North Carolinian Women’s and Nonbinary Folks Engagement with Religion and Spirituality As a Black queer woman, Mahogany Mckoy was averse to the preachings she experienced as a child that being queer and certainly transgender was a sin. As a child, she didn’t understand why this was a factor and walked away from Christianity throughout high school. Mckoy’s story is similar to the story of other Southern Black queer women and nonbinary people that experienced heterosexism, transphobia, and rigid gender roles in the church. Through oral history interviews, I’ve found that Mckoy and 5 other young North Carolinian Black queer women and nonbinary people have moved away from Christianity and organized religions toward practices that are rooted in other forms of spirituality. This shift also coincides with their coming out stories, self-exploration, and interrogation of their gender and sexual identities. Most of the participants found that spirituality separate from organized religion has allowed them to have more freedom in the practice and expression of their spiritualities and identities. How are North Carolinian Black queer women and nonbinary people interacting with religion and forms of spirituality? How do their identities affect these interactions? This narrative paper illustrates the similarities and key differences among vastly different North Carolinian Black queer women and nonbinary people to see how their gender, race, and sexuality have played key roles in influencing their spiritual and religious journeys.	God Loves Women, and I Do Too: Black Queer North Carolinian Women’s and Nonbinary Folks Engagement with Religion and Spirituality	McNair
9:25-9:45	Camryn Isemann Presentation Time: 9:25-9:45 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Dr. Todd Cohen, Neurology Department Program: SURF Research Title: Investigating the Phosphorylation of HDAC6 in Protection Against Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of waste proteins, often referred to as tangles, which are considered the primary contributor to neuronal death. The main component of these tangles is tau protein which undergoes modifications that correlate with cognitive decline. Of these modifications, lysine acetylation is particularly relevant as it strongly accelerates tangle formation. Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) is known to remove acetyl groups from tau protein, and thus, serves as a potential modifier for AD pathogenesis. Here, we hypothesize that HDAC6 activity is regulated by specific kinases via phosphorylation at Ser-22. In this study, we performed subcellular fractionation, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence approaches using HEK-293 cells. We further investigate which kinases most effectively interact with and phosphorylate HDAC6, and analyze the downstream events of HDAC6 phosphorylation, such as nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling. Our results showed that the Parkinson’s disease (PD)-relevant kinase LRRK2, and GSK-3, a kinase long implicated in AD progression, exhibited potent kinase activities towards HDAC6 and mediated subcellular translocation of HDAC6. This study highlights potential upstream enzymes of HDAC6 and the succeeding events of HDAC6 phosphorylation. Further investigation of these kinases in disease models could reveal alternative strategies for AD treatment and potentially bridge gaps between AD and PD pathologies.	Investigating the Phosphorylation of HDAC6 in Protection Against Alzheimer’s Disease	SURF
9:50-10:10	Victoria Evans Presentation Time: 9:50-10:10 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Rebecca Fry, Gillings School of Public Health Program: McNair Research Title: Disparities in the location of Superfund site in the southern United States Background: Superfund is a federally funded program implemented by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clean up hazardous waste sites. The National Priorities List (NPL) consists of Superfund sites that pose significant threats to the environment and human health. There are a total of 193 NPL sites in the states which encompass EPA region 4, in addition to 83 other alternative approach and deleted sites which are not currently on the NPL. The purpose of this study was to assess spatial disparities in the distribution to Superfund sites in EPA region 4, and the demographics of the communities surrounding these sites. Methods: The 2015-2019 5-year American Community Survey census tract data was used to generate population demographics of communities located within specific proximities of the 276 Superfund sites in EPA region 4. These census tracks and demographics were analyzed using expanding buffer distances (1.0-10.0 miles) from Superfund sites. The correlation between demographic determinants and Superfund site proximity was then evaluated using regression analysis. Results: Specific sociodemographic characteristics, including black, non-white, poverty, education status and unemployment, were negatively correlated with Superfund site proximity. This relationship was seen inversely in other sociodemographic groups, including white and homeownership, where percentages in these populations increase with distance from Superfund sites.	Disparities in the location of Superfund site in the southern United States	McNair
9:50-10:10	Andrew Barber Presentation Time: 9:50-10:10 Home University: North Carolina Central University Research Mentor: Ilona Jaspers, Toxicology and Environmental Medicine Program: 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars Research Title: Plastic Burn Pit Emissions Generated from Flaming and Smoldering Temperatures Induce Variable Toxicity on Human Nasal Epithelial Cells Burn pits are areas utilized for military waste disposal through open air combustion. This system was common in Afghanistan and Iraq, where in 2014, almost 60,000 pounds of solid waste was burned daily. Exposure to these emissions may damage respiratory tissues and increase one’s susceptibility to lung and airway diseases. We hypothesized that emissions from combusting plastic, a major components of burn pit materials, would be cytotoxic to human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) in vivo, and that incineration temperature would affect biological outcomes. Military-grade plastic materials were burned at smoldering (500°C) or flaming (640°C) temperatures in a quartz tube furnace system and collected as condensates in a series of cryotraps. Primary HNECs differentiated at air-liquid interface and 16HBEs were treated with smoldering and flaming plastic condensates at concentrations from 5-20 μg/cm2 on the apical side for 4 hours. Markers of inflammation including IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-13, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-p70 were assessed in basolateral supernatants. Our data indicate that regardless of temperature, emissions from incineration of plastic increase markers of inflammation. Specifically, emissions from burning plastics significantly increased IL-8, IL-1β and IL-6 at various concentrations and temperatures. Other markers of inflammation, although not significant, were all increased by emissions from burning plastic material. These results revealed that inhalation of emissions of burning plastic increases markers of inflammation in human respiratory cells.	Plastic Burn Pit Emissions Generated from Flaming and Smoldering Temperatures Induce Variable Toxicity on Human Nasal Epithelial Cells	21st Century Environmental Health Scholars
9:50-10:10	Wenya Jian Presentation Time: 9:50-10:10 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Leslie Hicks, UNC Chemistry Program: SURF Research Title: Prediction and discovery of small open reading frame encoded polypeptides from Enterococcus faecalis Recent multi-omic efforts have facilitated the discovery of unannotated small open reading frame encoded polypeptides (SEPs). SEPs are small proteins (< 50 amino acids in length) representing an underexplored class of biomolecules due to the lack of genome prediction software and challenges in identification. However, increasing evidence demonstrates that SEPs play critical roles in cellular processes and serve diverse microbiological functions. Some known SEPs exhibit functions such as promoting pathogenesis, stabilizing protein complexes, and containing antimicrobial properties. Enterococcus faecalis is a ubiquitous member of healthy human gut microbiota with duality as a probiotic commensal as well as an opportunistic pathogen. The absence of pathogen-specific genes or pathogen-specific features suggests that E. faecalis’s virulence is determined by the host-microbe interaction. To this end, we hypothesize that the expression of various SEPs associate with E. faecalis’ transition from a commensal to pathogenic in changing environments. Herein, a six-frame genome translation and smORFinder were used for creating a predicted E. faecalis SEP database. In vivo translation of predicted SEPs is pursued via mass spectrometry.	Prediction and discovery of small open reading frame encoded polypeptides from Enterococcus faecalis	SURF
9:50-10:10	Valentina Morales Presentation Time: 9:50-10:10 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Gregory Scherrer, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology Program: SMART Research Title: Investigating the role of μ opioid receptor in Chx10-expressing neurons Mu opioid receptors (μ receptors) play a critical role in the effects of opioids, including analgesia, opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH), tolerance, withdrawal, and locomotor-related behaviors, but which populations of receptors are the primary mediators of these processes is yet to be determined. Neurons expressing Chx10, a molecular marker specifically expressed by V2a+ pre-motor neurons located in the regions of the ventral spinal cord and brainstem, also express μ receptors. By removing μ receptors in these neurons, we can determine their role in mediating various opioid effects. To this aim, we have quantified these effects using von Frey filaments, hot plate tests, naloxone-precipitated withdrawal, and video recordings of μ receptor-conditional knockout mice (cKO: Chx10Cre/+; Oprm1fl/fl) and wildtype littermates (control mice) after morphine administration. Altogether the data suggest that mechanical and thermal pain thresholds of cKO mice before and after morphine are very similar to those of control mice. However, we have found interesting differences in locomotor-related behaviors. Specifically, morphine-induced hyperlocomotion and straub tail, two very distinct behaviors occurring after morphine exposure, were completely absent in the cKO mice. Thus, the μ receptor/Chx10-expressing neurons likely play a role in hyperlocomotor activity and muscle rigidity caused by morphine. Future experiments will focus on these findings.	Investigating the role of μ opioid receptor in Chx10-expressing neurons	SMART
9:50-10:10	Paula Mason Presentation Time: 9:50-10:10 Home University: North Carolina Central University Research Mentor: Julie Austen, Ariel Everett, FPG Child Development Institute, Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center Program: McKinney Scholars Program Research Title: It Takes a Village - The Exploration of Education and the Socioecological Model This presentation focuses on various aspects of a child’s life that impact their educational views and experience. However, all the aspects can be categorized into four sections — individual, relationships, community, and societal — using The Socioecological Model. The purpose of this project is to explore those factors using multiple approaches, such as: interviews with community leaders, brief literature review, reviewing data, and conducting a windshield survey of a local school. I have discovered that factors that occur outside of the classroom can have a bigger impact than factors that occur inside of the classroom; this is why it takes a village.	It Takes a Village - The Exploration of Education and the Socioecological Model	McKinney Scholars Program
10:15-10:35	Louisa Boateng Presentation Time: 10:15-10:35 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Fry, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering Program: 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars Research Title: Examining the Effects of Inorganic Arsenic on Chromatin Accessibility in Placental Cells Using ATAC-seq Inorganic arsenic (iAs) is a ubiquitous toxic metal in the environment known to be detrimental to human health. More than 100 million people, including those in the United States, are at risk of exposure that exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 10 parts per billion (ppb). Prenatal exposure to iAs is a global public health concern as iAs can cross the placental barrier and cause genomic and epigenomic perturbations in the fetus leading to developmental and later onset effects. Adverse health outcomes such as low birth weight and cancers have been linked to iAs exposure. In this study, we exposed JEG-3 placental choriocarcinoma cells to varying iAs doses for 24 hours. The Assay for Transposase-Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq) was then used to identify open regions of chromatin. We observed that iAs modified the chromatin structure differentially across the genome with potential effects on gene activation or silencing. A 3% difference in chromatin accessibility was observed across the entire genome when comparing the highest dosage to the controls. Future research will investigate the gene-specific locations of chromatin accessibility. Our findings provide mechanistic insight into the toxicity of iAs on human placental cells. These data are relevant to the known effects of prenatal exposure to iAs on fetal development and provide support for the Developmental Origins of Health and Human Diseases (DOHaD) hypothesis.	Examining the Effects of Inorganic Arsenic on Chromatin Accessibility in Placental Cells Using ATAC-seq	21st Century Environmental Health Scholars
10:15-10:35	Makuachukwu Okeke Presentation Time: 10:15-10:35 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Amanda Elton, Psychology and Neuroscience Program: SMART Research Title: The Affects of Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Behavioral Measures of Impulsivity Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is often characterized by impulsive behaviors, difficulty holding attention, and hyperactivity. Impulsivity is one symptom that is usually rated as more prominent in those with ADHD in comparison to those without this disorder. The two behavioral tasks commonly used in researching this disorder are delay discounting and the stop-signal task. Previous research has found that there is greater delay discounting among those with ADHD, but the stop-signal task has provided mixed results in regards to impulsivity. These results were more mixed in regards to adult sufferers of ADHD. The current project involves an MRI study and an online study. The goal of these studies is to see if the impulsivity measured in the results will show a future likelihood of alcohol abuse. The online study currently has data from 337 participants in the delay discounting task and 324 participants in the stop-signal task. All participants are 18 to 19 years old and in their first year of college and most participants do not have ADHD. While the focus of the larger project is on impulsivity and alcohol abuse, my project seeks to understand how ADHD affects performance on behavioral tasks of impulsivity in an emerging adult sample.	The Affects of Attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Behavioral Measures of Impulsivity	SMART
10:15-10:35	Aunindya Jyoti Presentation Time: 10:15-10:35 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Matthew Redinbo, Chemistry Program: SURF Research Title: Investigating the Structural and Functional Diversity of Azoreductases Across the Human Intestinal Microbiome Azo-linked compounds are ubiquitous across foods, textiles, paints, and cosmetics, as well as prodrugs that treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Azoreductases (AzoRs) are a family of enzymes produced by bacteria residing in the human gastrointestinal tract that reductively cleave these azo linkages; however rates of activity differ dramatically depending on the species of origin. Through metagenomic analyses, our lab has identified over 100 putative azoreductases across the human gut microbiome. In this study, we compare two novel azoreductases from Klebsiella pneumoniae (KpAzoR) and Clostridium marseille (CmAzoR) to the well-characterized Escherichia coli azoreductase A (EcAzoRA). We determined the catalytic efficiencies of these enzymes in metabolizing four sterically diverse azo dyes: methyl red, amaranth red, acid orange 7, and brilliant black. Then, we used in silico modeling to compare the structures of these enzymes in the context of their observed activities. We show disparate catalytic efficiencies across our panel of azoreductases and identify key active site differences that may account for the observed differences in activity. In future studies, we aim to characterize more azoreductases and their activities with prodrug substrates to pinpoint the azoreductases integral to the treatment of IBD. Exploring these structural and functional differences can help us better understand how azoreductases differentially activate prodrugs and may enable the manipulation of these differences for targeted therapeutics.	Investigating the Structural and Functional Diversity of Azoreductases Across the Human Intestinal Microbiome	SURF
10:15-10:35	Noemi Gavino-Lopez Presentation Time: 10:15-10:35 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Rebecca Fry, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering Program: McNair Research Title: Developing an Environmental Justice Index for Toxic Metal Well Water Contamination in North Carolina Background. Approximately 2.4 million well water users in North Carolina (NC) are vulnerable to metal contamination because they are not protected by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe Drinking Water Act (USGS, 2018). The established relationship between social and economic indicators and water quality prompts private well contamination in NC to be examined through an environmental justice lens. Methods. This paper identifies locations in NC where minority and low-income populations experience elevated exposure to well water contaminated with toxic metals. Geocoded well water test results, from 1998-2019 (n=117,960), and American Community Survey estimates for 2019 were used to derive Environmental Justice (EJ) Indexes at a census tract level for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and manganese. This approach mirrors the EPA’s national EJ Index model which combines environmental and demographic data for a single location. Results. A wide range of EJ Indexes (n=8,152) were determined. Census tracts in Union, Pitt, Guilford, and Sampson counties had the highest EJ Index for arsenic, cadmium, lead, and manganese, respectively. Conclusions. The EJ Indexes constructed in this study can be used by public health professionals to prioritize remediation efforts in EJ communities that demonstrate excess risk in well water contamination.	Developing an Environmental Justice Index for Toxic Metal Well Water Contamination in North Carolina	McNair
10:15-10:35	Jarvis I Blanding Presentation Time: 10:15-10:35 Home University: North Carolina Central University Research Mentor: Iheoma Iruka, Leslie deRosset, Equity Research Action Coalition Program: McKinney Scholars Program Research Title: Equitable Policies That Positively Impact Black Families and Children Prenatal-to-3 COVID-19 and the racial reckoning over the last 24 months has brought attention to structural racism and system inequities faced by Black people in the United States. Black children and families’ optimal development are being threatened on a daily basis, visible with the racial disparities in health, income, and education. The objective of this presentation is to examine policies that support the health and development of Black children and families, especially mothers and their babies. Through the lens of social determinants of health and racial disparities, this presentation will connect the complex factors that link race, social context, and policy. This presentation identifies prenatal-to-3 policies that demonstrate effectiveness at creating the conditions in which Black families and their children can thrive. This presentation will highlight the following policies: Prenatal Health and Emotional Well Being, Healthy and Equitable Births, Sufficient Household Resources, Nurturing and Responsive Child-Parent Relationships, and Nurturing and Responsive Child Care in Safe Setting. This presentation will illuminate some of the disparities that effective policies are seeking to mitigate to ensure a healthy future for Black families and children.	Equitable Policies That Positively Impact Black Families and Children Prenatal-to-3	McKinney Scholars Program
10:40-11:00	Daniela Hercules Alfaro Presentation Time: 10:40-11:00 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Rebecca Fry, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering Program: 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars Research Title: Exploring chemical targets within the Robust Placental Clock using the Comparative ToxicoGenomics Database The Robust Placental Clock (RPC) is an epigenetic clock based on placental tissue DNA methylation found to be a highly accurate estimator of gestational age. Through its use of 558 individual CpG sites to enhance gestational age prediction, the Robust Placental Clock has been found to indicate a median error of less than one week. Due to its recent finding, however, the effects of chemical toxicants on the Robust Placental Clock have not yet been explored in-depth and literature on the topic itself is limited. By conducting a deep-dive of the Comparative ToxicoGenomics Database, the goal of this project is to build a “Robust Placental Clock Chemical-Gene interactions” database that explores the known effects of chemicals on the genes that are a part of the clock in an attempt to identify major gene targets of toxicants within existing literature that are also a part of the Robust Placental Clock. Through the identification of major gene targets within the clock, it is anticipated that the direction that future research should take in exploring the effects of chemical toxicants within the Robust Placental Clock will be elucidated.	Exploring chemical targets within the Robust Placental Clock using the Comparative ToxicoGenomics Database	21st Century Environmental Health Scholars
10:40-11:00	David F. Parbel Presentation Time: 10:40-11:00 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Dr. Hua Mei, Dept. of Ophthalmology Program: SMART Research Title: The Role of a Small Molecule in Facilitated Corneal healing The cornea contains five layers: epithelium, Bowman’s layer, stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and endothelium. External damage to epithelium does not generally lead to scar formation, however, if the damage reaches corneal stroma, a scar will form, negatively impacting vision. Stroma cells have been observed to secrete certain small molecules in response to wounding. One such molecule is Protein X, our molecule of interest. We are interested in determining if Protein X can facilitate healing of corneal wounds that have reached the stroma, without leaving scars. The experiment begins with the surgical application of wounds to the corneas of mice and immediate introduction of the molecule of interest via local injection. Subsequent to an incubation period, tissue samples are harvested and microscopy slides are prepared. The sample slides are then stained using immunohistochemistry, which attaches marker antibodies to proteins known to be involved in the corneal healing process. The sample slides are then viewed via fluorescence microscopy, which reveals the concentrations of these marker proteins in the region of the wound, thus allowing observation of the healing activity. These images are recorded and processed by software that overlays the images to quantify the protein expression. Reportable results from this study are still pending. Upon the conclusion of the mouse model study, we intend to follow up with a replicative study utilizing human corneal tissue.	The Role of a Small Molecule in Facilitated Corneal healing	SMART
10:40-11:00	Amy Lo Presentation Time: 10:40-11:00 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Shu Wen Ng, Nutrition Program: SURF Research Title: Urban and Rural Purchasing Patterns of SNAP Participants in North Carolina Urban and rural residents have different food environments and different resources available to them. Research has shown that healthy foods are more likely to be more expensive in rural areas and less accessible. SNAP beneficiaries may face particular barriers from purchasing healthy foods due to their limited budgets. We used existing de-identified transaction data from a large grocery chain with nearly 500 stores throughout North Carolina to look at SNAP purchases from rural vs urban stores from October 2019 through December 2020. We are interested in understanding if rural stores contribute to more/less healthy purchases (fruits and vegetables with and without additives) or unhealthy purchases (sugary beverages) by SNAP participants compared to urban stores. We will also investigate if these differences widened or narrowed since COVID. We have organized the large amount of transaction level data, conducted data diagnostics, layered on auxiliary data and created relevant measures/variables for analyses. We will be conducting descriptive and regression-based modeling over the next month.	Urban and Rural Purchasing Patterns of SNAP Participants in North Carolina	SURF
10:40-11:00	Jasmine Akoto Presentation Time: 10:40-11:00 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Patrick Sullivan, Psychiatry Program: CSS Research Title: Assessing Transcriptional and Epigenetic Impacts of Antipsychotics Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects ~1% of the population. It is typically diagnosed during adolescence or early adulthood, and characterized by the presence of hallucinations, delusions, and grossly disorganized behavior. Antipsychotics are the primary treatment of these symptoms. Unfortunately, due to side effects, and/or lack of efficacy, about 75% of patients discontinue the use of antipsychotics. This study uses functional genomics approaches to gain mechanistic insight into the transcriptional and epigenetic changes brought about by chronic antipsychotic exposure. We carried out a dosage study (pilot study) using drug-containing chow, to determine the appropriate dose needed to achieve human-like plasma drug levels of commonly used antipsychotics. The study consisted of 8-week old male C57BL/6 mice that were randomized across 3 different treatment groups: haloperidol (1 mg/kg; 3 mg/kg; 5 mg/kg), olanzapine, and placebo (n=4 mice per treatment group). Mice were fed drug-containing chow for a period of 28 days; plasma was collected at 21 days. Body weight was recorded before and after treatment. Haloperidol treatment groups 3 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg were discontinued due to weight loss. After 28 days, mice went through cardiac perfusion, and brain regions were dissected and stored at -80°C. Dosage studies will be followed with larger groups of mice and additional antipsychotics, in order to elucidate the effects of chronic antipsychotic treatment on chromatin structure and gene expression.	Assessing Transcriptional and Epigenetic Impacts of Antipsychotics	CSS
10:40-11:00	Natalie Hussein Presentation Time: 10:40-11:00 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Shauna Cooper, Psychology Program: McNair Research Title: Arab American Families, Acculturation, and Biculturalism: A Comprehensive Review Arab Americans are defined as people living in the United States with ancestry from at least one of the 22 states of the Arab League (Member states of the Arab League). There are currently an estimated 3.7 million Arab Americans and the population is growing exponentially, yet there is little research that highlights the unique experiences of this demographic group. Given the consequences of the terrorist attacks on September 11th and the current political climate, where xenophobia and islamophobia are acutely present in U.S. society, Arab Americans have experienced increased discrimination and harassment. This present study is a synthesis of the existing literature on factors that shape family processes among Arab Americans Key focus areas of this review include: 1) historical context of Arab Americans in the U.S.; 2) acculturation and biculturalism; 3) culturally-specific family patterns and practices; 4) ethnic identity development; and 5) potential impacts on the development and adjustment of Arab American adolescents. At the conclusion of this critical review, I provide key recommendations and directions for future research on Arab American families and children.	Arab American Families, Acculturation, and Biculturalism: A Comprehensive Review	McNair
11:05-11:25	Madyson Barber Presentation Time: 11:05-11:25 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Andrew Mann, Physics and Astronomy Program: CSS Research Title: The Characterization of a Young Exoplanet From the Kepler Mission Due to various natural processes, planets will change over their lifetime. We can see this in our Solar System, as Mars and Venus show evidence of once liquid water, and Earth shows an evolving atmosphere and terrain. Since their initial discovery in 1992, nearly 4400 exoplanets, residing outside of our Solar System, have been confirmed. However, less than 1% are considered young planets less than 500 million-years-old. Young planet discovery aids in understanding planetary evolution. When comparing younger and older exoplanets, more data will help to create statistically significant results, thus mitigating the effects of outliers. We seek to characterize a known young planet candidate initially considered a false positive. Using neighboring stars’ properties, including kinematics, rotation, color, magnitude, and Lithium abundance, we estimate the stellar association, and thus the host star, to be 80 million-years-old. The planet is orbiting a young analog of our older Sun (5 billion-years-old) in an association overlapping with the Kepler-prime field. By analyzing the light curve, or the star’s observed brightness over time, using a Markov Chain Monte–Carlo based modeling approach taking into account our updated stellar parameters, we estimate the planet to be about twice the size of Earth (1.95±0.10R⊕) on a close-in orbit (19.58 days). Given its age and parameters, this system is valuable for the continual research on the evolution of young systems.	The Characterization of a Young Exoplanet From the Kepler Mission	CSS
11:05-11:25	Valerie Nguyen Presentation Time: 11:05-11:25 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Ian Davis, UNC School of Medicine Program: SURF Research Title: Exploring Synergistic Effects of Small Molecules in Ewing sarcoma Ewing sarcoma, the second most common bone cancer in children and young adults, is driven by a chromosomal translocation that generates the critical fusion oncoprotein EWS-FLI11. EWS-FLI1 binds to specific genomic loci where it increases chromatin accessibility. EWS-FLI1 results in nucleosome depletion at targeted sites, and silencing EWS-FLI in cells results in decreased chromatin accessibility at EWS-FLI1 target sites. Previously, the Davis Lab demonstrated that small molecules can also decrease chromatin accessibility at EWS-FLI1 target sites (Pattenden et al). Furthermore, a small molecule modulator of EWS-FLI1 protein stability, 7ai, has been recently identified, but its effects on chromatin accessibility have not been as well characterized (Su et. al). As these compounds have different mechanisms of action, we asked whether synergy might be achieved by combining compounds with effects on chromatin accessibility . Using FAIRE-qPCR, I will characterize the effects of 7ai on chromatin accessibility at EWS-FLI1 target loci alone and in combination with UNC0621 and Varinostat, small molecules that decrease chromatin accessibility at these sites. As these compounds also have effects on Ewing sarcoma cell proliferation, I will use two proliferation assays, the WST assay and the real-time microscopy using the Incucyte to assess the effect of the compounds singly and in combination on the metabolic activity and proliferation of Ewing sarcoma cells, respectively. Ultimately, this drug discovery research not only aids to understand the mechanism of EWS-FLI1, but it also has the possibility to increase Ewing Sarcoma survival rates	Exploring Synergistic Effects of Small Molecules in Ewing sarcoma	SURF
11:05-11:25	Dain Ruiz Presentation Time: 11:05-11:25 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Frank Conlon, Biology Program: SMART Research Title: A Proteomics Based Approach to Determine the Role of the Cardiac Neural Crest Outflow tract abnormalities are the most frequent congenital heart defects. These are due to the absence or dysfunction of the two main cell types: neural crest cells and secondary heart field cells. In a developing embryo, the neural crest is a transient structure that allows for neural crest cells to migrate and give rise to different organs. Neural crest derivatives originate from four major segments: cranial, cardiac, vagal, and trunk. cKit is a receptor tyrosine kinase that marks several cell lineages, including neural crest, hematopoietic, and germ-line stem cells. Signaling from cKit is crucial for normal hematopoiesis, pigmentation, fertility, gut-movement, and some aspects of the nervous system. Fate mapping experiments using novel cKitCreERT2 mouse lines revealed cKit positive cells give rise to all expected cardiac neural crest derivatives, including the outflow tract of the heart, tunica media of the aortic arch, cardiac and aortic valves, atria, and inflow tract. There are multiple cKit mutations in the mouse. One mutant, cKitW44, exhibits defects in melanocytes and germ cell development, but has completely normal blood values. Since cKit positive cells give rise to cardiac neural crest derivatives, we sought to determine if cKitW44 mice exhibit neural crest derived cardiac defects using quantitative mass spectrometry based approaches and histological examination. We further aim to explore if there are biological sex differences in cardiac tissue of these cKitW44 mice.	A Proteomics Based Approach to Determine the Role of the Cardiac Neural Crest	SMART
11:05-11:25	Caniah Lentz Presentation Time: 11:05-11:25 Home University: North Carolina Central University Research Mentor: Ilona Jaspers, Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology Program: 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars Research Title: Characterization of Cytokines Secreted by Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Grown on Transwells E-cigarettes are used by millions of people, but we do not understand their full toxicity. To study the effects of e-cigarettes on airway macrophages, we are using a macrophage model derived from human blood monocytes. Before these cells can be used in an e-cigarette exposure, they have to be characterized for markers usually presented by airway macrophages. We have previously characterized these cells after culturing them in regular cell culture dishes. However, for relevant e-cigarette aerosol exposures, these cells need to be grown on Transwell inserts to facilitate the exposure. The objective of this study is to compare biomarkers secreted by macrophages grown in regular cell culture dishes with those grown on Transwell inserts. To do so, we measured the secretion of three cytokines (IL-6, CCL17, CCL18) by human blood monocytes differentiated into three types of macrophages (M0, M1, M2). We found that on Transwells human blood monocytes differentiated into M1 type macrophages secreted significantly more IL-6, and we found that M2 type macrophages secreted significantly more CCL17 and CCL18. This is the same pattern we previously observed when growing the cells in regular dishes. These data indicate that human blood monocytes differentiated into M1 and M2 type macrophages have similar phenotypes when cultured in regular dishes and on Transwells, suggesting that they present a suitable model for studying the effects of e-cigarettes on macrophages.	Characterization of Cytokines Secreted by Human Monocyte-Derived Macrophages Grown on Transwells	21st Century Environmental Health Scholars
11:05-11:25	Christopher Kong Presentation Time: 11:05-11:25 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Brianna Vickerman, Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry Program: McNair Research Title: Assessment of Loading Tissue Plasminogen Activator into Human Red Blood Cells for the Improved Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases Due to the unfortunately ubiquitous and deadly nature of cardiovascular diseases by blood clots, especially strokes and myocardial infarctions, the matter of finding effective treatments is of high priority. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is the only drug treatment that is FDA approved to break up blood clots. Despite tPA being considered the gold standard for clot dissolution, this protein therapeutic has severe drawbacks including a short treatment window and deadly off-target effects due to high dosage requirements. From previous experimentation, red blood cells (RBCs) were found to be excellent carriers to protect therapeutics from premature clearance in vivo. Encapsulating tPA inside of RBCs could reduce side effects and allow less therapeutic to be administered overall, ultimately increasing the safety and utility of this treatment. We investigated two methods of loading tPA into RBCs, one using a direct high salt addition to restore the cells to isotonicity while the other used a more gradual resealing process. The purpose of this study was to determine which method resulted in a higher internal concentration of tPA and greater consistent loadings on different days. Data was collected using an Invitrogen ELISA kit. The results indicated that the direct method is preferred due to the lower level of variability in the amount of tPA loaded despite the decreased tPA amount loaded. Further experimentation is ongoing to substantiate these preliminary findings.	Assessment of Loading Tissue Plasminogen Activator into Human Red Blood Cells for the Improved Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases	McNair
11:30-11:50	Alice Novinte Presentation Time: 11:30-11:50 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Andrea Hussong, Psychology Program: McNair Research Title: The Role of Indirect Exposure to Police Violence in Black Adolescent Suicidality Exposure to racism may negatively impact psychological well-being among Black adolescents, for whom suicide rates have risen within the past decade. Using data from public data archives (i.e., the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the Mapping Police Violence database), the association between indirect exposure to racism due to living in a state with higher police killings of Black Americans and youth self-reported suicide risk and behavior, particularly for Black youth, was tested. The analysis sample included 6201 Black and white high school students (22.4 % Black; 48.4% Male). Results of six multilevel models showed that indirect exposure to police killings of Black individuals was not significantly predictive of suicide risk and behavior, but when indirect exposure was defined as the rate of Black people killed by police in a state, Black participants who lived in states with higher rates were more likely to report suicidality in comparison to white participants living in those states. Findings indicate that police violence against Black Americans may negatively affect Black adolescent mental health.	The Role of Indirect Exposure to Police Violence in Black Adolescent Suicidality	McNair
11:30-11:50	Ashleigh Henry Presentation Time: 11:30-11:50 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Fry, Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering Program: CSS Research Title: Epigenetic Impact of PFOS on JEG-3 Placental Cells via ATAC Sequencing and RNA Sequencing Analyses Environmental chemicals amount to a large portion of the exposures an individual experiences over their lifetime. Exposure to per- and poly- fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been shown to negatively affect the health of vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and the developing fetus. Recently, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in particular has become a major chemical of interest due to its ubiquity and persistence in the environment due to its chemical stability. PFOS is especially of concern in North Carolina, as samples 14 times greater than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s health advisory have been found in sewage treatment plants. Exposure to PFOS and other per fluorinated chemicals are associated with adverse health outcomes, such a low infant birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. The goal of my study is to understand the impact of PFOS exposure on JEG-3 choriocarcinoma cells through ATAC sequencing and RNA sequencing analyses, which use a high through-put sequencing approach to identify open areas of chromatin and gene expression, respectively. More specifically, we aim to investigate the impact of per fluorinated chemicals on the epigenome through changes in chromatin structure. Ultimately, the genomic differences between the open chromatic regions of the exposed and unexposed cell populations could help inform the association between prenatal PFOS exposure and the relating negative health outcomes.	Epigenetic Impact of PFOS on JEG-3 Placental Cells via ATAC Sequencing and RNA Sequencing Analyses	CSS
11:30-11:50	Chabely Figuereo Presentation Time: 11:30-11:50 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Dr. Yuliana Rodriguez-Vongsavanh, School of Education Program: McNair Research Title: Examining Differences in Family Empowerment Among Hispanic and White Families of Children with Autism Given the scarcity of current research addressing the needs of Hispanic children with autism and their families, the purpose of the current study was to examine the impact of ecological microsystems on outcomes for Hispanic students with autism based on their caregivers’ feelings of family empowerment. Differences in family empowerment among Hispanic and White families of children with autism were observed, as well as potential predictors of family empowerment. This study used data collected by the Center on Secondary Education for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (CSESA), in which parent participants (N=296) volunteered to complete a variety of surveys and interviews. Family information including household income, caregiver education, and minutes per month of support services were utilized to test their predictability of family empowerment levels, and differences across Hispanic and White families were examined. Findings pointed to the important role that ethnicity can play in predicting family empowerment. However, further research is needed to better understand the experiences of Hispanic families of children with autism, as well as their cultural perspective on family empowerment. This study highlights important implications for researchers, school partners, as well as practitioners to consider in working with Hispanic families of children with autism.	Examining Differences in Family Empowerment Among Hispanic and White Families of Children with Autism	McNair
11:30-11:50	Sarah Salvador Presentation Time: 11:30-11:50 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Alain Burette, Neuroscience Program: SMART Research Title: Expression of the psychiatric risk gene transcription factor-4 (TCF4) in the developing macaque neocortex. TCF4 is associated with a range of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, including autism, schizophrenia, and Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS). Although necessary to decipher TCF4 biology and guide future therapeutic approaches, our knowledge of TCF4 expression in the developing brain is still limited, especially in primates. Here, we combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to characterize TCF4 expression in the rhesus macaque neocortex from gestational day 50 to 5 years of age. We detected both Tcf4 transcript and TCF4 protein throughout the developing neocortex. However, both were most abundantly expressed in layers II and IV, contrasting with the uniform distribution previously reported across the mouse neocortex.Our experiments point to other differences. Whereas TCF4 is expressed in mouse astrocytes, we found barely detectable Tcf4 transcript and no detectable TCF4 protein macaque astrocytes. In conclusion, our data point to unexpected and potentially significant differences between TCF4 expression in mice and primates neocortex.	Expression of the psychiatric risk gene transcription factor-4 (TCF4) in the developing macaque neocortex.	SMART
11:55-12:15	Tiffany Riascos Presentation Time: 11:55-12:15 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Bob Duronio, Biology Program: McNair Research Title: Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of mutations in Drosophila melanogaster CG8569 which encodes a putative ortholog of the human epigenetic regulator ZMYND11 Mutations in the human ZMYND11 gene have been postulated as the cause of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autosomal dominant intellectual disability 30, the 10p15.3 microdeletion syndrome, and autism spectrum disorders. ZMYND11 encodes a nuclear protein that specifically binds variant histone H3.3 and regulates gene expression at the transcriptional level. However, the molecular mechanisms of action and the functions of ZMYND11 disrupted in human disease remain unknown. One approach to learn more about ZMYND11’s molecular behavior is studying its orthologous gene in a model organism. Our lab is investigating whether the Drosophila melanogaster CG8569 gene encodes an ortholog of human ZMYND11. The purpose of this study was to characterize a transposon insertion allele of CG8569 (CG8569EP1182) both genotypically and phenotypically. We found that the EP1182 transposon was inserted into the coding region of CG8569 and thus should disrupt its function. Nevertheless, we found that gene expression still occurs from the CG8569EP1182 mutant allele and that CG8569EP1182 mutant flies are viable, although they demonstrated reduced longevity when compared to non-mutant flies. To ask whether CG8569EP1182 mutants had neurological defects we measured several parameters of movement in developing CG8569EP1182 larvae. No statistically significant differences were observed in crawling length, crawling time, and crawling speed between mutant and wildtype flies. Together, this study shows that the mutant allele CG8569EP1182 impairs fly longevity but does not affect locomotion in larvae.	Genotypic and Phenotypic Characterization of mutations in Drosophila melanogaster CG8569 which encodes a putative ortholog of the human epigenetic regulator ZMYND11	McNair
11:55-12:15	Kristina Nicole Stuckey Presentation Time: 11:55-12:15 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Kathleen Gray, UNC Institute for the Environment Program: 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars Research Title: Setting up a Wastewater Monitoring Program in North Carolina: Learning to Go with the Flow During a Pandemic In January 2021, North Carolina began monitoring COVID-19 levels in wastewater at eleven wastewater utilities throughout the state. Influent samples were collected twice a week by wastewater plants and analyzed at a UNC laboratory by droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to measure the level of SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Epidemiologic analysis of trends was conducted by state and national scientists and data were published to the public. These data allow local and state health departments to quickly implement public health actions, such as increased testing, vaccination clinics, and public communication. Due to the large amount of data collected and the number of partners involved in the process, determining a method to collect and securely store the results was critical to the program’s success. In response, we created a relatively easy to use, relational online database using REDCap for participating laboratory staff and epidemiologists. Our team also investigated whether precipitation events correlated with increased influent flow on sampling days. To examine this, influent flow and daily precipitation were graphed to visualize trends for the eleven sites. Our results show that precipitation events often coincided with higher influent flow, suggesting higher levels of infiltration by rainwater. This potentially correlates with a dilution of the gene copies per person suggesting an underestimation of COVID-19 levels, however, more research is needed.	Setting up a Wastewater Monitoring Program in North Carolina: Learning to Go with the Flow During a Pandemic	21st Century Environmental Health Scholars
11:55-12:15	Dan Tsuma Presentation Time: 11:55-12:15 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Jonathan Berg, Genetics Program: SMART Research Title: Variants that cause Hemophilia A and B: An exploration through Hypothes.is To determine which genetic mutations, or variants, are most relevant to patient care in the use of precision medicine, evidence for variant pathogenicity evaluation must be analyzed from existing scientific literature in a process known as variant curation. Hypothes.is is a web annotation tool that allows users to annotate scientific literature, contributing to variant curation. The objective of my project is to create annotations, through Hypothes.is, for the F8/F9 coagulation factor genes that will aid variant curation and correlate the type of variant with the severity of Hemophilia A or B, inhibitor status, and assay discrepancy. The procedure involves annotating relevant information, utilizing tags, about patient(s) in the literature; their sex, age, ethnicity, gene variant, disease assertion, phenotype severity, presence of inhibitory antibodies, and assay discrepancy, if reported. In all of the annotations across multiple papers, there were mild, moderate, and severe cases harboring unique variants. Additionally, cases were categorized based on inhibitor status and assay discrepancies. Since the pool of scientific literature is so vast, this project has considerable room for expansion as there are several more variants and correlations to discover. After annotating several case reports and series, I have learned how vital annotation is to variant curation and our understanding of the role of pathogenic variants in disease.	Variants that cause Hemophilia A and B: An exploration through Hypothes.is	SMART
11:55-12:15	Sandhya Sundar Rajan Presentation Time: 11:55-12:15 Home University: Research Mentor: Rachel Force, Psychiatry Program: SURF Research Title: Use of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common, severe psychiatric illness that has a lifetime prevalence of about 16.6% in adults. Patients with major depression respond to antidepressant drugs; however, approximately one-third of these patients remain treatment-resistant after adequate trials of multiple monoamine-based therapies. Treatment-resistant depression is a difficult condition to treat and has an impact on medical comorbidities such as heart disease, cancer, thyroid disease, manifestations of impending relapse, and genetic vulnerability. To combat this, we wanted to further explore the efficacy of alternative treatment methods with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS). MDD has been associated with increased alpha oscillations (8-12 Hz) in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Therefore, targeting and reducing alpha oscillations in this area could prove beneficial to patients with MDD. Targeted stimulation modalities, such as tACS, can directly engage and selectively modulate oscillations through the application of weak electric currents to the scalp. In addition, tACS has mild side effects, and no serious adverse events have yet been reported. A recent pilot study showcased the preliminary efficacy of tACS to decrease alpha oscillations, but the neurophysiological mechanism of action of how tACS caused this change is still unclear. This presentation will showcase how we hope to better understand the mechanism of action of tACS in MDD patients. This can be primarily understood with high-density EEG measurements taken before and after every stimulation session. For this study, eligible patients will participate in 5 consecutive 40-minute tACS stimulation sessions, with either sham or 10Hz (alpha) stimulation. In addition to the stimulation session, I will help collect eyes open Resting-State EEG (RSEEG) recordings immediately before and after the 40-minutes of stimulation. This will help determine the immediate after-effects of tACS on brain activity, specifically on alpha oscillation power. If a direct relationship between tACS and alpha power is established, then noninvasive therapies can be considered as a reliable treatment option to alleviate symptoms several symptoms in MDD patients.	Use of Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder	SURF
12:20-12:40	Nicole M Egerstrom Presentation Time: 12:20-12:40 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Kathleen Gray, UNC Institute for the Environment Program: 21st Century Environmental Health Scholars Research Title: Occupational Health and Industry in Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in North Carolina Worker protection is important to keeping our economy and society running. We aim to study occupational and behavioral circumstances leading to COVID-19 exposures in North Carolina workplaces, as part of a pilot project by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Our survey will be used to inform workplace interventions for COVID-19 infection and prevention control. We called confirmed COVID-19 positive individuals from a randomly sampled list from the NCOVID surveillance system (02/15/2021-07/15/2021). Inclusion criteria was anyone 18-64 years old, living in NC, who was working outside the home during the 2 weeks prior to illness onset. Healthcare workers were excluded from the survey. Our goal was to complete over 100 interviews with adults infected with SARS-CoV-2. Out of 551 calls, the response rate was 33.3%, while the survey completion rate was 14.2%. Survey respondents were 55.1% White, 14.5% American Indian/Alaska Native, 1.4% Asian, 29% Black/African American. Women accounted for 46.1% of respondents, while men accounted for 52.6% (1 gender not identified). 22.4% of workers did not receive paid time off for COVID-19 illness, with an average of 9.5 workdays missed. Employee health must be a high priority during pandemics since workplaces may be high-risk settings for infections. Unfortunately, our interview goal was not met, however statistical analysis was still conducted. Instituting policy changes that mandate paid time off for illness may be an effective way to prevent spread of COVID-19.	Occupational Health and Industry in Confirmed COVID-19 Cases in North Carolina	21st Century Environmental Health Scholars
12:20-12:40	Glorimel Rodriguez Presentation Time: 12:20-12:40 Home University: UNC-Chapel Hill Research Mentor: Dr. Eva Telzer, Psychology Program: McNair Research Title: Investigating the Mediating Role of Brain Activation in the Relationship Between Racial Discrimination and Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviors Racial discrimination greatly impacts the mental and physical well-being of an individual. Adolescents who identify as racial minorities may be especially vulnerable to the effects of racial discrimination because of the significant neurodevelopmental and social changes that occur during adolescence. Previous studies have shown discrimination may influence risk taking behaviors, however no study to date has assessed the impact of the brain in explaining this relationship. The current study assessed the mediating role of insula and temporoparietal junction (TPJ) activation in the relationship between racial discrimination and health risk/prosocial behaviors, two regions that are involved in salience processing and perspective taking, respectively. Participants included 95 racially diverse adolescents (52% female) from ages 14 -16 years. Self-report questionnaires were used to measure experiences of racial discrimination, health risk behaviors, and prosocial risk behaviors. In the functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner adolescents completed a risk-taking task where they took risks for themselves and close others. Using a mediation regression model, results suggested racial discrimination does not predict prosocial/health risk behaviors, nor did insula and TPJ activation mediate this relationship. However, racial discrimination did predict insula/TPJ activation during risk-taking for others. Taken together, findings suggest racial discrimination is associated with the neural processing of how adolescents perceive others.	Investigating the Mediating Role of Brain Activation in the Relationship Between Racial Discrimination and Adolescent Risk-Taking Behaviors	McNair