Eleven students were selected to represent the University of Tennessee, Knoxville at the 2023 Posters at the Capitol event in Nashville.
Student: Kathleen Coffman
Faculty Mentor: Dr. J.F. Grant
Project Title: Zombie Ant Fungus: It’s Now Among Us
Abstract: Fungal species of the Ophiocordyceps genus have increased their parasitic fitness by manipulating host behavior to facilitate optimal spore dispersal. This entomopathogenic fungus (O. unilateralis s.l.) parasitizes Carpenter ants, where a fruiting body emerges from the ant’s head and releases a toxin that interferes with the ant’s psychomotor functions. This phenomenon is better known as Zombie Ant Fungus. While most instances have been found in tropical forests of South America, we have observed it in temperate forests of eastern Tennessee, which we suspect to be the first occurrence. In South America, the infected ant climbs woody vegetation and attaches itself by a powerful mandibular “death grip” to the leaf blade. We have collected over 120 infected ant specimens from Oak Ridge, Tennessee, from May 2022 to the present. We collected these specimens from deciduous understory shrubs and saplings, measured the diameter of branches to which these infected ants were attached, and documented various morphological characteristics of this fungus. We will conduct DNA extraction to identify ant and fungus species and aim to inoculate a colony of ants to simulate this phenomenon within a controlled laboratory environment to observe the spread of infection, fruiting body production, spore dispersal, and behavior manipulation.
Student: Madlen Conley
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Matthew Kerr, Co-mentors: Dr. Jaqueline Kerr and Lauren Baghetti
Project Title: Exploring the Dendrochronological Potential of Eastern Red Cedar Trees at the McGhee-Carson site, Vonore, Tennessee
Abstract: The McGhee-Carson site comprises the remains of the “Tuskega” antebellum plantation in Vonore, Monroe County, southeastern Tennessee. The site is now a mosaic of wildlife management plots and mixed hardwood-coniferous forest in various stages of succession. The area immediately surrounding the original main house, barn, and associated outbuildings consists of ca. 1.5 ha of residential landscape maintained by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and ca. 3 ha of forest, including young stands recently established in clearcut pasture and older stands that have been selectively harvested. Eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) composes ca. 10% of trees of dendrochronological potential in this 4.5 ha patch. We cored and aged one large red cedar tree standing immediately in front of the main house that was planted as part of the landscaping and additional red cedar trees across the patch. The age of the planted red cedar establishes when landscaping was added and enriches cultural understanding of the lived experience at Tuskega. Ages from the additional trees provide temporal context for cultural choices, including landscaping, clearcutting, and selective cutting. Additionally, this group of tree cores allows us to explore the potential for an eastern red cedar tree-ring chronology for southeastern Tennessee.
Student: Tony George
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Bryan Good
Project Title: Experimental Study of Aspiration Catheter Clot Removal for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Abstract: Each year in the United States, a stroke occurs every 40 seconds and a stroke mortality occurs every 3.5 minutes. An acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is the most common type of stroke and occurs when a blood clot obstructs blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, leading to death or long-term disability. Aspiration thrombectomy is an increasingly popular technique for treating AIS and works by physically removing the occlusive blood clot via applied vacuum pressure and achieving reperfusion to the affected area. The research goal is to determine if there is a relationship between the applied removal pressures of aspiration catheters and the geometric and mechanical properties of the lodged blood clots. An experimental model of a middle cerebral artery was used, and experimental blood clots of various lengths, diameters, and hematocrits were lodged in the model. Trials were conducted by lodging clots in the model and recording the upstream and downstream fluid pressures and the applied vacuum pressures required to aspirate the clot. The results of these experiments will be used to determine more effective ways of performing aspiration thrombectomy which will not only reduce the patient’s operating time but also reduce the chance of post-thrombectomy complications.
Student: Gillian Hertslet
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rajan Lamichhane
Project Title: Investigation into the Conformational Dynamics of Glucagon Receptor using Single-Molecule Fluorescence Microscopy
Abstract: G Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are membrane proteins used by cells to convert extracellular signals into intracellular signals, which control physiological responses to hormones, neurotransmitters, and environmental stimulants. Representing the largest family of proteins with approximately 800 members, they are the target for approximately 50% of current therapeutic drugs. Despite the availability of high-resolution structural images characterizing the protein at different conformational states, dynamical information on how these proteins transition from different conformational states is missing. We used single-molecule techniques such as Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) imaging and Single molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) to investigate these conformational changes of the Glucagon Receptor (GCGR), which mediates glucose homeostasis in the blood. We observed slow and reversible conformational changes of the protein in the native cell membrane. Gaining a thorough understanding of GPCR activation mechanisms will improve knowledge behind human diseases, type II diabetes, and is critical for developing new therapeutics with higher effectiveness and lower side effects.
Student: Jada Laws
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jill Maples
Project Title: Prenatal Wellness Interventions’ Influence on Postpartum Contraceptive Plans
Abstract: Childbirth can change a woman’s outlook, and preference for contraception, so prenatal and postpartum contraceptive education is essential. Incorporating educational wellness programs into routine prenatal care helps reduce the occurrence of unplanned pregnancy and short interpregnancy intervals among women, which is beneficial for women trying to avoid “geriatric pregnancy.” This study investigates how educational and physical activity interventions influence women at risk for or diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in choosing their postpartum contraceptive plans. This study performed a two-group trial of education compared to exercise. The education group has a five-week course and participated in pre-intervention and follow-up surveys. The exercise group also had a five-week intervention with a life coach and Fitbit to track movement. Those who participated in the education group changed their postpartum contraceptive plans at a higher rate. Exposure to postpartum contraceptive education decreases unplanned pregnancies and increases women’s health agency.
Student: Hannah Morris
Faculty Mentor: Professor Michael Camponovo and Dr. Margaret Quinn
Project Title: Play and the Built Environment: An Interdisciplinary Examination of Children’s Access to Play in Knoxville-Knox County
Abstract: It is well-accepted that play is essential to early childhood development, but not all children have equal access to play. One factor that affects children’s access to play is the built environment, such as playgrounds. For a playground to support development, it needs to be physically accessible and promote various types of play. Thus, this project examines opportunities for play in Knoxville across multiple factors. Using ArcGIS, maps have been developed to locate where playspaces are in Knoxville-Knox County and determine how access differs according to various demographic factors. The playspaces on the map have been identified as one of four playground types: traditional, contemporary, adventure, and creative; this allows for a geographical analysis of how access to diverse play differs, as well. Lastly, a variety of playgrounds from different areas and different playground types have been observed and coded to determine how the provisions of the playspace impact the quality and style of play.
Student: Tyler Myers
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heidi Goodrich-Blair
Project Title: Using Agriculturally Relevant Nematodes as a Model for Understanding Gut-Brain Health
Abstract: All animals interact with both beneficial and harmful bacteria. Entomopathogenic nematodes are microscopic worms that carry beneficial bacteria which help them infect and kill insects. Additionally, they have agricultural applications, such as targeted pest control, and biomedical applications, such as serving as model systems for studying how bacteria and animals communicate. This model system reflects the mutually beneficial partnerships between humans and bacteria in the intestinal tract. Unlike human intestines, which contain many bacterial species, entomopathogenic nematodes have single bacterial partners, making them simple models for researching complex questions on how animal-microbe interactions form. These bacterial partners contribute to a relationship between the gut and the brain. Molecules like dopamine, which mediate motivation and reward, can be modified by the metabolisms of gut bacteria. This modification can affect animal growth and behavior. Genetically altering the metabolism of the bacteria that inhabit nematodes and exposing sterilized worm embryos to these bacteria produced atypical worm growth. These observations suggest that bacterial metabolic activity affects nematode growth. Since many bacteria possess these metabolic components, future studies may find similar bacteria that regulate dopamine in humans, thus impacting their growth and development.
Student: Caleb Napper
Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Ma and Debalina Ghosh
Project Title: Analysis of Alternate Binder Properties in Optimized Concrete
Abstract: Concrete is the most frequently used building material on this planet. As the Earth’s population continues to grow at an impressive rate, the need for stronger shelters, bridges, and structures to support them becomes greater. The current standard for concrete, using Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC), is one of the leading contributors to carbon dioxide pollution. There are alternatives to this cement, such as ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and calcium sulfoaluminate (CSA) cement, with up to a 35% and 90% lower carbon footprint, respectively, than OPC. While GGBFS and CSA have a lower carbon footprint, the strength of the concrete also decreases with a certain amount of the substitutes mixed in. This research used compressive and flexural equipment to test the mechanical strengths of the mixtures. They were then analyzed using x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to determine the compounds and reactions in varying proportions of the cement and binders. These tests showed us that the amount of GGBFS and CSA can be optimized to account for strength and carbon emissions. Increased understanding of the strength-reducing attributes, as well as optimal cement ratios. Through this research and future work, I plan to contribute to lowering carbon dioxide pollution.
Student: Breanna Polena
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Doris D’Souza
Project Title: Listeria monocytogenes: Survival of the Fittest!
Abstract: Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacterial pathogen, is linked to produce outbreaks. Furthering our understanding of the self-preservation behaviors of L. monocytogenes, the pathogenic strain, and L.innocua, the non-pathogenic strain, allows for the development of a more effective countermeasure against future outbreaks and economic losses in the fresh produce industry. Through determining Listeria survivability within dust in various storage conditions, this study simulates cold room and room temperature storage within ten days to determine the safest conditions to store potentially contaminated produce. In theory, this should reduce economic losses and better ensure food safety for consumers. Over the course of 10 days, Listeria containing dust was placed on steel plates to mimic industrial storage conditions at room temperature at lower relative humidity (RH) and within cold temperatures at a higher RH to grow. After the collection and quantification of Listeria present after the ten days, it was found that L. monocytogenesand L. innocua grow and replicate the slowest in colder temperatures and higher RH. From this, it can be concluded that fresh produce should be stored in lower temperatures and higher RH to slow down Listeria’s spread until it can be identified and contaminated produce disposed of. This will result in a significant reduction in the financial loss of companies and allow for more time for detection, further ensuring the safety of consumers.
Student: Ellie Pritchard
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rebecca A. Prosser
Project Title: Advancing Neurodegenerative Disease Research using Brain Slice Culture
Abstract: While a variety of cell culture methods are available, microfluidic devices offer many advantages. They enable better control of oxygen, nutrients, and stimuli delivered to tissue. Our objective was to implement a novel microfluidic device to study the effects of Aβ and Tau, proteins linked to Alzheimer’s Disease, on brain slices. To generate baseline data to compare with the microfluidic device data, we started running experiments using customary interface chambers. We prepared mouse brain slices containing either cortex or the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and anterior hypothalamus, incubating them for 12 hours with various concentrations of Aβ and/or Tau or standard nutrients. Slices were stained with propidium iodide (PI), which shows dead and damaged cells. Additionally, slices were stained with DAPI, which stains the genetic material of all cells in the sample. Fluorescent images were analyzed in ImageJ software to determine relative numbers of PI vs. DAPI stained cells in each region of interest (a measure of cell death/damage). We also used an LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) assay as a second measure of cell damage, as the amount of LDH released by cells is proportional to degree of plasma membrane damage. The results of the LDH assay showed significantly higher cell death in the SCN samples at Aβ 40 µM vs. control conditions. The corresponding image results will be completed soon.
Student: Skylar Sopko
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Sadie Hutson and Dr. Carrie Lingerfelt
Project Title: Correctional Nurses’ Perceptions of Substance Use Withdrawal Treatment for Pregnant Women in Jail in the South-Central Appalachia Region
Abstract: Incarceration among women in the United States (U.S.) is currently at unprecedentedly high rates, particularly for pregnant women experiencing substance abuse. Further, the South-Central Appalachian region is known to be disproportionately impacted by the opioid crisis. As such, the care of incarcerated, child-bearing aged-women experiencing substance use disorder is critical. Correctional nurses must know how to set aside their biases and provide appropriate care for these women and their unborn child. This qualitative study aimed to observe nurses’ perceptions and attitudes about the care of pregnant women in jails undergoing substance use withdrawal treatment with qualitative content analysis used to identify themes in the data. Overall, nurses found it difficult to care for women without judgment and believed that the best way to care for these women was with tough love. While nurses felt they were compassionate, they articulated a struggle regarding being benevolent without overstepping boundaries. The positive and negative perceptions and stigma of correctional nurses can potentially negatively impact patient care. Strategies must be identified to decrease biases and improve stigmas in this setting.