Center for Writing Excellence (CWE) Drop-In Student Support During CERCA: CWE interns will be available to support you, as a participant, as you prepare to present. More specifically, interns will be available to support you with mock-poster presentations; oral presentation delivery practice; responding to audience members not from your discipline; alleviating nerves and anxiety by talking out ideas.
The Spotlight on First-Year Research session puts the focus on projects conducted or assisted by first-year students. First-year students present their posters and engage in conversation regarding their research.
Allergen immunotherapy or “allergy shots” are delivered as fast-acting intravenous (IV) injections given to patients suffering from chronic allergies. However, in rural settings, patients must travel long distances for a single injection, significantly adding to patient costs, and costs to an already over-burdened health-care system. We hypothesized that minimally invasive, painless, self-administered 3D (three-dimensional) printed microneedles could be a better alternative in these scenarios and could be provided in conjunction with tele-medicine. For this study, 3D printed microneedles were printed using Formlabs stereolithography (SLA) printers and clear V4 material. Different parameters were calibrated including layer thickness, size, shape, material, and needle orientation, to enable dermal puncture with minimal breakage. Our results show that a Pyramid Needle Model (needle array: 1(L)x1(W)x0.5(H) cm; needle dimensions: 200(L)x200(W)x800(H) µm; 500µm (spacing); 1µm (tip diameter); 45° angle; 0.025mm layer-thickness) was the best microneedle model produced through our experiments. Microscopy and porcine skin puncture testing confirmed the functionality of these needles in the laboratory. Taken together, our results showcase the feasibility of fabrication of transdermal microneedles through 3D printing, providing a fast and effective solution for self-administered painless drug delivery. Future work will focus on improving microneedle design to enable allergy-drug loading and delivery.
Development of a system that can deploy a stent graft to peripheral artery with a collateral vessel without blocking the collateral vessel has been undertaken to assist in treating different arterial conditions like atherosclerosis. Currently no commercially available system exists that can deploy a stent graft without inhibiting flow to the collateral vessel; surgeons must create a fenestration in the main graft through which to deploy a smaller device. The fabrication of this system involved modifying and combining prefabricated catheters to make a complete system that can deploy the stent with good turnability. The system has a port to both inject dye and insert a wire to probe for correct placement of the device fenestration. The research effort has produced prototypes of a multi-lumen intravascular catheter deployment system for stent graft placement where a stent graft can be placed via the system and proper fenestration alignment to the collateral vessel can be confirmed. This project could improve patient outcomes by providing a cost effective and safe option for inserting stents into major arteries that have a collateral vessel which is currently treated by surgeons using makeshift solutions with existing stents and ablation tools.
Tumor ablation is an effective, minimally invasive technique for cancer removal. The procedure uses medical imaging and a needle-like probe, which is guided to the target cancerous tissue where it is subsequently heated or cooled to a cytotoxic level. Thus, surrounding tissue must be separated from the cancerous tissue to prevent damage to healthy tissue. Saline and carbon dioxide are current methods of separation, but both migrate from the site due to gravity and cause risk of postoperative pain. To create a stable, stationary, and thermally protective barrier, a biocompatible foam has been developed with FDA-approved materials to optimize tissue separation for a typical 60 minute procedure. As progress continues, further characterization of the foam is being tested using rheology, which mimics deformation during foam injection and quantifies stability as a function of time and deformation rate. Current project goals involve developing a freeze-dried procedure that maximizes the shelf life of the foam and minimizes preparation steps for future commercialization and clinical use. Continued testing is essential for confirming previous qualitative tests of the foam’s material properties and providing data required for publication and implementation of these foams in a clinical setting.
As the use of car dashboard cameras (dashcams) has increased, the availability of dashcam imagery has also increased. In recent years, dashcam imagery has been predominantly used in conjunction with computer vision techniques for autonomous vehicle systems. However, this research explores an alternative application of these technologies in the domain of public safety and security. Specifically, we apply object detection to dashcam imagery to address the challenge of identifying vehicles associated with active Amber Alerts. With the goal of aiding law enforcement in locating abducted children more efficiently, we employ the YOLO (You Only Look Once) object detection model, a state-of-the-art deep learning framework known for its real-time performance and accuracy. Our methodology involves training and fine-tuning the YOLO model on a custom dataset of dashcam footage, incorporating diverse environmental conditions such as varying lighting, weather, and traffic scenarios. Experimental results demonstrate that the model achieves high precision and recall rates in detecting target vehicles, validating its effectiveness for real-world deployment. This research highlights the potential of leveraging deep learning and computer vision techniques to address critical public safety challenges, offering a novel application of these technologies beyond their traditional use in autonomous driving. Our findings contribute to the growing body of work in computer science that seeks to harness AI for societal benefit.
Blockages in sewerage systems may lead to backups and can be costly to clear. To better understand the composition of non-degraded solid waste in Eau Claire’s sewage, we conducted three audits of the solid waste captured by the bar screens at the Eau Claire Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Wearing personal protective equipment, we collected solids that had been captured over a two-hour period and sorted the waste into six categories: 1-4) disposable wipes in various stages of decay (intact, mostly intact, mostly shredded, and shreds entangled with hair), 5) feminine hygiene products, and 6) miscellaneous items (e.g., plastic, latex, leaves, and food). Waste groupings were measured by volume. Our findings show consistent trends across the three sampling dates: disposable wipes accounted for 81.3% (±5.6%), feminine hygiene products 11.3% (±1.6%), and miscellaneous waste 7.3% (±4.2%). Our study demonstrates that disposable wipes account for most non-degraded waste that reaches the WWTP. Beyond the potential for causing blockages, non-degraded waste must be collected and transported to the municipal landfill, increasing the costs for taxpayers. Our next step is to conduct outreach efforts to raise public awareness of the need for proper disposal of non-woven wipes and feminine hygiene products.
Plastic pollutants are a significant environmental concern. Biodegradable plastics are a large area of research because if plastics are accidentally released into the environment, biodegradable plastics will break down into harmless byproducts. A blister pack is a type of packaging that consists of plastic pockets that hold individual pills. Current blister packs on the market are not biodegradable and contribute to environmental harm. The goal for this research project is to find an eco-friendly material to replace current blister packs that can also handle chemical reagents (such as medical reagents). Initial testing focused on developing a film from cassava starch that was adapted from the literature. The standard ASTM D543 was used to evaluate the resistance of the material to chemical reagents. The samples were placed under strain using a 3D printed strain jig, the chemical reagent was applied, and the samples were held at fixed temperature for varied amounts of time. After chemical exposure, the samples were tested to determine changes in mechanical properties. These results will be used to determine if cassava starch can replace traditional plastic blister packs to open the door to many environmentally friendly swaps in the medical field.
Exercise provides individuals with various physical benefits, improving cardiovascular health, strengthening bones and muscles, and increasing flexibility and mobility. Additionally, exercise promotes numerous mental benefits, reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing cognitive function. Unfortunately, with various types of exercise, ranging from strength training to interval training, it's difficult for individuals to choose the one that will provide the best results. In this study, we decided to examine the cognitive effects of interval training compared to a prescribed fitness plan amongst UWEC's Community Fitness Program (CFP) members. To do this, participants of the interval training and the control group were asked to commit to 2-3 workouts a week and took a baseline test, examining their cognitive abilities. After 4 weeks, the two groups were retested, took a week-long break, and resumed training. Through this experiment, our group hoped to discover if interval training, compared to a prescribed fitness plan, had a greater impact on cognitive function, providing more insight into the vast world of exercise, potentially directing new exercising individuals looking to seek higher cognitive function or redirecting veteran exercisers to help them realign their goals.
This study aims to investigate the presence of exosolar planets by utilizing multi-aperture photometry to detect subtle changes in star brightness. This method to detect exosolar planets is currently one of the most successful ways to do this. Existing methods of exoplanet detection, such as radial velocity and direct imaging, have some limitations that the transit method we will be using can address. Direct imaging methods do not work well for planets close to their stars, and radial velocity methods do not allow for a determination of the planetary radius. In our research, we will use AstroImageJ to perform photometry on star systems, monitoring their light curves for periodic dimming indicating an orbiting planet. Our findings will suggest whether or not we can successfully perform photometry with the system we will be using.
This project seeks to develop a mechanically flexible cooling pad that can be used by medical patients to provide targeted pain or inflammation relief to injured or surgical areas. We are seeking to develop a device that is fully temperature controlled and can be used for long intervals of time up to several hours. We have identified several possible configurations to maximize cooling power while retaining as much geometrical flexibility as possible. We are currently pursuing two distinct cooling methods, and working to engineer a complete system for both methods that is able to sense and adjust temperatures produced by the cooling pad. In this poster we will describe some of the key geometrical and experimental variables under study, and work needed for continued improvement.
Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) grafts are commonly used to repair and reconstruct blood vessels in vascular bypass surgeries and peripheral arterial reconstructions. However, current ePTFE grafts often cause scar tissue formation due to their dense structure, limiting long-term effectiveness and integration with the body. The goal of this research is to create an ePTFE graft with properties similar to cells found in an organism so it can fully penetrate, and not have a reaction making a scar tissue. To reach our goal, we expanded and characterized Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), transforming it into ePTFE. The research is currently in a testing phase, where we are evaluating the graft’s performance using Tensile Test, to test their break point, Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) to evaluate how the material behaves under different thermal conditions, and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate the melting and thermal behaviors of the sample. These tests help optimize the graft's properties, thermal stability, and biocompatibility, ensuring it can perform effectively within the body and integrate with surrounding tissues.
Obesity affects about 42% of adults in the United States. Most states report obesity in 30% of adults (the State of Obesity 2022: Better Policies for a Healthier America), with health-related costs estimated around $150 billion (Zamosky, 2013). As multimodal therapies are most effective in reducing obesity’s effects, this study seeks to determine if cholecystokinin (CCK), a hormone released upon food consumption that reduces meal size and duration, affects the discriminative stimulus effects of 22-hrs food deprivation. Sprague-Dawley rats (24 females, 24 males) were trained to press the left lever after 22-hr food deprivation. Fifteen responses earned a 45 mg food pellet, and 15 right lever presses resulted in 8 seconds of darkness. Contingencies reversed under 2-hr food deprivation. After acquiring discrimination (males: M=76, SEM 7, females: M=83, SEM 7 sessions to criteria), subjects were injected with saline (1 ml/kg body weight) or CCK (1 to 10 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 minutes before a 5-minute test session. Food intake was then measured. CCK did not alter "hunger"-like responses nor affect lever pressing rates or food intake. In food tests under 22-hr deprivation, male rats ate more grams of food, while female rats ate similarly in both deprivation conditions.
Caviar refers to processed salted roe obtained from large fish, and it often requires the sacrifice of a pregnant female. With the increasing global human population, the demand for caviar is rapidly growing, threatening wildlife fish populations everywhere. While many improved versions of caviar analogs have been created, they are unable to mimic natural caviar color, texture, structure, popping (while chewing), and taste. The goal of this project is to develop a scalable method for developing caviar analogs using engineering techniques. For this study, we investigated the use of sodium alginate and calcium chloride (CaCl₂) in the production of engineered caviar analogs that replicate the texture, appearance, and sensory characteristics of natural caviar. Alginate solutions of different concentrations (1-5%) and needles of different gauges were calibrated to achieve structural integrity and mimicry of caviar analog size. Furthermore, CaCl₂ was frozen in liquid nitrogen before soaking in a bath of alginate to form caviar analogs with an outer crusty shell and a softer center, to re-create the popping-effect. Future work will include incorporating our findings within a microfluidic device for a scalable way of producing engineered caviar analogs, furthering the broader pursuit of sustainable food design.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) agents are transforming healthcare by automating tasks, enhancing diagnostic precision, and enabling personalized care. Our project aims to develop an AI-based system to automate the detection of IVC filters and complications, such as extravascular extension, in CT scans. IVC filters are crucial for patients with venous blood clots but are meant to be temporary, and delays in their removal can cause harm. Interventional radiology (IR) practices often rely on manual tracking methods, which are inadequate when patients transfer care. Many patients forget their filter’s presence, leaving new providers unaware. Building on previous research with Mayo Clinic NWWI, we aim to enhance an existing deep learning algorithm for IVC flagging and extend it to detect extravascular extension, flagging patients for closer follow-up. The system will also integrate large language models (LLMs) to process electronic health records (EHRs) and be modular for future expansion. Our goal is to create a reliable AI algorithm for detecting IVC filters and implement it in hospital settings.
In patients with atrial fibrillation, many stroke-causing clots originate in the left atrial appendage. The WATCHMAN Procedure takes a minimally invasive approach by threading a catheter through the left femoral vein and deploying the WATCHMAN device into the left atrial appendage to decrease risk of atrial fibrillation-related strokes. Currently, no tailored surgical models exist for this procedure. This means surgeons who are learning the procedure must perform on patients instead of practice models. This project aims to fill that gap and create an interactive leg and torso model for surgical practice of the WATCHMAN device insertion procedure. Using software within the Materialise Suite, student researchers can convert 2D DICOM files into 3D stereolithography files (3D). These 3D files can be read by the 3D printer software, producing a physical model of the original 2D images. The patient’s leg is printed in a flexible material in the same manner utilizing SolidWorks. Models of customizable patient heart and femoral vein anatomy will be printed in a flexible material for surgical practice. A Raspberry Pi computer and 4 small cameras mimic the fluoroscopy used during surgery, allowing surgeons to practice the surgery with views of the heart that they would use in an actual procedure. Surgical outcomes utilizing the educational model will be compared with previous outcomes for surgeons of various education and experience levels. This project will reveal if customizable practice models are significantly beneficial to surgical practice by observing patient outcomes.
Grazing steers partner with their rumen microbiomes to efficiently convert plant-derived carbohydrates into meat. Considering the socioeconomic importance of the beef industry, it is critical to develop strategies that maintain quality while lessening negative environmental impacts. Diet supplementation and hormonal implants have been shown to variably impact methane emissions and animal performance. The response of the rumen microbiome to such treatments remains unknown. Here, we will analyze 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of the rumen microbiome from grazing steers across four treatment groups: diet supplemented, hormonal implanted, combined diet and implant, and no intervention. The diet, implant, and combined treatment showed no significant impact on methane emission or N excretion over the 90-day grazing trial. Given this lack of difference, we hypothesize the rumen microbial communities will not be different across treatments. However, we hypothesize the 90 days of grazing will significantly alter the rumen microbiome. Results from this study will provide insight into rumen microbiome dynamics during the life cycle of a grazing steer, further informing management strategies.
Amanita muscaria, commonly known as fly agaric or fly amanita, is a mushroom renowned for its distinctive appearance and psychoactive properties attributed to its compounds, ibotenic acid, and muscimol. Contemporary interest in Amanita muscaria has surged, driven by anecdotal reports of perceived psychological and medicinal benefits. However, no clinical studies exist thus far. This study employs thematic analysis of discussions from the “r/AmanitaMuscaria” subreddit on Reddit to explore users’ reasons for its consumption and the positive and negative experiences associated with this mushroom. A total of 998 principal posts and their associated 9,542 comments were analyzed, revealing thematic trends in adverse effects, perceived positive outcomes, reasons for use, modes of consumption, and thought perceptions. Findings highlight that users experienced more positive than adverse effects, and adverse effects experienced were minimal and primarily self-limiting. These findings may be particularly salient in clinical settings, as medical providers might find it challenging to uncover Amanita muscaria use among their patients unless presented with severe adverse effects. Future research is recommended to investigate Amanita muscaria’s pharmacology further to inform patients and medical providers of safe practices. Finally, an innovative methodological strategy is warranted to examine Reddit posts in-depth to understand users’ perceptions and attitudes.
Understanding the effects of chemical exposure is important for human health and environmental regulations. We are particularly interested in toxicity related to early development because embryos are often more sensitive to toxicity when compared to adult tissues. To address questions of embryonic toxicity, we use the zebrafish system to test how chemical exposure affects early development. I am currently training in lab techniques to use zebrafish for these types of experiments and also conducting literature analysis to define a chemical of interest for future experiments.
Knot Theory, Link Homotopy, and QuandlesIn the 1950s Milnor defined the notion of link homotopy. Since then, its study has been central to the field of knot theory. In the 1980s, Joyce, building on the work of Takasaki, defined a mathematical object called a quandle which is well adapted to the transformation of knot theoretic questions into algebraic questions. Trivial orbit quandles, defined in 2007 by Harrell and Nelson, are a type of quandle useful for studying link homotopy. In this poster, we define a new trivial orbit quandle called the reduced free quandle, and we go about classifying it for 2 and 3 generators. This gives classification of 2 and 3 component links up to link homotopy.
Different events in gymnastics have various physiological demands, therefore, impacting the way gymnasts train. This study aims to measure common physiological characteristics and performance abilities seen in Division III gymnasts throughout the course of a season. Despite the sports’ demanding nature, having an impact on its athlete’s physiology and performance, gymnastics has little research. Through this project we are hoping to increase the knowledge we have of gymnastics. Our participants will be volunteers from the UWEC Gymnastics Team. We will be recording body composition, bone density, strength, power, nutrition, menstrual cycle, and injuries during the season. Body composition and bone density will be measured using a DEXA machine, power will be measured using the Wingate Test, nutrition will be tracked using an app, and a questionnaire will be used to assess sleep, menstrual cycle, and injuries. We expect there to be differences in physiological characteristics for gymnasts who train beam and bars compared to those who train floor and vault, and for those characteristics to be maintained throughout the season.
Social work students require robust mental health crisis response skills, yet traditional coursework may not provide sufficient practical training. This study examines the effectiveness of embedding Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training within existing social work curriculum to enhance student learning outcomes. The goal of MHFA is to provide emotional support and information about helpful resources to people experiencing mental health crises. For this study, we are taking a mixed methods approach to assess the extent at which the integration of MHFA training into a social work mental health course improves students' knowledge of mental health issues and crisis response strategies. We are also hoping to assess how MHFA training impacts students' self-reported confidence levels in responding to mental health situations. The team will utilize three quantitative measures: Pre and post MHFA knowledge assessment, Mental Health Literacy Scale (MHLS) and the Selfefficacy in Mental Health Crisis Response Scale. In addition, the intention is to have one focus group of students who completed the training share their thoughts on the learning process. The hopes of this study is that it will demonstrate the effectiveness of MHFA training and lead to a larger scale implementation of MHFA training within UW- Eau Claire.
For my research, I am studying why musicians appear to be involved in stronger emotionally connected groups than other subjects. Throughout the beginning process of this research project, I have been studying the brain’s reaction to listening to music and interacting with other musicians. I have learned that music has made a great impact on society and health. As I continue to do more research, I will work at finding more reasoning behind the tightly knit connections and relationships that continuously become established through music settings. Learning and understanding how music works within our brains is important because it can be a universal language that can work to improve the unity of humanity. The current plan for the completion of my project is to get a solid understanding and base of knowledge regarding the brain’s reaction to music and how individuals can form connections through those reactions. Once I understand how music impacts relationships, I will conduct interviews with a wide range of musicians to hear their perspectives on their experiences with music and relationships. The end goal is to update part of the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire’s music major page to provide more insight and information to future Blugolds regarding the impact of the music program on individual lives. Through my project, I hope the audience will find the value and importance of having music in their lives for more than the auditory sensation.
Small-diameter grafts have revolutionized artery repair since their introduction in 1954, providing life-saving solutions for patients with vascular diseases. These grafts are typically manufactured by extruding expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) into tubes. This research focuses on optimizing the tooling and flow cavity design for paste extrusion of small-diameter vascular graft components. One critical parameter in the extrusion process is the reduction ratio, or the ratio of cross-sectional areas of the material before and after extrusion. By varying tooling position and dimensions, we aim to create optimal reduction ratio profiles for various graft dimensions to facilitate successful extrusion processes.
Understanding how proteins and ligands interact is essential for drug discovery, especially for prolyl-tRNA synthetase (ProRS), which is responsible for attaching proline to the corresponding tRNA molecule, a key step in protein biosynthesis in all living organisms. Thus, species-specific inhibitor design for this target holds a key promise in the development of antibiotics with minimal side effects. In the current study, the binding affinities of ligands as well as protein-ligand interactions have been studied for several ProRSs across different host species. Both the physics-based and machine learning models have been utilized, as the latter group of models are computationally inexpensive. The classical physics-based model predicts the affinities by combining the hydrogen bonding, electrostatic, van der Waals, and implicit solvation, while the machine learning model utilizes a deep learning architecture through graph convolutional neural network stitched to artificial neural network. The latter approach enables a faster and more scalable screening of potential drug candidates. Results obtained from the screening method will be compared against a physics-based simulation of molecular interactions and their corresponding binding affinities for the various ProRS enzymes. This research has the potential to enhance drug discovery by improving the speed and scalability of molecular interaction predictions.
This study aims to understand how school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) view their role in the character education of their students and their beliefs about literature-based intervention beyond academic outcomes. Reading and listening to stories is fundamental to moral and character development, yet children with developmental language disorder (DLD) often face barriers to engaging with narrative-based materials. Despite this, SLPs' perspectives on literature's value beyond academic outcomes remain unexplored. If SLPs perceive their value as limited to non-flourishing purposes, they are less likely to engage with literature-based intervention holistically. To address this gap, we will survey school-based SLPs across the US to assess their views on literature's role in their students' lives, the perceived value of narrative beyond academics, and their attitudes toward integrating character education principles within their practices. The findings will identify knowledge gaps and inform future efforts to develop resources that help SLPs integrate flourishing-related principles into their interventions. Data collection is in development and will begin soon.
Fall risk is a growing concern for older adults as balance abilities decrease with age which can lead to injuries, impaired functioning, and a decreased quality of life. Increasing range of motion through stretching can improve balance although the type of stretching that is most effective is inconsistent in previous research. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the acute effects of static, dynamic, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching protocols on balance in active older adults. Older adults will gain insight into which type of stretching will positively affect balance, while also learning how to perform self- PNF stretching. This process involved an initial recruitment presentation at the Community Fitness Program, email contact to assign identification numbers, informed consent, balance baseline assessment, and stretching sessions. Participants performed static, dynamic, and PNF stretching on three different days that were randomly assigned. After each stretching protocol sway velocity index was measured using the Biodex Balance System to determine balance changes. This project is currently in progress and the results will be finalized in the near future. It is expected dynamic stretching will promote greater improvements in balance compared to static and PNF stretching protocols which would have no effect.
Our project aims to discover the effects that solar winds have on the orbital pathways of planets around massive stars. This will allow us to understand why some planets survive in the habitable zone while others are terminated. With the usage of the computer program MESA, we have been able to closely model the mass loss rates of stars while simultaneously tracking the evolution of test planet orbits. This newly discovered knowledge will allow us to develop a deeper understanding about the life and development of star systems outside our solar system.
Physics and Astronomy, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Dr. Bill Wolf is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at UWEC. He conducts research in computational stellar astrophysics with a team of undergraduate students and also serves as the director of the L.E. Phillips Planetarium.
This study aims to examine the impact of footwear on the running economy of division three female distance runners. Recent advancements in running footwear, particularly the introduction of carbon-plated shoes, have been shown to enhance running economy. However, women athletes are often underrepresented in sports performance research, leading to a lack of understanding about how such technology affects their performance. This research seeks to fill this gap by investigating the effects of carbon-plated shoes on female runners. Our study will involve 15-20 female long-distance runners from the UWEC cross-country team, who will run at various intensities based on their maximum oxygen consumption (VO2 max), testing their running economy in both carbon-plated and non-carbon-plated shoes. Energy expenditure will be measured at different time periods during each trial, allowing for a direct comparison of the two shoe types. The expected outcome is to support or challenge the current understanding of the effectiveness of this technology for women, providing valuable insights for athletes and coaches. The findings may also encourage future research focused on underrepresented groups in sports science, helping to optimize footwear choices for female athletes.
In the American population alone, roughly 3 million children stutter in their lifetime (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 2017). The purpose of our research study is to explore how stuttering is represented in children’s picture books. We are building upon existing research that describes representation of disability in books. For data collection, we have gathered a sample of 20 children’s books with a variety of characters who stutter. We are using inductive methods of analysis including a constant comparison approach and consensus building to develop categories describing the representation of stuttering children’s picture books. to are analyzing any trends and/or patterns that appear through our analysis. National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (2017, March 6) Stuttering. Unites Stated Department of Health & Human Services, National Institute of Health https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/stuttering
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a flexible, non-toxic polymer. It is considered biologically inert and has numerous applications in medicine and industry. PEG is often attached to drug molecules in a process called PEGylation to enhance their stability and solubility, decrease the immune response, and increase circulation time throughout the body. Recently, PEGylated lipids have been included as an ingredient in COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, PEG molecules of variable sizes are commonly used for studying the effects of molecular crowding and confinement on the conformation and function of proteins and nucleic acids. Despite being considered biologically inert, recent studies have shown that PEG interacts with biomolecules such as proteins. To gain a deeper understanding of PEG-protein interactions, we are using Raman Spectroscopy to investigate the effect of PEG of variable sizes on the vibrational modes of amino acids and proteins. This vibrational spectroscopic technique identifies unique fingerprints of molecules based on the inelastic scattering of monochromatic light. We will present the preliminary results of our study.
Universities have traditionally been thought of as places where individuals can safely exercise their “civic muscles,” that is, engage in intense and thoughtful conversations with their peers about difficult issues. However, national survey data suggest that many college students today do not feel comfortable sharing their views with others. We are interested in understanding the specific hopes and fears that students have about engaging in conversations with students who differ from them politically. To develop our study materials, we asked 80 college students to imagine going into a conversation with someone who differs from them politically, and to list out (1) what they would hope for (“hopeful outcomes”) and (2) what they would be anxious about (“feared outcomes”) going into the conversation. We categorized students’ responses and selected clear exemplars from each category to form a concise list of hopeful outcomes and feared outcomes. In the current study, a large sample of students imagined going into a conversation with a fellow student who differs from them politically, and they rated the likelihood of experiencing each of the hopeful outcomes and feared outcomes. We are analyzing the data and will present the results at CERCA.
The WiSys Quick Pitch Competition aims to encourage innovative and entrepreneurial thinking at UW comprehensive campuses. Participating students are empowered to consider the impact of the research they are currently undertaking or other innovative ideas they may have and how such ideas could ultimately benefit the local economy (e.g. development of a new product, technology, or service) and/or society (e.g. changes in public policy and/or benefits to the environment).
