UNDERGRADUATE ACADEMIC PRESENTATIONS
Biology
Christina Auriemma
The Effects of Alcohol on the Alternative Activation of Microglial
Cells
Alternative microglial activation promotes repair following brain
damage. The effects of ethanol on alternative activation were
examined by measuring Arginase-1 and CD206. Ethanol decreased Arginase-1
protein expression and enzyme activity while increasing CD206 expression.
These results help illustrate that ethanol’s effect on microglial activation is
more complex than previously thought.
Amanda Clark
Microbial Therapy as an Alternative Treatment for Patients with
Phenylketonuria
Phenylketonuria, an inherited inborn error of metabolism,
results in the buildup of dietary phenylalanine. Diet modification
involving low-phenylalanine intake is the traditional mechanism for condition
management, but maintenance is difficult and restrictive. In the absence of
gene therapy, genetically-modifying bacteria as probiotics appears to be the
best alternative, as studies have shown promising sustained decreased serum
phenylalanine levels.
Amber Slaweski
A Preliminary Investigation into the Culturable Fungal Microbiota
of Beech Trees (Fagus grandifolia) at Gwynedd Mercy University
Beech Bark Disease is a major cause of death in beech trees.
Fungal species on beech trees were documented both on and off
campus to observe fungal bark diversity, with the intent to determine the
prevalence Beech Bark Disease. The findings concluded that no Beech Bark
Disease was present, but each tree’s bark sample had their own distinct fungal
community.
Emily Dougherty
Determining the Abundance and Diversity of Bacteria on Marine
Particles of Different Size Classes
Microorganisms live on marine particles and help regulate the
global carbon cycle. Particles create micro-habitats for microbial
communities. This study examined the relationship between particle size and
their abundance of microbes. Particles were collected and DNA was extracted.
While it was hypothesized that larger particles would contain more microbes,
microbial abundance was varied and depended on the specific species.
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