28th Student Academic Conference Schedule

Mimosa pudica exhibits rapid leaf-folding behavior in response to mechanical stimulation, making it a useful model for studying plant sensitivity and habituation. This study investigated whether repeated mechanical stimulation affects the growth and behavioral response of Mimosa pudica during early development. Seeds from the same batch were germinated and grown under identical conditions. Two plants were observed from germination through later growth stages: one plant was subjected to frequent touch and movement, while the second plant served as a minimally handled control. Growth and behavior were recorded through qualitative observations. The mechanically stimulated plant exhibited reduced growth, losing two of its three initial shoots, while the control plant lost only one. However, the stimulated plant showed reduced sensitivity to novel mechanical disturbance during transport. These findings suggest that repeated mechanical stimulation may reduce growth while increasing tolerance to environmental stress, indicating a potential trade-off between growth and resilience in Mimosa pudica.

The endocrine system is objectively essential for immune functioning and formation. Agents such as Atrazine (ATR) disrupt the ability of the endocrine system to signal the immune system, resulting in an increased risk of autoimmunity, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Atrazine is sprayed on corn cropping systems across the United States, which introduces small particles that can be absorbed into the alveolar sacs, damaging epithelial lung cells and possibly impacting gas exchange. This molecule has been known to inhibit cytokine production, such as IL-6, and cell proliferation. However, there remains a gap in current research as to which pathways ATR inhibits. This research utilized the A549 cell line to evaluate cytotoxic effects post ATR exposure. Atrazine was prepared in DMSO and diluted with media to obtain concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 µM. Cells were exposed for periods of 24, 48, and 72 hours. Following exposure, MTT assay was utilized to confirm treatment with ATR did not result in cell death but remained metabolically active before immunocytochemistry can occur. The cell viability (%) mean after 24 hours at 100 μg/mL was significantly lowered to ~50% when compared to the control of 100%. After both 48 and 72 hours of exposure to 50 and 100 μg/mL of ATR, cells showed significantly less metabolic activity when compared to the control. 48 hours with means of ~50% and ~25% for the 50 and 100 μg/mL, respectively, and 72 hours with means of ~40% and ~45% of ATR, respectively. Atrazine, particularly at higher concentrations for longer durations, decreased the cells' metabolic activity, meaning ATR affected cell function. Overall, the results indicate that ATR has a statistically significant effect on A549 cells at multiple concentrations over 24-to-72-hour time frames. Further research will dive into specific cytokine signaling pathways, to understand the mechanisms involved in immunomodulation. 

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a mycotoxin produced by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. This fungus is commonly found in agricultural fields and can contaminate crops. When ingested, DON can cause changes in the intestinal, nervous, and immune system. However, during harvesting season, Fusarium graminearum and DON can become airborne and inhaled. Minimal research has been done regarding the effects DON has on the respiratory system when inhaled. This study assesses the effect of DON inhalation in an allergic asthma murine model. Allergic mice were exposed to 30 or 60 ng of DON once daily for six days. Serum was analyzed for IgE and IgA, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed for IgA levels. Cytokine levels were analyzed in lung homogenates, and goblet cell metaplasia with associated mucus production was visualized by periodic acid Schiff staining of lung histology sections. Inhalation of DON in an experimental allergic asthma murine model did not have an effect on allergic asthma mediators but resulted in increased IgA levels. Our next step will be to understand the role of pulmonary epithelial cells in mediating this cascade. The results of this study are likely to help inform therapeutics and diagnostics for DON related exposure. 

Parenting can be a challenge by itself. Factors such as single parenting and going through

crisis are strains that can greatly affect a parent and their children’s lives. The purpose of this

research is to better understand single, custodial fathers and homelessness, how their experiences

differ from single, custodial mothers in the system, and to investigate more efficient plans and

opportunities to help fathers in crisis. This is an exploratory research proposal with the goal of

conducting in-depth, face-to-face interviews with fathers who currently or previously experience

homelessness. I hope to work with local agencies with the goal of helping the unhoused to

achieve these in-person interviews. Anonymity will be maintained throughout the paper, and

interviews will only take place when full consent is given.