Assessing and mitigating metabolic response of HEK293 cells to cytotoxic metals using ascorbic acid

Elizabeth Kowalski, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

We examined how HEK293 kidney cells responded metabolically to heavy metal poisoning by cadmium chloride (CdCl2), aluminum chloride (AlCl3), and cesium chloride (CsCl) using two fluorometric assays (resazurin and MitoTracker). We then attempted to mitigate adverse effects by treating these cells with ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

"Think of the Children!": Understanding Parental and Community Opposition to Critical Race Theory in Schools

Daniela Tierra, Sociology Graduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Since 2020, opposition to Critical Race Theory (CRT) in schools has been a highly controversial topic. The heated topic and buzzwords on social media and conservative news media look dramatically different than the CRT of academic disciplines. This begs the question, what do opponents of CRT believe it to be, and why are they opposed to it? This research utilizes open-ended qualitative interviews to uncover what opponents of CRT believe it to be and why people are opposed to it.

Abating Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections (CAUTIs)

Harley Davis, Nursing Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) continue to rise across the nation. Implementation of advancing technology must occur to decrease this problem. Any individual with a urinary catheter for greater than thirty days is at a large risk for developing bacteriuria. Bacteriuria increases the chances of developing a urinary tract infection. Using noble metal alloy lined catheters, we can change this. These catheters have a non-pharmacologic, non-toxic coating that creates a small charge. This micro current makes it much more difficult for bacteria to colonize in a catheter. Noble metal alloy catheters will decrease CAUTI rates in patients with chronic foley catheter.

Acculturation in Sports Nutrion

Tally Chavez, Kinesiology & Recreation Administration Graduate Student

College of Professional Studies

This research will explore the perceptions and experiences of Mexican American student-athletes regarding the representation, or lack thereof, of traditional and cultural foods in sports nutrition dietary recommendations.

ACEs, Perceived Academic Control, and GPA in College Students of Diverse Backgrounds

Brandilynn Villarreal, Psychology Faculty

College of Professional Studies

The purpose of the study is to explore how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) relate to perceived academic control and GPA for students with racially marginalized identities. We hypothesized: H1) students with higher ACE scores will show lower levels of academic control than students with lower ACE scores, H2) students with racially marginalized identities will report higher levels of ACEs, lower GPAs, and lower academic control than students not from racially marginalized identities, and H3) first-year students will report lower academic control and GPAs than continuing students. The results indicated partial support for the hypotheses. Additional research and student supports are needed.

Addressing Burnout in Registered Nurses

Kacey Meyer, Nursing Undergraduate Student

College of Professional Studies

Burnout is a chronic condition occurring at high rates in Registered Nurses due to working in high stress work environments, often while understaffed and with demanding workloads. The effects of burnout impact the health of not only RNs but can have negative consequences for their patients. This issue should be addressed for the mental and physical health of this critical workforce and for the patients under their care. Mindful practice, self-care, improving resiliency, and organizational culture change can decrease stress and in turn may reduce incidence of burnout for RNs.

African Presence in the Ancient New World

Garrett Spruiell, Anthropology Undergraduate Student

College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Within this research project, I’ll be presenting a controversial topic that many today deem as unchallengeable due to the influence from the history books the colonizers of our country wrote to indoctrinate us with. From this investigation, I intend to analyze conflicting theories so as to narrow down the plausibility of pre-Columbian transoceanic travel between Africa and the America’s. My goal with this project is to elevate African voices and perspectives, to show the public the possibility of alternative truths, as well as spread a sense of skepticism towards our Western history books. ​

Analysis of a G-Protein Coupled Receptor, CB2

David Lopez, Chemistry Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

The CB2 G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) is found in the brainstem & hippocampus and is devoid of psychotropic effects but is less studied than the CB1 receptor. CB2 is inducible in CNS microglia following inflammation or injury, indicating a role in pain response. Here we sought to analyze CB2 using ChimeraX structures and overcome GPCR protein insolubility in extraction. The pET28a-CNR2, plasmid created and transformed into E.coli pLysS, was confirmed by restriction digest. Purification of CB2 micelles was achieved by affinity chromatography with detergent (43 kD). We aim to utilize nanodiscs to stabilize CB2, allowing studies of the molecular underpinnings informing treatment options.

Anthropogenic feeding of California ground squirrels in an urban state park

Vanessa Ramirez, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

California ground squirrels are an abundant wildlife species at Candlestick Point State Recreation Area in San Francisco, where they are regularly fed by park visitors. The goal of this study was to provide the park with useful information about the ecology of their resident ground squirrel population including their activity patterns, the types of human foods in their diets, and potential impacts of access to anthropogenic food sources. Understanding how these squirrels interact with visitors and how these interactions influence their behavior and body condition is important for management of both park visitors and wildlife.

Art of Sustainability - UN Sustainable Development Goals Coloring Poster (English)

Morgan Barker, Art Faculty

Library

Art of Sustainability - color, relax and learn - using the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These critical call-to-action elements represent sincere ways that we all can advocate for social, environmental and economic issues. Whether you are interested in climate change, working on inequality and injustice, reducing poverty, developing clean water and more - this coloring page will allow you to see these topics in new ways. What are the intersections you see in life, work and your university projects? Coloring page - created by Angela Lukanovich and Jen Panaro https://www.raisingglobalkidizens.com/united-nations-sustainable-development-goals-coloring-poster/