Poster Abstracts 2023

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Name	Class Year	Title	Abstract
Luca Antolini	2024	Medieval Romance	A collection of student work interrogating late 12th- through late 14th-century assumptions surrounding gender and sexual identities, lineage, marriage, and social status, as represented in the literary texts of the period.
Joanna Atwater	2023	Understanding the Growth Behavior of Staphylococcus epidermidis by Analyzing How Terpene Molecules in Cosmetics Affect the Human Skin Microbiome	Many studies have shown that the usage of many cosmetic and skin care products contains chemicals that can be harmful to the skin microbiome. The skin is the first line of defense for our immune system and protects the body from infections. Staphylococcus epidermidis is a commensal bacteria that reside on our skin and plays an essential role in this immune signaling. Terpene molecules which are naturally found in a lot of cosmetic products can affect the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis. The addition of antibiotics with these terpene molecules are crucial to investigating the growth and behavior of S. epidermidis in these conditions. These variables can help us further understand how the application of cosmetic products can impact the skin microbiome over time.
Ava Axelrod	2023	Investigating the Effects of Valence and Arousal on the Boundary Extension/Constriction Phenomenon	Boundary extension (BE) is a phenomenon caused by perceptual schemas in which observers remember more of a scene than what was physically seen. While there are established work on the spatial mechanisms of BE, other studies show inconsistent findings on the impact of the emotional valence/arousal of the scene. This study aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of whether the emotional valence of a stimulus, whether negative, neutral, or positive or the arousal, low versus high, impacts the BE phenomenon. It is predicted that negative stimuli will produce a boundary constriction effect, in line with research on tunnel memory.
Sadie Basila	2023	The Impact of Collective Bargaining Rights on Income Inequality in the United States	My thesis in economics attempted to answer the question of how the legal ability to collectively bargain impacts income inequality. It is reasonable to expect, as previous literature has shown, that union density or membership is negatively related to income inequality, but my project uniquely contributed to the literature in its evaluation of “legal friendliness” to unions as a measure of union strength. My empirical strategy used an ordinary least squares regression to find a strong and statistically significant negative relationship between the ability of both public and private employees to collectively bargain and income inequality.
Emma Blakslee	2023	Growth of Xenic and Axenic Microalgae: A Study of the Growth Conditions, Photosynthetic Efficiency, and Microbiome of Two Microalgal Strains Isolated from Local Freshwater Sponges	Microalgae have a diverse range of chemical and biological properties with countless possible applications in environmental, medical, and nutritional sciences. High cost of microalgae production in a lab setting remains a significant obstacle to cultivating and studying these organisms and their properties. In this study, I investigated how two strains of endosymbiotic microalgae isolated from the sponge E. muelleri grow in axenic versus xenic cultures. The microbiomes of both strains of symbiotic microalgae were also evaluated to gain insights into the types of bacteria that co-occur with these symbiotic strains. The two strains, PRAG and DPAG grew rapidly in bioreactors both in their axenic and xenic states. Photosynthetic efficiency decreased with time across all samples. The two strains had overlapping, but different relative abundances of microorganisms as broken down by clade and class. This work shows that local microalgae with adaptations to living in a host environment and in local waterways have a high potential for culturing in a laboratory environment.
Ivan Blaylock	2023	Chronically Misunderstood: How Misconceptions of Autism Impact Minority Autistics	Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses continue to rise as professionals well versed in Autism decipher the differences in symptomatology across different cultures, socio-economic groups, sexes, and even religions. Unfortunately, doctors and medical professionals are only alerted to the possibility of someone’s neurodivergence by an adult who acknowledges and understands the symptoms of Autism. The current study examined biases and inconsistencies of Autism symptomatology held by the general public and whether there was a lack of knowledge pertaining to Autism. 150 participants were surveyed to gauge the number of biases and prejudices the general public had about Autism Spectrum Disorder. While participants held valid ideas about what Autism Spectrum Disorder is and how it presents, more knowledge and awareness will lead to a higher rate of diagnoses in Autistic individuals who are often overlooked due to identity reasons.
Grace Blunt	2023	Associations of ADHD and Maladaptive Daydreaming	Daydreaming and mind-wandering are universally human experiences, however, leaning into fantasy too far can be a symptom of larger disorders and distresses. This study aims to explore the associations between Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Maladaptive Daydreaming (MD), and whether attention-deficit individuals are more likely to experience maladaptive daydreaming (intensity and frequency) than non-diagnosed individuals. The research thus far has primarily looked at MD as a separate entity from ADHD and typical mind wandering, even though each of these phenomena contributes to increasing inattention and lack of ability to stay in the present moment (Figueiredo et al., 2020). The coupling of already observed inattention, the propensity to engage in addictive tendencies that alter one’s emotional state, would make ADHD individuals the perfect candidate to be maladaptive daydreamers. Using the MDS-16 (the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale) on both attention deficit and non-attention deficit individuals, this study will determine associations between the two disorders.
Eli Boesch Dining	2023	A GIS-Based Groundwater Susceptibility Assessment for the State of Maine	PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) contamination is a major issue in Maine today. Occurring in everything from rain jackets to furniture, the chemical family has been linked to serious human health concerns such as cancer and reproductive issues. Maine has conducted some testing, but the near-ubiquitous nature of PFAS in manufacturing indicates contamination may be widespread. We have created a groundwater susceptibility map using geological, land-use, and state PFAS testing data to visualize areas across the state where groundwater is especially vulnerable to surface contamination. The results of this project are areas that should be prioritized for future PFAS testing.
Kaylee Bosse	2023	Perceptions of Intoxication and Consent in Sexual Assault	The purpose of this study is to further understand the role of perceptions of intoxication and consent in sexual assault cases on college campuses. This research will use a scenario that varies the degree of intoxication, gender, and situation. The participants will consist of Bates College students who will complete an online survey via Qualtrics. The survey will contain a measure for sexual assault determination, a rape myth scale, and an intoxication perception measure. The study will examine respondents’ perceptions of sexual assault while varying gender and intoxication in scenarios. I expect participants will rate scenarios with intoxicated female victims as sexual assault to a higher degree than male victims. I also expect participants to weigh certain physical signs of intoxication over others.
Kama Boswell	2023	Representation of Black Immigrants Within the Black Community and the US “Caste” System	The definition of Black identity and the conception of community is both highly debated interpersonally yet rarely discussed on a larger structural scale/level. My thesis examines the ways in which Black immigrants and their first-generation (to the US) children are represented and accounted for within the conceptualization of Black identity and the American “caste” system. If we neglect the value of representing Black immigrants within the history, culture, resilience, and success of the Black community we simultaneously deny their visibility, contribute to their erasure, and reinforce the hegemonic Black identity. To address this matter of representation, I ask the question: who gets to be remembered in the historical and ontological narrative of our country? To address this question, I investigate who and how Black immigrants are featured and/or displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Eloise Botka	2023	Analysis of Gene Expression in HEK293-wt and HEK293-IRBIT-KO Cells	IRBIT functions as an inhibitory regulator of Ca2+ signaling through antagonistic binding of the IP3 receptor, along with activating ion channels in cells. While research has been conducted regarding IRBIT’s interactions with ion channels, little is known about whether IRBIT regulates the expression of other genes in relation to its function in limiting calcium signaling. In order to analyze this, the expression levels of fifteen genes identified in an RNA-Seq screen were analyzed by RT-qPCR in HEK293 WT and HEK293 IRBIT-KO cells. Protein expression of Ptn, Ctsf, Sox17, and Spink5 was tested by Western blots.
Hannah Braslau	2023	Dolichospermum Abundance and Toxicity Across the Freshwater to Marine Continuum	Dolichospermum is a genus of cyanobacteria that are capable of producing cyanobacterial-harmful algal blooms (HABs). Some species of Dolichospermum produce microcystins which are a potent liver toxin. The presence of Dolichospermum was monitored in Damariscotta Lake and Great Salt Bay over the course of the summer using ddPCR and qPCR. Damariscotta Lake is an important source of drinking water as well as general household and recreational use for the surrounding community. The Great Salt Bay and Damariscotta River are home to many aquaculture leases, in fact, they house the highest density of oyster farms in the northeast. In both of these environments, we want to observe the health of the water system to ensure the health and safety of all who rely on the system. Dolichospermum was detected in both the lake and the river in varying concentrations, suggesting that this freshwater cyanobacterium is capable of surviving in marine environments. Microcystin toxin concentration was measured through the use of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and was detected in environmental samples from both bodies of water, but at concentrations under the guideline levels of the World Health Organization (WHO). These results suggest that Dolichospermum may persist for a period of time in estuarine systems and demonstrate that the transport of some species of cyanobacterium to the estuary may deliver microcystin toxins to these waters.
Maddy Broda	2023	Analyzing Mono Basin Surface Waters for Stable Isotopes (18O and 2H) and Major Cations to Assess Basin-Wide Evaporation and Geochemical Inputs	Hypersaline Mono Lake is located in California, at the base of the eastern central Sierra Nevada mountains. 4 of 5 freshwater streams draining into Mono Lake are diverted to Los Angeles to meet the needs of millions (Winkler, 1977; Costa-Cabral, 2013). Although strict water diversion regulations, Mono Lake water levels are not rebounding as expected, possibly due to evaporation. Understanding the unknown evaporative hot spots will aid with water management decisions. This study aims to assess basin-wide hydrology and relative evaporation rates across Mono Basin using water stable isotopes (18O and 2H) and assess hydrologic inputs through major cation measurements.
Will Brown	2023	Analyses of Regulation of Intracellular Calcium Signaling by IRBIT	Steady increases in life expectancy across the globe have highlighted the growing concern of neuropathological conditions. Older individuals are increasingly at risk of developing conditions such as Epilepsy or Alzheimer’s disease despite decades of research into the molecular mechanisms responsible. Research into the protein IRBIT will provide information on the dynamics of two signaling systems, Ca2+-signaling and phosphoinositide metabolism, whose dysregulations are associated with neuropathological conditions. We hypothesize that IRBIT serves a critical dual-role of controlling phosphoinositide-mediated Ca2+-release as well as phosphoinositide metabolism. Calcium imaging will be used to examine how IRBIT modulates Ca2+-signaling in cells.
Carly Burdorf	2023	Purification and Characterization of Borrelia burgdorferi Ribosomes	Lyme disease is a prevalent tick-borne illness that is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. The B. burgdorferi utilize ticks as their vector and then transfer to a mammalian host. A recent paper discovered that RNA polymerase activity was best conserved when manganese was utilized in the purification process of B. burgdorferi. The current study compared manganese acetate to magnesium acetate in its ability to purify and maintain B. burgdorferi ribosome function. Based on the results of the previous paper, we expected the manganese acetate to maintain higher activity within the purified ribosomes compared to the magnesium acetate condition.
Genesis Bussey	2024	Medieval Romance	A collection of student work interrogating late 12th- through late 14th-century assumptions surrounding gender and sexual identities, lineage, marriage, and social status, as represented in the literary texts of the period.
Maya Castiblanco	2023	Internalization, Body Image, and Appetite: Exploring Eating Disorders, Mental Health, and Ethnic Identity in Latina Women	This study examines the internalization of Latina women’s body image, eating disorders, and depression, which are often underrepresented in the psychology literature. Higher levels of acculturation among Latina women create unattainable body ideals for them to achieve. Thus, Latina women often struggle with increased eating disorders and depression. This mujerismo research seeks to understand Latina experiences by questioning the societal factors that coexist with this relationship. This study proposes that a higher ethnic identity may moderate the relationship between internalization, eating disorders, and depressive symptoms, suggesting that strong ethnic identity may be a protective factor in developing body dissatisfaction and notions of white supremacy and internalization. Through multiple correlations and regression analyses, this research attempts to provide insight into the racial and stereotypical factors that frame Latina women’s eating disorders and depressive symptoms.
Lucas Clement	2023	Competitive Strategies: Using Agent-Based Simulation to Analyze Algal Competition in Sponge Cells	Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) is becoming an increasingly popular tool across multiple disciplines. ABM uses simulation to pit individual agents against each other and their environment. The insights given from these simulations can help answer important questions without the use of extensive field research. This ABM explores interactions between algae and a sponge host, as well as interactions between two algal clades. My research dives into these algal competitions and how changing strategies can alter competitiveness in a sponge cell. Further work is done to observe how seasonal changes can affect host-algae affinity.
Joanna Cloutier	2023	Using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, and Sustainment (EPIS) Framework to Develop Strategies to Address Treatment Demand in College Counseling Centers	Undergraduates have reported higher anxiety, depression, and suicidality rates over the past decade; consequently, college counseling centers have been overwhelmed by the demand for services (Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2020). Using the EPIS model, this study explores undergraduate attitudes toward alternative treatment options. A diverse sample of undergraduate students participated in an online anonymous survey. Both qualitative and quantitative data will be collected and analyzed using SPSS and thematic analysis, respectively. Results will help inform treatment and structural adaptation recommendations for college counseling centers to better organize and prioritize care for college students.
Laura Colgan	2023	Using Raman Spectroscopy in Materials Characterization	Raman spectroscopy is a technique that can reveal the vibrational modes of molecules, materials, and crystals. It relies on the inelastic scattering of light, which enables the identification of chemical and structural properties of materials. I have built a Raman setup, which I have used to investigate novel materials synthesized in the laboratory. This setup can also be utilized by future students to gain crucial insights into the structure of their materials. Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive technique that provides valuable information on the molecular and structural properties of materials at the micro- and nanoscale.
Liam Conklin	2023	Attribution Theory: Differences in Attribution Theory in Student Athletes Across Sports	This paper will look at attribution theory across sports at Bates College. I will look at how different sports teams attribute success and failures and see if they differ from sport to sport. I will be giving student-athletes at Bates an attribution questionnaire that gives both positive and negative scenarios in which they must imagine themselves, and they will answer how they would respond in that scenario. I will then score them by sport and find the averages of the sports to see if there is a difference between team sports and individual sports. I will categorize each sport into a team or individual sport before the study so that there is a predetermined definition. I will analyze the data with an ANOVA test with one within-subjects variable and one between-subjects variable to see if there is any difference between team sports and individual sports.
Molly Connors	2023	Control of Gene Expression by a Calcium Signaling Antagonist	The protein IRBIT interacts with the inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) binding pocket of the IP3 receptor and is able to function as an inhibitory regulator of this ligand-gated ion channel. As a highly expressed inhibitory regulator of this intracellular calcium channel, IRBIT has an important role in modulating several cellular signaling pathways. The goal of this study is to determine if IRBIT influences the expression of other genes involved in these signaling pathways. To test this hypothesis, fifteen genes identified in an RNA-Seq screen were selected for expression analysis by RT-qPCR and Western blot in wild-type and IRBIT-knockout HEK293 cell lines.
Paige Cote	2023	Effects of Antibiotics on Terpene-Resistant and Wild Type Strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis	Very little is understood regarding the effects of cosmetics on the microbiome. Essential oils are often used as “natural remedies” while there are a lot of unknowns regarding the effects of their major component, terpenes, on the microbes that reside on human skin. Lavender and tea tree oil contain the major terpenes Linalool and 4-terpineol. Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbon compounds that are predominantly produced by plants. Literature states that the presence of terpenes enhances the effects of antibiotics, but also discusses how susceptibility to one provides susceptibility to the other. Little is discussed regarding this synergistic relationship in cases of microbial resistance and the differences present between mutant and wild type strains.
Liam Daly-Smith	2023	Tidal Power Modeling and Theoretical Implementation in Cobscook Bay	Developing renewable energy infrastructure is a key part of addressing the climate crisis. In order to reduce greenhouse gas and speed up the transition from fossil fuels to renewables we must draw from every renewable source available. Tidal power is one such renewable energy source with promising potential. There are 3,000 gigawatts of power contained in the Earth’s tides globally, roughly 1/5 of which is usable. One of the best potential sites in Maine is Cobscook Bay because of its abnormally high tides. This presentation will go in-depth on the physics behind tidal power generation and the potential efficiency of a tidal plant in Cobscook Bay.
Olivia Demerath	2023	Funding Electric Vehicle Chargers in Auburn: A Community Engaged Capstone Project in Association with the City of Auburn Transportation Commission	The electric vehicle (EV) owning population of Auburn, ME is rapidly growing, and the city has demonstrated their commitment to sustainable transportation systems. To support these efforts, our work consisted of an EV charging station toolkit that identifies funding opportunities at the state and federal level. These opportunities were identified for their workability in the context of Auburn’s demographic projections and development needs. We created a tailored matrix of priority locations dependent upon funding source criteria and zoning and building regulations with the ultimate goal of connecting Auburn, ME to the growing national network of clean energy infrastructure on highways.
Cordelia Dotson	2023	Investigating Ethnic Identity as a Protective Factor Against Hair Dissatisfaction in Black and White American Women	This investigation employed a culturally responsive approach to assessing and understanding body satisfaction in Black and White American women. The study examined hair as a culturally relevant feature of body satisfaction, sought out racial differences in hair satisfaction, and investigated ethnic identity as a protective factor against hair dissatisfaction. Black and White American women participated in an online survey exploring their ethnic identity, hair happiness, social acceptance based on hair, hair esteem, and self-esteem. Women who reported a stronger ethnic identity reported feeling more satisfied with their hair than women with a weak ethnic identity.
Kerry Ettinger	2023	Embryonic Bisphenol S Exposure and Neuroendocrine Development in Danio rerio	The research conducted addressed the impact of chronic exposure to Bisphenol S on the development of Danio rerio. Zebrafish were raised from gestation through five days of age in either distilled water and environmentally relevant BPS concentrations ranging from 8mg/l to 20mg/l. Phenotypic and qPCR analyses were performed. Using the delta-delta Ct method, fold change was measured to determine if relevant genes were dysregulated after BPS exposure. The specific genes tested were gnrh3, Kiss1, and er⍺. Phenotypically, the zebrafish raised in BPS consistently developed more slowly than their control counterparts. Genetically analyses have not been fully completed.
Brendan Fitzgerald	2023	The Impacts of COVID-19 on ADHD and GAD Prevalence and Severity	COVID-19 had myriad negative effects on the U.S. population. Across all demographics, people’s health was adversely affected by contracting the virus and isolating for months. This is especially true of children, who attended school in either a hybrid or fully virtual environment. As such, rates of ADHD and GAD may have increased, and symptom severity may have increased because of increased time spent in front of a computer screen. Through questionnaires, I will be evaluating symptoms for each illness and qualitative evidence provided by participants, I will explore the impact of virtual education on ADHD and GAD in late adolescents now attending college.
Sofia Sigrid Fitzgerald	2023	Preference for Violent Video Games in Relation to Sensation Seeking and Psychopathy	The present study will explore the psychological tendencies of male and female violent video gamers, focusing on sensation-seeking and psychopathic personality traits. Participants will be asked about their preference for video games and then categorized into one of three groups: a violent video gamer (VVG), nonviolent video gamer (NVVG), or no preference (GWP) based on the participant’s preferred video games. It is predicted that individuals who prefer VVG will have higher sensation-seeking and psychopathic tendencies, with male psychopathic traits being the strongest. Male and female participants who play VVG are predicted to have higher sensation-seeking scores than male and female NVVG participants.
Liam Foley	2023	Exploring the Psychological Effects of COVID on Small Business Owners in and Around Lewiston and Auburn	The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant economic disruptions worldwide and continues to affect people and businesses today. Considerable research has been conducted exploring the negative impact of the pandemic on mental health, as well as across age groups, races, and ethnicities. In addition, researchers have found that the pandemic’s economic impact was felt in various ways by businesses of every size and industry. This, coupled with the fact that small businesses have a surprisingly low survival rate that decreases considerably across time, places them at a unique disadvantage when faced with unexpected market adversity. Recent studies have reported that small business owners have reported experiencing burnout, the feeling of experiencing chronic stress that is not successfully managed, over the last few years. The purpose of the present study is to explore the mental health impact and possible burnout related to COVID-19 on small business owners in the Lewiston-Auburn area. The research will use semi-structured interviews and qualitative analyses to explore the unique experiences of business owners during the pandemic. The expected results are that participants will report that COVID was associated with greater workplace stress and related mental health issues. I also predict that small business owners from various industries will report somewhat different challenges in response to the pandemic. This study hopes to illuminate stress and coping in small business owners during the pandemic, as they play a vital role in the local, national, and global economies.
Nick Gajarski	2024	A 3D Bioprinted Embryonic Heart Tube Model Using Human iPSC-derived Cardiomyocytes to Study HLHS	Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) is a congenital heart disease that affects 1 in about 3,800 live births in the U.S. every year. Currently, the pathogenesis of the disease remains unknown. Induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), which can propagate indefinitely and hold the genetic information from a patient, and tissue engineering, which aims to produce artificial tissues that mimic their natural counterparts, could be a solution. Using IPSC-derived cardiac cells in a 3D bioprinted construct, we produced a versatile platform that could be used to probe underlying cellular mechanisms that may contribute to HLHS.
Austin Gilbride	2023	Synthesis of Pyrazinone Analogs and Biofilm Formation of Staph Bacteria	Our research aims to investigate the pyrazinones produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis, with the application for biofilm regulation. I explored two different synthesis strategies to make pyrazinones. I successfully synthesized three pyrazinone molecules produced by the pzn cluster. I also experimented with different amino acids not used in the literature. The primary purpose of this was to experiment with the efficacy of the synthesis procedure to produce various pyrazinones. Between the previous and current pyrazinone molecules, we then tested if biofilm formation of Staphylococcus epidermidis increased or decreased depending on the concentration of pyrazinone added to the system.
Maya Golden	2023	Investigating Factors that Moderate the Alerting Congruency Interaction	When completing any task, distractions in the surrounding world can take our attention away from the task at hand, making us slower and less accurate at the task. However, if “distractions” consist of helpful information (i.e. overhearing answers to a quiz), we might complete the task faster and more accurately. The alerting congruency interaction occurs when participants are alerted before being presented with the task and distractors, and the distractors have a larger impact on performance. Our research investigates different factors that moderate the alerting congruency interaction, including emotional affect, arousal, novelty, stimulus onset asynchrony, and working memory capacity.
Julia Goldstein	2023	The Effect of Changing the Local Resource Environment by Changing Sources and Sinks on Floral Characteristics in an Inflorescence	It is important to understand what causes variations in flowers along an inflorescence (clustering of flowers on a branch) because it helps determine a plant’s reproductive success. In this study, local resource availability was changed by modifying source (leaf) and sink (flowers) relationships in Vicia cracca (a.k.a Cow Vetch). Changing the resource environment, by manipulating the relationship between sources and sinks, affected the death rate of inflorescences, nectar volume, pollen per flower, and flower size. This offers insight into how a plant can alter itself to survive and have a greater chance at reproduction and passing on genes.
Caroline Grady	2023	Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and the Effectiveness of the Eat, Sleep, Console Method	Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) is an increasingly prevalent issue given the current opioid epidemic in the US. Every 19 minutes, a newborn is born with withdrawal symptoms to opioids – 80 newborns per day. Recent studies demonstrate how the processes of anticipating, identifying, and responding to NAS are characterized by uncertainty and marginalization among parents and healthcare providers. In 2018, the Eat, Sleep, Console (ESC) method emerged as the preferred treatment method. The current study uses data from CMMC to test the effectiveness of the ESC method, which is expected to decrease hospital costs, pharmacologic treatment, and hospital length of stay.
Allison Greuel	2023	Evaluating the Role of the Pharmacological Inhibitor Fucoidan in Inhibiting Establishment of Endosymbionts in Ephydatia muelleri	The freshwater sponge, Ephydatia muelleri, takes part in endosymbiotic relationships with native photosynthetic algae. Scavenger receptors play an important role in phagocytosis of the symbionts, but in cases of endosymbiosis, the host can use the algae as a source of energy and nutrients. Fucoidan, a pharmaceutical drug, can inhibit scavenger receptors, resulting in lower quantities of endosymbionts. The expressions of deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1), Tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP), and Tyrosine Protein Kinase (TPK) gene were examined during endosymbiosis under the treatment of fucoidan. I tested the effects of fucoidan through using light microscopy, confocal microscopy, and quantitative RT-PCR of gene expression patterns.
Sultan Hashmi	2023	Heart Rate Variability and REM Sleep Latency Measured via PPG Sensor as a Proxy for Depression	Researchers have demonstrated that depressive symptoms are associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which can be measured via heart rate variability (HRV). Previous research has found an association between depression and HRV– the variation in the beat-to-beat interval of heartbeats. Specifically, SDNN, SDSSN LF, and HF have been shown to be possible indicators of depression (Byun et al., 2019). For this study, we hope to obtain HRV data from participants using a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor and will examine the potential relationship between depressive symptoms and HRV features.
Rowan Hassman	2023	Analyzing Gene Expression Across Strain of Staphylococcus epidermidis in the Presence of Pyrazinones	The Staphylococcus epidermidis that colonize the skin is often commensal but given the opportunity Staph. can transition to a virulent state. The pzn gene cluster in Staph. species is responsible for the synthesis of three pyrazinones. These three pyrazinones in Staph. are crucial for the expression of virulence factors. Different ratios of pyrazinones are produced by the different species of Staph. Four Staph. Epi. Strains were grown in the presence of the Staph. Aureus ratios and Staph. Epidermidis ratio of pyrazinones. qrt-PCR is used to look at genes associated with virulence pointing to how pyrazinones regulate these genes.
Caleb Ireland	2023	Ecologies of Black Freedom, Scientific Knowledge, and Resistance: An Environmental History of the Great Dismal Swamp, 1730-1865	I investigate the environmental history of formerly enslaved Blacks who established maroon communities in the Great Dismal Swamp from about 1730-1865. I first analyze the ecological knowledge that enslaved people employed while in bondage. I then argue that maroons formed relationships with the ecology of the swamp through fostering egalitarian communities and mounting resistance against slavery. Despite whites’ efforts to transform the wetland itself into an ecology of slavery, maroons developed an ecology of resistance by using the swamp’s biodiverse edges, heterogeneous terrain, and maze-like waterways to network with other Blacks and even support rebellions against white plantation society.
Maddy Jandreau	2023	Synthesis of Linderofruticoside A.	The plant Lindera fruticosa has been utilized as a herbal remedy for multiple ailments in traditional Chinese medicine. Linderofruticoside A. is a known molecule isolated from this plant, however, due to the difficulties of extraction of the crude product, a large knowledge gap regarding its specific biological activities remains. My research attempts to mend this gap through the creation of a synthesis for linderofruticoside A., by successfully determining and performing the reactions required to form this molecule. This process would allow for the analysis of potential pharmacological properties of the molecule, which has direct applications to modern drug development.
Emma Johnston	2023	Visualizing the Invisible: Imaging mRNA Sequences from B. Burgdorferi	Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a biological molecule that is used as the intermediate between DNA and protein. Despite the importance of mRNA, little is known about mRNA localization in bacterial cells. This project investigated the localization of mRNA in E. coli, using gene sequences from B. burgdorferi, the spirochete bacteria that causes Lyme disease. mRNA was imaged using small, fluorescent RNA tags called aptamers. Images in E. coli suggest that in the mRNA sequences studied, mRNA was diffused evenly throughout nearly the whole cell, with the exception of the nucleoid, where mRNA was absent.
Crawford Jones	2023	Synthesizing and Improving Superconductivity of Y1Ba2Cu3O7 through Stoichiometric Doping	Superconductivity is a unique material state that is useful for technological applications due to the properties of zero electrical resistance and magnetic flux exclusion but only occurs when the material is cooled. The mechanism for high-temperature superconductivity is an active area of research, and the systematic study of high-T superconductors is necessary for advancing the field. This research looks to understand the effects of varying cation stoichiometry on the crystal structure of yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO), a Type II high-temperature superconductor, specifically the copper oxide planes.
Mariam Josyula	2023	Investigating the Biases That are Present in Neural Networks	Deep neural networks (DNNs), a specified type of machine learning, have been trained by people to perform certain tasks and improve the functionality of people’s lives. Three DNNs were used to categorize Airbnb website images of US counties. To understand how factors such as race, age, and socioeconomic status of each county affected the confidence levels of the DNNs, a regression analysis was performed using the 2020 US Census Data. When a county has a high non-white proportion level and a low socioeconomic status level, the DNNs performed worse, confirming machine learning can’t be fairly used until biases are removed.
Maya Karmaker	2024	Traditional Energy Practices as Cultural Knowledge Sources in Paro, Bhutan	Traditional energy practices play an important role in the undercurrents of livelihoods in Bhutan. This ethnographic research aims to archive traditional energy practices as methodologies for learning of, and relating to, one’s surrounding physical, social, and spiritual landscape. Across 11 villages in Paro Valley, we interviewed community elders over 55. We identified how traditional energy use practices historically shaped the physical environment, the intrapersonal relationships, the relationships between people and deities, and the belief systems of individuals and communities. We discovered themes of interconnectedness between villagers in Paro Valley and the surrounding landscapes as influenced by energy practices. We found that widespread energy practices are agents of knowledge and tradition, showing that as energy practices shift from traditional methods towards those supported by modern technology, so do values and the cultural significance of labor.
Ty Kennedy	2023	Blurring the Lines Between Physical and Digital Worlds: Examining the Ways Virtual Influencers Create a Sense of Realness for Online Audiences	Within just the past couple of years, artificial intelligence has rapidly given rise to new and advanced automated technologies. Among each of these innovations is that of virtual agents coming in the form of virtual social media influencers. As they become more prevalent in many domains, virtual influencers have started to go live on social media, interacting with online users. As the impact each of these influencers has on their following increases, virtual influencers and the teams controlling them have utilized several strategies to create a sense of realness for their followers. In this thesis, I advance a 3-part argument. First, the rapid advancement of AI systems coupled with societal needs for improving efficiency and convenience has provided a pathway for virtual influencers to hold influence over social media users. One useful way of analyzing this emerging issue is to look at it through a rhetorical lens that considers questions of realness, agency, and affect theory. Second, through the implementation of celebrity status, strategically thought-out captions, lustful body language, and robust user engagement, virtual influencers such as Lil Miquela manage to create and maintain a sense of realness for their audience. Third, the lines between the physical and digital worlds are becoming increasingly blurred as virtual influencers adapt to society’s modern depictions of realness. Ultimately, I conclude that as virtual influencers adapt to society’s modern depictions of realness, the lines between the physical and digital worlds are becoming more blurred.
Alanna Kirschner	2023	Tet2 Mediated Demethylation of DNA after Experiential Learning Destabilizes Memory	Active DNA methylation in neurons that encode experience is required for long-term memory formation. TET enzymes oxidize and lead to the removal of DNA cytosine methylation. Here we demonstrate that the conditional knockout of Tet2 in glutamatergic neurons induces enhanced long-term memory retention in mice. We found enhanced DNA methylation patterns in the promoter of experience-regulated genes due to Tet2 deletion in these neurons, which corresponded with altered gene expression. Additionally, we demonstrate that deleting Tet2 from recently activated neurons, induced by learning, selectively enhanced the recall of individual memories. These data suggest that Tet2 is a negative regulator of memory retention in neurons following learning and a target for memory enhancement. Lastly, Tet2 inhibitors were administered to mice either 2 or 14 months of age to determine whether Tet2 inhibition is sufficient to enhance memory in young and old mice.
Alexi Knight	2023	What Types of High School Students Have Lunch in Teachers’ Classrooms and Why?	There has been a significant amount of research conducted on student-teacher relationships in recent years; however, nearly all of this pertains only to the relationship within the classroom. Yet many students connect with their teachers in other places, a prime example being having lunch together. Using mixed methods research, I will survey participants who have graduated high school within the last four years about their experiences having lunch with their teachers while in high school to take a deeper look at why students engage in this phenomenon.
Elizabeth LaCroix	2023	The Synthesis of a Novel TET Inhibitor and its Inhibition of the TET Enzyme	Active DNA methylation is a dynamic epigenetic process that regulates local gene transcription, where de novo DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) catalyze a methyl group to cytosine creating 5-methylcytosine (5mC). The methylation is reversed by the TET enzymes with the oxidation of 5mC. Knocking out the TET1 and TET2 enzymes improves memory formation and stabilization, and therefore, the development of a class of small-molecule probes, called TET inhibitors, could be used therapeutically for conditions where memory is impaired. A novel TET inhibitor has been synthesized and data collected from ELISAs have indicated that it is an effective inhibitor of the TET enzyme.
Darya Lee	2023	Gen Z Attitudes and Perceptions Toward Assisted Reproductive Technology and the Experiences of Donor Conceived People	In the age of genetic testing and genealogical databases, families utilizing assisted reproductive technology (ART) are facing unique psychosocial challenges. The purpose of this research is to study college students’ attitudes toward the use of ART and the experiences of donor-conceived individuals. Participants will include Bates College students from all class years who will take an online Qualtrics survey. Participants will read short scenarios describing assistive and donor-conceived reproductive strategies, and respond to a variety of Likert-scored questions about attitudes and perceptions. This study will help inform our understanding of the attitudes toward infertility and assistive reproductive technology in emerging adults, as well as explore the consequences of such attitudes for donor-conceived individuals.
Christina Leonard	2023	Exploring the Interaction Between Academic-Contingent Self-Worth and Academic Feedback	This research aims to study undergraduates’ reactions to academic feedback based on their Academic-Contingent Self-Worth (ACSW). The academic domain of the Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (CSWS) will assess ACSW. Experimental Vignette Methodology (EVM) will assess undergraduates’ responses to hypothetical grading scenarios and will be measured via the academic portion of the Domain-Specific Hope Scale (DSHS). The participants will consist of Bates College undergraduates who choose to take part in an online Qualtrics survey. I hypothesize that there will be a positive association between high ACSW and negative reactions to academic feedback.
Crystal Li	2023	Relational Aggression and Victimization in Young Adults’ Romantic Relationships: Associations with Gender, Culture, and Parent-Child Relationship	The purpose of this research is to study the impact of gender, culture, and the parent-child relationship on romantic relational aggression and victimization in young adults. The study will focus on three goals: (a) to investigate gender differences in romantic relational aggression and victimization, (b) to explore cultural differences in romantic relational aggression and victimization, and (c), to explore parent-child relationships as predictive of romantic relational aggression and victimization. Measures will consist of a Self-Report Measure of Aggression and Victimization that examines romantic relational aggression and victimization (Morales & Crick, 1998), and the Parental Bonding Inventory (PBI) that assesses perceptions of parents (Parker et al., 1997). Participants will consist of college students from China and the US who will take an online Qualtrics survey. I expect gender and cultural differences will account for a significant proportion of the variance in romantic relational aggression, but not romantic relational victimization. Furthermore, parental control and care will significantly predict relational aggression and victimization.
Kona Lindsey	2023	Visualization of Ultracold Quantum Gas Bubbles in the Cold Atom Laboratory	The Cold Atom Laboratory aboard the International Space Station allows for unique experiments that cannot be replicated on Earth. Production of Bose-Einstein Condensates in the form of ultracold quantum gas bubbles is one such experiment. On Earth, the prevailing gravitational force quickly collapses these bubbles. The microgravity environment in space allows for the bubbles to remain spherical long enough to be imaged. Here, a new computational framework is developed to visualize the data collected from such experiments.
Zimu Liu	2023	Borrelia burgdorferi Ribosome Purification and Characterization	Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete bacteria, a member of the phylum Spirochaetota, that can cause Lyme disease. This project was mainly focused on how to get functionally active ribosomes from Borrelia and the characterization of the purified ribosomes, which had yet to be done. The ribosome purification procedure was optimized by varying the receipts of buffers we needed. Different ratios between manganese and magnesium ions were analyzed, and Borrelia was extracted with various Buffer A and sucrose cushion solutions. We are still in the middle of the experiment and we will do more characterization later.
Ben MacDonald	2023	Comparing Genomic Expression of Pathogenic and Commensal Staphylococcus Species	In Staphylococcus species it has been determined that a gene cluster that encodes for three structurally similar compounds all containing pyrazinone rings is conserved across all strains. In this project, we seek to understand how different ratios of these three compounds affect genomic expression. Using qRT-PCR and RNA sequencing, the identification of upregulated and downregulated genes across multiple conditions is possible. By comparing these results against multiple strains of S. epidermidis that fall along the continuum of commensal to pathogenic, it can be better understood what gives rise to pathogenicity in these isolates.
Rishi Madnani	2023	Synthesis of a Novel, Trp-based Pyrazinone Analog and Computational Exploration of pznA A-domain Substrate Specificity	The pyrazinones, cyclic dipeptide compounds, are believed to play a role in the virulence and pathogenicity of Staphylococcal bacteria. In vivo, a non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS), pznA, activates and links amino acids together to form three distinct pyrazinones (Phe-Val-in, Leu-Val-in, and Tyr-Val-in). In this study, I synthesize a non-natural analog (Trp-Val-in) and measure its effects on biofilm formation in Staphylococcal species. Further, I use AI-based technology to predictively generate 3D structures of the pznA adenylation domain; these structures are then utilized in molecular docking simulations to illuminate the structural and thermodynamic foundations of pznA amino acid substrate specificity.
Zoe Maguire	2023	Musical Preferences and Social Identity	Music listening is one of the people’s main pastimes, functioning as a leisure activity, an emotion regulation strategy, and a point of connection between people. Because music is so relevant in most people’s lives, it is reasonable to speculate that music may have an impact on identity. The purpose of this study is to explore a possible association between musical preference and experiences and social identity. I will be interviewing 10-15 Bates college students using a phenomenological approach to explore students’ lived experiences over time with music and a sense of identity or self. I expect that my research will result in a variety of responses about how Bates students’ social identities are reflected in their musical tastes and preferences. These may include but are not limited to music preferences originating in families, aiding in the formation of friendships and relationships, connecting to dress and external appearance, being associated with racial and ethnic identities, and being linked to self-esteem. My results may inform the little research literature on musical preferences and their potential contributions to college students’ social identities and identification with certain social groups.
Sokona Mangane	2023	Inclusive Teaching Text Analysis	CourseSource is an open-access and peer-reviewed journal that publishes lessons, teaching content, and resources related to undergraduate biology and physics. When publishing an article on CourseSource, authors are asked to write about how the submitted lesson plan promotes equity, under the “Inclusive Teaching” section, however, there are currently no guidelines for what is written. In conjunction with the Institute for a Racially Just, Inclusive, and Open STEM Education (RIOS), I am conducting a computational text analysis of the “Inclusive Teaching” Section descriptions on the website to investigate the different language and concepts of inclusive and teaching and how it has changed over time.
Maggie Marsh	2023	Localizing Transcription of the rpoA Gene from Borrelia burgdorferi Bacteria Using High Resolution Confocal Microscopy	The localization of rpoA mRNA encoding for an RNA polymerase subunit in Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria is crucial for better understanding the mechanism in which the bacteria is able to efficiently metabolize protein machinery, allowing it to survive in non-ideal microenvironmental conditions. In the present study, confocal microscopy is used to image the rpoA gene in vitro by use of a Mango III aptamer which lights up when exposed to the fluorogen T01-3PEG, in effect demonstrating where the transcription of mRNA is occurring. Tentative findings suggest that the transcription of the rpoA gene occurs in the central area of the bacterial cell when using E. coli transfected with the plasmid from Borrelia burgdorferi containing the rpoA gene and a Mango III aptamer. The present results have provided insight into where transcription of rpoA typically occurs when using E. coli, and further studies will have to be conducted to conclude that similar localization also occurs when transfecting the identical plasmid into Borrelia burgdorferi.
Sophie Martens	2023	Inpatient Strategies to Reduce Food and Diaper Insecurity in the Pediatric Hospital Medicine Setting: A Quality Improvement Project	Food and diaper insecurity are associated with poorer health and greater healthcare utilization. This inpatient quality improvement project aimed to implement food and diaper insecurity screening of patients and improve mitigation strategies. A team of nurses, physicians, and social workers on a 30-bed inpatient pediatric unit, implemented screening and a mitigation workflow including referrals to food and diaper community resources and providing food bags and diapers to families who screen positive. Data on the impacts of these implementations were collected through retrospective chart review and phone calls to caregivers of patients who screened positive for food or diaper insecurity.
Zander Martin	2023	Synthesis of the Antiviral Molecule: Luteoside B	Luteoside B is a novel antiviral compound isolated from the roots of the tree species M. lutea. This compound shows strong antiviral activity against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Isolation from natural sources has resulted in limited yield, so a synthesis pathway has been designed. The molecule itself consists of a central glucose with a phenylethyl group, D-apiose, L-Rhamnose, and a phenylpropanoid group attached to said glucose. Prior synthesis pathways have attached the phenylethyl group followed by glycosylation with rhamnose, but have been met with inconsistent results. This novel pathway attempts to glycosylate with rhamnose first to avoid these difficulties.
Dylan McAfee	2023	Effect of Spatially Filtered Optical Feedback on Optical Spectrum of a Multimode VCSEL	Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are primarily used in telecommunication applications to send data as pulses of light over long distances via optical fiber. It has been shown that optical feedback, a portion of the output beam reflected back to the laser, can change output power and spectrum of the laser. In this study, an aperture of variable diameter is used to select a part of the beam profile of optical feedback. Effects of spatially filtered optical feedback on VCSELs are investigated experimentally for different bias currents and feedback strengths.
Maggie McCulloch	2023	The Synthesis and Exploration of Bone Composite	Artificially created bone material is used in medicine, for dental implants and bone grafts, as well as in research, particularly for the investigation into its unique electrical properties. Bone is comprised of a mineral component dispersed through an organic collagenous matrix. Synthetic bone for medical and research purposes must maintain natural bone’s strength, flexibility, and density. This research investigates the properties of natural bone and synthesizes bone-like material from hydroxyapatite and collagen. Results are analyzed through XRD data, SEM imaging, and dielectric characterization.
Natalie Meenan	2023	Paleoseismic Investigation of the Central Seismic Gap and Rupture Extent of the AD1505 Earthquake: Northwest Himalaya, India	The Himalayan Mountains are seismically active and populated areas are located near the Himalayan Frontal Thrust (HFT), the most active edge of the thrust system. The Central Seismic Gap (CSG) is a poorly understood 500-800km segment along the HFT. We excavated two trenches within the CSG to evaluate the rupture extent of the AD1505 earthquake. Samples bracket the event in the Chorpani trench, indicating the most recent event occurred between AD1459 and AD1635 and a multi-event displacement >7m, which may be correlated to the AD1505 earthquake. We expect ages from the Kotdwar trench will further support these findings.
Katherine Merisotis	2023	Investigating the Effect of Algal Endosymbiosis in Freshwater Sponge Ephydatia muelleri Through Gene Expression	An emerging genomic model to study endosymbiosis is the freshwater sponge Ephydatia muelleri and a Chlorella-like green algal symbiont. We explored the sponge within the laboratory, focusing on understanding the genomic expression of the model through the integration of their algal symbiont. The algal symbionts were cultured and subsequently used to reinfect aposymbiotic E. muelleri tissue. We exposed the sponge host for five minutes and performed RNA Sequencing to study the differential expression then compared and contrasted their aposymbiotic samples’ relatives. Within this study, we focused on two significant up-regulated gene expressions, Caspase 8 and A-Kinase 1, and explored the relationship between aposymbiotic and treated samples. We discuss the gene expression profiles of significant genes that were identified in the RNA-Seq that may be relevant to genetic responses to sponge phagocytosis and immune-driven pathways.
Alicia Meshulam	2023	Evaluating the Role of Pyrazinones in the Transition From Commensal to Pathogenic Staphylococcus epidermidis	Previous studies have shown that a gene cluster, named the pzn gene cluster, conserved across skin-associated Staphylococcal species, encodes for enzymes that synthesize three pyrazinones: phevalin, tyrvalin, and leuvalin. These studies have demonstrated that these pyrazinones have been linked to virulence expression in Staph. aureus, the species of bacteria that causes Staph infections. In this study, we seek to understand the role of pyrazinones in biofilm formation in clinical isolates of commensal and pathogenic S. epidermidis in which the ability to form biofilms has been associated with more persistent infections. Furthermore, we will test pyrazinone analogs to better understand the chemical “talk” between these molecules and the bacteria.
Maeve Mikulski	2023	Petrogenetic History of Lava Flows from the Casitas Shield in the Southern Volcanic Zone	Relatively few studies have investigated the geochemistry of the Descabezado Grande-Cerro Azul volcanic complex (DGCA), located in the Southern Volcanic Zone of the Chilean Andes. Lava samples were collected in stratigraphic order from vertical stacks of flows exposed along the walls of steep canyons incised in the flanks of the Casitas Shield of Cerro Azul. In order to determine dominant petrogenetic processes and identify changes in the composition of the magma chambers over time, this project obtains mineral analyses using x-ray fluorescence and x-ray diffraction as well as textural analyses of petrographic thin sections using scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS).
Theo Nolen	2023	Orthoesters as Glycosyl Donors in the Synthesis of Linderofruticoside A	Natural products have consistently been a point of interest in developing new medications and therapies. Isolated from Lindera fruticosa, a plant used in traditional medicine, linderofruticoside A, is a natural product hypothesized to have medicinal benefits. This novel structure, consisting of a 13-membered lactone, disaccharide, and phenolic glycoside, has not been chemically synthesized, and, to our knowledge, similar structures have not been identified in other natural products. This thesis contains the partial synthesis of linderofruticoside A, focusing on a new more efficient method of forming the first glycosidic bond between D-xylose and gentisic acid.
Ezra Parkhill	2023	What Makes One Scene Viewpoint Better Than Another?	Canonicity in vision science is defined as the most representative viewpoint of a scene or object. We do not yet know what makes one scene viewpoint more canonical than another. We assessed canonicity by asking human observers to rate the representativeness of 20 viewpoints of seven scene locations. We measured a number of features that were either computed directly from images or annotated by human observers. We employed a multivariate regression analysis to assess the extent different features influence the canonicity of a scene. Determining the features that lead to canonical views provides insight into space and place perception.
Elizabeth Patrick	2023	Students’ Socioeconomic Status and Gender: Do They Alter Teachers’ Perceptions of Competence?	Social hierarchies are everpresent in our society with personal biases determining the way that we perceive the world around us. Classroom settings are no exception to the influence of biases and socialized effects. Some research suggests that teacher disproportionately doubts the success of students from a low socioeconomic background compared to their counterparts. Though other research finds that there is no evidence indicating that teachers are biased in the way they predict their students’ future success. This replication study based on that of Auwarter and Aruguete (2008) will seek to determine whether or not there is an effect of students’ gender and socioeconomic status on teachers’ predictions given the disagreement within this area of research.
Sarah Pearl	2023	Illness Identity in Early-Onset Eating Disorders	This paper seeks to retrospectively investigate longer-term impacts on mental health for individuals who suffered from an eating disorder. My goal is to understand the relationship between identity and eating disorders during a developmentally significant period in their lives (roughly ages 10-20). Specifically, I am asking, “How is social identity development influenced by the onset of an eating disorder during adolescent years?” I hypothesize that individuals who suffer from an eating disorder during their early adolescent years are more likely to develop stronger illness identities in comparison to those who develop eating disorders during their later adolescent years.
Kate Peters	2023	Senior Thesis: The Effect of Giftedness on Teachers’ Conceptions of Students’ Socio-emotional Ability in Dimensions Related to Achievement: Replication Study	The purpose of this study is to explore teachers’ conceptions of gifted students and how these compare to the harmonious and disharmonious hypotheses of giftedness. This study will replicate aspects in Baudson and Preckel (2016) by using a survey containing vignettes depicting students of varying intellectual ability (gifted and average-ability) and gender (girl and boy) in a classroom setting that will be rated by teachers. Participants will rate the students in four socio-emotional dimensions: motivation, maladjustment, intellectual ability, and prosociality. Based on the study being replicated and past research, participants are predicted to rate gifted students lower in prosociality and higher in maladjustment and intellectual ability, which represents the disharmonious hypothesis. Additionally, participants may rate girls higher in motivation and there may be a stronger effect of gender on socioemotional ratings overall. Implications of this study for student well-being and teaching will be discussed.
Cece Pilgrim	2023	The Effects of Age on Wing Wear in Bumblebees	A decline in body functionality over time is a common occurrence in animals as they age, and different animals experience these bodily breakdowns in different ways. The wings of many insects experience progressive and irreversible damage over their lifespan, primarily caused by repeated collisions with vegetation during foraging flights. However, it is unclear whether the increased wear and tear displayed in older wings simply reflects the cumulative damage collected over a lifetime of collisions, or also represents a tendency for older wings to accrue damage faster than younger wings. Here we used a custom Wingwacker device to explore how age affects collision-induced wing wear in Bombus impatiens bumblebees.
Esther Pincate	2023	Genetic Normalization of TCF4 Gene for Treatment of Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome	Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome (PTHS) is a rare, genetic, neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the monoallelic mutation or selection of the transcription factor 4 (TCF4) gene. The disease is typically characterized by intellectual disability, developmental delay, lack of speech, distinctive facial features, and hyperventilation among other characteristics. This research seeks to understand the effect of normalized TCF4 levels on the behavior of PTHS-expressing mice. Using the mice model, TCF4 expression has been reinstated specifically in the neurons and oligodendrocytes of TCF4-lacking mice to analyze its influence on the ability of neural networks to change through growth and reorganization.
Anna Puaala	2023	Do Hypercapnia and Hypoxia Induce Different Ventilatory Responses in Male and Female Japanese Quail Chicks?	Physiological dissimilarities between men and women lead to differences in breathing responses to pathological processes such as hypoxia and hypercapnia. Hypoxia, a deficiency in oxygen availability, and hypercapnia, excess arterial carbon dioxide, are two challenging ventilatory states. Previous studies on Coturnix japonica (Japanese quail) elucidated contrasting ventilatory responses between adult male and female quail, but evidence of such sex-linked differences in chicks exposed to hypoxia and hypercapnia remains unknown. In this study, we measured breathing via plethysmography to explore the influence of sex on ventilatory responses in 5-6 day old Coturnix japonica chicks after exposure to 5% CO2 and 10% O2.
Hank Qian	2023	Nonlinear Harmonic Generations and Plasmon	Nowadays, plasmonics is wildly used in chemical analysis. We mainly use an IR laser to hit different materials and generate different responses. Analyzing these responses can help us connect these behaviors with the structure of the sample. With the plasmonic and nonlinear optical responses, many chemists, biochemists, and physicists can better understand things on both the micro-scale and the macro-scale.
Lea Rosen	2023	Commodifying Bodies in Medieval England: A Widow’s Authority in Chaucer’s “The Wife of Bath’s Prologue and Tale” and Troilus and Criseyde	Scholars have long considered the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries to be a golden age for women in medieval England. Widows especially benefited from the legal system in place, which often allowed them to obtain a level of self-sufficiency through inheriting land and maintaining the businesses of their late husbands. This thesis explores the relationship between economic independence and sexual agency displayed by two Chaucerian widows– the Wife of Bath and Criseyde. Chaucer foregrounds the ways in which women, specifically widows, understood themselves as commodities on the market, which reflects the cultural significance of the transition between feudalism and capitalism.
Avrah Ross	2023	Lead in Our Paint & Water: Poisoning the Minds and Potential of Lewiston’s Children	I have conducted my senior thesis on the issue of lead in paint and water systems in Lewiston. This research has focused on the disproportionate impacts this issue has on the Somali immigrant community in Lewiston, and the downstream neurological impacts early childhood lead exposure has on development. I have obtained data regarding rates of lead in Lewiston public school water fountains, as well as lead found in biosolids in cities across Maine. I have been able to contact various community members including reporters, public health advocates, and more in order to inform my understanding of this pervasive issue.
Charlie Rubin	2023	Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy to Determine the Power Source for the Massive Galactic Outflows of a Compact Starburst Galaxy.	The universe is an inefficient producer of stars. Even compact starburst galaxies, a type of galaxy that produces stars at the fastest rate, can only do so for a short period of time. One of the most likely reasons for this are galactic outflows. These flows carry the fuel necessary to create stars out of the galaxy and as a result star formation recedes and stops. Using data from the mid-infrared instruments on the James Webb Space telescope, I present results to determine whether these flows are caused by the process of star formation or by a hidden supermassive black hole. We specifically measure low and high-ionization emission lines, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon features to estimate the star-formation rate. Our measurements provide evidence for the hypothesis that the large-scale galactic winds in this galaxy were driven by star formation.
Catie Sanchez	2023	Fighting Fire: Reasons for the Homeowner Risk Gap	Recent household surveys suggest a large wildfire risk gap between professional and homeowners’ risk perceptions in Wildland-Urban Interfaces (WUIs). This study explores the reasons for this gap and the barriers to mitigation. Using Meldrum et al.’s (2015) paper as a reference, this study uses data from the Wildfire Research Center (WiRē) collection in Teton County, Wyoming. We use a bivariate probit model approach to calculate the predicted probability of underestimating risk based on predictor variables. We find that homeowners who have previously evacuated and have low mitigation priority are more likely to underestimate risk. The results suggest better education efforts for WUI homeowners on wildfire risk and mitigation.
Will Schinabeck	2023	Novel Methods for the Characterization of Hard Cider	This study explores novel, cost-effective methods to characterize hard cider targeted toward home and small-batch brewers. Commercial and home-brewed ciders were characterized by their total phenol and tannin contents measured using a modified Folin- Ciocalteau method, their monosaccharide and disaccharide content determined using Benedict’s reagent, as well as their acidity quantified using a pH meter. All methods were effective and suitable for the intended users however, more modifications to the methods, especially the Benedict assay are required to increase the accuracy of the characterizations.
Liya Simon	2025	Medieval Romance	A collection of student work interrogating late 12th- through late 14th-century assumptions surrounding gender and sexual identities, lineage, marriage, and social status, as represented in the literary texts of the period.
Jairaj Singh	2023	The Role of Athletic Identity in Athlete Burnout	Athlete burnout is a phenomenon that occurs when an individual experiences physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion because of prolonged participation in competitive sports. Research suggests that a higher athletic identity, or a stronger sense of self as an athlete, may contribute to the development of burnout. The aim of this study is to understand how a higher athletic identity leads to athlete burnout after considering the number of years they played their sports. The participants will consist of Bates College student-athletes of all four class years who will take an online Qualtrics survey. Participants will complete the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS) and the Athlete Burnout Questionnaire (ABQ). After completing these surveys and controlling for the number of years played, can we predict athlete burnout?
Nicole Smith	2023	Investigating Sequence Variation of NSP4 Loss of Function Mutants in Clinical Isolates	Rotavirus is a leading source of viral gastroenteritis and diarrheal diseases in young children and infants causing thousands of child deaths per year worldwide. Among the six nonstructural proteins encoded within the rotavirus genome is rotavirus nonstructural protein 4 (NSP4). It is the first described viral enterotoxin that has been identified as an agent for rotavirus infection-associated symptoms. The purpose of this study is to examine the sequences of loss of function mutants of NSP4 taken from clinical isolates to investigate common amino acid features that correlate with the NSP4 lysis of E. Coli. To achieve this, clinical isolates of the NSP4 loss of function mutants were transformed into BL21(DE3) E. coli cells, and surviving colonies were picked for sequencing of the mutant plasmids. Through understanding the functionally important parts of NSP4, drug inhibitors can be found to turn the protein function off.
Cecely Sterling-Maisel	2023	The Impact of White Privilege Awareness on Racial and Marginalized Identity Centrality	Past research focuses on discomfort and psychological distancing elicited when White individuals reflect on racial privilege, associated lower racial identity centrality, and less support for progressive racial policies. The current study assesses how white privilege activation changes the centrality of race, gender, and sexuality. Participants will list experiences of white privilege or neutral experiences, and then complete a measure of identity centrality, adopted for race, gender, and sexuality. I predict that this exposure will reduce the centrality of race and increase gender and sexuality centrality. A 2×2 ANOVA will be run to assess the relationship between white privilege awareness and identity centrality.
Jo Stevens	2023	Funding Electric Vehicle Chargers in Auburn: A Community Engaged Capstone Project in Association with the City of Auburn Transportation Commission	The electric vehicle (EV) owning population of Auburn, ME is rapidly growing, and the city has demonstrated their commitment to sustainable transportation systems. To support these efforts, our work consisted of an EV charging station toolkit that identifies funding opportunities at the state and federal level. These opportunities were identified for their workability in the context of Auburn’s demographic projections and development needs. We created a tailored matrix of priority locations dependent upon funding source criteria and zoning and building regulations with the ultimate goal of connecting Auburn, ME to the growing national network of clean energy infrastructure on highways.
William Symmans	2023	A Data-Driven Taxonomy of Olfactory System Principal Neurons	Classifying morphological subtypes of neurons is of great clinical interest because many neurological diseases manifest as subtle morphological abnormalities. Historically, this endeavor is not standardized or automated, and therefore prone to human error. We are developing automated classifiers of morphological differences in the mouse olfactory bulb (OB), a model system where within-class heterogeneity confers measurable perceptual differences. Acute sections of mouse OB were Golgi-stained and mitral cells were digitally reconstructed. A fixed set of morphological features was extracted for each cell, which allowed automated classification into subtypes using machine learning approaches. We anticipate that this approach will have clinical value.
Emily Tamkin	2023	Computational Analysis of Rotavirus Antivirals	Rotavirus is the leading viral cause of severe acute diarrhea in children under the age of 5, and with few interventions in place, significant research is required to make antiviral treatment a reality. After a literature review, we have selected three target drugs to test as antagonists for NSP4, a key protein in the function of the virus. We utilized patch clamp electrophysiology to determine the binding kinetics and efficacy of selected protein inhibitors. In addition, we have employed computational modeling systems to confirm the binding capacity of select compounds in a lipid bilayer environment.
Amanda Taylor	2023	¡Jugar a la pelota! 試合開始! Play Ball! A Theoretical Review on Acculturation with Non-American Baseball Players in Major League Baseball Clubhouses	As of 2022, 28% of Major League Baseball (MLB) players were Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% were Black or African American, and 1.8% were Asian, with the remainder being White (Statistica, 2022). Since the conception of baseball, diversity and inclusion have increased drastically, yet there are shortcomings related to inclusive practices, embracing the culture of origin, and cultivating an environment supportive of all identities and backgrounds. This review considers the history of MLB’s scouting practices and the increasing presence of non-American baseball players on professional teams, suggests practices to support racial and ethnic identity, and optimizes prospects for player well-being. The way in which the players’ ethnic and cultural identities are portrayed by the media and perceived by the American audience is foundational for developing practices and means to promote inclusivity. In the context of the professional clubhouse, identity, language, cross-cultural adaptation, and intercultural relationships will be studied to suggest practices and values to promote a co-cultural identity in the clubhouse.
Clem Taylor-Roth	2023	Convenient and Reliable Microwave Generation: Modeling Semiconductor Lasers Subject to Optical Injection and Optical Feedback	Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) are primarily used in telecommunication applications to send data as pulses of light over long distances via optical fiber. It has been shown that optical feedback, a portion of the output beam reflected back to the laser, can change the output power and spectrum of the laser. In this study, an aperture of variable diameter is used to select a part of the beam profile of optical feedback. Effects of spatially filtered optical feedback on VCSELs are investigated experimentally for different bias currents and feedback strengths.
Elinor Tierney-Fife	2023	Environmental Parameters Associated with Zostera Marina (eelgrass) Reproductive Characteristics in Padilla Bay, WA	Zostera marina (eelgrass) is an important yet threatened foundation species of many coastal ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere. We conducted surveys of four intertidal sites in Padilla Bay, WA to determine the environmental characteristics of potential seed donor sites for restoration. We hypothesized that increased depth and light would lead to increased flowering shoot length and shoot density (respectively); and that increased stress levels (e.g., wasting disease, epiphyte cover, and increased temperature) may lead to higher flowering shoot densities and reproductive output. We found that both abiotic characteristics and reproductive characteristics varied across the sites, with low flowering shoot densities across all sites except one, and increasing flowering shoot length and spathe number in the intermediate intertidal zone with increasing depth. We found no correlation between reproductive characteristics and stress variables. To increase the efficiency of future restoration projects, monitoring work should focus on specific parameters, particularly flowering shoot density and length, depth, and temperature.
Joaquin Torres	2025	AIn’t Unbiased: Assessing the Accuracy of a Face Detection Algorithm	Current artificial intelligence systems show significant racial, gender, and age biases. In the subfield of computer vision, face detection algorithms (e.g. MTCNN) are trained on the faces of predominantly young, white, conventionally-attractive people. This project seeks to determine how accurately MTCNN detects people’s faces across ethnicities, ages, and gender presentations. A total of 2,909,789 images are extracted from 956 videos scraped from Instagram. Then, face detection predictions from MTCNN are obtained for each frame, and accuracy is assessed against ground truth. Overall biases and the contribution of this dataset to training less biased computer vision will also be discussed.
Elias Veilleux	2023	Generation of Five-State Rabi Oscillation in Rb-87 Bose Einstein Condensates	In ultracold atomic vapors, an oscillating magnetic field can drive transitions between energy levels of atoms in the gas. Through use of microwave technology, Lundblad Lab can study the time variation in the probability of measuring different energy levels under the presence of this oscillating magnetic field, known as Rabi oscillation. Better understanding of this oscillation in probability — which can be understood as quantum superpositions of multiple energy states — may enable the use of “synthetic dimensions” in atom trap lattices, enabling the study of more complicated systems. The approach also serves as a vehicle for precise spectroscopy of the system.
Maya Vernick	2023	Assessing the Impact of Species Selection and Plot Preparation on Native Wildflower Flowering Success in a Restored Maine Meadow	Pollinator populations are in decline across the world, threatening the agricultural systems and ecosystems that rely on them. One method for conserving pollinators is planting wildflowers. In order to inform decisions regarding the selection of wildflower species and preparation before planting, we looked at Native wildflower flowering success across several species and prepared versus unprepared plots. Prepared plots underwent soil occultation to remove competing weeds before planting. We found there were significant differences in flowering success across species and prepared versus unprepared plots, suggesting considering species characteristics and using a plot preparation technique before planting is beneficial to pollinator conservation efforts.
Sarah Marta Veskimagi	2023	Synthesis and Characterization of Novel TET Inhibitors	The process of learning triggers epigenetic mechanisms in the brain that promote long-term memory. DNA methylation is an epigenetic process that regulates local gene expression. TET enzymes can alter this methylation pattern, and it’s known that knocking out TETs enhances memory formation and stabilization. Therefore, TETs act as perfect targets of small-molecule probes that, through inhibiting the activity of TETs, can potentially improve long-term memory. In 2017, Kennedy Lab discovered the first biologically active TET inhibitor. With only mid-μM inhibition activity against TETs, a new generation of small molecule inhibitors was synthesized to increase the potency of the probes.
Scarlett Wang	2023	Is the Defendant Liable? How Cultural Orientation and Severity of Harm Affect Juror Decision-Making in Negligence Cases	In this study, I explore whether jurors’ cultural orientation and the level of severity of harm caused by the defendant’s action influence jurors’ decision-making in a fictitious negligence case. The findings of the present study support the Fundamental Attribution Error in that most people found the defendant liable. Results indicate that when the plaintiff was severely injured, collectivist participants agreed more strongly that the defendant has caused the car crash, and that the defendant should have reasonably foreseen that speeding may lead to some harm; individualistic participants showed opposite attitudes.
Kyle Weinman	2023	Exploring Body Dynamics of Hovering Bumblebees Experiencing Wing Collisions	Many flying insects inadvertently collide their wings with obstacles throughout their lifetime. Prior work has found that wing collisions can yield substantial unpredictable body rotations in a robotic bee, posing significant flight control challenges. However, wing collision induced body dynamics have never been explored in live insects. To investigate this question, we attached live bumblebees to a fine pin that was allowed to swivel around one axis of rotation in a low friction bearing. By dropping an obstacle in the path of the flapping wing, we measured the resulting collision induced rotation rates of the body. Our results suggest that wing collision-induced body perturbations are an important factor in insect flight control.
Liv Whittaker	2023	The Association Between Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) and Health Outcomes in Older Adult Populations	Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are very common among the public but are largely unrecognized. ACEs are powerful predictors of later health risks, social functioning, diseases, medical costs, and death. This makes them the leading determinant of health, social, and economic well-being. This study aims to examine the physical and mental health outcomes of those who have experienced ACEs. Additionally, sex, race, health treatments, and socioeconomic status will be addressed as mediator variables. Clients in the Older Adult Behavioral Health Homes program at Tri-County Mental Health are recruited for this study. Those who choose to participate are screened for adverse childhood events (ACEs) using the ACE questionnaire form. Participants’ mental and physical health histories will be collected alongside any treatments they received for said issues. Participant demographics are collected and assessed as moderator variables (sex, race, socioeconomic background, and age). SPSS is used to conduct a correlation analysis between ACEs scores and the presence of physical health issues (cardiovascular disease, cancers, obesity, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), mental health (PTSD, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Drug Addiction), and mental health treatment (talk therapy, medication or other).
Casey Winter	2023	Visualizing Differential Memory Formation in Tet2 Knockout Mice in Recently Expressed Neurons Using Red Fluorescent Protein	Engrams are formed during memory formation and play a crucial role in the imprinting of cognitive information on the physical substance of the brain, however, there is a large gap in knowledge regarding the specifics of engrams. Determining the unique regions of the brain that are responsible for effective memory consolidation and recall of learned experiences, particularly social learning, and object recognition paradigms, will advance the understanding of differential memory formation. Here, we show the different regions of the brain where neurons were recruited during engram formation using red fluorescent protein visualized via fluorescent microscopy in a mouse model.
Mickey Yan	2024	Do You Think I Am Pretty? Artwork Based on Monstrous Female Figures from Japanese Horror Films	I want to create mixed media artworks in the form of pop-up books inspired by the monstrous female figures in Japanese horror films, to better explore the mechanisms of Japanese horror film creation and theater art. In my work, I want to think about and reflect on what these monstrous female figures were created for and what facilitated their creation. At the same time, I believe that monstrous-feminine images go against the conventional perception we give to female as a gender. I also want to explore in my work the meaning and value that monstrous-feminine images have.
Dachuan Yao	2023	The Role of Culture in the Relationship Between Perceived Stress and Academic Motivation: A Cross-Sectional Study on Chinese and American Upbringing College Students	Existing research has suggested that higher stress levels were associated with low motivation among college students (Rücker, 2012). This research aims to determine possible moderators for such correlation. Based on the evidence that different cultural orientations have varied ways of dealing with stress (Yeh et al., 2006), the current study proposes that cultural background moderates the relationship between stress and academic motivation. The study will aim to recruit participants who identify as college students growing up either in China or the United States. The study will use Cohen and Mermelstein’s (1994) Perceived Stress Scale and the Academic Motivation Scale by Vallerand et al. (1992) to measure the tested variables. I predict the correlation between stress and academic motivation would be weaker for Chinese students than for their American counterparts. Implications and limitations of the study will be discussed.
Ollie Young	2023	Nuclease Mapping of the spoVG Gene in B. burgdorferi	Borrelia burgdorferi is the causative agent of Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. The spirochete bacteria B. burgdorferi has a unique enzootic cycle that requires adaptation to widely varied environments – these challenges are addressed through changes in gene expression. One important gene is spoVG, which codes for a DNA and RNA-binding protein spoVG. This protein binds to the spoVG mRNA, and research indicates it may prevent translation once protein levels reach a specific concentration. This study aims to characterize spoVG folding and to learn how changes to the structure may alter binding.
Yuhao Zhao	2024	Centering Connections and Collaboration in the Evaluation of STEM Education Transformation	In this study, we seek to understand the formation of a national network constructed for change in STEM education by social network analysis methods. We examine the impact of an in-person conference bringing together disparate groups around common issues on a collaboration structure and examine the effect of post-conference virtual activities on it. A major limitation is low response rate artificially drove a loss of collaboration. However, it was mitigated by new collaborations, particularly by influencers and boundary spanners. Additionally, a sustained suite of virtual activities designed for community building increased the collaboration activity in the network by 12.5%.
Yuanrun Zhou	2023	Procreative Ethics and the Nonidentity Problem: A Discussion on Harm	I propose that we should refer to person-affecting principles to examine noncomparative harm in nonidentity problems. Through Jeff McMahan’s categorization of the types of values relevant to the nonidentity problem, I argue that person-affecting comparative harm is only present in the case of existing people, but not future people. Next, I examine Dan W. Brock’s position that we should consider non-person-affecting comparative harms. I then discuss the approach I endorse, which is Elizabeth Harman’s position that individual-affecting noncomparative values should guide our nonidentity decision-making. Finally, I reply to potential objections against Harman’s approach.
Becca Zimmerman	2023	Tipping Practices and Their Effect on Sexual Objectification of Servers	The purpose of this study is to assess if tipping in US restaurants is associated with sexual objectification. This practice will be assessed by examining the tipping behaviors of 90 Bates College students who are asked to give a hypothetical tip to servers in different types of restaurant environments, in which the appearance and gender of the servers are varied. Tips will be assessed in relation to social norms surrounding tipping. We will measure the correlation between tipping behaviors and objectification and expect to find that participants tip servers more in objectifying environments, compared to non-objectifying environments. We also expect to find that female servers will be tipped more than male servers, regardless of their environment.