Eight students were selected to represent the University of Tennessee, Knoxville at the 2024 Posters at the Capitol event in Nashville.
Student: Alice Beavers
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Vermont Dia
Project Title: Analysis of Industrial Hemp Seed Heart Whey Proteins for Future Food and Health Applications
Abstract: Industrial hemp seed has found many applications in fiber, textile, medical, and food industries. Hempseed currently has many coproducts after the processes of oil extraction and protein isolation. The coproducts include hemp seed meal, hemp seed protein isolate, and hempseed supernatant post isolation, also known as hemp seed whey protein. The hemp seed whey protein is the coproduct used in this study, it has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-colon cancer properties. To analyze the industrial hemp seed hearts they were processed in a way that allowed us to change their pH and measure their protein content. Our results show that there is higher protein content in hemp seed whey protein when the pH is higher. These results support the use of hemp seed whey protein for use as a potential protein-based ingredient.
Student: Amelya Fox
Faculty Mentor:Dr. Colleen Crouch
Project Title: Examination of Male/Female Differences in Mouse Heart Attacks Using Advanced Ultrasound and Molecular Imaging
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide for both sexes. Heart attack, a common instance of CVD, occurs when the coronary artery is occluded, obstructing blood flow to the heart muscle. Healthy muscle cells are replaced by scar tissue, causing the tissue to become stiff and fibrous. The muscle remodels to compensate, undergoing ventricle expansion and wall thinning. This often leads to heart failure. Previous studies have found differences in heart attack processes and heart remodeling between males and females, but these differences are still poorly understood, leading to discrepancies between males and females in diagnosis and prognosis. In this study, we contribute to developing knowledge about the differences in heart attack and heart remodeling between males and females. We modeled a heart attack by tying off the coronary artery in male and female mice. After surgery, we imaged the left ventricle with 4D ultrasound, analyzing images to calculate metrics of cardiac function. We then performed molecular imaging on the cardiac tissue to examine differences at the molecular level. Preliminary results suggest that with similar survival rates and progression of heart remodeling, female mice underwent more drastic remodeling when compared to male mice.
Student: Narisa Naidoo
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rajan Lamichhane
Project Title: Probing Interactions Between A2AAR and CaM using Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
Abstract: G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of membrane proteins in the human genome with approximately 800 members. They are used to convert extracellular signals, such as neurotransmitters, hormones, and external stimuli, into cellular responses, which regulate physiological reactions. The A2A Adenosine Receptor (A2AAR) is a class A GPCR that is a therapeutic target for disorders such as; cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer. A2AAR is unique due to a disordered chain where a calcium-binding protein has been proposed to bind. This binding causes changes to the receptor structure that affect interactions of downstream signaling processes. We used the Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer technique in combination with single-molecule microscopy to study A2AAR and calcium-binding protein interactions in vitro. We observed periodic binding and unbinding between calcium-binding protein and full-length A2AAR, which is crucial to the formation of a signaling complex. Gaining a better understanding of how this complex forms will improve our insight into interactions between these proteins and their role in multiple disorders and diseases. This knowledge will help us develop drugs that will improve treatment options for people with A2AAR linked health conditions.
Student: Lillian Para
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elizabeth Derryberry
Project Title: Sizzling Strategies: Changes in Anti-Predator Defense in Tree Swallows Due to High Temperatures
Abstract:With global temperatures rising, a pressing concern is understanding how exposure to high temperatures alters survival and reproductive behaviors in tree swallows. Like many other organisms, most songbird species are shifting their ranges north in response to climate fluctuations. However, with the notable exception of tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) ranges shifting south, we ask how temperature affects their behaviors as they relate to nest defense from predators. We hypothesize that higher air temperatures will result in decreased defensive activity (including calls and behaviors) in response to a simulated nest predator due to heat stress. We used a repeated measures approach, running predator defense trials twice per nesting pair and opportunistically sampling on hotter and cooler days within the last week of incubation. Measures were taken both in the early (spring to early summer) and late (mid-summer to late-summer) breeding season, the latter having higher temperatures overall. We found that in the early season, as predicted some tree swallow defensive behaviors decreased with increased air temperature, however, this trend disappeared or reversed in the late season. These differences between early and late-season trials suggest adjustment to seasonal temperatures may affect nest defense. We anticipate this study provides a basis for future songbird defensive behavior studies.
Student: Jonathan Smith
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Mark Denavit
Project Title: Investigation of the Tensile Strength of Threaded Fasteners
Abstract: The design of threaded fasteners in connections must be accurate to ensure safety and efficiency, especially in critical structures like United States (US) Navy ships. These fasteners are used to hold together all components of a ship, from the hull to the beds in the crew quarters. Thought must be put into the material, coating, washers, and thread type, all while being able to continually function as required. The US Navy uses FED-STD-H28-2B to design fasteners. Fastener manufacturing has evolved as improved and more varied materials are discovered, and thus the equations the Navy use to understand efficacy are outdated. Our study is part of a larger project on fastener design for tensile loads and analyzes the equations found in FED-STD-H28-2B, Machinery’s Handbook 29th Edition, and the Analysis and Design of Threaded Assemblies by E.M. Alexander. The equations for the cross sectional area and rough external area were reverse-engineered, making the equations easier to understand. Then, visualizations of the results were developed to quantify the variation with geometric and material properties of the fastener and in preparation for evaluation of experimental results. This work has shown that the equations are based on simple assumptions of the behavior of threaded fasteners and identified differences between equations has guided ongoing research. These results will help US Naval engineers and engineers around the world. By ensuring threaded fasteners are designed properly, engineers can design better ships and buildings.
Student: Samuel Tremaine
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Carl E. Sams
Project Title: Effect of Kale Variety on Yield and Nutrient Concentration when Grown in a Soilless System
Abstract: The objective of this experiment was to determine the growth potential and nutrient concentrations of twelve varieties of Kale, when grown in a soilless greenhouse system, and assess which variety, if any, is the most favorable in terms of yield and nutrition. Varieties grown are common field production varieties, and this study hopes to provide knowledge to growers who wish to transition these varieties to soilless production systems. Four replications of six plants per variety were grown in a greenhouse using a soilless growing system. Plant size (width, height, leaf number, weight) and nutrient levels were measured at harvest. The variety ‘White Russian’ had the greatest average height and fresh weight at harvest. ‘Oldenbor ’, a variety of kale, had the greatest leaf number at transplant and harvest. Some significant differences were found in concentrations of important nutrients: N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, Cu, B, Zn. Results demonstrate that variety has a measurable effect on the yield and mineral nutrient content of kale grown in a soilless growing system.
Student: Harrison Wade
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Rebecca Prosser
Project Title: A Novel Microfluidic Device for Brain Slice Culture
Abstract: Microfluidic devices, often referred to as organ-on-chip technologies, are used to investigate tissue that have been removed from an organism while keeping normal functioning and needs met. Most of these devices have a continuous flow of liquid nutrients (media); however, we are testing a novel device that supplies media via alternating droplets and oxygen bubbles. We have shown previously that this keeps brain tissue healthy for 8-10 hrs. With our redesigned device, we are currently testing increased media droplet pause times. These longer pauses allow for more things of interest to release into the media, thus, easier to recognize, while maintaining tissue health. Right now, we are measuring enzymes to the difference in damage vs. healthy cells. We are also utilizing methods for real-time analysis and quantifying the percentage of cell death and damage occurring to the tissue to confirm our results. Our goal is to utilize this device to investigate biological markers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD), on brain tissue. By determining the early effects of these proteins on intact brain tissue, we hope to identify the starting point of AD before symptoms arise, and test treatments that can prevent AD from developing.
Student: Summitt Wright
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Aaron Smith
Project Title: Analysis of Non-Perishable Crops for the Next Farm Bill
Abstract: One of the most impactful pieces of legislation in the United States is the Farm Bill. The Farm Bill is negotiated approximately every five years. This legislation determines funding for agricultural, forestry, and nutrition programs administered by the United State Department of Agriculture. The four largest areas of focus within the Farm Bill are nutrition, conservation, crop insurance, and commodities. Within these areas are necessary programs that ensure the protection of natural resources, provide a safety net for farmers, and secures access to food and nutrition programs, reaching into every social and economic group. The current Farm Bill expired September 30, 2023, and an extension to September 30, 2024, was recently passed. This research project focuses on the impact changes to the agricultural risk coverage (ARC) and price loss coverage (PLC) programs would have on direct payments to farmers in Tennessee. Our research project conducts a systematic analysis of base acres, production costs, and reference prices to estimate payments to Tennessee producers over the next five years. Understanding the impact of program changes on Tennessee agriculture is paramount to maintaining rural prosperity. Initial results indicate that Tennessee farmers would benefit from an update to base acres and an increase in the reference prices for covered commodities. An increase in reference prices of 20% compared to statutory reference prices in the 2018 Farm Bill would be proportional to cover the increased cost of production.