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Presenting authors are underlined.

Abstract 3: “The Influence of Incline and Load on Speed, and Energy Expenditure”.�� Naomi Kim and Cara Wall-Scheffler. Walking surfaces are often inclined, affecting speed, energy use, and gait. This study examined how incline and load interact to influence pedestrian speed and cost of transport (CoT). Twelve participants walked a 300m loop with a 20% incline and decline, both loaded and unloaded. Speed decreased with incline (p=0.004), especially with head loads (p=0.09). CoT increased with both incline and load (p<0.001), but no interaction was found (p=0.2). These results suggest incline and load independently affect cost, while their interaction primarily influences gait. Understanding these effects is crucial as humans adapt to diverse environments.

Abstract 4: "Design matters: Energetics of infant-carrying slings in bipedal locomotion".  Elizabeth Delgado, Sara Dean, Sydney Banks and Cara Wall-Scheffler. Infant-carrying slings have long supported human mobility by enabling efficient transport of offspring. This study investigates how sling design influences walking kinematics and energy expenditure in bipedal locomotion. Participants walked a 30m course carrying a 5kg infant-model under three conditions: unloaded, traditional sling, and loop-style carrier. Each sequence was repeated in reverse order to control for order effects. Results showed that load significantly increased the cost of transport (p=0.014), with no change in walking speed (p=0.8) or percentage of gait cycle spent in stance or swing phases (p>0.8). Torso tilt was significantly reduced in the loop condition (p=0.025), suggesting that sling design influences postural control and locomotor efficiency.

Abstract 5: “The distracted stride: How phone use changes the way we walk”.�� Gursagar Singh, Elizabeth Delgado, Eloisa Nguyen and Cara Wall-Scheffler. Modern use of cellular devices has altered natural gait patterns, often restricting arm swing and leading to changes in gait stability. Measures of stability, including stride width, length, and speed, were collected from three conditions: No Phone (NP); No Arm Swing (NAS); Phone Reading (PR). A repeated measures ANOVA showed that gait speed significantly decreased during PR (p<0.001); step width trends differed by sex as females narrowed their step during PR, whereas males widened their step width during NAS (p=0.192). These findings suggest that walking with a phone perturbs the gait beyond that caused by not swinging the arms.

Abstract 6: “Beyond the Marine Norm: Salinity Tolerance in Freshwater-Adapted Sticklebacks”.�� Gursagar Singh, Ali Al-Tamimi, Sunny Cheema and Cara Wall-Scheffler. "Stickleback fish are studied to better understand the range of phenotypic plasticity. Though often found in marine environments, Blakely Island hosts sticklebacks that have recently evolved to live in freshwater. Our research investigated whether freshwater sticklebacks can manage higher salinities through physiological adjustments. Swimming activity was measured in varying salinities (0%; 17.5%; 35%) in sticklebacks of varying sizes across a 24-hour period. An ANOVA was run to determine the effects of salinity, fish size, and diurnal rhythm on activity. The interaction between these three variables significantly predicted activity (p=0.022). Larger (older) fish struggled at high salinity, while smaller (younger) fish excelled."

Abstract 7: “Optimizing selective whole genome amplification to increase MinION sequencing coverage of the Mycoplasma genitalium genome for mutation analysis”.�� Alexis Nield, Isabel Williamson, Mia Ewing, Noah Soltani, Derek Wood, and Gwendolyn Wood. Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterium that causes urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease. Selective Whole Genome Amplification (SWGA) can be used to specifically amplify the MG genome from low copy clinical samples for use in downstream sequencing. This study aimed to optimize the SWGA protocol to improve coverage of the MG genome, especially the 16s gene region known to harbor antibiotic resistance mutations. Of the variations tested the temperature ramping protocol improved amplification in the 16s region by four qPCR cycles which equates to a 10-fold increase in genome copies at this key location.

Abstract 8: “Amplification of Mycoplasma genitalium from Aptima Test Kit Samples for MinION Sequencing”.�� Sammi Do, Erik Garcia, Olivia Brooks, Itzel Aparicio, Derek Wood, and Gwendolyn Wood. We developed a method to isolate Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) DNA from Aptima test kits, which contain a 1:1 ratio of patient urine to specimen transport medium. The extracted DNA undergoes selective whole genome amplification (SWGA) to enrich MG DNA for sequencing on a MinION platform. This approach ensures sufficient DNA yield for downstream analysis. By sequencing the amplified DNA, we can identify mutations associated with antibiotic resistance, providing a valuable tool for studying MG and informing treatment strategies.

Abstract 9: “Quantifying SWGA Enrichment in Mycoplasma genitalium Using qPCR”.�� Madeline Vogl, John Lee, Madeline Crawford, Feng Chen, Derek Wood, and Gwendolyn Wood. Mycoplasma genitalium (Mg) causes persistent cervicitis, urethritis, and pelvic inflammatory disease in humans. Selective Whole Genome Amplification (SWGA) of clinical samples allows whole genome sequencing from the limited number of Mg found in urine. We developed a qPCR assay targeting rpmA that allows rapid confirmation of SWGA success. This gene shows a 1000-fold DNA increase post-SWGA as compared to standard 16s primers. These findings allow rapid evaluation of SWGA protocol improvements without the need for sequencing.

Abstract 10: "Succession and forest maturation decreases population density of black-tailed deer on Blakely Island, WA".  Isabella Burnside and Eric Long. Early successional habitats have previously been demonstrated to provide plentiful foraging opportunities for ungulates such as Colombian black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus). The removal of predators paired with food abundance can substantially increase deer density. As habitat succession continues, however, the population density may decrease as the forest canopy closes and restricts food source growth. Over the last 17 years Blakely Island, WA, has undergone successional habitat loss as the forest regrows after the 2006 ban on large-scale logging. During the summer of 2024, we used line-transect distance sampling along with a pre-existing dataset to estimate the population density of black-tailed deer in response to forest maturation. Since 2010 we have seen a deer density decrease of 4.0% per year as the forest matures, which has disrupted the island’s ecosystem.

Presenting authors are underlined.

Abstract 11: “Anticipating Antibiotic Resistance: Designing genetic mutants of M. genitalium to resist Fusidic Acid treatment”.�� Akira Copeland, Mariama Conteh, and Gwendolyn Wood. Mycoplasma genitalium is a sexually transmitted bacterium associated with 19% of nongonococcal urethritis in men, and 21% of symptomatic urethritis in women. Infection is becoming difficult to treat due to its resistance to first-line treatments azithromycin, doxycycline, and moxifloxacin. A potential treatment could be fusidic acid, an antibiotic used outside of the US against Staphylococcus aureus infection. Little is known about M. genitalium’s ability to develop resistance against the antibiotic. This experiment introduced single allele mutations within M. genitalium’s elongation factor G, the target of fusidic acid, to determine if high resistance is possible, allowing for predictions about future treatment.

Abstract 12: “Exploring the Evolutionary Role of PRDM1 in Germ Cell Specification in Tardigrades: Insights into Developmental Pathways and Evolutionary Conservation”.�� Erik Garcia Medina and Jenny Tenlen. This project investigates the evolution and function of the Prdm1 gene, which plays a key role in germ cell development. By comparing Prdm1 gene sequences across a wide range of species—including tardigrades, vertebrates, and invertebrates—we aim to understand how this gene has been conserved or modified over time. Using phylogenetic analysis and sequence alignment tools, we will assess whether tardigrades share key features of Prdm1 found in other organisms. This research will help uncover how essential developmental genes evolve and adapt, providing insight into both gene function and evolutionary biology.

Abstract 13: “The Evolution of Two Potential Sex-Determining Genes in Tardigrades”.�� Alexis Nield and Jenny Tenlen. "In the world of sex determination, there are diverse strategies for determining sex. We haven’t identified the sex determining strategy used by tardigrades, which would be helpful knowledge for understanding the evolution of sex determination in animals. For this study, I will be using Hypsibius exemplaris, a model species of tardigrade, also known as the famous water bear! I will be testing the presence of 2 potential sex determining genes found in neighboring species, in tardigrades using RNA template testing. If those genes are present in the tardigrade genome, I will be confirming sex determining function using gene knockout testing.

Abstract 14: “Identifying MES-4 Homologs in Hypsibius exemplaris”.�� Noah Soltani and Jenny Tenlen.  This project aimed to investigate MES-4, a protein which influences germ cell development in roundworms (Caenorhabditis elegans), to find similar proteins in tardigrades (Hypsibius exemplaris) which plays a role in their germ cell development. This was accomplished through protein sequence alignments and the construction of a MES-4 phylogenetic tree.

Abstract 15: “Development of a reliable protocol utilizing genetic techniques for identifying the sex of juvenile Columbian black-tailed deer from cranial bone”.�� Blair Graves, Victor Soriano-Prieto and Jenny Tenlen. As an isolated landmass with no natural predators, Blakely Island serves as an effective study site for the study of evolutionary factors relating to insular populations of large mammals. A disparity in the adult sex ratio of local deer has been observed, but the demographics of juveniles must still be ascertained through genetic methods. Our study aims to find a replicable and non-toxic procedure through which undergraduate students can identify the sex of numerous juvenile deer crania. Specifically, we will compare decalcification lengths, extraction kits, and amelogenin primer sets in order to determine which combination yields the most reliable results.

Abstract 16: “Effects of cerebral tumor necrosis factor alpha on systemic insulin tolerance in obese mice”.�� Gigi Griepp, Madeline Vogl, Marie Hafez and John Douglass. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is characterized by impaired blood glucose regulation and a disruption of systemic insulin sensitivity. Obesity, commonly associated with T2DM, frequently leads to chronic inflammation in the hypothalamus and other brain regions known to control metabolic parameters. However, the neurological mechanisms that link brain inflammation to glycemia remain unclear. Previous studies have identified a key pro-inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), in the development of obesity and insulin resistance. In the current study, we assess the role of cerebral TNF-α in systemic glucose homeostasis and insulin tolerance using an obese rodent model and pharmacological approaches.

Abstract 17: “Neuroinflammation in the Ventral Tegmental Area of Chronically Stressed Rats”.�� Marie Hafez, Philip Baker, and John Douglass.  Chronic stress has been associated with maladaptive behaviors in both human and animal research models, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. In this research study, we sought to define whether stress induces neural inflammation in the ventral tegmental area, the brain region primarily responsible for regulating reward consumption, learning, memory, and addictive behaviors through moderating dopamine release in other brain areas. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a chronic intermittent and unexpected stress paradigm that included various stressors. Following the chronic stress intervention, brain sections were collected from control and experimental groups, and subsequent immunohistological analysis was performed of microglia and astrocytes, cell types known to mediate inflammatory responses within the brain. By assessing inflammation in the VTA through fluorescent microscopy and quantitative morphological analysis, we will establish whether inflammation in this key brain region regulating motivation may be involved in the harmful behavioral outcomes that are often associated with chronic stress.

Abstract 18: “The role of Central TNFα Signaling Regulation on Feeding Behavior and Glucose Homeostasis in Obese Mice”.�� Madeline Vogl, Renske Dupar, Gigi Griepp, and John Douglass.  The brain plays a crucial role in regulating glucose homeostasis, a process disrupted in type II diabetes mellitus. Brain inflammation is associated with obesity and impaired glucose regulation, but the mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates the role of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα and hypothesizes that its central signaling modifies systemic glucose. Using a diet-induced obesity mouse model, we followed central TNFα neutralization with analysis of feeding behavior and glycemia. The findings from this study will contribute to our understanding of the role of central inflammation in metabolic disorders and may lead to more effective clinical treatments.

Presenting authors are underlined.

Abstract 19: “Distribution and habitat use of Sounders gray whales from 1990 to 2023”.�� Sara Mach, Eric Long, Tim Nelson, and Hannah Clayton. Every spring, a small group of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus), referred to as “Sounders,” migrate to northern Puget Sound (NPS) to forage on small crustations, particularly during years of low prey availability in the Arctic, the primary foraging grounds for gray whales. This research aims to determine how NPS gray whales are distributed within the NPS during the foraging season and between years. I used ArcGIS to analyze sighting data collected by Cascadia Research Collective from 1990 to 2023 for spatial and temporal trends, specifically regarding Sounders’ behavior during gray whale high mortality years due to overall low prey availability.

Abstract 20: "Allelopathy of Western Red Cedar, Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock on seed germination".  Lainey Mendoza, Ayaka Pier, and Ryan Ferrer. Many plants release bioactive chemicals as a competitive strategy or as a means of defense against herbivores. Here, we examined the allelopathic effects of chemicals released by three conifer species on seed germination and growth. We tested both volatile and waterborne chemicals emitted by intact or damaged tissue. Our findings suggest that both volatile and waterborne chemicals inhibited germination and growth, but only chemicals from damaged tissues and only from certain species. The patterns we observed support the hypothesis that allelopathy is a biproduct of tissue damage (i.e. defensive) rather than as a competition strategy from healthy tissues (i.e. offensive).

Abstract 21: "Foliar chemistry of Western redcedar after deer-induced damage".  Elena Elzinga and Ryan Ferrer. Blakely Island has been home to a large deer population since wolves were extirpated in the early-1900s. The absence of predators has led to increased browsing pressure on local flora, including Western redcedar (Thuja plicata). We hypothesized that increased herbivory influences the chemical composition of Western redcedar. To test this, samples were taken from trees that had been browsed and from trees protected from herbivory. Leaf tissue was extracted and analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to measure thujone, a suspected defensive monoterpene. By comparing samples exposed to different browsing intensities, this study investigates whether chemical composition is influenced by herbivory. These findings may improve our understanding of chemically-mediated trophic dynamics in predator-free island ecosystems.

Abstract 22: “The assessment of Gemcitabine as an anti-viral drug”.�� Robynne Dona and Tracie Delgado. Murine Gammaherpesvirus-68 (MHV-68) is a naturally occurring pathogen of rodents that is genetically similar to Epstein-Barr Virus and Kaposi’s Sarcoma Herpesvirus. MHV-68 naturally undergoes lytic replication, making it a good model system to study the gammaherpesvirus lytic cycle. Our lab previously published that lytic MHV-68 infection alters the host cell metabolome and increases pyrimidine nucleotide metabolism. Gemcitabine, an FDA-approved pyrimidine analog and nucleotide synthesis inhibitor, was analyzed using kill curve assays to identify a safe drug concentration. Current experimental goals are to assess the antiviral activity of Gemcitabine to determine if Gemcitabine can be repurposed as an anti-viral drug.

Abstract 23: “Assessment of the nucleotide inhibitor Vidarabine (Ara-A) as an Anti-viral Drug”.�� Tina Le and Tracie Delgado.  Murine Herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) is biologically related to human gammaherpesviruses, Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus and Epstein-Barr virus. Accordingly, MHV-68 serves as a valuable model system for studying gammaherpesvirus replication. Our lab published MHV-68 increases nucleotide metabolism. The goal of my project is to test the anti-viral activity of Vidarabine (Ara-A), a clinically relevant nucleoside analog which inhibits DNA polymerase. First, an optimal and safe concentration of Ara-A was determined through drug safety studies. Current experimental goals are to assess viral production, with and without Ara-A treatment, to determine if Ara-A can be repurposed as an anti-viral drug.

Abstract 24: "Assessing the Efficiency of Methotrexate (MTX) as an Antiviral Drug".  Yennifer Gaspar Garcia and Tracie Delgado. Murine gammaherpesvirus-68 (MHV-68) is a rodent virus which is used as a model system to study how human gammaherpesvirus cause cancer. Prior studies in our lab showed MHV-68 reprograms host metabolism pathways to support viral replication. My project evaluated the anti-viral activity of Methotrexate (MTX), an FDA-approved nucleotide biosynthesis inhibitor which targets dihydrofolate reductase. After performing cytotoxicity assays and identifying a safe drug concentration, I treated MHV-68 infected cells with MTX or solvent control. Results show MTX treatment reduced viral production by 98%. These findings suggest MTX effectively inhibits MHV-68 replication and highlights host nucleotide biosynthesis as a therapeutic target.

Abstract 25: "Assessment of the Anti-viral Properties of 5-Fluorouracil".  Ben Sheirbon and Tracie Delgado. Murine herpesvirus 68 (MHV-68) serves as a model for understanding how viruses cause cancer. MHV-68 infection and propagation has been previously shown to rely heavily on host cell nucleotide metabolism, thus making it an appealing target for inhibition. This research is focused on repurposing a clinically relevant nucleotide metabolism inhibitor (5-FU) to serve as an anti-viral therapy against MHV-68 and congruent viruses. The optimal concentration of 5-FU was determined via drug safety studies and the anti-viral efficacy was assessed with plaque assays. Treatment of 5 mM 5FU led to an 8.5-fold reduction in virus production compared to control.

Abstract 26: “A novel multiplex PCR assay for the identification of non-inherited maternal alleles in South African mother-infant pairs”.�� Nia Barr-Jeffrey, John Houck, Whitney Harrington, Heather B. Jaspan, and Blair Armistead. Maternal microchimerism (MMc) refers to the transfer of a small number of maternal cells to offspring in utero. MMc is found in immune and non-immune cells, but the effect of MMc on infant immunity requires further study. Measuring MMc in offspring requires the identification of a non-inherited maternal allele (NIMA), often through HLA genotyping, which is costly and can fail to identify NIMA in populations with limited HLA diversity. Instead, we validated a novel PCR assay targeting 18 non-HLA insertion-deletion polymorphisms, which identified NIMA in 11/11 maternal-infant pairs. We will use this assay in future work to investigate MMc in infant vaccine-specific responses.

Presenting authors are underlined.

Abstract 1: “Homology Modeling of All KIR-HLA Class I Complexes”.�� Marjolene Allossogbe, Thania Allossogbe, Feng Chen, Madeline E. Crawford and Benjamin J. McFarland. KIR immunoreceptors are expressed on Natural Killer (NK) cells and interact with HLA (MHC Class I). KIR-HLAI combinations have been associated with Type 1 Diabetes in an immunogenetics study by our collaborators. As a class exercise in Winter BIO 3350 Immunology extended to Spring CHM 4960 Independent Research, we modeled the KIR-HLAI interactions for all nine two-domain activating KIR receptors, binding all major HLA Class I molecules. Swiss-Model, PyMol, and PPCheck calculated hydrogen bonds, electrostatics, and van der Waals energies. We identify outliers of particularly strong or weak interactions that may lead to immune dysfunction and/or disease in some contexts.

Abstract 2: “Homology Modeling of Two Distinct Types of KIR-HLA Class I Complexes”.�� Benjamin J. McFarland and Samuel J. McFarland. KIR receptors are two- or three-domain immunoproteins that interact with HLA (MHC Class I) molecules on target cells. Here we model the KIR-HLAI interactions for KIR2A and KIR2B binding all major HLA Class I molecules. Swiss-Model built complexes using a KIR-HLA I template (with peptide added using PyMol alignment) before pseudoenergies of atomic interactions were calculated using PPCheck. PPCheck reported dominant electrostatics and van der Waals interactions. We compare the similarities and differences to identify patterns of how the two KIRs interact with the three classes of HLA and identify outliers that may lead to immune dysfunction and/or disease.

Abstract 27: “Assay Development for Siderocalin-Siderophore Interactions: From Iron to Cobalt and Nickel”.�� Isabel T. Williamson and Benjamin J. McFarland, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Siderocalins are immunoproteins that inhibit bacterial growth by binding and sequestering bacterial siderophore-iron complexes. A previously reported assay uses ultrafiltration centrifugal devices to demonstrate siderophore-siderocalin interactions through visible color. We are extending this assay to determine the specificity of our array of recombinant mammalian and fish siderocalin proteins for small molecule-metal interactions, determining if nickel or cobalt can bind small molecules related to dihydroxybenzoic acid in this assay. The success of the binding events was quantified using Nanodrop technology. Some small-molecule/metal combinations may show specific binding to particular siderocalins, although the filters sometimes appear to fail through mechanical disruption.

Presenting authors are underlined.

Abstract 28: “HMobile Robot control application".  Shukra Jaliya Nankabirwa, Jonah Byther, Fransiskus Agapa, Minnie Cao, Riley Suomi, Kyler Veenstra, Jihoon Lim, Lin Liu, and Andy Cameron.  We have developed a robust mobile application allowing users to control a lifting robot.

Abstract 29: "CapSource".  Tobias Smedes, Jovan Limas, Ezana Girmay, Prince Nizeyimana, Kamile Vaicekonis, Aryan Bataan, and Andy Cameron.  Capsource is a crowdsourced platform that enables users to report caption errors in videos. When an error is identified, the app notifies the video owner of the correction request, ensuring accurate and improved captions.

Abstract 30: “WinterArk”.�� Fassih Ahmad Khan, Jazmin Chavez Peraza, Jacob Miller, Ian Wilson, Tidankay Sesay, and Andy Cameron.  Winter Ark is a fitness tracker app focused on gym buddy connections. It helps users find workout partners, track sessions, set goals, and monitor progress. With features like progressive overload tracking, muscle group targeting, shared dashboards, and personalized fitness recommendations, Winter Ark aims to boost motivation and accountability. The app’s backend uses Express.js with Node.js, MongoDB Atlas, and AWS Lambda, while the frontend is built with Flutter for Android.

Abstract 31: "Tutorium".  Travis Lee, Jordan Tha, Meriem Idris, Kainoa Aqui, Reagan Gunawan, and Andy Cameron.  A tutoring directory app that helps students and parents easily find and connect with local tutors.

Abstract 32: "SEEN - American Sign Language Translation APP".  Tracy Mai, Joyce Tang, Ethan Nguyen, Kyle Wilson, Alex Nguyen, and Andy Cameron. SEEN is an innovative app that hosts translations from American Sign Language (ASL) to English Text and vice versa. This project presents an opportunity to enhance inclusivity, enabling smoother communication for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Users are able to upload a video of themselves doing ASL and receive their translation in English text. Users are also able to send in a sentence, and receive a visual translation of their message in American Sign Language. Designed to bridge communication gaps, SEEN aims to empower ASL users and facilitate seamless interaction across language barriers.

Abstract 33: "WhatColor - A Color Blind Assistance App". Weston Hanson, Brennan LeBlanc, Tsion Ballo, Vy La, Kendrick Bynum, Paulson Kimani, and Andy Cameron. WhatColor is a mobile, color blind assistance application designed to empower those with color blindness or color deficiency by distinguishing colors in their everyday life, especially when it comes to picking outfits.

Abstract 34: “Beat Up Cancer”.�� Anthony Scanlon, Raiveer Singh, Yehan Suh, Isaac Venable, John Wangui, Sesen Yonas, and Andy Cameron.  A 2D single-player action game where players use 3 different characters and skill sets to battle the enemy cancer cells. The player face off against a variety of enemies and bosses in multiple stages, each uniquely designed to represent different types of cancer. The game is designed to motivate the patients and players to stand against the cancer.

Presenting authors are underlined.

Abstract 35: "Therapeutic Incentive Spirometer: Increase patient recovery through automation".  Lamir Magus, Chris Kendall, Vadim Kukhotskiy, Reid Cloward, Lin Liu, and Jihoon Lim. Our project is an automated incentive spirometer designed to help post-surgical patients improve lung function during recovery. Traditional spirometers require nurse supervision and patient memory, but our device uses a sensor to automatically detect successful inhalation, then records the result. It reminds patients to use the device with lights, vibrations, and sound, and displays results on an LCD screen. The system stores the last 10 results for healthcare providers to review, encouraging consistent use while reducing hospital workload. Compact, battery-powered, and easy to use, our spirometer promotes recovery through accessible and effective respiratory tracking.

Abstract 36: "CoastClear".  Aaron Stapleton, Leslie Garcia, Vu To, Gideon Seyoum, Eva Espindola, Lin Liu, and Jihoon Lim. Team Ground Guardians’ goal is to design a remote-controlled machine that will alleviate the problem of ocean pollution. The device will significantly decrease the beach trash that goes into the ocean by sifting out trash from sand on beaches.

Abstract 37: “H-Mobile”.�� Bryson Miller, Karina McDuffie, Danny Pham, Tamana Muhseny, Matthew Spickelmier, Lin Liu, and Jihoon Lim. Our senior design team has worked on a device that is able to assist users in handling heavy items. The device will have mobility (forward, backward, turns) and bring items onto a platform that will then raise to a certain height for users to access the contents.

Abstract 38: "Airborne Wind Energy Systems: Enhancing   Microgrid Integration and Reliability".  Cam Banis, Sera Ozkan, John Graham, and Yuri Reis Rodrigues. As the global shift toward renewable energy accelerates and microgrid technology advances, it is essential to develop new resource adequacy planning strategies that optimize wind energy generation. This research aims to demonstrate that airborne wind energy (AWE) is a more effective solution than conventional wind turbines, making it the preferred choice for regions looking to integrate wind power. To support this, we analyzed preexisting wind turbine systems, evaluating their energy production and overall performance to highlight the advantages of AWE. Particular focus is given to AWE’s ability to harness high-altitude wind resources and provide greater grid flexibility. Comprehensive assessments of power generation potential, load integration, and feasibility will guide the development of the proposed solution. By implementing AWE, microgrids can achieve greater operational independence, reliability, and resilience, ultimately positioning AWE as a superior alternative to conventional wind turbines in future power grid infrastructure.

Presenting authors are underlined.

Abstract 39: "Comparison of Dynamic and Static Hip Extension & Jumping Performance".  Aaron Donohoe, Grant Hadfield, Dale Cannavan, and Katie Butte. Hip extension contributes to force production in a vertical jump. Our project was designed to test a possible difference between dynamic and static hip extension range of motion in relation to jumping performance. Static and dynamic methods of extension were measured and compared, testing a difference between the two. These methods were then correlated with the rate of force produced in a vertical jump. The correlations were compared to evaluate how well each method relates to jump performance.

Abstract 40: "Evaluating the Impact of Blood Flow Restriction on Calf Muscle in Vertical Jump Performance: An Experimental Study".  Jesse Toledanes, Ezra Michel, Dale Cannavan, and Katie Butte.  This study investigates how applying blood flow restriction (BFR) to the calf muscles during a warm-up affects vertical jump performance. Participants completed two testing sessions involving jump height and force plate analysis, with and without BFR cuffs. The goal is to determine whether this safe and innovative method can enhance explosive lower-body power. Findings may provide practical insight for athletes, coaches, and rehabilitation professionals seeking effective strategies to boost performance using minimal equipment and low-intensity training methods.

Abstract 41: “Getting a Grip on Our Health: A Study of Mobile Phone Use, Grip Strength, and Reaction Time”.�� Darius Holmes, Ahmed Ahmed, and Katie Butte. Our research explores the intersection of health science and technology by examining how smartphone use may affect reaction time and grip strength in college students. Both reaction time and grip strength are important indicators of overall health, linked to factors like cognitive performance, physical strength, and even longevity. At the same time, excessive smartphone use has been associated with a variety of negative health outcomes. By analyzing students' screen time alongside their reaction and grip strength performance, we aim to better understand the potential hidden health effects of smartphones — arguably the most versatile tool used by college students.

Abstract 42: "Practical Determinates of Restriction in Ankle Dorsiflexion ".  Zak Lopez, Ryan Bautista, Katie Butte, and Dale Cannavan.  This study aims to examine and compare the effectiveness of resistance band and foam rolling interventions in improving ankle dorsiflexion in adults 18 years of age and older.

Abstract 43: "Psychological Motives or Barriers that affect Women's Participation in Resistance Training ".  Ruth Lee, Katie Butte, and Dale Cannavan.  The primary purpose of this research will be to identify motives and barriers that influence women aged 18-35 to participate in resistance training.

Presenting authors are underlined.

Abstract 44: “Neuroinflammation in the Ventral Medial Hypothalamus: Dietary and Social Influences”.�� Rory Roseberry, Abby Nkansah, and Philip Baker.  To study high fat diets and social isolation’s impact on neuroinflammation, 36 rats were divided into four groups: socially isolated with high fat diets, socially isolated with normal chow, socialized with high fat diets, and socialized with normal chow. 40-micron coronal brain slices for each rat were stained with GFAP and IBA1 immunofluorescence stains. Using confocal microscopy to visualize astrocyte expression and microglia morphology and expression, brains will be examined for neuroinflammatory markers. This poster will explore whether high fat, high sugar diets and social isolation have a significant impact on neuroinflammation in the ventral medial hypothalamus.

Abstract 45: “Effects of social isolation and high-fat diet on neuroinflammation in the amygdala”.�� Esther Kim, Amaya Evans, Ellie Whichard, and Philip Baker.  This study investigates the impact of social isolation and high-fat diet on neuroinflammation in the amygdala of adolescent rats. Using confocal microscopy, we examined the presence of microglia and astrocytes to assess neuroinflammation. Rats were divided into four groups: (1) socially isolated with high-fat diet, (2) socially isolated with regular diet, (3) group housed with high-fat diet, and (4) group housed with regular diet.

Abstract 46: “Affects of Diet and Isolation on Neuroinflammation in Long Evans Rats”.�� Elizabeth Hogue, Anna Davies, Rebecca Howell, and Philip Baker. For our experimental conditions we raised 36 rats- 9 high fat high sugar isolated, 9 high fat high sugar social, 9 regular diet isolated, and 9 regular diet social. We then stained 6-8 coronal slices per rat (20 micrometers thick) with Gfap and IBA1 to view the astrocytes and microglia in order to understand how diet and isolation affect neuroinflammation. Using a confocal microscope, we will be examining neuroinflammatory markers to determine if social isolation or high fat high sugar diet is correlated with neuroinflammation. We will analyze astrocytes by a brightness threshold and microglia based on number and morphology. Specifically, we will examine CA1 of the hippocampus in order to understand how neuroinflammation affects learning and memory.