Chitin is the second-most abundant polysaccharide after cellulose, and a rich source of nitrogen and reduced carbons which is currently underutilized. Chitinases have the potential to put this sustainable resource to use. In this experiment a plasmid purported to contain the ChiA endochitinase gene was extracted from FB5-alpha E. coli and transformed into BL21(DE3) E. coli. The plasmid was analyzed by agar gel electrophoresis to determine that the gene was not present in the plasmid. To confirm the lack of the gene, protein isolation will be attempted, and samples will be analyzed by SDS-PAGE

Greater than 90% of all protein-coding genes in the human genome undergo post-translational alternative splicing (AS), giving rise to many unique isoforms from a single gene. Our work with human skeletal stem cell (hSSC) has demonstrated the need to examine AS as it relates to cancer, development, aging, skeletal regeneration and skewing of hSSCs towards non-skeletogenic lineage fates. Here we explored the relationship between AS and function of hSSCs. Using RNA microarray technology we discovered RNA-binding proteins involved in hSSC function; inhibition of these proteins prevents differentiation and formation of osteosarcoma. Our current work reveals other essential roles of AS in hSSCs.

This study was done on Black Brant commonly found in Arcata Bay during migration season. Preliminary camera trap data showed Brant to be utilizing Sand Island in the bay, so I used that to determine the optimal time to use a drone to survey the behavior of the birds. I conducted three different uav flights during the month of April, and obtained approximately 120 photograph stills and 15 videos. From these videos I'm going to count the number of Brant using the island within the timeframe of when the flights were conducted, and then calculate the proportion of birds engaged in gritting behavior- a process where birds swallow sand to help break down food in their gizzard.

Brackish and tidal habitats are one of many habitat types that support an extensive amount of bird populations in wetland ecosystems (Stolen et al. 2007). However, tidal fluctuations can be of an influence in abundance for Great egrets between many habitat types. The objective of this study is to understand if Great egret abundance is influenced between the brackish pond and the restored tidal habitat as well as certain tide periods of the day.

Streams Across Lands (SAL) is a new stream flow modeling method for small watersheds. SAL is based on standard hydrological equations for water flow on the surface, through soil, and in stream channels. The model can be used with standard spatial datasets including Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO, NRCS) and National Land Cover Data (NLCD). SAL was tested primarily within the Elder Creek watershed and showed a high level of correlation with the observed discharge at the USGS station. SAL includes an easy-to-use graphic interface within the BlueSpray GIS application and provides a variety of graphic outputs for use in watershed analysis and community outreach.

The Newtonian gravitational constant, G, is one of the oldest known fundamental constants in nature, and yet it is known with the least precision of all other fundamental constants. The research group at IUPUI, in collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt, will use multiple approaches within a singular torsion pendulum apparatus to precisely determine G. Specifically, measurements will be made using the angular acceleration feedback and time of swing methods in the same apparatus, which was carefully designed for reduced error in both techniques. We expect to obtain a measurement at the 2 ppm level using these new methods.

This research project focuses on detecting the presence or absence of endangered tidewater goby, Eucyclogobius newberryi, in the Lost Coast in Northern California using environmental DNA. If presence is detected, the Lost Coast can be sampled annually in order to gather enough data on the population to study their dynamics for any existence of extinction-colonization dynamics and provide another opportunity to understand metapopulation dynamics in tidewater gobies, thereby aiding in the conservation efforts of this species.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease causing plaque formation in arteries, leading to morbidity and mortality. Smooth muscle cells may contribute to plaque formation, but the exact origin remains unknown. Researchers can analyze smooth muscle cell function using histology, spatial transcriptomic analysis, and CODEX protein visualization. Using lineage tracing models with Rainbow mouse reporter lines, they can study cell fate and phenotypic shifts, identifying possible targets for disease tracking and modification to improve disease progression.

White-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys) adjust their songs based on environmental factors. White-crowned sparrows have been observed altering their songs in response to loud anthropogenic background noise. This project sought to establish a link between ambient noise level and song variables such as minimum song frequency and frequency bandwidth.

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) research has been implemented throughout various aspects of wildlife management and conservation. However, there is no single definition of TEK that applies to all Indigenous peoples. Wildlife management practiced by Indigenous peoples implements the use of TEK and Indigenous Research Methodologies (IRM) as a way to holistically serve the needs of the environment, animals, and the people. While my thesis focuses on tribal wildlife management of buffalo, eagles, and elk, this poster focuses on Yurok TEK and how personal experiences of Yurok members have shaped their knowledge surrounding Roosevelt elk.