Celebration of Learning 2023 Oral Presentations III

Presented by Henry Webb; advisor Dr. Nathan Frank
Physics, Engineering and Astronomy
Old Main 223 (Session Room C)

A neutron-unbound state of an isotope is an energy state which decays immediately upon formation by emitting a neutron. The study of these states requires measuring the decay products, mainly charged fragments and neutrons. Additionally, if the charged fragment is in a bound excited state, gamma rays may also be measured. The MoNA collaboration, a research collaboration based out of Michigan State University, recently ran an experiment to determine if gamma rays are emitted by the decay of 13Be. The energy of this isotope was reconstructed by using a variety of detectors to measure the energies of the charged fragments, neutrons, and gamma rays resulting from all the reactions and decays. Because it was difficult, if not impossible, to narrow down the incoming beam of nuclei to just the desired 14Be, a couple secondary beams were available in the experiment - 11Li and 15B. A reconstruction of 10Li neutron-unbound states produced by neutron knockout with the 11Li beam was used as a test of this experimental setup. The comparison of this data with prior experimental results will be presented, along with in-progress work towards a similar reconstruction of the 13Be neutron-unbound state.

Presented by Jared Reiling; advisor Dr. Andrew Sward
Mathematics and Computer Science
Old Main 223 (Session Room C)

Machine Learning: innovating and optimizing industries including medicine, logistics, natural sciences, finance, computer science, artificial intelligence development, etc. How does machine learning work? In this presentation, Jared Reiling will discuss the linear algebra involved with these models and how mathematics is critical for understanding and implementing these powerful data analyzers. 

Presented by Anubhav Rayamajhi; advisor Dr. Andrew Sward
Mathematics and Computer Science
Old Main 223 (Session Room C)

We attempt to solve a specific class of Integer-LP problems that contain two constraints and two variables with a maximizing objective function. In general, these kinds of problems can have many constraints and multiple variables. Our approach was to feed into a neural network a set of data sets of solved ILP problems that were generated and form a model that could accurately predict the values of the two variables for any given problem. I will talk about this process and connect it to how the randomness of the data sets fits with the neural network. I will show some conclusions and the extent to which we reached our goal.

Presented by Chi Bich Vu; advisor Dr. Heidi Storl
Texas Medical Center
Old Main 117 (Session Room E)

Background: De-escalating surveillance testing by dropping biopsies or spacing out testing for prostate cancer progression will personalize care and optimize treatment outcomes. However, the lack of communications and educational information about prostate cancer diminishes the quality of cancer care, which could result in overtreatment and over-testing for low-risk prostate cancer patients.

Objective: To understand patients' and providers' communication about de-escalating testing for low-risk prostate cancer.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study recruiting patients from the MD Anderson Cancer Center and clinicians in the U.S. Eligible patients were men with localized prostate cancer, on active surveillance for at least 1 year, ≥65 years of age, had no evidence of disease progression, and spoke English. Eligible clinicians were ≥18 years of age, spoke English, and worked with patients with prostate cancer. After-consent patients and clinicians completed a survey about clinicians' approaches and patients' understanding of what is involved in low-risk prostate cancer. Means, medians, proportions, and ranges for the survey items were calculated. Stata was used for analysis.

Results: Patients and clinicians agreed on effective communication about the fact that patients had low-risk prostate cancer and they were unlikely to die from it. Most clinicians (84.62%) communicated that those patients would have testing for their prostate cancer, and 56% of clinicians told patients their prostate cancer did not need any treatment at this time. However, patients still had an unclear picture of what the future may hold for their treatment. Some clinicians never (7.69%) or rarely (34.62%) handed out educational materials to patients."

Presented by Lindsey Edwards; advisor Dr. Heidi Storl
Texas Medical Center
Old Main 117 (Session Room E)

During anesthesia rodents are susceptible to heat loss due to suppression of thermoregulatory processes which is further compounded by a high surface area to body mass ratio. Hypothermia may occur during recovery, even if appropriate thermal support is maintained during anesthesia, which can lead to increased clinical consequences and data variability.  Within our institution a wide variety of heat sources are used for the purposes of warming rodent recovery cages including items that have the potential for high heat or uneven heat distribution. The main purpose of this study was to identify a cost-effective recommendation for providing supplemental heat to rodent cages and establish if thermal burns are a potential complication when using common methods of supplemental heat support. This study utilized HOBO data loggers, infrared laser thermometer, and heat imaging software to examine the heat distribution across multiple cage recovery setups.  Conditions assessed included effectiveness of an electric heating pad or a circulating hot-water blanket, influence of surface material inside cages, and placement of cage to create heat gradients.  The results of this project will allow us to establish internal guidelines on various heat sources used for warming rodent recovery cages.

Presented by Linh Nguyen; advisors Dr. Jamie Anastas, Dr. Heidi Storl
Texas Medical Center
Old Main 117 (Session Room E)

Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is an aggressive pediatric brain tumor with no effective therapies despite numerous clinical trials. Since most DIPG tumors harbor histone mutations, this suggests that epigenetic regulation may be a vulnerability of this cancer type. Previous studies found that inhibition of the chromatin regulators histone deacetylases (HDACs) reduces DIPG growth. On the other hand, chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) cell therapies in DIPG cases are showing promising results in the clinic, but variable antigen expression between DIPG tumors may reduce the efficacy of this therapy. The overall goals of my project were to examine the downstream effects of HDACs inhibitors and novel CAR-T antigen expression as a basis for combining epigenetic and immunotherapy for DIPG.

Presented by Margaret Lukas; advisors Dr. Moran Amit, Dr. Tongxin Xie, Dr. Heidi Storl
Texas Medical Center
Old Main 117 (Session Room E)

Tumor-infiltrating nerves regulate the tumor microenvironment and crosstalk between cancer and the neurons promotes tumorigenesis (1). Tumor-derived extracellular vesicles increase neurite outgrowth (1,4). Sympathetic nervous system activity suppresses the immune system, leading to tumor growth (3,4). Immunotherapy using the PD1 antibody has successfully treated head and neck cancer (2). The goal of this project is to ascertain the effects of PD1 antibody treatment on neurite outgrowth and the effect of cancer cells on neurogenesis. Our data indicate that the PD1 antibody inhibits neurite outgrowth and cancer cells protect neurogenesis from the treatment of the PD1 antibody. Trigeminal neurons (TGs) were harvested from mice. The TG cells were treated with PD1 antibody (Cemiplimab) with or without co-culture of mouse head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line Moc.1. The NeuroTrack software on the Incucyte ® Live-Cell Analysis System was used for real-time, kinetic measurement of neurite growth. A series of scans were taken every six hours for approximately 7 days allowing us to visualize the growth of neurites in real time. Infection using 5ul red lentivirus was optimal for infection and visualization of neurites. Neurite outgrowth was the highest in the cancer cell coculture condition. Neurite outgrowth was reduced in the presence of the PD1 antibody. However, neurogenesis induced by cancer cells was protected even with the addition of the antibody. Our results revealed that the PD1 antibody inhibits neurite outgrowth and cancer cells protect neurogenesis from treatment with the PD1 antibody, highlighting the important role of neurons in the tumor immuno-microenvironment and identifying neurons as new targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Presented by Mary Clare Koebel; advisor Dr. Heidi Storl
Texas Medical Center
Old Main 117 (Session Room E)

Individuals with undiagnosed diseases are often affected by genetic variants with unexplored effects resulting in a clinically incomplete or nonexistent diagnosis. Pathogenic variants in the EBF3 gene were found to cause a neurodevelopmental disorder, Hypotonia, Ataxia, and Delayed development syndrome (HADDS). We hypothesize that by using human phenotypic and animal model data, we will refine the understanding of disease-causing mechanisms of genetic neurodevelopmental disorders. To further the understanding of both previously studied genetic mutation outcomes of EBF3, the disease-causing genetic variations of PAK1, as well as the novel gene PPFIA2, I investigated their expression in various modalities. I interpreted mice model data for the impact of the EBF3 mutation on sociability, fear acquisition, and visual-spatial learning using data acquired from behavior assays such as partition tests, conditioned fear tests, and the Morris water maze. While I am blinded, current results show that the EBF3 gene is imperative to neurodevelopment and animal models may accurately reflect human phenotypes concluded through differences between wild-type and transgenic mice. Utilizing fruit fly models, we are currently investigating if PPFIA2 gene variants are pathogenic using the UAS/GAL4 system to study gene expression of the wild-type and human variants. We expect strong expression of the human PPFIA2 variant within the fruit fly neurons. I analyzed the clinical features of patients with PAK1 mutations that exhibit neurodevelopmental differences to identify trends and similarities. Using both animal models and observed human effects we will add to the body of knowledge regarding genes critical for the proper growth and development of the nervous system.

Presented by Kylie Jozwik; advisor Dr. Heidi Storl
Texas Medical Center
Old Main 117 (Session Room E)

Soft tissue sarcomas represent 7% of childhood cancers. Pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common childhood soft tissue sarcoma, but its genetic risk factors remain poorly defined. However, recent large-scale studies of pediatric cancer, including a study of RMS from our group, have revealed potential associations between germline mutations in the BRCA pathway and the development of childhood cancer. PALB2, partner and localizer of BRCA2, is a tumor suppressor gene involved in DNA replication stability and repair that has known associations to the formation of adult breast cancer. Oftentimes, persons born with one germline mutation in PALB2 or BRCA2 undergo a second somatic mutation which leads to the formation of cancer. However, children with just one germline mutation in BRCA2 are directly developing pediatric cancers without a second hit. It is unclear if PALB2 follows this similar mutational pattern in pediatric cancers. To determine if one functional copy of PALB2 increases childrens' predisposition to cancers including RMS, the CRISPR Cas9 gene editing system was employed to model heterozygous and homozygous loss of function mutations in the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) that underlie RMS. I found that a sgRNA that targets exon 5 of PALB2 induced appropriate frameshift mutations in a pool of MSC that can create the heterozygous and homozygous mutations we desire to test. Future experiments will utilize single cell cloning to create these exact genotypes that will be assessed in functional assays to determine the model cells' ability to perform replication site stability and homologous repair which helps prevent the formation of cancer. This work will contribute to the evaluation of genes, providing new insights into the mechanisms of childhood cancers.

Presented by Kathryn Benshish; advisor Dr. Paul Croll
Sociology and Anthropology
Old Main 132 (Session Room G)

In recent years, there has been a growing group of individuals who criticize the use of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy and its use on autistic individuals. This is significant given that ABA therapy is the most widely used intervention for autistic people in the US, while most of its critics are the people who actually experience it: autistic people. My research aims to address these research questions: What is ABA therapy? What are the arguments for and against it? Who are the supporters and denouncers of ABA therapy? Lastly, what should be done with ABA therapy in the future - should it go away like the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, or can it somehow be adapted? It is important to mention that a significant part of my research will be informed by autistic people and their thoughts and experiences. As someone who is not autistic, I believe that the solution to the controversy surrounding ABA and its use on autistic people lies in listening to the people it affects, which is autistic individuals. In the end, I will discuss further implications for research and alternative methods to ABA therapy with autistic people.

Presented by Madeleine Lange; advisor Dr. Paul Croll
Sociology and Anthropology
Old Main 132 (Session Room G)

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between blue collar minorities and their white counterparts in rural areas of the American Midwest. The rural life experience as a blue collar minority worker is a unique one, and should be given adequate attention and consideration. The Midwestern model minority is one who is systematically taken advantage of due to a lack of ethnic cultural connections and lack of specialized social welfare programs, and have been shown to be the poorest demographic in America. Yet these blue collar workers are socially perceived to be the embodiment of the American dream: no matter one's skin color, background and history, or social belonging, if one works hard and participates in traditional American heartland culture they can achieve social and economic success. Due to this cognitive dissonance and the social and economic realities faced by rural minorities, I believe this group to also be exploited by their model minority status in their homogenization. The untrue perception of these groups to be on similar economic footing as their rural white counterparts does them a disservice in recognizing their unique individual struggles and ignores the complexity surrounding different sociological ideas in this region. Ultimately, this study suggests that race functions differently in small, rural towns than it does in larger urban areas.

Presented by Zoe Paterson; advisor Dr. Paul Croll
Sociology and Anthropology
Old Main 132 (Session Room G)

For my research topic this semester I want to look into what rehabilitation programs in prisons are best fit for certain groups and how different programs can show more progress in certain areas. Specifically I want to look at men, women, and the transgender community and I want to look at rural and urban areas. I want to learn what can be most effective, and how different programs can help people in the biggest way. I hope to understand how the recidivism late in prisons can be lowered just by implementing different programs. I want to answer what programs are in place at the majority of prisons, what programs have been most influential, and what programs can be created or utilized in more prisons.

For this project I will be collecting information from library sources. I will be looking for information that includes data to find out the effectiveness of programs, as well as information on prisons in urban and rural areas and how they differ. I will also be looking to find information on how men, women, and those who are transgender can be treated differently in prisons, and how different opportunities can be available for one group over the other. And I am hoping to find data on how programs can affect each group in different ways, and what programs would be best to utilize in prisons.

Presented by Quinn Fabish; advisor Dr. Paul Croll
Sociology and Anthropology
Old Main 132 (Session Room G)

The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) has been under intense scrutiny recently. ICWA is a landmark federal law that endeavors to protect Native American children, their cultural heritage, and their tribes. Challenges regarding its constitutionality have been raised and ICWA is under threat of being overturned by the Supreme Court. This decision will have wide-reaching consequences and affect many lives. This current issue is just one of many actions that serve to create an erasure of Native Americans in both history and in our society. Frequently, Native American erasure and the repercussions are generally swept under the rug. I will illustrate the importance of recognizing the impacts of settler-colonialism on the indigenous people of North America, specifically Native Americans, using a historical anthropological approach. Discussions regarding Native American erasure are critical as it is an issue prevalent today and one that is rooted in the founding of the United States and its government.