Celebration Abstracts

The Celebration of Student Research Official site: http://celebration.nku.edu/

1: Jennifer Chandler, Tom Fritz

"Assessment of Sustainability of Fishing on Coral Reef Fishes at Glover's Reef, Belize."

Faculty Sponsor: Charles Acosta, Biological Sciences

Abstract: Fishing is an essential economic activity for most developing countries of the Caribbean, but overfishing is a chronic problem. We have analyzed fishing catch statistics of commercially valuable fish and invertebrates collected by the Wildlife Conservation Society in Belize. We used standard catch per unit effort (CPUE) as an index of population fluctuation under fishing impact and to estimate maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Our results show that as high-value species decline, fishermen are switching to low-value non-target species. Many of these are important to coral reef function, and their decline is expected to have negative ecosystem-wide impacts.

2: Brittany Muench, Katarina Schneider, Stephen Wall, Katie West

"Guadalajara/Ciudad Guzman-Premed Alternative Spring Break Service Learning in the Mexican Healthcare System"

Faculty Sponsor: Hildegard Baldridge, Biological Sciences

Abstract: During Spring Break 2009, students traveled to Ciudad Guzman and Guadalajara, Mexico to shadow doctors and learn more about medical practice and the healthcare system in Mexico. Students interacted with doctors, staff, and patients in multiple healthcare facilities, as well as with some students at the local University. They also visited some prominent cultural sites. Students learned about challenges healthcare providers face in treating largely impoverished patients within the Mexican Healthcare system. They also gained a better understanding of cultural practices and assumptions, all of which will benefit them as they prepare to practice medicine in the United States.

3: Brittany Muench

"Nitrogen and the Hydrogen Economy: Roraima Sur Cave, Venezuela"

Faculty Sponsor: Hazel Barton, Biological Sciences

Abstract: In starved cave environments, microorganisms must adapt to utilize available nutrients and sources of energy for growth and subsistence. We wanted to examine the role of nitrogen in these processes by studying microbial adaptations in a cave on the nitrogen-starved Guyana Shield Plateau, characterized by Roraima Tepui. We believe that nitrogen acquired from the atmosphere is being incorporated into the cave environment through the nitrogen cycle, raising the local pH allowing for silica dissolution and cave formation. To support the large energy demands needed for nitrogen fixation, we believe that autotrophic hydrogen oxidation is providing the necessary energy.

4: Edward Morris

"Raptor Photos"

Faculty Sponsor: Jerry Carpenter, Biological Sciences

Abstract: A poster of raptor photos that came out of Biophotography with Dr. Jerry Carpenter. Photos of the Great Horned Owl and the Red Tailed Hawk were taken in class and more photos were taken later. The photos of the Barred Owl were taken after class. The Raptors have eyes adapted to spotting prey from a distance. The talons are designed to grasp prey securely. The owls are adapted for night predation, they can hear a mouse from a 100 yards. Their wing feathers are adapted for silent flight, to avid interference with echolocation.

5: Jennifer Wilson, Chapen LeGrand, Alex Smith

"Treehopper (Hemiptera: Membracidae) Abundance and Diversity in Mesic and Xeric Tree Canopies in the Eastern Deciduous Forest"

Faculty Sponsor: Gregory Dahlem, Biological Sciences

Abstract: Treehoppers are sap feeding insects that are often found feeding on new growth portions of woody plants. In our study we investigate potential differences in the abundance and diversity of treehopper species feeding on the canopies of trees in xeric (dry) versus mesic (moist) habitats. We have also looked for relationships between species of treehoppers and their host tree species. Our specimens were selected from residual samples derived from canopy fogging research of eastern deciduous forest trees undertaken by T. Crist and J. C. Gering (Miami University) during the summer of 2000.

6: Ashley Schnitker, Stephanie Hayes, Andrew Wallace

"A Herpetological Survey of St. Anne Wetlands"

Faculty Sponsor: Richard Durtsche, Biological Sciences

Abstract: This study investigates the herpetological biodiversity at the St. Anne Wetlands Education and Research Center in Melbourne, Kentucky. The area contains old growth beech forest, wetlands, and many species not found in other parts of Northern Kentucky. Amphibians and reptiles are surveyed and their phenologies (activity periods) accessed with a variety of techniques. Drift fences trap migrating terrestrial amphibians and reptiles. Six 100 m belt transects with cover boards and vertical tubes refuges access terrestrial animals and arboreal tree frogs. Sound recordings document frog and toad activity and abundance.

7: Kelly Stuard, Suzanne Summe

"Development of a Micro-electrode/Microinjection Probe for Testing Stomach Acid Activity in Tadpoles"

Faculty Sponsor: Richard Durtsche, Biological Sciences

Abstract: Understanding the developmental role of gastric activity and its control are important to find potential solutions to problems such as acid reflux. Using frog tadpoles as a model vertebrate system allows for the direct testing of the trigger mechanisms that turn on or off certain gastrointestinal activities, like acid production. To test these activities, we have developed a double-barrel solid-state pH sensitive micro-electrode/microinjection system (dia. 2-10um) that allows for perfusion of stomach tissue (by bathing or through microinjection) with test substances (foods, liquids, drugs) in a dual fluid tissue-holding chamber while pH levels are recorded.

8: Megan Caroway, Megan Kramer, Leslie Fausnacht, Jared Patton

"Dopamine Neuron Content in the Brain after Thiamine Depletion."

Faculty Sponsor: Kristi Haik, Biological Sciences

Abstract: Korsakoff's Syndrome (KS) is characterized by a deficiency of thiamine due to malnutrition commonly caused by excessive alcohol intake. Symptoms of thiamine deficiency include amnesia, confabulation of memories, and general neurodegeneration. The purpose of this study is to determine if thiamine depletion in rats, an animal model of KS, results in dopamine (DA) neuron loss in the substantia nigra. Fewer DAergic neurons present in the KS rat model as compared to controls suggests that cognitive impairment associated with thiamine deficiency are in part related to the damage/death of the dopaminergic neurons.

9: Scottie Cornett, Megan Caroway, Megan Kramer, Leslie Fausnacht, Jared Patton

"Nitric Oxide Synthase Activity in the Striatum of an Animal Model of Korsafoff's Syndrome (KS)"

Faculty Sponsor: Kristi Haik, Biological Sciences

Abstract: Korsakoff's syndrome (KS) is a disorder characterized by memory deficits caused by a lack of vitamin B1, due to some form of malnutrition. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an animal model of KS on the nitric oxide (NO) synthase-containing neurons in the striatum, an area of the brain linked to spatial learning and memory. NO synthase-containing neurons produce NO, which may lead to high levels of free radicals that are toxic to neighboring cells. Data suggests that NO synthase is increased following thiamine depletion, suggesting oxidative stress as a potential mechanism of KS.

10: Osniel Gonzalez - Ramos, Elizabeth Shelly, Jackson Arnet, Sara Luse, Benjamin Calderón, Jennifer Chandlerr, Meredith Hall

"Building Peace through Nature Conservation and Environmental Education in the Andes of Ecuador"

Faculty Sponsor: Miriam Steinitz Kannan, Biological Sciences

Abstract: During Spring Break 2009, seven NKU students traveled to Quito, for a unique multicultural experience. They helped organize and participated in the opening of a Cultural Center in Quito that houses the first Holocaust Memorial and Hall for Universal Peace in the country. They worked side by side with Ecuadorian students planting trees and crops. They experienced the unique paramo ecosystem, hiking in the Cotopaxi National Park, and sampled two Andean lakes. Students gained understanding of the challenges of third world countries and returned to NKU with a better perspective of South America.

11: Sara Luse, Michael Matuskiewicz

"Microcosm: A Natural Selection Experiment"

Faculty Sponsor: MIriam Kannan, Biological Sciences

Abstract: A microcosm is a small scale aquatic habitat model that simulates a natural ecosystem. Microcosms are useful in determining the effects of pollutants on aquatic ecosystems. Ten replicate microcosms were made by adding rock scrapings of algae and microinvertebrates from a local creek. Two of these were kept as controls. The others received one of the following: honeysuckle tea, native plant tea, phosphorus enrichment, nitrogen enrichment, sterilized sewage, 15% salt, iron/silica enrichment, acid and antibiotics. We report here on the microbial communities that were selected by each of these treatments.

12: Elizabeth Shelley

"Righteous Among the Nations: Holocaust Rescuers in Ecuador"

Faculty Sponsors: Miriam Kannan, Biological Sciences & Nancy Kersell, English

Abstract: During and following the Jewish Holocaust during WW II, thousands of Jewish refugees fled to Ecuador to seek refuge from the Nazis. Their salvation was made possible by the courage and bravery shown by their rescuers. Rescuers stamped visas, hid refugees, and risked their well-being and lives to save the persecuted victims. I visited the Trude Sojka Holocaust memorial and museum in Ecuador and presented my painting at the grand opening. This is the first Holocaust memorial ever in Ecuador and will serve to record and commemorate forever the untold stories of the Holocaust survivors and rescuers who have lived there.

13: Joseph Strano, Daniel Hennigen

"Algae in Experimental Microcosms: Nutrient Removal from Sewage and a Potential New Source of Biofuels."

Faculty Sponsors: Miriam Kannan, Biological Sciences & Rebecca Kelley, Biological Sciences

Abstract: Diatoms utilize nutrients and CO2 to form biomass that can be converted to biofuels. Mixed algae, including diatoms, were collected from Doe Run Creek and grown in 10 gallon aquaria filled with 25%, 50% or 100% sterilized sewage. Treatments included glass, tile and filter paper substrates. Objectives were to: 1) determine if sewage concentration influenced diatom growth; 2) assess diatom nutrient removal; and 3) determine which substrate would select for diatoms over other algae. Tanks containing 100% sewage started with the highest nutrient concentrations, had greatest nutrient reduction, and most diatom growth. Diatom growth was most abundant on siliceous substrates in all treatments.

14: Lacey Laudick

"An Analysis of Nestling Vocalizations in the Grasshopper Sparrow (Ammodramus savannarum)"

Faculty Sponsor: Bernard Lohr, Biological Sciences

Abstract: We analyzed the behavior and vocalizations of nestling grasshopper sparrows in response to feeding behavior of parents in a large, marked population near Chestertown, Maryland. Parental behavior was observed for 90 minutes at each nest on randomly selected days after hatching. Vocalizations given in response to parental visits changed markedly in structure and duration during the latter part of the nestling period. We found that parents did not differ in their rate of nest visitation by sex, but that there was a significantly positive relationship between number of parental feeding visits (and consequent nestling vocalizations) and nestling age.

15: Osniel Gonzalez - Ramos

"Modeling Cellular Interactions in the Human Brain: Implications for Alzheimer's Disease."

Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Mester, Biological Sciences

Abstract: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease. Animal models exist but may not closely mimic the human scenario. We have established human astrocyte, microglial, and neuronal cell lines in culture to model cellular interations that may contribute to AD. We are currently monitoring steady state levels of expression of key cytokines used in cell-to-cell communication and of metabolic genes important in amyloid precursor protein metabolism in these cells. We will next cultivate these cells together and under varying conditions and repeat our expression tests. The results of these experiments will better define the role of these cells in AD.

16: Osniel Gonzalez - Ramos

"Beta-site Amyloid Precursor Protein Cleaving Enzymes (BACE) 1 and 2 as Potential Targets for Alzheimer's Disease Therapies."

Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Mester, Biological Sciences

Abstract: The activities of beta-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzymes BACE1-2 are metabolic mediators of either pathology (BACE1) or protection (BACE2) due to the deposition of beta amyloid 1-42 in the brain of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) patients. To determine the conditions that may alter expression of these genes, human astrocytes, neurons, and microglia cells will be exposed to treatments that mimic cellular stress and aging. BACE1-2 expression will be monitored by RT-PCR to quantify changes resulting from these treatments. Results will establish cell culture assays for testing AD treatments and indicate which cells types are important to the production and elimination of beta amyloid 1-42.

17: Andrew Jones, Dana Cunningham

"The Impact of Virion Particles on Innate Immune Cells"

Faculty Sponsor: Joseph Mester, Biological Sciences

Abstract: This work analyzed the interaction between innate immune cells and virion particles. These cells act as the first line of defense against invading pathogens. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) 1 & 2 were each tested against these immune cells to see what effect they would induce on the immune response. Our hypothesis is that early interaction of these virions with immune cells directly modulates their response in favor of viral infection. Our results show that HSV 1 & 2 virion particles are capable of inducing immunomodulation. Further work into these interactions will be important for development of future anti-viral measures.