COSS 2023 – Poster Session 1

P01. “Ethics and Diversity in Data Science”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Oriana Penaloza Ortega

Mentored by: Dr. Gregory Tanner

”Abstract”

The technological industry has long faced issues of diversity and representation, deterring many individuals from pursuing careers in the field. To address this problem, this research aims to investigate the integration of ethics and diversity into the Concordia DATA curriculum, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of these crucial issues. By utilizing real-life data and highlighting pertinent issues related to gender and racial discrimination, this research facilitated the creation of two compelling case studies, providing students with the opportunity to analyze and manipulate data. The ultimate goal of this research is to equip future Concordia students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address issues of diversity and ethics in the technological industry.

P02. “Connecting through Games: an Ethnography of Replay Games”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Dean Rothstein

Mentored by: Dr. Karla Knutson

”Abstract”

Connection in the Fargo-Moorhead community is something that is highly valued especially following the isolation of lockdown. Replay Games is a modern video and board game arcade located in downtown Fargo. Replay Games facilitates connections between people of all ages and the community. I will be researching the community by taking notes on the people I see there as well as conducting interviews with the owners and some customers who are part of the events Replay Games hosts. The results I expect are that the many events Replay Games as well as their family friendliness will show through observation that what they have to offer brings the community together.

P03. “Ethnography of the Fargo Public Library”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Darby Hannan

Mentored by: Dr. Karla Knutson

”Abstract”

Ethnography is a type of research that is done by immersing oneself in a community or organization to observe the behavior and interactions of the people in that community, and then is ultimately a written report after the research is completed. I have been working on developing an ethnography about the Fargo Public Library which has involved doing research sessions, about once every week for two hours. These research sessions have included participant observation which is further broken down into writing jottings of my observations that are then developed into more in-depth fieldnotes including interviews and commentary. With this type of ongoing research, a conclusion will be presented by the time of presentation and is one that will require more time and development. However, with what I have observed so far, I hypothesize that the library ultimately serves as a space for the discovery or access to necessary information and knowledge by a diverse demographic. This lends itself to the implications and importance of my research in that the library is a longstanding organization in the Fargo community that provides a public space for all types of people to complete such discovery and obtaining of information. The research has given me the opportunity to immerse myself in the library community that is such a large part of the larger Fargo-Moorhead area that I live in.

P04. “Engagement, Compliance, or Chaos: Classroom Management In Elementary Schools”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Elsie Hatlevig

Mentored by: Dr. Teri Langlie

”Abstract”

Classroom management is crucial to establishing an effective learning environment in the classroom setting. Teachers have differing teaching philosophies as well as different classroom management strategies. This study examines diverse ways teachers in different school districts in Minnesota apply their classroom management strategies and their effectiveness. Interviews and observations will be conducted with teachers to see which strategies work best for them and their students. This project is relevant to future educators who are unsure of effective classroom management strategies or are striving to determine classroom management practices for their own teaching. The data identified multiple strategies and philosophies of classroom management.

P05. “Teaching Assistant at Oracle Chamber Music Festival”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Brigham Drevlow, Micah Christensen

Mentored by: Dr. Greg Hamilton

”Abstract”

The framework of our scholarship was to investigate how to best address teaching practices at an intercollegiate level. Throughout our research we instructed lessons, assisted and studied professionals’ instruction methods, and determined quality methods within lesson material. This culminated into a public performance of our students. In addition, we showcased our own work with other teaching assistants in a faculty concert.

P06. “Not One Less”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Alyssa Erickson

Mentored by: Dr. Fanny Roncal Ramirez

”Abstract”

Women’s rights in Latin America are very bad. There is a lot of violence against women. “Ni Una Menos” is the movement for women’s rights, it began when a pregnant girl was murdered in Argentina. The girl was 14 years old. Her death was the limit for many women in Argentina. Thousands of women went to the streets and protested with banners saying “Not One Less”. This protest in Argentina pushed many women in Latin America to defend their rights against violence. Now the movement is used all over the world and for many women’s rights protests.

P07. “Using Emotional Framing to Promote Pro-Environmental Behaviors Across the Life-Span”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Hailey Puppe, Kelly Pudwill

Mentored by: Dr. Philip Lemaster

”Abstract”

In this study, we sought to examine how people, particularly older individuals, could be motivated to engage in more pro-environmental behaviors by framing climate-change information in a way that elicits positive or negative emotions. Participants were recruited through Mechanical Turk and asked to complete a survey that randomly assigned them to a positive or negative frame. Participants first answered basic demographic questions, then were asked to read information from the EPA about the impacts of climate change in their local area. After reading that material, participants randomly assigned to the positive frame were instructed that “by taking action, you could reduce these negative effects of climate change.” Participants randomly assigned to the negative frame were instructed that “by not taking action, you could worsen these negative effects of climate change.” Previous research has found these frames to elicit a sense of hope and fear, respectively. After reading this information, participants then answered questions about how likely they were to participate in pro-environmental behaviors, how likely they would be to endorse pro-environmental public policy, and how great of a risk they saw climate change to be. We compared the means of these variables by frame, age (under age 40 vs. over age 55), and age by frame. We found that for people over age 55, the negative frame produced more willingness to engage in pro-environmental behaviors compared to the positive frame. For people under age 40, there was no significant effect of frame on willingness to engage in pro-environmental behaviors. These results suggest that, to catalyze older populations toward action, climate-change information could be framed in a way that elicits a negative emotional reaction.

P08. “Can Color Redundancy Cues Present in a Visual Working Memory Array be Ignored?”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Nelson Weniger, Anh Pham

Mentored by: Dr. Dwight Peterson

”Abstract”

Visual working memory (VWM) is a vital cognitive process allowing short-term storage of visual information but is limited to processing only 3-4 items simultaneously. This limit can be increased through the use of low-level visual grouping cues. A number of grouping cues, such as color redundancy, have been shown to improve VWM performance (Li et al., 2018). Recent findings suggest that grouping cues can also be used to aid in the ignoring of objects (Prieto et al., 2022). Participants were asked to ignore the grouped stimuli (set size 6) when they appeared while performing VWM tasks. They found that when objects were grouped there appeared to be an overall improvement in the VWM tasks (Prieto et al., 2022). However, the study lacked a crucial comparison of set size making it difficult to tell if the effect was due solely to the grouping cue. The goal of the current study is to replicate and extend these results using a factorial design with factors of; set size (4, 6) and grouping cue (present, absent). If participants are able to ignore the grouped stimuli, then performance in the 6-item-grouped condition should be the same as performance in the 4-item-ungrouped condition. Preliminary results suggest that performance in the 6-item-grouped condition is between that of performance in the 6-item-ungrouped and 4-item-ungrouped conditions. This suggests that participants are able to ignore the grouped stimuli, but at a cost to VWM performance.

P09. “The Role of Grouping via Spatial Regularities in Item-Item Binding in Visual Working Memory”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Anh Pham, Nelson Weniger

Mentored by: Dr. Dwight Peterson

”Abstract”

Visual working memory (VWM) stores visual representations relevant to everyday tasks. Given that VWM is capacity limited but vital for overall cognition, the VWM system has been studied extensively (Luck & Vogel, 2013). Therefore, one of the goals for research related to VWM is attempting to improve capacity using principles of perceptual organization. Using basic visual features and objects, a wealth of research has shown that Gestalt grouping principles can improve performances (Li et al., 2018). Moreover, other findings suggest that grouping cues, such as spatial regularity between objects, can be applied to more complex real-world objects as well (Kaiser et al., 2015). Having successfully replicated the findings of Kaiser et al. (2015), the goal of the current study was to determine whether spatial regularity can facilitate item-item binding between objects stored in VWM. Participants performed a change detection task with two memory test conditions (single-item, item-item binding) for object pairs which were organized in a spatially regular (e.g., a fan appearing above a sofa) or spatially irregular (e.g., a sofa appearing above a fan) fashion. Overall, the current data set indicates that the spatial regularity grouping cue does not have the benefit on VWM performance under both memory test conditions.

P10. “Light and Noise Pollution Related to Property Value and Environmental Justice in Fargo, North Dakota”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Parker Delorme

Mentored by: Dr. Jennifer Sweatman

”Abstract”

Urbanization has caused many changes, both positive and negative, to human life and the wildlife around us. One of the negative changes to life on the planet is pollution, which can come in many forms. The resulting effects of pollution are often disproportionately cast onto people of low-income areas or people from racial and ethnic minority groups. In this study, light and noise pollution are being studied in Fargo, North Dakota to determine if the levels of pollution have a correlation with property value. It is crucial to study these pollutants because high levels of noise and light pollution can have varying effects on both humans and animals. Human exposure can affect sleeping patterns and mood, while animals may be faced with changes in communication methods and other behavioral changes. To determine the pollution levels, 20 test sites of varying average property value were chosen across Fargo. Each site will be tested for noise level and light level between March 6th and March 20th, 2023. It is hypothesized that the study will reveal a positive correlation between noise and light pollution and property value of the surrounding neighborhood.

P11. “El compromiso con el Red River/Recreation on the Red River”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Anna Kronbeck

Mentored by: Dr. Alexander Aldrich

”Abstract”

Like many major cities, Fargo-Moorhead has a river, the Red River, that runs through it. There are many recreational opportunities that come with a local river, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, and wildlife viewing. However, our two cities do not foster enough efforts for education about waterway benefits and health, so many people in our city do not know what opportunities exist to interact with the river or know why the river is such a crucial factor in the living of our daily live. Recreational advancements not only bring joy and entertainment to the community it exists in, but it also assists the health and vitality of the river. Through commitment to the river, the environmental quality of our waterways is improved as more people care about them. Through this research and consultant with experts, it has been found that we must do more to preserve the Red River, as the river provides so much for our health, environmental wellbeing, and grounds our community.

P12. “Gaining an Understanding of Soil Salinization and its Impacts on Leafy Vegetables and MN/ND Farmers”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Sophie Schaumann, Priscilla Nyamekye

Mentored by: Dr. Jennifer Sweatman

”Abstract”

Soil salinization is one of the harshest environmental factors limiting the productivity of crop plants around the globe. Increased soil salinity is caused by various land use practices, high water tables, and climate change. The negative effect salt has on plant growth has far-reaching effects on humanity: threatening food security, socio-economics, and livelihoods. This study aims to understand how soil salinity affects plant growth, and how soil salinity affects farmers in Minnesota and North Dakota. Spinach (N=20) and kale (N=20) seeds were planted in individual containers and randomly assigned to a corresponding salt concentration with which they would be treated (0%, 1%, 2%, and 4% NaCl). Samples were watered biweekly with 50 ml of their assigned solution, and plant length and width were measured weekly. After four weeks, plants were removed from the soil and their root length and complete plant length were measured. Moving forward, regression analyses on JMP Pro 16 will take place to make necessary comparisons and note significant results. We anticipate that an increasing amount of salt concentration in the soil will correlate with a decrease or suppression of plant growth. By interviewing local farmers to see how prevalent soil salinity is and how it affects their livelihoods, we will gain a greater understanding of the problem. This will allow us to connect our research results to the real-world experiences of those affected. It is imperative to learn how soil salinization affects crops and human lives to better understand how to solve the issue.

P13. “Summer DNR Park Operations Internship at Maplewood State Park”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Amelia Landsverk

Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Whittaker

”Abstract”

During the summer of 2022, I worked in the Park Operations Internship position for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). In this presentation, I’m going to go over my role as an intern and the kind of work that I participated in at Maplewood State Park. I also conducted visitor surveys at various other Minnesota state parks in the region. This work was done to collect demographic data about who is visiting state parks in the state and to gauge improvements that could be made in terms of visitor satisfaction. I hope to convey information about what it’s like to work with the DNR and shed some light on any disparities that could be seen in the system.

P14. “USDA Sunflower Research Internship”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Landon Johnson

Mentored by: Dr. Mallorie Taylor-Teeples

”Abstract”

I will present what I did and what I am currently doing for my Internship with USDA Sunflower genetic lab. On the poster, I plan to showcase the main projects I worked on and how I contributed to the research going on there. some of the projects I helped with were Cross techniques in sunflowers, finding traits for consumers who want to grow sunflowers, and introducing a wild population to search for new traits and select for those specific traits in a new line. I share this in hopes to shed light on more options to gain experience in the biology field in the local area, in a field that isn’t talked about or explored on campus.

P15. “Museum Responses to Climate Change”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Kayla Adamek

Mentored by: Dr. Susan Lee

”Abstract”

The U.S. and the world over have been slow to respond to climate change. Many factors contribute to this response, including cultural norms and practices rooted in histories of consumption and exploitation of resources. Given that museums occupy a unique position at the intersection of institution and community, they must use their power to influence cultural norms and practices to address the existential threat of climate change. This study undertook a review of museum studies literature and case studies of a select group of American museums with the objective of finding strategies for museums to address this threat. Museums studied had a publicly available strategic plan or publicized efforts in increasing sustainability. Two natural history/science museums and two art museums were included as case studies. Literature indicated that neutrality and relevancy posed challenges to addressing climate change effectively. Strategies implemented by case study museums included green building practices, implementation of environmental exhibitions and programming, divestment, and changing values or mission statements. Less literature was available on art museums and history institutions addressing climate change or sustainability and may indicate an area for further research.

P16. “Insect Galls and Goldenrod Growth”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Daniel Pambbu, Naomi Gebru, Miah Sandvik

Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Whittaker

”Abstract”

The biomass of plants is important and forms the base of all energy pyramids, and food chains thus playing a crucial role in supporting existing ecosystems. Insect galls are abnormal growths of plant tissues produced by a stimulus external to the plant itself. By conducting this experiment, it would let us be aware of any difference in the goldenrod’s growth and if the goldenrod is trading off any energy and resources to be able to grow the insect galls. We have a null hypothesis that goldenrod growth patterns do not differ between areas above and below insect galls. Two alternative hypotheses will be tested. The first states that goldenrod growth is reduced in areas above insect galls when compared to areas below galls and corresponding areas on non-galled individuals, while the second states the opposite. We selected two sites to collect our samples from, choosing fifteen pairs of giant goldenrods which we collected within a 30 cm radius. We recorded the length above, and below the gall and the corresponding gall length on the goldenrod without insect galls. We dried the samples for a week and recorded biomass for each pair of goldenrods. Lastly, used a t-test and chi-square for data analysis. As for our results, we are not able to reject the null hypothesis, it could imply that galls somehow don’t detract from the plant’s allocation of resources or the areas we did not examine like the roots may have an impact.

P17. “Influence of Burning and Grazing on Small Mammal Communities Living on Remnant and Restored Prairies”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Maia Lieske, Amber Eken, Lily Haasser

Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Whittaker

”Abstract”

In Minnesota, few prairies have survived European colonization and agricultural development. These remnant prairies are scattered and fragmented, interfering with the natural upkeep of the

ecosystem. Recently, certain private and academic organizations have attempted to restore native prairie using management techniques such as controlled burning and grazing, but there is little research about their effectiveness, particularly in reference to small mammals. Using small mammals as an indicator, we hope to observe the efficacy of the current management techniques on prairie health and success of restoration. The purpose of this research is to monitor small mammal populations, diversity, and species richness in restored prairies that have implemented management techniques in comparison to remnant prairies. By comparing these sites, we can observe the effectiveness of prairie management techniques and hopefully observe an increase in small mammal populations, richness, and diversity on restored prairies that approximates those seen on remnant prairies. Collecting data at remnant and restored prairies in northwestern Minnesota has enabled us to observe the differences in mammal species richness, evenness, and diversity. We marked grids at each prairie site, establishing live-trapping grids with 40-50 trap stations. When small mammals are captured, we identify the species, sex, and mass of each animal before marking and releasing them. Since the initiation of the project in 2012, we have observed an increase in small mammal populations in the restored prairies that is approaching the levels observed in remnant prairies. This suggests that the current management techniques are successful. We hope to gather more information about the success of burning compared to grazing, as well as optimal time rotation between implementations of these techniques.

P18. “A Comparison of Available Cones and Cones Cached by American Red Squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) on an Urban College Campus.”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Maia Lieske, Glory Godwin Lekashu, Jenna Stilwell, Kaylee Koski, Sonja Gilje

Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Whittaker

”Abstract”

American red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) area widely distributed species or tree squirrel, most often associated with coniferous forest. Red squirrels are also able to adapt well to urban environments, including the Concordia College campus, in Moorhead, MN. On our campus they share their habitat with eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus). Unlike these two species, red squirrels are known to be highly territorial and build and defend a conspicuous cache or larder. These caches are built during late summer and into fall and provide sustenance for the red squirrel’s survival during the harsh winter. We hypothesized that red squirrels would conform to the predictions of optimal foraging theory in their selection of which cones to cache, with squirrels opting to maximize the energy gained from cones and rejecting cones that did not provide either the nutritional benefit or were to expensive to collect or consume. Building on previous undergraduate research projects, we pooled data from those projects and compared cone measurement data from red squirrel caches and measured cones on several confers nearby these caches to gain a better understanding of cone availability and squirrel cone collection. The pooled results, including previous data and the data we collected, show a significant difference in the size of cones found in red squirrel caches and those available in the trees adjacent to the caches. The smaller cones found in caches may indicate they easier to handle for the energy contained within their seeds. Thus, our analysis indicates that squirrels are not collecting cones at random and are likely employing aspects of optimal foraging theory with cones that are being cached.

P19. “A Comparison of Microplastic Content in the Gastrointestinal Tracts versus Feces of Urban and Rural Tree and Ground Squirrels (Sciuridae)”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Alissa Edjacin, Alexa Smith

Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Whittaker, Dr. Jennifer Sweatman

”Abstract”

Anthropogenic plastic pollution threatens both human and ecosystem health. Plastic waste can be directly consumed by wildlife or broken down into microplastics (MPs, <5mm) that pollute the water, air, and soil. Microplastics are emerging as a threat to several biomes, with marine ecosystems being the most thoroughly studied to date. Less is known about the prevalence and environmental impact of MPs on the terrestrial environment. Previous lab studies have observed MP distribution and accumulation in mammalian liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) samples. The prevalence of MPs is becoming increasingly recognized as a threat to public health and environmental conservation. The purpose of this study seeks to determine if the feeding behavior of the mammals influences the number of MPs existing in the GIT, using feces as a representative subset for the GITs of living squirrels. We hypothesize that all specimens sampled will contain MPs and that urban-dwelling squirrels will contain a greater number of MPs than rural squirrels. We also hypothesize that there will not be a significant difference between the number of MPs in gray squirrels versus red squirrels. Specimens were obtained as salvages or incidental mortalities. All GIT organs were collected and frozen until the time of tissue digestion. Existing feces was collected from the bodies and the rectum of salvaged squirrels, and collected from living squirrels. Feces was frozen until the time of digestion. Each sample was chemically digested using a 10% KOH solution. Samples were vacuum filtered and examined using a dissection microscope. For standardization, we will calculate the number of MPs per gram (g-1) organ mass, or feces mass. We will be presenting preliminary results.

P20. “Comparison of the Microbiomes of Urban and Rural Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and Eastern Fox Squirrels (S. niger)”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Rhaegan Kiland, Grace Ivesdal, Andie Kassenborg, Kylie Mitchell Lipetzky

Mentored by: Dr. Joseph C. Whittaker, Harshana De Silva Feelixge, Dr. John Flaspohler

”Abstract”

A microbiome consists of a diverse array of microorganisms living within a host organism. The microbiome in animal gastrointestinal tracts is associated with digestion, metabolism, immunity, and processes related to development and behavior. Composition and diversity of the gut microbiome is associated with diet. Previous research found that organisms with a strictly plant-based diet have more diverse gut microbiota, as opposed to those who include meat in their diet. Due to the expected differences in diets among rural and urban squirrels, we expect to find consistent differences in their microbial biomes. Our goal in this project is to identify the types of bacteria in the ceca of Eastern Gray (Sciurus carolinensis) and Eastern Fox Squirrels (S. niger) who live on or around Concordia College in Moorhead, Clay Co., MN, Minneapolis, MN, and locations in rural ND.  We hypothesize the diets of rural squirrels, having a more natural, plant-based diet, will have a more diverse microbiome than urban squirrels. Further, we hypothesize that the urban squirrels, with increased access to processed food and exposure to human food sources, will have lower microbiome diversity within the cecum. To test our hypothesis, we collected samples and cultured bacteria from squirrels salvaged opportunistically as found dead, as road kills, or donated by hunters. Once ceca contents were extracted, they were diluted and plated on LB agar plates with cycloheximide. After incubation, LB agar was used to make master plates for future identification. Bacteria were cultured and grown on master plates and Gram stained. Distinct colonies will be chosen to be used in Colony PCR to determine genetic composition. The remaining samples were added into a glycerol broth to be preserved for future use. The diversity of bacteria present will be used to classify the microbiome and compare diversity between urban and rural squirrels.

P21. “Chemoproteomic Development of Ligands to Target E3 Ligases for Targeted Protein Degradation”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Hannah Olson

Mentored by: Dr. Christopher Parker, Dr. Woojin Choi

”Abstract”

Many current diseases can be traced back to protein dysregulation in the body. Current methods of protein degradation in the lab are too unspecific to be applied as treatment. Targeted protein degradation is needed to ensure that only proteins of interest (POIs) are being degraded and not proteins essential for bodily function. Proteolysis Targeting Chimeras (PROTACs) offer this method of specific, targeted degradation. PROTACs function by attaching to the POI and an E3 ligase; the PROTAC promotes the ubiquitination of the POI via the E3 Ligand. This recruits the cell’s own ubiquitin-proteosome system to degrade the POI. The Parker lab performed a chemoproteomic screening of potential E3 ligand fragments to attach to the E3 ligase which yielded the E3 ligands used in this research. The ultimate goal of this research was to determine the efficacy of the PROTACs created and which E3 ligases are being utilized by the PROTACs.

P22. “Investigating The Curing Process on Chitosan-Alginate Bioplastics Using Various Concentrations of Metal Chlorides”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Seema Mustafa, Bella Brezonick

Mentored by: Dr. Graeme Wyllie

”Abstract”

Bioplastics have been intensively researched in hopes of replacing the more common less biodegradable plastics. The bioplastics in this study were formed from two polysaccharides: sodium alginate, acquired from brown seaweed, and chitosan, which is obtained from chitin from the exoskeletons of arthropods. Formation of the bioplastic is done via crosslinking, that is forming interactions between separate polymer strands in an aqueous environment which leads to the formation of hydrogels which then dry to give the chitosan-alginate bioplastic films. The final step, prior to drying is the treatment of bioplastic with a solution of calcium chloride which causes the alginate strands to crosslink. In the second-semester general chemistry class at Concordia College, 1 M calcium chloride is traditionally used to cure bioplastics. The effects of changing the concentration of calcium chloride and the duration of curing time along with substituting other metals for calcium were investigated.

P23. “Activity and Selectivity of Nanocrystalline Pd2Sn Catalyzed Nitroarene Reductions”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Aaron Oakes

Mentored by: Dr. Javier Vela

”Abstract”

Azo compounds are common dyes in the textile industry and are most often used for reds, oranges, and yellows. The most common means of making them today requires a lot of energy and poses safety risks, providing incentive to develop new methods of making these compounds in bulk. The Pd2Sn nanocrystal catalyzed NaBH4 reduction of five nitroarene compounds is investigated. Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) and UV-Visible Spectrometry are used to determine how different substituents affect the selectivity of Pd2Sn to the azo product. It is found that in four out of five nitroarenes, a reduction reaction catalyzed by Pd2Sn is selective to the azo product. This includes three substituted nitroarenes with substituents covering a range of electronegativities and one nitroarene containing two nitro groups, resulting in an intramolecular ring closing reaction.

P24. “The Proposed Function of Protein 2QRU”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Alexis Sampson, Teddy Eggen

Mentored by: Dr. Julie Mach

”Abstract”

The Protein Structure Initiative was a nationally funded project from 2000-2015 to find and construct the structures of thousands of proteins for the purpose of creating a public protein database. Today, many proteins in this database have undefined functions and little to no research has been completed on them. The BASIL course was created to encourage undergraduates to complete this task with a chosen protein. Using a combination of different programs such as SPRITE, Chimera, BLAST, and Pfam, the unknown function of one protein, 2QRU, was investigated. 1ZOI is a protein that was discovered with the earlier mentioned tools to be related. Because the esterase 1ZOI belongs to the same superfamily and has an almost identical residual binding site with 2QRU, it is hypothesized that the 2QRU may be an esterase. This hypothesis is further tested in lab to determine if it is accurate or not.

P25. “Functional Determination and Analysis of Protein 3B7F”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Christian Thingvold, Elizabeth Fedorchak

Mentored by: Dr. Julie Mach

”Abstract”

The protein structure initiative began in 2000 with the goal of determining the structure of all proteins, and creating a structural database. Since then, the structure of proteins has been determined and logged within the Protein Data Bank (PDB). While the structure of these proteins in the PDB have been determined, the function of many remains unknown. Protein 3B7F is one of many proteins with a known structure and unknown function. The goal of our research was to determine the possible function of 3B7F by analyzing its sequence and structure using the following; SPRITE (identifying proteins with similar active site structure), Chimera (examine and compare protein structure), RCSB PDB (examine previous info on protein), BLAST (sequence analysis program comparing proteins with known function to unknown protein to determine possible functions), and InterPro (determine hypothesis of function). Using bioinformatics resources we have concluded that 3B7F is a hydrolase enzyme. Additional research in the lab will be used to support and further this information.

P26. “Analytical Detection of Bisphenol-A in Water Samples”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Jason Tikkanen

Mentored by: Dr. Mark Jensen

”Abstract”

The problem that my presentation addresses is our own health, and having water to drink that is clean. To do this we had to create a process to detect bisphenol-A (BPA) in water. I then used that process to study the Red River and see how urbanization affects the levels of BPA in it. My hypothesis was that as water moves through Fargo/Moorhead, it will increase its levels of BPA the farther North you go. Samples were made in the lab with processes/techniques that included SPE, and derivatization. To analyze the samples we made that contained the BPA, we used two different instruments, HPLC, and GC-MS. Results were that as the water moved through the city, its levels of BPA increased by about 4X. My hypothesis was proven correct, but more research is needed to determine what counts as a safe level of BPA that humans can consume without being affected by it.

P27. “El oro azul del Perú: El auge del arándano (The Blue Gold of Peru: The Blueberry Boom)”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Edmund Buscho

Mentored by: Dr. Fanny Roncal Ramirez

This poster will be in communicated in Spanish.

”Abstract”

En poco más de una década, el Perú se ha convertido en el primer exportador mundial del arándano. Este póster tratará del desarrollo del cultivo del arándano en Perú y su mercado internacional. El clima peruano permite el cultivo del arándano tras todo el año. Este póster también investigará los métodos agrícolas que por parte hacen posible el auge de producción tan rápido. Los efectos económicos son otro componente importante del auge. El arándano peruano, apodado el oro azul, ha logrado ser exportado a países lejanos como Israel y Japón. Este póster también examinará por qué se ha convertido tan popular el arándano como súper alimento lleno de antioxidantes. Este póster será en español.

In little over a decade, Peru has become the number one exporter of blueberries in the world. This poster will examine the development of blueberry cultivation in Peru and its international market. The Peruvian climate allows for the cultivation of blueberries throughout the whole year. This poster will also investigate the agricultural methods, which in part make possible the rapid boom in production. The economic effects are another important component of the boom. The Peruvian blueberry, nicknamed blue gold, has achieved exportation to far-reaching markets such as Israel and Japan. This poster will also examine why the blueberry has become so popular as a superfood full of antioxidants.

P28. “LIFE in Costa Rica”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Megan Madill, Cody Urie

Mentored by: Dr. Joseph Whittaker

”Abstract”

The significance of this presentation is to introduce individuals to the different methods of sustainability. In Costa Rica, there are different climates and access to different resources, so part of LIFE’s goal was to teach volunteers ways that they could take the skills that they learned at the farm, and implement them into their life, wherever they may be from. Spending time in Monteverde, Costa Rica, there were many new things to experience. Language, cultural norms, foods and more were all different from Minnesota. As part of volunteering at LIFE, everyday had different tasks to take on. Along with that, many tasks had different contributions to the three pillars of sustainability. Research at LIFE was conducted through these day-to-day tasks. Tasks of creating bio-fertilizer, organic fungicide, and assisting in bokashi composting were some of the big tasks. Other small tasks included planting and harvesting of crops, tending to animals, and various labor projects. Understanding the impacts that your current actions are having on the environment is part of the goal of LIFE. Also, leaving with new and improved ways of actions in your daily lives is important to LIFE. Reducing plastic or waste products, committing to reducing gases into the atmosphere, and replenishing what you take from the environment are three possible ways of contributing to create a more sustainable environment for all of us to live. We want to show a different perspective on sustainability and how it can impact locally.

P29. “The Most Sustainable Country in the World: A Review of Sustainability in Norway”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Rachel Andersen

Mentored by: Dr. Bryan Bishop

”Abstract”

There has never been another threat to humanity quite like climate change. No war, plague, agricultural crisis, or cosmic threat has ever imperiled the existence and prosperity of humankind in the way that climate change has. It is common knowledge nearly everywhere around the world that a global increase in temperature of more than 2 degrees Celsius would have detrimental impacts on the planet through the effects of climate change (Norby et al., 2020). In order to avoid this disastrous fate, global greenhouse emissions would have to be reduced by more than 60% by the year 2050 compared to the levels in 2010 (European Commission, 2019; United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)). This, however, is just the bare minimum; to truly save the planet from collapsing at the hands of climate change, there must be more intense and rigorous changes around the world (Norby et al., 2020). Some countries are doing a better job than others in the fight against climate change. Norway has long been a leader in mitigating the effects of climate change. Norway has even been claimed to be the most sustainable country in the world, but what does this mean and how was it determined? What exactly is the definition of sustainability? This review will explore the definition of sustainability, what it means in the climate change mitigation context, the ways in which Norway is leading in the fight against climate change, and whether or not Norway can really be considered the most sustainable country in the world.

P30. “Anticoagulant Use in Voluntary Plasmapheresis”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Gendra-Marleen Aasmaa

Mentored by: Dr. Tally Tinjum

”Abstract”

Plasmapheresis is a procedure used to separate blood plasma from other blood components using an apheresis machine. Plasma is collected from healthy eligible donors mainly for pharmaceutical purposes. During plasma donation when the blood comes in contact with the tubing of the apheresis machine, there is a potential for contact-mediated clotting, because the donation process demands fluidity of the blood anticoagulant is used (Lee & Arepally, 2012). Plasma donation primarily uses trisodium citrate 4% solution administered intravenously (Bialkowski et al., 2016). This leads to anticoagulant circulation in the donor which is the cause of the most common apheresis-specific reaction- hypocalcemia. The decrease in the concentration of ionized calcium can manifest clinical symptoms such as chills, nausea, twitching, and tremors. (Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association, 2012). Although, one of the first symptoms of low calcium levels is paresthesia which is experienced by 12.1%-39% of donors (Lee & Arepally, 2012). It is crucial to consider that most countries allow 24 voluntary plasma donations per year. However, the United States allows up to 110 apheresis donations in a year (Bialkowski et al., 2016). The high legal limit of plasma donations allows for frequent anticoagulant exposure. This literature review attempts to review the use of anticoagulants in plasmapheresis considering its necessity and highlighting the causes of concern as citrate anticoagulant exposure causes changes in the donor’s mineral homeostasis. As multiple authors urge research into the long-term effects of ionized calcium and the fluctuations in bone density in frequent plasmapheresis donors (Bialkowski et al,. 2016).

P31. “Association Between Hamstring and Low-Back Flexibility and Spring Speed”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Kyra Nichols, Tegan Marty

Mentored by: Dr. Emily Huber-Johnson

”Abstract”

Flexibility has been shown to improve range of motion, decreasing risk of injuries; yet there is little research that investigates the relationship between hamstring and low back flexibility and sprint speed. : The purpose of this study was to explore the association between hamstring and low back flexibility and sprint speed in young adults. Participants (n=60) were a convenience sample of 18-25 year-olds. Data was collected during one session in the Concordia College Human Performance Lab and indoor track. Participants were categorized as “active” if they engaged in a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise at least three days per week for at least three months. Those reported engaging in activity less than the before mentioned specification were categorized as “nonactive”. Prior to assessment of flexibility and speed, participants completed a five minute warm up. Participants completed three trials of a standard sit and reach test and two trials of a 40-yard sprint. T-tests were used to evaluate differences in variables by gender. Linear regression analyses were used to identify associations between sit and reach score and 40-yard sprint time in the whole sample and by gender with statistical significance set at p≤ 0.05. Regression models controlled for the following confounding variables: height, weight, gender, activity level, and BMI. A significant association was found between sit and reach and 40-yard sprint time in the whole sample (p=0.007), in males (p=0.03), and females (p=0.03). Results were also found for the confounding variables.

P32. “Targeting DDx24 Gene of Danio rerio Using CRISPR-Cas9”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Karissa Finnigan

Mentored by: Dr. Carol Pratt

”Abstract”

DDx24 is a protein-coding gene that encodes for the DEAD-Box Helicase 24. Muscle cells contain an enriched amount of the DDx24 protein. A mutation in the DDx24 gene leads to misregulation of muscle position control genes and patterning control genes that are crucial for organogenesis and tissue positioning. I designed the single guide oligonucleotide, forward and reverse primers using Benchling, and ordered them from Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT). I used CRISPR-Cas9 techniques to cause a small deletion (approximately 1-3 base pairs) in the Danio rerio DDx24 gene. Once the CRISPR-Cas9 techniques were complete, I used a 3% agarose gel to perform gel electrophoresis to determine if the sgRNA was able to direct Cas9 to cut the target sequence. The primers I designed were able to successfully amplify the expected product (band displayed at 750bps), but they also amplified other DNA segments (approximately 450 bps and 150 bps). Although the primers I designed were successful in amplifying the DDx24 gene, the gel did not display the band sizes expected (154 bps and 440 bps) if the sgRNA was able to guide Cas9 to the target DNA. There was sgRNA, as detected by Nanodrop, therefore there was sgRNA to direct Cas9. These results could mean that the sgRNA I designed did not guide the Cas9 to cut the target DDx24 DNA, among other plausible reasons.

P33. “Using CRISPR to Make a Deletion in the MAP3k15 Gene in Danio rerio”

Time: 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. | Session: Poster 1 | Location: Centrum

Student Author(s): Ethan Tong

Mentored by: Dr. Carol Pratt

”Abstract”

MAP3K15 is a gene important in a phosphorylation cascade crucial for cell signaling. MAP3K15 is part of the MAPK family. Without MAPK, the cell will fail to coordinate cell proliferation, differentiation, motility, and survival. Using CRISPR, a DNA editing tool, a small 1-3 base pair deletion in the MAP3K15 gene in Danio rerio can be made. This deletion would cause the loss of function of MAP3K15. I designed forward and reverse primers and a single guide oligonucleotide using Benchling and ordered them from Integrated DNA Technologies. Using PCR, the forward and reverse primers were used to amplify the target exon of MAP3K15 Danio rerio DNA. CRISPR-Cas9 and the designed sgRNA were used on the amplified target sequence in order to create the deletion. To see if a deletion occurred, I ran a 3% agarose gel. Gel electrophoresis showed that I did successfully amplify the 750 bp target region of MAP3K15 using PCR. It also showed that CRISPR-Cas9 did not cut the PCR product. Instead of two bands being present as predicted (one at 518 bp and the other at 129 bp), a faint band at 750 bp was there. Nanodrop tests indicated that I had sgRNA to direct Cas9 meaning that wasn’t the issue. These results can be attributed to potential contamination, poor sgRNA design or faulty Cas9 protein. In conclusion, CRISPR could be used to potentially knock out a gene, but further investigation would be needed in order to get proper results.