The Open Oral Presentation sessions are oral presentations of research, scholarly, and creative work from students across all disciplines and all UW-Eau Claire campuses. Presenters may use a slide show or other visual aid during their presentation.
Distinguishing peaks in the fingerprint region of an infrared spectra can be extremely difficult and is often ignored due to the large number of overlapping peaks from various molecular vibrations. The specific peak associated with the carbon sulfur bond within a thiocyanate ligand is located in the fingerprint region. To determine the spectral shift, two copper containing compounds were synthesized and isolated. The metal centers were coordinated to two varied thiocyanate complexes, one containing natural abundance sulfur and one with isotopically labeled sulfur. The individual vibrations were analyzed using a Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy and the small chemical shift was identified within the fingerprint region a spectral subtraction was completed. The unit cell structure and space groups were found using X-ray crystallography.
Comparing the biochemical activity of Methylobacterium extorquens AM1 grown in separate medias with La3+ and Ca2+ as cofactors of methanol dehydrogenase (MDH). Recent studies have demonstrated that some enzymes in bacteria isolated from lanthanide-rich areas use lanthanides as metal cofactors in place of more common metals like calcium and that these lanthanide-enzymes have enhanced catalytic properties. The bioelectrocatalytic activity of MDH from M. extorquens grown in La3+ rich media is compared to MDH from M. extorquens grown in typical Ca2+ rich media. A coupled assay of phenazine methosulfate-dichlorophenolindophenol is performed to determine the enzyme activity. Different redox polymer films have been tested to determine the optimal film to immobilize the bacteria while still allowing bioelectrocatalysis to be performed. The bioelectrochemical activities from these bacteria have not previously been compared. If La3+ grown M. extorquens has higher bioelectrochemical activity than Ca2+ grown M. extorquens, then improved biofuel cells and sensors can be created.
Jamie E. Neumann, Bailee C. Higgins, and Jennifer A. DahlA series of organic-inorganic composite films composed of close-packed, alkanethiol-capped gold nanoparticles and rigid, aromatic dithiol crosslinking molecules were assembled upon the air-water interface within a Langmuir trough. The mechanical properties of films were assessed by the Langmuir isotherm, yielding measurements of minimum collapse pressures and structural responses to collapse. The results of this study address the individual roles of nanoscale materials components, further enabling the rational design of nanoarchitectures with specific chemical, physical, and mechanical properties.
Our research is focused on the synthesis of a bridged biphenyl molecule with an amino donor and tetraethylene glycol solubilizing groups (TEG). This three-state biphenyl molecule, due to its chemical properties, will find applications as nanoscale fluorescent sensors and molecular mechanical devices. Biphenyl molecules have known dihedral angles, leading to differing optical and conducting properties when manipulated. Utilizing a lactone-bridge, we can force the molecule into and out of planarity. At low pH, the molecule takes a planar conformation (“ON”), while at high pH it's non-planar (“OFF”). Previous research has shown similar two-state molecules’ effectiveness at readily switching conformations when exposed to different chemical environments. Prior research combined cyano and nitro acceptors with differing amino donors within biphenyl molecules to enhance optical properties and pH sensitivity. This pH sensitivity will be more precise with the addition of a third “OFF” state. At low pH, the amino group should become protonated, leading to the second “OFF” state and giving a narrow “ON” state. The “ON” state results in visible color differences from the “OFF” states of the molecule. These characteristics improve the usefulness of these molecules as pH sensors. Our research aims to synthesize a biphenyl molecule with a cyano acceptor, and TEGs. Prior research shows nitrile fluoresces better than its nitro counterpart. Long TEGs will increase the solubility of the molecule, enhancing the practicality of the planar biphenyl molecule as a dye. We have successfully synthesized one of our target molecules, a benzene ring with an iodine and a para-TEG group. We will be continuing our work to synthesize a three-state donor-acceptor biaryl lactone molecular switch with a cyano acceptor and TEGs, enhancing solubility and fluorescence.
Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is the most common form of open-heart surgery in the United States and is performed hundreds of thousands of times annually. This surgery can be performed via on-pump, which utilizes a machine to keep the heart beating, or off-pump, where the patient’s heart beats like normal. One of the main complications associated with CABG is acute kidney injury (AKI) which has a high mortality rate, making our research goals to identify the important risk factors behind why a patient would experience acute kidney injury, and to compare the on-pump and off-pump surgical techniques. We used datasets from Mayo Clinic comprised of approximately 2000 patients and several hundred features. We analyzed this dataset using several statistical models, including Random Forest, XGBoost, and Propensity Analysis, with Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting (IPTW) as our propensity analysis technique. From this analysis, we gathered a list of key features which can predict if a patient will experience AKI when performed with the on-pump method. We also found that there was no statistically significant difference in success rates of the on-pump and off-pump techniques, however the high imbalance in the dataset requires further investigation. Mayo Choice Award: Our project is intended to help patient outcomes by providing physicians with key predictors of whether a patient will experience AKI or not during surgery. The physician will then be able to make a better-informed decision about whether the surgery should be performed given the patient’s characteristics and associated risk factors.
This study proposes an AI driven pipeline that combines, pancreas segmentation outcome for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) diagnosis with a large language model (LLM) agent to enhance diagnostic and clinical analysis. Building upon already established deep learning approaches in medical imaging, our project aims to extend traditional UNet segmentation methods by integrating the capabilities of an LLM agent to provide detailed diagnostic information for medical practitioners. Using the Pancreas Decathlon dataset, 3D CT scans are processed and trained over multiple different iterations utilizing attention mechanisms, sparse categorical cross entropy and Tversky loss. The predicted segmentation labels are used by the LLM to infer diagnostic details such as the stage of the disease progression and integrate results with the electronic health records for longitudinal study. Ultimately, this integrated framework aims to assist medical practitioners in diagnosing PDAC more effectively while offering additional supplemental information.
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.
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.
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.
Background: Nursing and packaging professionals play a central role in patient safety. Little is known about how undergraduate students learn about the respective disciplines. Objective: The project aims to promote cross-industry education between packaging and nursing students to contribute to patient safety and improve medical device usability. Nursing student researchers created educational videos for packaging students to be included in a medical packaging course. The videos focused on 1) Nursing competencies, ethics, and principles related to medical packaging in the acute care setting; and 2) Demonstration of nursing sterile and clean procedures. Methods: The Framework for Action on Interprofessional Education and Collaborative Practice, guided the project (World Health Organization, 2010). The videos will be presented in a medical packaging course. Voluntary and anonymous pre and post survey design will be used to determine if changes in packaging student knowledge and confidence occurred. The instrument includes 9 Likert scale questions and one additional open-ended question on the post-test. Likert scale questions will be analyzed with paired samples t-test. Qualitative analysis will be used for the open-ended question. Results: Results will be analyzed in spring 2025. Conclusions: Preliminary work has been promising. It is anticipated that results will show an increase in knowledge and confidence. References: World Health Organization (2010). Framework for action on interprofessional education & collaborative practice.
The research question guiding this review is, in adults with heart failure, how does the use of SGLT-2 inhibitors (Canagliflozin, Dapagliflozin, Empagliflozin, Ertugliflozin) impact nursing care, disease management, and patient education? Heart failure (HF) is a complex disease, with treatments evolving continuously to improve patient outcomes. One such treatment approved in 2022 is SGLT-2 inhibitors, originally used for type 2 diabetes; these drugs have been found to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death of patients with HF. With changes in practice, nurses and healthcare teams need to be updated on information regarding the provision of effective and safe patient care. An integrative literature review was conducted through the EBSCO databases and PubMed using identified key terms. Inclusion criteria were human population, English language, and publication within the last 5 years ensuring inclusion of relevant information. This search strategy identified 136 results with 47 duplicates, resulting in the screening of 89 titles/abstracts. The review is ongoing, and characteristics of included publications will be extracted. Results will provide guidance to nurses on education. We expect topics related to additional monitoring for kidney disease and management in the context of multiple chronic conditions.
This scoping review explores the concept of self-care and its implications to baccalaureate nursing students, importantly: barriers to, the importance of, and interventions of self-care. To direct this review a definition of self-care was developed as follows: Intentional lifestyle behaviors that promote physical and mental health, decrease stress levels, enhance well-being, and nurture mindfulness. This topic is of importance to nursing students undergoing a rigorous nursing program where stressors are increased, and self-care can be neglected. Nurses are helpers, and students join the profession to do just that while often not helping themselves first. This scoping review provided evidence to support initial efforts to promote self-care among baccalaureate nursing students in their program. A scoping review was performed utilizing EBSCOhost databases, using primarily search terms "self-care" and "nursing students" in which 23 articles were found to inform this work during summer 2024. Five areas of self-care (professional, mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual), and interventions within each area were identified. Managing these stressors through self-care was shown to be effective and productive. Self-care reduces the negative effects of stress, including, for example: burnout, mental illness, isolation, and substance abuse.
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) have gained significant attraction in recent years, emerging as a popular alternative to traditional initial public offerings (IPOs). These blank-check entities raise capital solely to acquire and take private companies public through de-SPAC transactions. The appeal of SPAC lies in their speed, pricing certainty, and reduced regulatory burden compared to traditional IPOs. SPACs provide flexibility in structuring deals and optimizing post-merger capital. Using hand-collected SPAC and IPO data, we find that SPACs are more likely to be sued than traditional IPOs. SPACs face more litigation risks due to their limited regulated oversights, conflicts of interest, and poor post-merger performance. This project examines the ways SPACs are exposed to more litigation risk. We use statistical data analysis to understand those reasons. SPACs are not subject to intense U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations before going public like traditional IPOs are. Due to the lack of legal oversight, financial projections fail to meet expectations and cause investors to frequently file class action lawsuits. This study investigates the litigation risks associated with SPACs and examines the structural factors that cause investor lawsuits in de-SPAC transactions.
Background: Advance care planning (ACP) is critically important to providing consistent patient care. Registered nurses (RN) and Nurse Practitioners (NP) are relied upon to lead ACP discussions with patients; however, they often struggle due to lack of confidence in their abilities to have these discussions, lack of time, and concerns that ACP is outside their scope of practice. Incorporating ACP training into school curriculum would bolster preparedness in leading ACP discussions. Methods: A literature review examined 16 articles that addressed the roles, confidence levels, and training needs of NSs, RNs, NPs in ACP. Key words searched included: ACPs, ACP training programs. The databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, UpToDate, Web of Science, and PubMed were searched. Results: Sixteen articles were identified as eligible for the subject matter. The core theme of improving ACP education was highlighted throughout these articles. Conclusion: Current attitudes of NSs, RNs, and NPs reflect feelings of uncertainty about their role within ACP, how to initiate conversations, and improving confidence in leading these conversations. It was found that ACP training programs have been effective in increasing the number of ACP conversations as they help train NSs and NPs to facilitate these conversations. Keywords: Advance care planning; ACP training; RNs; NPs;
This study aims to investigate the vaping habits and effectiveness of practicing mindfulness techniques and weekly positive framed text messages on vaping behaviors of UW-Eau Claire students. Various studies completed in this realm of mindfulness, stress, and vaping have discovered a correlation between stress and vaping. Researchers utilized direct advertising (referrals, campus resources, recruitment table, and email) to recruit subjects for this study. Participants received an incentive upon completion of the study. 4 participants who currently vape were asked to describe their habits and stress level with a pre-test questionnaire. Next, participants were assigned to an experimental or control group. For privacy, the primary investigator had an identification key. During a 4-week period, the experimental group will be provided vaping pamphlets, mindfulness techniques (4-square breathing, coloring books, meditation, journaling, etc.), and weekly positive text message, while the control group will continue with their normal behaviors. Six weeks after the initial pre-test, participants received questionnaires about their vaping habits and stress levels. From the data collection, we determined mindfulness techniques reduced stress levels but minimal reduction in participants' vaping habits. However, upon completion of the six-week questionnaire, participants reported a 31% decrease in spending on vape products after this study.
Superconductors are materials that can carry electricity without resistance at cryogenic temperatures, which is useful for large magnet applications such as particle accelerators. Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8-x (Bi-2212) is a superconductor capable of producing very large magnetic fields (>20 Tesla). However, processing Bi-2212 into usable, filamentary round wire poses significant challenges. These wires undergo a densification process that increases the wire’s critical current density but introduces variations in filament size and shape within composite wires. These variations can impact both processing capability and performance. In this study, Bi-2212 wires with and without densification were sectioned and imaged five times at 1 mm depth intervals to evaluate the longitudinal homogeneity of their filaments. ImageJ was used to analyze filament area and circularity, while Minitab provided graphical interpretations of the variations. These findings offer insights into the impact of the densification process on filament homogeneity.
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.
Many technologically important materials are used in amorphous form, and a fundamental understanding of their structure is crucial for optimization of their performance. Due to the disordered nature of amorphous materials, experimental structural characterization is challenging. Computational techniques such as ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have been widely used to reveal atomistic insights into the structural characteristics of amorphous materials. The simulated melt-quench process is typically used to generate the amorphous structure. Such generated structures contain varying amounts of defects due to differences in system sizes and simulation history. Consequently, reported structures for amorphous materials are subject to substantial variations and inconsistencies. Using silicon dioxide (SiO2) as a model system, the effects of simulation history on the structural characteristics of amorphous SiO2 have been studied. By manipulating simulation parameters such as time, temperature, and thermodynamic ensemble, this research examines which conditions eliminate the most defects in an amorphous structure through a statistical analysis. The optimal parameters for generating high-quality, defect-free amorphous SiO2 structures were proposed. The same protocol is expected to be applicable to other materials, thus advancing the study of amorphous materials by providing a reliable computational protocol for producing amorphous structures with minimal defects.
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, associated with factors like age, body mass index, blood pressure, and social determinants such as income level, education, and healthcare access. This study uses a mix of these factors derived from a public health survey to train machine learners for diabetes prediction. The data includes 29 features and 223,022 records. A key goal here is to investigate levels of feature importance in risk factors to assess the impact of social determinants on diabetes. We employ six machine learning models, including XGBoost, AdaBoost, LightGBM, Random Forest, Naive Bayes, and Logistic Regression, and utilize SHapley Additive exPlanations to measure feature importance. Predictive performance metrics include accuracy, precision, recall, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Empirical results show that five out of six models achieved 85% accuracy, with blood pressure, body mass index, cholesterol, weekly alcohol consumption, and time since the last checkup being the most significant predictive attributes. These initial findings highlight the potential of machine learners to predict diabetes and contribute to early monitoring of the identified risk factors. In related future research, a planned work will investigate whether identifying and incorporating other factors would improve overall predictive performance.
The recent advancements in LLMs and Gen-AI technology, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and Llamas, have widespread applications. Such AI-based solutions strive to achieve extremely high levels of effectiveness in identifying and modeling a multitude of complex patterns and characteristics in textual data. In related literature, recently there is an increased focus on solutions to detect and model the complex characteristics and semantic formulations in textual data that are respectively unique to AI-generated and human-developed responses to a given input query or data. This research work is a preliminary study on investigating NLP-based approaches that are applicable to our research question: for a given query or input data, can we differentiate between the AI-generated responses from that is developed by a human expert. The case study dataset has about 2,000 records (about published research articles) and four attributes: title of a published article; its AI-generated abstract; its human-developed abstract; and a class label. The two NLP-based approaches we are currently investigating are: similarity metric(s) based assessment paired with the known class labels of the respective abstracts, and an LLM-based approach for modeling. We will present the respective results and provide their individual and comparative analysis as well as important conclusion points.
Ozone is an important aspect of characterizing local air quality due to its effects as a respiratory irritant, causing inflammation of the respiratory system, coughing, exacerbation of asthma symptoms and can lead to respiratory infections over long term exposure. Formation of ozone in low altitude conditions comes as a byproduct of reactions between NOx emissions and VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the presence of sunlight. This is of particular concern around heavy industrial areas as NOx emissions are a common byproduct of many industrial processes. The focus of the WiscoDISCO-22 field campaign was to characterize the local atmospheric conditions around the Lake Michigan shoreline in southeastern Wisconsin, with the specific focus of determining the lake breeze’s effect on local air mixing. Data was collected by flying unmanned aerial systems equipped with instruments to measure ozone concentration, and meteorological variables over both land and water. The current focus is on removing surface effects from the start of each flight and optimizing each data set to best showcase the vertical profile to be interpreted in continuing analysis of the different profiles seen between overland and overwater flights.
Residents on the shoreline of Lake Michigan in southwest Wisconsin are subject to air quality issues from high ozone concentrations near ground level. Meteorological data was collected for the August 2023 AGES+ campaign concerning ozone concentration, temperature, wind speed, and wind direction. Measurements were conducted using a DJI M300, with two IMETs and POM sensors attached, with flights occurring over Lake Michigan near the Chiwaukee Prairie area. Results were then correlated with the Wisconsin DNR’s ground station in Chiwaukee Prairie, which found moderate correlation of data between measurements conducted above water and on land.
Air quality is of concern to the communities along Lake Michigan’s shores in easternWisconsin. In the troposphere oxides of nitrogen, like NO2, react with volatile organic compounds, like formaldehyde, to form ozone,which is a harmful pollutant to human health. Lake Michigan traps these harmful chemicals in the troposphere, which results in ahigher-than-normal amount of ozone in these communities’ air. During the summer of 2023 in Kenosha, WI, the OPSIS DOASinstrument was placed on the Kenosha Municipal Building and the water treatment plant and took measurements of O3, NO2 and SO2 during the months of July and August. During this time, the AGES+ field campaign was also taking place, where ground, satellite, and aircraft observations were targeted around the Chicago, New York and Toronto regions. This data has been uploaded a repository that is part of the field campaign, AGES+. My poster will display the OPSIS DOAS data from the Kenosha, Wisconsin and data gathered from overwater aircraft sampling by University of Alabama Huntsville and perform an analysis to determine data correlations and find possible trends.
The development of sustainable routes to organic building blocks is a critical endeavor for reducing the environmental impact of traditional organic chemical synthesis. Biocatalysts offer an alternative method to facilitate sustainable synthesis, as they perform highly selective reactions at an increased rate. Ring-cleaving dioxygenases (RCDs) are a class of enzymes responsible for selectively breaking open the ring of benzene derivatives to provide a carbon source for microorganisms in bioremediation. To access the biocatalysts, many microbiology methods were utilized. The E. coli cells were transformed to contain the desired gene, the cells were then grown until there optical density was at the ideal value for cell viability (0.6-0.8) and induced with IPTG to facilitate protein expression. After heterologous expression, the enzyme was purified to homogeneity by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. We continue to analyze RCD types (type I, II, and III) through endpoint screening and product isolation using various substituted catechols. We envision that this approach to muconic acid synthesis will contribute to ongoing efforts to streamline synthesis of these important organic building blocks and reduce the usage of fossil fuels for organic synthesis.
The Foster Gallery hosts and exhibition by May 2025 Bachelor of Fine Arts degree candidates. Students will displayed their creative research spanning disciplines such as graphic design, illustration, and sculpture. Each student designs and executes their own creative project and participates in professional practices of presentation, installation, curating, and writing artist statements. The exhibition opens to the public on Friday, April 25 in the Foster Gallery. The creative research is documented in a video presentation highlighting each individual student's creative project and will be available prior to the opening of the exhibition.
The Fall 2024 Bachelor of Fine Arts exhibition featured artwork by BFA degree candidates who graduated in December 2024. The exhibition displayed the students' creative research spanning disciplines such as graphic design, illustration, and printmaking. Each student designed and executed their own creative project and participated in professional practices of presentation, installation, curating, and writing artist statements. Although the exhibition has concluded, this creative research is documented in a video presentation highlighting each individual student's creative project.
This research examines how the ‘Beyond the Gaze’ exhibition improved accessibility within Foster Gallery and provides recommendations for museums and other cultural institutions to ensure access for all visitors. Existing guidelines, such as the 2010 American with Disability Act (ADA) Guidelines, outline only basic requirements. A 2020 LA County Arts and Culture report highlights accessibility challenges in the arts through interviews with disabled artists. It emphasizes that while accessibility broadens engagement, barriers persist. Some artworks remain inaccessible unless designed inclusively, and modifications can sometimes alter interpretation. My approach includes evaluating the Foster Gallery's physical space, signage, exhibition design, and visitor experience to identify both strengths and areas for improvement. I used feedback from artists and accessibility professionals to create practical solutions. This research reveals that while the exhibition made strides in accessibility within Foster Gallery, such as improved signage, wider circulation routes, and tactile exhibition elements, more improvements are needed. Key recommendations for galleries include alternative text formats, interactive audio guides, adequate seating, and accessible exhibition layouts that meet and exceed ADA standards. By prioritizing accessibility, institutions can create environments where all individuals can fully engage with and enjoy artistic and historical experiences.
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), also known as “forever chemicals”, are man-made chemicals consisting of C-chains, either poly- or per-fluorinated. PFASs have long been detected in the environment, but recent studies found their presence in the human body too. Due to the stable C-F bonds, these compounds resist degradation, and the long-term effects and toxicity on the human body are still unknown. In humans, PFASs have been associated with xenobiotic metabolism, immunity, hepatic steatosis, kidney cancer, liver toxicity, and more. Moreover, PFASs have been detected in the human brain, and it’s hypothesized their potential interference with neurotransmitter synthesis and act as receptor-binding site competitors, potentially leading to cognitive and developmental dysfunctions. However, the mechanism by which these chemicals enter the brain and can cross or bypass the blood-brain barrier transporters is still unclear. Thus, in this study, we aim to conduct a systematic study of PFASs and their binding into some of the known target proteins using computational chemistry tools, including cheminformatics, quantum chemical computation, and molecular docking. The presentation will document the absolute hardnesses, absolute electronegativities, and binding affinities to some known targets in our body, including human serum albumin, liver fatty acid binding proteins, organic anion-transporting polypeptides, and dopamine transporter.
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.
The field of electronic textiles (e-textiles) combines digital technology with textile objects, and has applications in fields such as wearable computing, theatrical design, and medicine. Prior work has examined deploying this technology in educational settings, to teach such skills as circuit design, computer programming, and iterative design. However, e-textile-based learning materials are still not commonly used, and more validated examples of such interventions would be valuable. The aim of this project is to investigate the state of the art in e-textile technology, especially in educational contexts, and to develop and evaluate an e-textiles intervention which could be deployed in a classroom or extra-curricular setting to teach introductory programming skills. So far, we have conducted a literature review examining applications of e-textiles in learning environments. For example, in one study [Seo et al. 2017], the researchers provided a safe environment for children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) to create their own sensory haptic toy. We found that many of the studies targeted middle and high school age children as a way to gauge and increase their knowledge of electricity and sewing techniques, but not many examined undergraduates. Therefore, in future work, we plan to conduct an experiment investigating the effectiveness of e-textiles in undergraduate learning.
The emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) has facilitated the creation of targeted, mass-produced, and highly effective phishing messages with unprecedented ease. Unlike previous methods, attackers no longer face the dilemma of choosing between investing time in crafting personalized spear phishing messages or opting for less effective, but broadly distributed, general phishing campaigns. Despite continuous warnings from security researchers and academics spanning over a year, there remains a notable scarcity of AI-generated phishing messages available for comprehensive study and analysis. The establishment of a comprehensive corpus of AI-generated phishing messages would provide researchers with the data to devise effective strategies for detecting and thwarting these sophisticated techniques. To address this gap, we propose leveraging the computational capabilities of UWEC’s Blugold Center for High Performance Computing with local Large Language Models (LLMs) to generate a diverse and extensive collection of malicious phishing messages for analysis and new techniques to better detect AI generated phishing attacks.
Background: Patient education is linked to better health outcomes and is a core component of Family Medicine, where providers see a variety of patient health problems (Simonsmeier, 2022). Developing and maintaining an evidence-based and inclusive patient education library is a resource-intensive. Content libraries at academic medical centers often are not inclusive of Family Medicine. Moreover, users cannot tailor content to individual patient needs, and accessing content is cumbersome. Objective: We aimed to close this education gap by developing an AI-assisted tool where clinicians can easily generate trustworthy education content for diverse patient needs. Methods: Our tool combines a web-scraper that pulls data from mayoclinic.org, feeds it into a standalone user interface (UI) enabled by a large language model (LLM), which allows users to generate printable education based on inputs, such as disease name, content headers, text size, and patient reading level. We validated the LLM’s accuracy and completeness using volunteer medical students. We plan to evaluate the tool’s usability, time savings, and user satisfaction with a pilot study comparing the traditional workflow to our tool. Results & Future Work: Two times during the development process, output forms were evaluated by multiple different clinicians to confirm medical accuracy and readability. Post-pilot, we will investigate translating the tool into clinical practice. Mayo Choice Award Family medicine providers handle an incredibly large volume of diseases and diagnoses, so having easy-to-access, adjustable educational material is incredibly important as it decreases clerical burden for clinicians and increases patient health literacy (Hart, 2015). Currently, even if providers are able to locate the educational forms without interrupting their workflow to visit the public website, they cannot adjust educational material reading level or text sizes to tailor to individual patient needs without extra steps, which inhibits patients from fully understanding their diagnosis and relevant follow-up, including vital self-care instructions that lead to better patient outcomes (Simonsmeier, 2022). Overall, this tool provides the educational materials for over 400 diagnoses commonly seen in family medicine all in one place, while also allowing providers to tailor the reading level and text size to each patient, which will lead to overall better health outcomes. Works Cited Hart, S., 2015. Patient education accessibility. Medical Writing 24, 190– 194. Simonsmeier BA, Flaig M, Simacek T, Schneider M. What sixty years of research says about the effectiveness of patient education on health: a second order meta-analysis. Health Psychol Rev. 2022 Sep;16(3):450-474. doi: 10.1080/17437199.2021.1967184. Epub 2021 Aug 24. PMID: 34384337.
This website was developed as an educational tool to train students in accurately identifying different types of stuttering. The platform provides audio samples, allowing users to practice distinguishing between various stutter types, such as repetitions, prolongations, and blocks. As students classify these speech patterns, their responses are recorded and stored, with hopes to eventually form a structured dataset. This dataset serves a dual purpose: enhancing student learning through hands-on experience and creating a valuable resource for future AI applications in speech therapy and automated stutter detection. The project aims to bridges the gap between AI and stutter disfluency detection. The resulting dataset can support the development of AI-driven tools for diagnosing and assisting individuals with speech disorders, ultimately improving accessibility to speech therapy solutions.
This project aims to standardize follow-up recommendations for colonoscopies by leveraging Generative AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze colonoscopy and pathology reports. Current follow-up guidelines vary based on multiple factors, including polyp type, size, number, and patient history, often leading to inconsistencies in clinical recommendations. The AI system processes unstructured text from medical reports, extracting key diagnostic details and cross-referencing them with established guidelines to generate personalized return date recommendations. By automating this process, the project enhances accuracy, reduces variability in clinical decision-making, and improves workflow efficiency for healthcare providers. The standardized recommendations ensure that patients receive appropriate follow-up care, minimizing the risk of delayed or unnecessary procedures. This initiative demonstrates the potential of AI in streamlining medical decision-making, ultimately contributing to better patient outcomes and more consistent adherence to evidence-based guidelines in gastroenterology.
Variable Rate Agriculture (VRA) is a data-driven approach aimed at reducing the environmental impact of commercial farming. It leverages machine learning models (MLMs) to enhance crop yield predictions more rapidly than traditional soil analyses. However, MLMs require large datasets, and agricultural data is often limited. Cross-validation (CV) techniques help improve model generalization by testing model performance on reserved subsets of data, even with limited data. This study used a three-year dataset on hybrid wheat, covering pre-planting, crop growth, and yield mass from Minnesota. Four machine learning models—linear regression, random forest, XGBoost, and feed-forward neural networks (FFNN)—were developed to link pre-growing conditions with yield outcomes. Two CV methods, Random CV and Spatial Grid CV, were applied to compare model performance, assessing overfitting using the coefficient of determination (R²) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE). Feature selection was performed to pinpoint critical spectral indices impacting model output. Findings indicated that Random CV generally outperformed Spatial Grid CV across both full and reduced feature sets. While linear regression suffered from feature selection limitations, FFNN showed occasional improvement. Overall, Random CV proved more effective, especially with a diverse dataset, enhancing model reliability in VRA applications.
Transportation is a fundamental human activity, and cycling offers significant potential to improve community health, reduce carbon emissions, and lower transportation costs both for individuals and the community at large. To foster widespread adoption, sufficient cycling infrastructure is essential, as safety issues present a major barrier to ridership. Understanding cyclists' perceptions of safety, location, and the built environment is crucial for enhancing safety and increasing participation. This poster presents findings from a study on spatial perceptions of cycling safety in Marburg, Germany. Through a web-based survey, respondents identified two major clusters of unsafe areas. In general, unsafe locations were identified as such due to inadequate infrastructure and potential conflicts with motor vehicles. The study reveals that while women and men share similar levels of confidence in cycling, safety concerns have a greater influence on where women choose to ride. The insights from this study are valuable for identifying specific areas in Marburg that require improvement, but they also offer guidance for urban planners seeking to design safer and more equitable transportation systems.
Our research is focused on the geomorphic history of the Niobrara River, located in northern Nebraska. This river exhibits noteworthy landforms, including a large number of terraces. The goal is to determine what event(s) may have taken place to cause these formations. Through analyzing the terraces, it’s apparent that it has drastically aggraded and degraded to form a complex series of terraces. The Niobrara is located just north of the Nebraska Sand Hills, which is a crucial aspect of the landscape that contributes to the river’s geologic history. To understand what happened, we mapped all the terraces within the Niobrara Scenic River Corridor. We utilized ArcGIS Pro to digitize each terrace, then calculated their average height above the river. Once completed, we classified the terrace heights into categories to reveal geographic patterns. We hypothesize that there was a river piracy event that caused the Niobrara to reroute towards the Keya Paha River, a tributary to the Niobrara, and abandon the ancestral course that is now the Elkhorn River. A possible explanation includes the transport of sediment from the Sand Hills to create a sand dam on the river, which would have formed an overflowing lake, spilling over the dam boundaries.
The study explores the perspective of important stakeholders in nursing home care to better understand the difficulties and opportunities for improvement regarding care and quality of life for residents living with dementia and comorbidities. The research can guide interventions to address these challenges and enhance care. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 13 stakeholders from a family-run nursing home in 2024. Participants included care assistants, well-being companions, a registered nurse, the manager, the owner, a general practitioner (GP), and informal caregivers. Interviews were conducted online via Microsoft Teams, and thematic analysis was used to identify key challenges and factors involved. Five key challenges emerged, including managing the consequences of dementia, addressing staff knowledge gaps, creating inclusive services, compensating for an under-resourced healthcare system, and understanding caregiver responsibilities. Eight facilitating factors were also identified, such as a holistic approach to care and ensuring continuity and personalization. The findings suggested that psycho-educational interventions to improve clinical care and geriatric knowledge, in addition to basic psychological training for staff, can help to address these challenges. These suggestions try to improve interactions with families, enhance the quality of care, and ultimately improve the quality of life for nursing home residents with dementia and comorbidities.
This study investigates the challenges and potential solutions in caring for nursing home residents in the U.S. who have dementia and other comorbidities. Data was gathered from 35 staff members—Directors of Nursing, Certified Nursing Assistants, physicians, administrators, and social workers—across eight nursing facilities in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Participants completed a four-question open-ended survey that explored the challenges in managing dementia and comorbidities, their causes, and potential solutions. Key issues identified include difficulties in managing mental health conditions and chronic diseases, staffing shortages, communication barriers, and unrealistic family expectations. The study recommends strategies to improve care quality, such as increasing state funding for dementia programs, ensuring adequate staffing, providing comprehensive dementia training, maintaining consistent caregivers, and offering support resources for families. These interventions aim to enhance the quality of life for residents with dementia and comorbidities.
Experiential Learning in Lean Manufacturing: Measuring Student Perceptions of Innovative Assignments The purpose of this project was to measure the student perceptions of the improvement in student learning in the Lean Manufacturing Systems and Concepts course by introducing innovative assignments and projects which connect course concepts to students' personal lives. Through a novel waste identification assignment and a 5S assignment applied to daily tasks, and a semester-long project at a local manufacturing company, students can bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications. This study, which was conducted in a Lean Manufacturing course at a public university in the upper Midwest, uses surveys to assess the student perception of the impact of this application of using experiential learning methods. After using these experiential learning methods, students reported feeling more prepared to apply Lean concepts in real life and identified additional areas where these methodologies could be used to enhance processes in their lives. We found that these assignments led to students gaining a better understanding of the course material and how to apply their knowledge in a professional and personal capacity. Through this study, we hope to provide inspiration for future Lean Manufacturing courses in other universities, leading to a future of more knowledgeable and prepared students entering the workforce.
Within college organizations, very few encompass certifications that promote environmental health, students’ physical well-being, and the community. With the Eau Claire community being 75k+ members, a center that has good quality access to health care is vital to seniors, children and young adults. The UWEC Sonnentag Center has Gold LEED certification, which states the building has outstanding sustainability energy efficiency and environmental design. However, this is not enough to tackle the environmental issues in Eau Claire. Within our research to achieve the WELL certification, we collected data on the clarity of the water (turbidity), total and free chlorine, the pH levels of the water; levels of volatile inorganic compounds (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide), ozone levels, and humidity in the air. Interestingly, what our team found was that the turbidity, as well as, free and total chlorine levels were low, and the pH was slightly higher but within range. In addition, the air quality was above and beyond good standards for the WELL Certification, due to the ventilation systems in and around the building. However, nightly cleaning procedures caused a rise in VOC’s and low humidity. Overall, the measures of WELL Certification build upon the LEED certification principles, allowing for the best achievable environmental impact.
Work engagement is a significant factor influencing employee performance, well-being, and organizational commitment. Given these valuable outcomes, it is essential to investigate antecedents of engagement. This research seeks to understand how the imposter phenomenon (IP) and irritability contribute to engagement. Following the conservation of resources theory (Hobfall, 1989), we hypothesize that IP is positively related to irritability, irritability is negatively related to engagement, and finally, IP is related to engagement via irritability. We collected data from 164 participants with a snowball sampling technique (Grant & Mayer, 2009). Utilizing Preacher and Hayes’ (2008) mediation procedure, our results provide support for our hypothesized relationships between IP and irritability (B = 0.3392, p < .05) and between irritability and engagement (B = -0.1784, p < .001). Furthermore, we found support for our mediation hypothesis with a significant effect of IP on engagement through irritability (b = -0.0605, SE = .0377, 95% CI [-.1480, -.0007]). Findings suggest those with IP experience irritability, leading to lower levels of engagement. To combat this, we suggest organizations prioritize constructing a positive work culture, implementing Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and encouraging leaders to enhance their social perception and emotional awareness skills.
Two Holocaust-era trenches sit between the Abava River and a local road near Sabile, Latvia. The mass murder of Sabile Jews took place on August 6,1941. The intended execution of Sabile’s Roma population never occurred leaving an open trench. The goal of the project is to locate the filled in trench containing 240 Jewish citizens and compare it to the open Roma trench. To find the Jewish trench, an 8x9m grid was laid down and ground penetrating radar (GPR) lines were collected every 0.25m using a Sensors & Software pulseEKKO Pro system with 500MHz antennae. The GPR data was then geometrically corrected using a Topcon laser leveler. Results show horizontal, to sub-horizontal semi-continuous reflection patterns with erosional truncations from 2-4m across the grid. These truncations were filled with concave upward reflection patterns. In comparison to the open Roma trench, it is hypothesized that the Jewish trench lays partially within the imaged lines and is roughly 2-4m wide and 5m deep. The study, for the first time, has been able to compare two Holocaust trenches (one open and one filled in). The results can be used by others to compare mass execution sites worldwide.
During the early stages of the Holocaust in 1941, over 5,470 people were shot by bullets within the city limits of Liepāja, Latvia. Near the Liepāja Lighthouse, a film recorded by Reinhard Wiener captures the scene of active killings while a 1945 Soviet Commissions Map illustrates four execution trenches. The map and film present geographic reference points that suggest trench locations near the Lighthouse. The research aims to build upon prior research to map the continuation of execution trenches. The primary method, ground penetrating radar (GPR), a non-invasive technique that transmits high-frequency electromagnetic pulses into the subsurface. Seven grids were laid out using survey tapes with a 0.25m line spacing and ranging from 4.5-29m in length and 12-33m in width. All seven grids used an antennae frequency of 500MHz with an odometer wheel triggered step size of 0.02m. The data was processed using Sensors and Software pulseEKKO Pro V6 software. Pairs of erosional truncation reflections are interpreted as trench outlines within local subhorizontal semicontinuous coastal aeolian sediments. Two possible trenches extend in grids 1 and 5. The project builds an understanding of how to detect mass burial sites worldwide and help the Liepāja Jewish community identify memorial locations for execution trenches.
This project aims to map buried river channels beneath the desert sands to identify potential agricultural sites, particularly focusing on areas within irrigatable distance of the Nile River in Sudan. With fertile land along the Nile becoming increasingly limited, there is a growing need to explore new areas that can support farming. Sudan, a country in northeastern Africa, was once lush with river systems and vegetation but is now mostly covered by the Sahara Desert. Beneath the sands lie palaeochannels (ancient riverbeds and drainage systems) that contain fertile sediments and are highly suitable for agriculture. Agriculture has expanded into the desert over the past decade, revealing the potential of buried channels, but more fertile land is needed to continue this growth. In this study, we utilized a radar remote sensing sensor called PALSAR (Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar) to image subsurface hydrologic and geomorphic features. This sensor is capable of penetrating deeper into the ground from space, detecting buried palaeochannels and revealing areas that may harbour soil. Our reconnaissance mapping has uncovered a vast network of palaeochannels within a 40-mile radius of the Nile River, offering potential locations for agricultural expansion.
Libya lacks a permanent natural body of water, causing it to rely on fossil water from underground aquifers that originate more than tens of thousands of years ago. The ancient aquifers are a relic from a time when the Sahara was green and home to rivers and lakes. Since this water is not naturally replenished, there is an increasing need to explore more sources of fossil water under the Sahara's sands. Remote sensing data from the Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) sensor, onboard the Advanced Land Observing Satellite (ALOS), has been shown to penetrate and reveal subsurface features up to several meters deep. This is especially useful in regions such as Libya, where dry, shallow sand cover allows effective PALSAR’s L-Band Penetration. PALSAR, along with optical remote sensing and topographic data within the Google Earth Engine platform, provides new capabilities to conduct multi-level spatial analysis. Preliminary results reveal a previously unidentified and/ under-appreciated network of ancient drainages, streams, and small-scale deltas or alluvial fans, many of which are connected to previously identified megalakes. These findings will provide valuable insight into the region's ancient hydrological system and its potential for future water resources.
Poplar trees (Populus) provide vital ecosystem services for humans and are a critical species within their wide range of habitats. Our research goal was to investigate whether hybridization between Populus trichocharpa (Black Cottonwood) and P. balsamifera (Balsam Poplar) alters their resistance to a fungal pathogen Melampsora, or rust. Rust is apotential threat to proper development in many poplar species. Our garden is within a multi-institution poplar research project, consisting of 19 common gardens across North America with clones of 47 poplar genotypes. All genotypes exhibit a hybrid class, or percentage of DNA from the two focal species. Each garden collected general presence or absence of rust data. At our garden we conducted a detailed assessment of the proportion of leaves exhibiting rust damage. For our garden and across the larger project we used ANOVAs, linear models, and correlation tests to determine if there was a relationship between the presence of rust disease and genetic background. For both data sets, no significant relationships were found between rust presence and hybrid class. However, in the larger set, there was a significant relationship between rust and transect, or original location. Also, in our smaller set, rust was positively correlated with leaf area.
For early spring wildflowers in Wisconsin, global climate change may lead to warmer, drier climates with more day-to-day variability, which in turn can impact flower and pollinator phenology, plant-pollinator network structure, and reproductive security for plants and pollinators. Inter-annual changes to plant-pollinator interactions are often only noticeable with long-term data sets. Here, we present our goal to establish a multi-year study monitoring plant-pollinator interactions in early spring wildflowers in Putnam Park. We will use AutoPollS (Autonomous Pollinator Samplers) camera traps with temperature sensors to record flower visitors to early spring wildflowers. We will deploy six camera traps with four cameras from the start of bloom through mid-May, aiming to document all flowering species. After we collect images of flower visitors, we will filter out images with insects and use BeeMachine to identify flower visitors. To analyze our data, we will use bipartite plots to evaluate network dynamics and complexity and link temperature with pollinator activity and wildflower phenology. Over time, we will evaluate multi-year patterns and evidence of climate change-mediated shifts to plant-pollinator interactions. We expect as the climate warms, spring wildflowers will bloom earlier, bloom duration will decrease, and pollinators will shift their dietary preferences in response.
Global change is predicted to result in warmer and more variable temperatures, which may impact insect learning. Learning is critical to social insects, like bumble bees, where colony success relies on worker memory. We used a foraging arena to investigate whether bumble bee (Bombus impatiens) learning is influenced by temperature. We wanted the bees to learn that yellow flowers had a higher reward (50% sugar) than blue flowers (25% sugar). Bee colonies were connected to a training arena with half-blue, half-yellow flowers with ad-libitum nectar for one week, then individual workers were removed from the training arena to be tested in the foraging arena. Before foraging, bees were starved for six hours, then introduced to the foraging arena and allowed to forage for 10 minutes on two subsequent days. We recorded the color of the first flower visited, the duration foraging on both high- and low-reward flowers, and the number and type of each flower, per foraging visit. In total, we tested nine temperature combinations of 18, 25, and 32°C across days 1 and 2. As a control, we also evaluated whether bees had an innate preference for blue or yellow flowers when floral reward was equal (both 50% sugar).
Cortisol is a stress hormone essential for fetal development in humans. Increased prenatal cortisol exposure due to maternal stress can alter fetal neurodevelopment. Previous studies in our lab identified morphological changes in zebrafish larvae due to embryonic cortisol exposure. Cortisol primarily acts through two receptors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which are crucial to the regulation and development of many physiological processes. MRs are crucial to the regulation and development of many physiological processes. Deoxycorticosterone (DOC) is a synthetic glucocorticoid that binds selectively to the MR. In this study, we tested how activating the mineralocorticoid receptors affects the morphology of embryonic development in zebrafish. Zebrafish embryos were treated with different concentrations of DOC at 3 hours post fertilization (hpf). Embryos were then imaged at 72 hpf with brightfield microscopy. Images were scored for morphological phenotypes and the severity of phenotypes. Results show a dose-dependent change in morphological phenotypes due to DOC treatment. These experiments inform our understanding of how different corticosteroid receptors affect zebrafish morphology in embryonic development.
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a common water pollutant in the Great Lakes region with known toxicity in wildlife and humans. The glutathione (GSH) pathway plays a crucial role in detoxifying cells from substances like MeHg. While variants in GSH genotypes have been linked to differential MeHg retention and toxicity in adult tissues, less is known about these gene-environment interactions during embryonic development. To investigate this context, a mutant line of zebrafish was created utilizing CRISPR techniques targeting the gclm gene, a gene involved in the GSH pathway. In this study, we characterized the mutant allele in the F3 generation using high-resolution melting analysis (HRMA) along with PCR + restriction enzyme digestion. Suspected mutant zebrafish were genotyped to detect a change in DNA sequence at the CRISPR target area using PCR + restriction enzyme digestion with gel electrophoresis. Gel extraction of the altered PCR fragment and subsequent DNA sequencing revealed a consistent deletion at the CRISPR target area. Subsequent analysis of predicted protein products of the mutant sequences indicated a loss-of-function allele. Characterizing the functional impact of this mutant gclm allele will help clarify how the gclm gene contributes to MeHg detoxification in the context of embryonic development.
This research looks at the effect of inert environments on the structures of pyridine-SO2 complexes. These effects were able to be observed both experimentally through low temperature FTIR as well as computational models. Experimental FTIR data illustrates environmental effects through measured vibrational frequency shifts between the fragments and the complex. Computational models provide detailed structural information as well as predicted frequencies that can be compared to experimental data. At this point we have observed the spectra of both pyridine-SO2 and 3,5-Difluoropyridine-SO2 in solid Ne at 6K, and we note no difference between most of these data and the predicted values. The exception is the SO2 asymmetric stretching vibration, and the discrepancy here may indicate a solvent effect on the structure, or a failure of the theory to accurately predict the gas-phase structure. In the 3,5-Difuoropyride-SO2 spectra, this peak is observed at a slightly higher frequency, consistent with a weaker interaction upon addition of the fluorenes. Collection and analysis of spectra in solid N2 are in progress.
This project is concerned with solvent effects on the structural properties of nitrogen-donor-SO2 complexes, including: H3N-SO2, and its methylated (CH3 containing) analogues. The goal is to assess the extent to which inert, condensed-phase environments (solid neon, argon, and nitrogen) induce structural change in these systems. Experimentally, we utilize infrared spectroscopy to observe shifts in key vibrational modes that parallel the compression of the N-S bond. Theoretically, we use quantum-chemical calculations (computer simulations of the bonding) to predict gas-phase structural properties, bond energies, vibrational frequencies as well as the energy profile along the N-S bond. Our preliminary computational results indicate that these complexes will undergo significant structural changes. A great deal of effort went into identifying the optimal computational methods to make this determination. The first consideration was identifying which among twelve methods tested best predicated the experimental frequencies of SO2, and using this method, we will report gas-phase and structures and predicted frequencies for H3N-SO2, CH3H2N-SO2, (CH3)2HN-SO2 and (CH3)3N-SO2. Collectively these complexes span a great range of interaction strengths, specifically: H3N-SO2: –6.6 kcal/mol (RNS=2.685 Å), CH3H2N-SO2: -8.4 kcal/mol (RNS=2.509 Å), (CH3)2H2N-SO2: -11.0 kcal/mol (RNS=2.334 Å), (CH3)3H2N-SO2: -13.4 kcal/mol (RNS=2.302 Å). We also explored the performance of various computational methods for energetic results by comparing them to a very high-level model and also compared predicted frequencies to those previously measured in solid nitrogen.
Kin selection theory (Hamilton 1964) is a widely invoked explanation for the evolution of cooperation in animal societies. A major assumption of this theory is that individuals must discriminate among individuals based on genetic relationships to bias helpful behaviors toward kin. In the context of alarm calls, a common danger signal, kin selection is expected to favor inclusive fitness through increased attention to closely related (indirect benefits) and reliable (direct benefits) callers. Here we quantified individual differences in acoustic properties of alarm calls (i.e., chatters) for members of two long-term populations of California ground squirrels. We used Raven Pro to measure the acoustic properties of chatters produced by marked individual squirrels over time. As expected, the acoustic properties of calls were explained by the age, sex, and location of callers. Beyond this, individuals’ calls were repeatable across the study, providing evidence for individuality in call structure. Our findings suggest these animals have the potential to discriminate among individual callers based on acoustic information produced in alarm calls. These findings are important because individuals could support a suite of other behavioral processes important for social animals that include parent-offspring interactions, mate choice, and recognition of social partners.
Understanding why some individuals within populations are more prone to harbor parasites (and diseases) than others is an important biological question. Repeated measures on marked individuals over time are required to assess the extent to which individual identity, age, sex, or year of study most strongly shape prevalence in nature. Here, we studied the potential for age and sex to structure parasite prevalence in the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi). This native rodent is common across California and frequently interacts with humans. Its fleas have been studied extensively in the context of bubonic plague, but their endoparasites have not been the subject of systematic study. As part of a long-term study, we collected fleas in 70% ethanol and fecal samples in formalin from live-trapped individual ground squirrels of known ages and sexes in situ for two consecutive years. We microscopically identified parasite prevalence in the lab. We explored individual squirrels’ parasitic profiles for members of two study populations that vary in levels of human disturbance. Our findings offer an in-depth understanding of how identity, age, and sex of hosts influence parasite prevalence in our two study populations but also have implications for understanding zoonotic diseases in human-altered landscapes.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is vital to human development. Previous studies in the lab have found that embryonic exposure to cortisol alters morphological development in zebrafish. Cortisol primarily acts through two receptors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), which are crucial to the regulation and development of many physiological processes. Dexamethasone is a synthetic glucocorticoid that binds selectively to the GR. This study aimed to identify the lowest observable adverse effect limit (LOAEL) of exposure on embryonic zebrafish in order to better understand which developmental effects may be directly related to GR activation. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to various concentrations of dexamethasone between 3 and 72 hours post fertilization (hpf) and then imaged with a brightfield microscope to qualitatively evaluate any observable phenotypic abnormalities. Preliminary results showed morphological phenotypes increased as the concentration of dexamethasone increased. These data suggest that an excess of GR regulation results in developmental abnormalities. Additional experiments are needed to determine the LOAEL and confirm the results with statistical analyses. These experiments inform our understanding of how corticosteroid receptors affect zebrafish morphology in embryonic development.
This study explored patterns of spatial and temporal variability in the structure of coral reef fish assemblages around San Salvador Island, The Bahamas. For 25 years, students from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire have conducted reef surveys, generating a long-term dataset that provides a unique opportunity to assess reef fish community changes in response to ecological disturbances. Surveys across six reefs were conducted in 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2014, and 2025, generating quantitative presence-absence data. These surveys captured the effects of two major stressors: the invasion of Pterois volitans (lionfish) in 2007 and a severe coral bleaching event in 2023. The six reefs varied in size, depth, and visitation patterns, enabling comparisons of fish assemblages across different environmental conditions. All observed fish species were recorded during snorkeling surveys, and multivariate analyses were applied to assess changes in fish community composition over time and across reef sites. Coral bleaching was quantified using a standardized assessment protocol. By examining how reef fish communities respond to disturbances, this study enhances our understanding of reef resilience and ecosystem shifts.
We investigated how stress (low moisture and mineral nutrients) influences how functional community assembly differs from random drift assembly. Plant strategy theory suggests that stressful habitats should be dominated by short species with adaptations for conserving resources. The “stress-dominance hypothesis” suggests that stressful habitats should have low functional diversity, and both have been confirmed in European grasslands. We sampled plants at 19 locations along well-known moisture gradients from dry prairies to wet sedge meadows. At each location, three nested sample plots were established using three grain sizes (0.1 m^2, 1.0 m^2, 10 m^2). Four functional traits (two size traits and two leaf economics traits) were measured in every instance of each plant species. We used Monte Carlo simulations to estimate the standardized effect size of abundance-weighted mean and functional diversity using the observed species. Results for weighted mean traits were consistent with strategy theory in terms of size traits only. Results for functional diversity were consistent with the stress-dominance hypothesis in terms of leaf economics traits, while the results for plant height were opposite of theory. We know of no other study that has observed these alternative patterns across the two main axes of plant functional traits.
Microbial species that fix atmospheric nitrogen can benefit plants by colonizing the area around the roots or internal plant tissues and increasing nutrient availability. This process can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, therefore maintaining healthy soil and promoting environmental sustainability. Three endophytic bacterial species (Herbaspirillum, Gluconacetobacter, Methylobacterium) are gaining attention as potentially effective plant growth promoters when applied to the leaves directly, whereas an associative species Azospirillum is conventionally applied to soil. This field study investigated the impact of the foliar application of these four bacterial species independently and in combination, on the growth, physiological performance, and yield of corn and soybean. Overall, corn plants treated with the endophytic bacteria had increased leaf nitrogen content, chlorophyll, and greater reproductive yield compared to the untreated plants. However, the associative Azospirillum showed no growth benefits. In soybean, chlorophyll content was enhanced when all microbe species were combined in mixture, while seed mass was increased under only some of the endophytic microbes compared to the control. These results suggest that foliar treatments could be effective when using bacterial species classified as endophytic for boosting crop productivity, offering a more environmentally friendly way to supply nitrogen to plants than conventional synthetic fertilizers.
Introgression is the incorporation of genetic material from one species into another and can contribute to evolution. The goal of this research was to detect if introgression occurred in population of three sunflower species in Wisconsin, Helianthus giganteus, H. grosseserratus, and H. maximiliani. Previous studies have detected introgression in other sunflower species and there are both historical records of morphological intermediates and evidence for hybridization from crossing experiments for these species. I used the bioinformatics pipeline ipyrad on raw RADseq data from 357 samples to clean, align, and detect SNPs across the dataset. I then used TreeMix to create a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree for the set of populations to look for evidence for introgression. I found no detectable introgression among the sunflower populations in this study. Instead, it appears that two samples of unknown populations are not of hybrid origin, and instead likely belong to Helianthus giganteus.
The Mineral Lake Intrusive Complex is an example of a layered and differentiated mafic intrusive complex within the Mesopaleozoic Mid-Continent Rift in the Lake Superior region. This intrusive complex hosts Ni-Cu-PGE mineralization discovered in the 1960’s via electromagnetic geophysical surveys and at least 16 drill holes were completed. Within increasing demand for domestic critical mineral product to supply metals for energy, communication, and miliary infrastructure, prospects like the Mineral Lake Ni-Cu-PGE showing are increasingly important. This project aims to describe the mineralogy of the sulfide inclusions and the host intrusion geochemistry to better understand the geological characteristics of the mineralized portion of the Mineral Lake Complex. Two drill holes were re-logged (WIS-12 and WIS-11) and samples were collected to represent the range of intrusive phases and mineralization types. Micron-scale PGE-bearing mineral phases are described using the SEM-EDS. Mineralization is hosted in either gabbro or anorthosite phases of the intrusion and are found as mm-scale sulfide segregations composing 1-10% of the rock. Analysis on the SEM-EDS has shown PGE mineralization is commonly hosted in Fe-Ni sulfides. Preliminary results are improving our understanding of economic significance of Mid-continent Rift magmatism.
The Eau Claire Volcanic Complex (ECVC) was thought to have formed on an Archean crustal block (~2.6-3.0 Ga) called the Marshfield Terrane during the Penokean Orogen along the southern margin of the Superior craton. The other volcanic terrane within the Penokean Orogen, the Pembine-Wausau terrane, is interpreted to have formed without older crust and hosts about 150 million tonnes of metallic sulfide ores. The ‘continental’ setting of the Marshfield Terrane assumes this region is not prospective for the same ores. However, U/Pb isotopic and other geochemical data from the ECVC challenges this current model. The ECVC is challenging to study because of a lack of mineral exploration (and drilling) coupled with rare outcrop exposure due to glacial/fluvial sediment and Paleozoic rock cover. This project studies remote, inaccessible outcrops along the Eau Claire River to refine the tectonic model and terrane boundaries. Samples were collected from the limited outcrop exposure along the North Fork of the Eau Claire River. These samples were then processed in order to isolate zircon grains. Zircons are a common mineral used for U/Pb radiometric dating. The zircons were then analyzed at Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada) via Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS). This type of laser ablation allows us to collect U/Pb and trace element geochemistry from each individual grain that was analyzed. This data combined with petrology and geochemistry data from the previous year can provide a deeper understanding of the formation conditions, metamorphic history, and potential alteration processes that formed the bedrock.
The Jewish Cemetery in Vikija, Lithuania has been abandoned since the Nazi and Soviet occupation of Lithuania. The Karnofsky family were a prominent Jewish family who moved to New Orleans in 1900 where they met Louis Armstrong and his family. Honoring this relationship inspired the restoration of the cemetery. Geographic research was conducted using ground penetrating radar (GPR) to image disturbances in the subsurface to locate cemetery features. GPR transmits electromagnetic pulses into the ground and reflects off changes in the natural sediments and anthropogenic features and data is displayed on a digital video logger (DVL). A pulseEKKO Pro 500 MHz antennae GPR unit with 0.25m spacing between lines, and a Topcon RL-H4C self-leveling laser and receiver are used to geometrically correct the GPR data. Between the road and the grassy edge of the cemetery three grids and one line were recorded, Grid 1 was 13.5x22m , Grid 2 was 5x12m, Grid 3 was 10x10m, and a 34m line. The reflections are interpreted to be boundaries of a mourning room and/or ritual purification building. Research on this site will continue to locate boundaries to allow for restoration of the site.
Ten kilometers outside Riga, a city located on the northern coast of Latvia, stands a public park that may seem mundane, but beneath the surface lies a dark past. Today the site is known as Mazjumpramuizha Park, but it was once the location of the Jungfernhof concentration camp during WWII. while there is one interpretive sign that acknowledges this history, it does not tell the full story and even locals remain unaware of what happened here. This silenced history is the focus of my research project, which aims to locate the prisoner barracks that once stood on the site and have been described by survivor testimonies. To accomplish this, I worked alongside a team commissioned by The Jews of Latvia Museum, utilizing ground penetrating radar— a non-invasive scanning technology that transmits electromagnetic pulses into the subsurface—to reveal what lies beneath. In conjunction with a Topcon-RL-H4C self-leveling laser to determine ground elevation, our team unearthed evidence of the camp’s barracks, including barbwire and the building’s rock foundation. For survivors, our findings provide evidence to help bring closure and launch memorial efforts via the creation of a steel monument inscribed with the victims’ names known as the Locker of Memory.
Environmental stability is vital to achieving overall health within communities. Where families reside is an important factor in determining whether they can prosper in other aspects of health, such as education, nutrition, and disease prevention. To fulfill communities' needs for a stable, healthy atmosphere, environmental justice must be addressed to provide these essential health requirements. The purpose of this project is to raise awareness of current environmental health challenges faced by community members in Beloit, Wisconsin. University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire students will analyze particulate matter 2.5 reported through PurpleAir Monitors distributed throughout Beloit to help facilitate the awareness needed for positive change. The collaborative process involves meeting with Beloit air quality advocates from the Stateline Clean Air Coalition and the Midwest Environmental Health Advocates group, as well as working alongside past researchers who analyzed similar data. Using PurpleAir Monitors will give researchers access to PM 2.5 trends from 2023 to the present, helping to establish a timeline of possible effects correlated with particulate matter. By analyzing PM 2.5, we can identify key trends that future advocacy groups can use to drive positive change for families in Beloit, Wisconsin.
Water quality plays a crucial role in achieving WELL certification, ensuring a safe and healthy indoor environment. This study assessed the water quality at the newly constructed Sonnentag Center at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, focusing on key parameters such as turbidity, chlorine levels, and microbial contamination. Using the Hanna Instruments HI93414 Turbidity and Chlorine Meter, we observed an unexpected absence of chlorine (0 µg/mL) in all tested samples. A control test with bleached water confirmed the instrument’s accuracy, suggesting a genuine lack of chlorine in the water supply. Additionally, coliform and E. coli tests verified the absence of bacterial contamination, indicating that the water met microbial safety standards. The findings highlight both the strengths and challenges of water quality monitoring in WELL certification. While microbial safety was confirmed, the absence of chlorine raises concerns about potential regulatory non-compliance and long-term water safety. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and evaluating disinfection protocols to maintain WELL standards. Future work will focus on investigating water treatment processes and identifying solutions to ensure consistent compliance with health and safety regulations.
Our project aims to achieve WELL certification, specifically air quality standards at the new Sonnentag Center. My project is important because it emphasizes the importance of human health, even in new buildings. Thousands of people are present in this building at a time, we need to ensure the air quality levels are safe for visitors. Our project offers new knowledge for people who may not know about WELL certification or the air quality parameters involved. We are motivated to investigate the reasoning behind the air quality levels so we can come up with appropriate intervention strategies where needed. Our poster consists of data from the spring semester, focusing on VOCs and Humidity levels at the Sonnentag. The project is still ongoing, so this data has brought new interpretations, which will be discussed to those viewing the poster. We are currently investigating low humidity levels, while not a part of WELL, it is still significant when it comes to human health. Data collection is still ongoing, so this project will be well rounded with fall and spring semester data and interpretation. Our audience shall be informed on what is being done in our local facility, and find comfort in knowing that we care about population health.
The purpose of this project is to improve public health practice by having University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire students investigate a Third Ward home for multiple environmental health hazards. Undergraduate students will also learn the importance of building safety and addressing concerns that will negatively impact health and safety. University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire students will conduct an Environmental Health Building Assessment to identify potential hazards such as radon, moisture, air contaminants, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and lead. Previous evaluation of the older vehicle located at this home investigated a potential carbon monoxide leak. This project will include retesting of the vehicle with improvements to the calibration of the testing equipment. By analyzing the data collected from both inspections, we can identify hazards that pose a health risk to the residents.
Food insecurity is a global phenomenon that affects a wide range of people and is a significant concern for Americans. Students in higher education also grapple with food insecurity and can struggle to access nutritious and regular meals due to tuition, housing, and other competing costs. The purpose of the programs described in this project is to build food equity and increase students’ well-being. In the first “food rescue” program, leftover food is packaged from on-campus cafeterias and donated to the university food pantry where students have access to the food for free. The second program, “Free Food Alert” utilizes a mobile application that sends out email and push notifications to students who opt into receiving these updates. Notifications are sent when leftover catered food on campus is available for students to have. The implementation of these programs has already helped numerous students who are facing food insecurity by giving them access to free food in addition to reducing food waste from campus functions. It is important that college campuses continue to recognize the impact of food insecurity to their students and prioritize food access through programs like these.
This research explores how various factors, particularly parenthood and employment, influence the cognitive dimensions of gendered well-being in Brazil, the Netherlands, and the United States. Using data from the World Values Survey Wave 7, we find that the impact of parenthood on women’s well-being varies across countries. For husbands, occupational status has a greater effect on happiness than fatherhood, while wives’ employment appears to have little to no significant relationship with their well-being. We discuss the implications of these findings and offer policy recommendations to address the motherhood dilemma, advance gender equality, and support female workforce participation.
Rural residents have lower levels of access to health care and health services, and health insurance coverage rates are lower as well; as a result, the health of rural residents is poorer compared to their urban counterparts. The lack of healthcare providers, longer distances to healthcare facilities, and lower economic status for rural populations place extra burdens on both providers and patients to meet and receive needed care. The COVID-19 pandemic not only highlighted these disparities but also spurred new forms of care delivery. Telehealth, through synchronous and asynchronous remote appointments, provided healthcare providers with opportunities to connect with patients outside of physical office visits. The rise of Telehealth not only increased options for patients but also protected all parties from the spread of the COVID-19 (Hirko et al. 2020). Yet, throughout much of the United States rural broadband options are limited or nonexistent.This project is an extension of a previous collaboration with the Mayo Clinic (please see “A Spatial Analysis of Cellular Singal Strength in Western Wisconsin”). It has been determined that a strength of less than -115 dBm will not produce a viewable telehealth appointment. This poster will discuss one of the outcomes of this project (1) kriging analyses and a probability map of cellar strength for Verizon and AT&T near Menomonie, WI. Such analysis will provide Mayo Clinic with a better understanding of where telehealth opportunities are possible in rural areas for patients who lack internet access.
A standard crossword puzzle grid contains words of at least three letters, has no completely black rows or columns, and is symmetric. These grids are combinatorial in nature, making them an interesting object of mathematical study. We present code that generates all possible 5×5 crossword grids under specific symmetry constraints, inspired by the format of The New York Times Mini crosswords. Our work builds on existing research by Cote and Merrill (2021) which gave a representation of crossword grids as bipartite graphs with a node for each word and an edge connecting any intersecting words. We construct crossword graphs for all 5x5 grids with various symmetries and study their graph theoretic features. This project contributes new results to the mathematical study of crossword puzzles by exploring non-traditional symmetries in puzzle grids (diagonal, horizontal, vertical) which have not previously been studied.
This project aims to assess groundwater quality in rural Eau Claire County by collecting and testing water samples from 244 private wells between June 2023 and December 2024. Samples were analyzed for contaminants such as nitrate, coliform, E. coli, hardness, and metals like arsenic, lead, copper, and manganese at the Eau Claire Public Health Laboratory. This data complements existing information in the Eau Claire City-County Health Department database. Well construction logs were also reviewed to understand well depth and geology, helping identify spatial patterns related to contamination. The project responds to the 2018 Eau Claire County Groundwater Advisory Committee’s recommendations in the “State of the Groundwater Report,” which called for systematic well testing, identifying high-risk areas, and reviewing groundwater protection regulations. With around 9,000 private wells serving 25% of the population, most are infrequently tested due to financial barriers and lack of accessible educational materials. This initiative, funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant, aims to address these challenges and support environmental public health in rural communities.
PFAS, a group of widely used chemicals, are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. They are linked to various health concerns, including cancer, thyroid disorders, and reproductive issues. In July 2021, PFAS contamination was discovered in the Eau Claire municipal well field in northwest Eau Claire County, likely from firefighting foam. By 2023, elevated levels of PFAS were found in several private wells in rural southwest Eau Claire County, prompting a county-wide testing initiative in collaboration with the Eau Claire City-County Health Department. Wells were selected based on land use, homeowner consent, and available construction logs. A public service announcement was also released by the Health Department to facilitate broadscale testing across the county, not limited by land use. Between June 2023 and December 2024, student researchers from UWEC sampled 97 private wells for PFAS. The samples were analyzed at the Wisconsin State Laboratory of Hygiene for 33 PFAS compounds. Approximately 30% of the samples tested positive for PFAS, with 8% exceeding the EPA’s proposed limit of 4 ppt for combined PFOA and PFOS, and 2% surpassing the Wisconsin Hazard Index. This study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring of PFAS contamination in private wells.
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.
The ongoing rise of antibiotic-resistant microbes is a major concern in the medical field. Many pathogenic bacteria that were once vulnerable to common antibiotics have developed resistance, posing significant challenges to medicine and public health. Infections caused by these resistant bacteria are both expensive and challenging to treat. To address this growing crisis, we aim to identify new antibiotic-producing microbes isolated from soil samples obtained from beneath a wood pile. Following the collection of the soil, testing was done to determine the presence of any substances produced that either inhibit or kill any of the tester strains used (Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis). We have identified three strains of microbes that show evidence of producing an antimicrobial substance. We are working to identify these strains and determine if the antimicrobial substance they are producing is novel.
Mangrove communities play a significant role in shaping coastal communities such as San Salvador Island, Bahamas. Communities consisting of red, black, white, and buttonwood trees are commonly divided into specific regions of growth through the process of zonation with red mangroves growing along the coast, black mangroves along the muddy soils, white mangroves farther inland, and buttonwood located the farthest inland, which is dependent on soil salinity concentrations. Our goal was to define how salinity stress impacts the four mangrove species and their current health. We collected data across two sites: a high salinity body of water and a low salinity body of water. We expected an inverse relationship between salinity concentrations with tree diameter at breast height (DBH) and height. We also predicted chlorophyll content, specific leaf area (SLA), and stomata density would be greater for trees with lower salinity. Contrary to our predictions, DBH, height, and SLA did not depend on the salinity of the soil. White mangroves and buttonwoods from both sites differed in stomatal density (p-value < 0.001); however, stomatal density was not affected by salinity between sites. There was a higher chlorophyll content in higher salinity conditions compared to lower (p-value < 0.001).
In this project we evaluated the distribution, diversity, and activity patterns of bat communities on San Salvador Island in The Bahamas. This study is important because bat populations on the island were last studied 30 years ago. The goal of this study was to get updated information on different species previously encountered on the island, including: Erophylla sezikorni (buffy flower bat), Natalus tumidifrons (Bahamian funnel eared bat), Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bat), Tadarida brasiliensis (Brazilian free-tailed bat), and Macrotus waterhousii (big eared bat). Four Audiomoth sensors were deployed in various locations around the island over a period of seven days in January 2025. Each sensor recorded data for 12 hours each day, from dusk to dawn. From these recordings, we obtained data on the presence/absence of bat species, as well as the timing of their activity. Due to the variability in bat populations from day to day, our focus was on identifying species rather than counting the exact number of individuals in any specific area. Additionally, the team collected observational data in two caves where bats were visibly present. We also evaluated the correlation between bat activity patterns and the locations of the deployed sensors.
Plants have evolved a sophisticated set of pathways to detect and respond to light which allows them to adjust their development in response to changing conditions. The plant Arabidopsis thaliana contains three genes LRB1, LRB2, and LRB3 (Light-Response BTB 1, 2, and 3) that encode similar proteins functioning as target adaptors in E3 ubiquitin-ligase complexes. These complexes select target proteins for degradation. Plants containing mutations in the LRB1 and 2 genes are hypersensitive to red light due to reduced degradation of phytochromes, receptors for red and far-red light. Initial investigation of plants with disruption of the LRB3 gene suggested it does not participate in red-light response like LRB1 and 2. Previously, the laboratory performed genetic screens to identify enhancer mutations which exaggerate the effect of the LRB1/LRB2 mutations. Two of these enhancer mutations are in the Phytochrome B gene. Each of the mutations increases sensitivity to red light and in each case this hypersensitivity is increased when LRB1 and LRB2 are disrupted. To further investigate whether LRB3 might play a role in red light response, we created a line with one of the enhancer mutations in combination with disruption of LRB3. Data from analysis of these mutants will be presented.
We will evaluate the cytotoxic effects of ginger oil on cultured MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Essential oils, commonly used through topical application or aromatherapy, have been explored for their potential to alleviate the adverse effects of cancer and its treatments, such as chemotherapy. Previous research has demonstrated that ginger oil can trigger cell death in cervical cancer cells within hours in vitro. In our study, MCF-7 cells will be exposed to varying concentrations of ginger oil for two hours, and cytotoxicity will be assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the culture medium We hypothesize that ginger oil will exhibit dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on breast cancer cells.
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.
Our research focuses on the fabrication of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). To produce efficient OLEDs, charges must be injected into the active organic layer where they can recombine to emit light. In our project, we focused on three ways to improve this process. A nitrogen glovebox with an oxygen sensor was designed and built to slow the oxidation process of the active organic layer and to provide an oxygen-sparse environment to store OLEDs. An additional layer (the polymer PEDOT) was introduced into our fabrication process to assist with the injection of charge carriers. Finally, a plasma cleaner was employed in our sample preparation. This both helps remove unwanted material from substrates and improves the work function of the device’s anode to aid in charge injection. With the implementation of these processes, we expect an improvement in OLED light emission, and a more favorable magnetoresistance.
We are investigating how smartphone presence influences attention-related EEG (electroencephalographic) activity. Participants first perform a task attending and responding to infrequent targets but not frequent nontargets; we find the classic P3 effect (larger attention-related EEG signal evoked by targets) but not the predicted attenuation of this effect in the presence of one’s phone. When participants then engage in passive viewing of their phone (versus a control object), we observe EEG power in the alpha range (8-13 Hz; associated with a relaxed, inwardly-focused state) is decreased over anterior and posterior electrode sites. Meanwhile, posterior electrodes show power in the beta range (13-32 Hz; associated with an externally-oriented state of arousal/attention) that is positively correlated with participants’ daily hours of phone use, phone dependence, and fear of lacking functional access to their phone. We do not, however, find correlations between alpha or beta and self-reported attention difficulties. These findings demonstrate how phones may take up attentional resources, and the beta correlations with phone measures in particular suggest that more (or more problematic) phone use may be associated with a greater impact of phone presence on attention.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and eating disorders (ED) require a disregard for one’s body to engage in them. Previous literature has shown that a lack of self-compassion and body appreciation are associated with greater NSSI and ED symptoms, but could be mitigated through therapies like yoga, which emphasize the union between body and mind. Our study aimed to investigate if body appreciation and self-compassion act as mediators between participation in an integrative yoga therapy and changes in NSSI urges and ED behaviors. To date, 37 participants have completed the study (Mage = 31.23, SD = 12.2; 45.9% cisgender female, 46.8% white/European). Linear regression mediation analyses were conducted using the PROCESS macro (model 4) in SPSS. The full model was not significant for either outcome (ps = .34 - .42) and there were no observed indirect effects. Aligned with prior literature, self-compassion had a significant direct relationship with changes in NSSI urges (b = -0.31) and body appreciation had a direct effect on changes in ED symptoms (b = -0.56). The non-significant effects could be due to having a limited amount of preliminary data. Additional data is being collected. At the time of the conference, updated analyses and results will be presented.
Recent work suggests that hopelessness about specific experiences may provide a better understanding of suicide risk, or contribute to the general hopelessness motivating suicidal thoughts, but most of this data comes from cross-sectional studies. The current study examined how specific life stressor hopelessness related to concurrent suicidal urges directly, and indirectly through the effects of general hopelessness. Participants, 25 outpatient adults with current suicide ideation, completed a 21-day EMA study with three prompts per day. Items assessed general hopelessness, hopelessness about specific stressors, and suicide urge intensity. We conducted a nested within-person (1-1-1) mediation model. All variables were person mean-centered, with scores reflecting deviations from each person’s averages. All specific hopelessness facets, except financial, were correlated with general hopelessness, which was related to suicidal urges. Partner, social, home, and health hopelessness had direct associations with suicidal urges, but only social, home, and health hopelessness remained significant after accounting for general hopelessness. General hopelessness fully mediated the specific hopelessness effects of work and partner, and partially mediated social, home, and health hopelessness on suicide urges. This study provides evidence of the nuanced role of hopelessness on suicide urges and the importance of targeting specific facets of hopelessness in interventions.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is the intentional injuring of one’s body without the intent to die. Efforts are needed to understand the motivation and recovery process of NSSI. Recovery can be experienced differently by individuals and may be related to various mechanisms, (Lewis & Hasking, 2021) . Andersson et al. (2024) qualitatively found three themes of recovery that encompass facets of self-compassion, social support, resiliency, and mental health distress. Our study expands upon current research by quantitatively examining variables related to perceived NSSI recovery. We hypothesized that self-perceived recovered individuals would score higher in self-compassion, social support, and resiliency and lower in mental health distress and self-criticism. We also explored which of these factors would predict perceived recovery. Young adults (N = 712, Mage = 19.55, SD = 1.46, 73.4% female, 90.8% White) from a Midwest University were recruited to answer questions about the variables above. ANOVA and Regression analysis indicated that the variables studied significantly differed between groups and were significant predictors of perceived recovery highlighting the importance of promoting these factors when treating NSSI.
Japanese café culture has evolved overtime, moving from the traditional kissaten to modern, pop culture-themed cafés. This shift gives us a great way to look at how Japan’s society has changed, including its consumer habits, cultural identity, and relationship with global brands. While local cafés used to be the main focus, today’s café scene mixes traditional Japanese styles with more modern trends. In this unique environment, global coffee chains like Starbucks now sit alongside traditional Japanese cafés. The way international coffee brands have become part of Japan’s café culture is an interesting example of how brands adapt to different cultures. Starbucks, for example, has found a way to blend traditional Japanese hospitality with pop culture, helping it build a brand that connects with local people. This study will explore the history of café culture in Japan and how it reflects the country’s changing social dynamics. It will examine how cafés have evolved alongside shifts in Japanese society, and how Starbucks has adapted to these changes. By looking at this evolution, this research highlights how Starbucks has successfully aligned itself with Japan’s café culture while remaining true to its own brand identity.
Tang Ping (躺平) and Quiet Quitting have become popular concepts embraced by many young people in China and the U.S., referring to a simple lifestyle without effort making. This research project explores the impact and similarities between Tang Ping and Quiet Quitting and their impact on the younger generations between China and the U.S. In this comparative study, the research team collected data through surveys and semi-structured interviews with instructors and students in both countries, to investigate whether this is a generational or cultural issue, looking at how this will impact the student’s future as they advance into the workforce. This study will take an integrated lens to examine this concept in relation to other sociocultural aspects. This study will illuminate the connections between these two cultural issues and their prominent impact on the young generation and society, as well as offer suggestions for teaching and learning.
The research topic addressed in this project was the constitutional protections of the “fighting words” exception to the First Amendment and reevaluating constitutional protections for this category of speech. This research aimed to contextualize the fighting words classification of speech within recent Supreme Court decisions, legal scholarship, and the greater research into the harms of hate speech on individuals. This research was conducted by reading relevant court cases, both federal and state supreme court decisions, as well as legal research, and social science research. In conducting this research, I found that the fighting words doctrine remains a present restriction on speech in state courts and serves a valuable purpose in protecting individuals from the real harms that can be caused by speech. This being said, the fighting words category of speech needs to be carefully drawn to only proscribe a narrowly tailored category of speech, including by ensuring that speech restrictions do not discriminate on the basis of viewpoint, which is something the Supreme Court and other courts have struggled with since the doctrine’s inception.
Global conflicts arise when power imbalances create tensions that can escalate into war. In World War II, the invasion of Poland in 1939 reignited the Axis and Allied struggle. While historians widely acknowledge the causes of the war, they often focus more on genocide, particularly of the Roma people. This study examines the impact of Allied intentions on the Roma genocide, emphasizing political censorship in East Germany. We qualitatively analyzed constitutional law concerning foreign relations and humanitarian crises. By comparing U.S. democratic principles, such as the First Amendment, with Eastern European authoritarian regimes, we assessed the role of international relations in genocide and justice. The Nazi rise to power and Soviet influence deepened divisions and censorship, leaving many in East Germany unaware of the atrocities occurring across Europe. The Roma people were rendered voiceless as Nazi forces exterminated them en masse. The Soviet Union’s suppression of information about these crimes contributed to their historical obscurity. Our research highlights how censorship shaped global awareness of the Roma genocide, demonstrating its lasting impact on historical memory and justice efforts.
The research project aims to discuss how modern “Trumpism” simply reflects broader historical issues in America. Political polarization is often blamed for continued political deadlock, especially within the American federal representative democracy, where two parties dominate the political climate. Through the historical examination of the electoral college, insight can be gained on why these issues exist today. This study draws on congressional data and historical records to analyze their impact on these problems. Diversifying American sociopolitical, economic, and cultural frameworks also beckons further study. Creating a third political party will strengthen American democracy by providing more popular choices. Therefore, American political cynicism can be dissuaded with other mainstream political parties.
This project aims to highlight how people navigate gender through medieval reenactment within intentional communities. Medieval reenactment is one of many forms of historical reenactment that focuses on European history during the Middle Ages (5th century to 15th century CE), a period of unquestioned patriarchal, heteronormative dominance of men over women. To what extent do Medieval reenactors recreate the patriarchy in their subculture in modern times? Data for this project come from four in-depth interviews, participant observation at three events, and seven short journalistic interviews with participants at those events. We find that status and belonging in the reenactment community is determined by how faithfully participants recreate original conditions of life regarding clothing, jobs, food, etc. However, attitudes and practices regarding gender are more mixed; in some respects, women are relegated to subordinate roles in the community in ways consistent with patriarchy, but in other respects, reenactors reject aspects of the patriarchy. In conclusion, our data show that patriarchal values and norms are still recreated within these intentional communities, although it remains to be seen whether they are merely performative or deeply held by individual participants.
Roughly 17% of college students identify as Queer. Compared to their peers, Queer students are more likely to face harassment and discrimination on campus and experience a lower sense of belonging, which is associated with decreased retention and increased mental health issues. The Campus Pride Index (CPI) provides a nationally benchmarked database of campuses that have come out to improve the academic experience and quality of campus life for Queer students. As such, it is a fundamental tool for prospective students to identify campuses where they will feel safe and supported. Because the CPI does not capture the lived campus experiences of Queer students, it recommends campuses to conduct and report findings of cultural climate surveys. To determine if this occurred, the websites for a census of colleges and universities in the CPI database (N=214) were searched. Ninety institutions (42.3%) reported having conducted a cultural climate survey, and an independent t-test indicated they had a statistically higher CPI score. However, of those who reported having conducted a cultural climate survey, less than half (46.7%) reported the results publicly. An independent t-test indicated these institutions had a significantly higher CPI score than those who did not publicly report their findings. Additional analyses revealed that residential campuses had a statistically significant difference in CPI scores and a moderate positive association with campus size. There were no statistically significant differences in CPI scores by region, religious affiliation, or minority-serving status. To provide Queer students with the support and safety they need, campuses need to conduct Cultural climate surveys and have them easily accessible to the public. Such transparency of the results demonstrates their commitment to creating and fostering an inclusive environment.
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.
Our research project addresses health care equity in the Eau Claire Metropolitan Area (ECMA) at a precipitous time. In early 2024 the closure of two hospitals and 19 urgent care clinics in the ECMA eroded access to healthcare. Hospital closures in rural and urban regions exacerbate healthcare barriers for people in minoritized communities, increase ambulance transport times, and worsen morbidity and mortality for time-sensitive conditions (Niewijk 2024). To contextualize the impact of these closures we consolidated news stories into a timeline of events from January 2024 to the present. We also reviewed literature within medical sociology and public health to help us understand barriers to health equity in the ECMA. We will conduct interviews with city, health department, and healthcare-related organizational leaders in Summer 2025, and then analyze the data using MAXQDA, a qualitative software program. Our policy brief will summarize changes to healthcare equity since these closures and strategies for building a more equitable healthcare landscape in the ECMA. In Spring 2026 we will convene a university symposium with stakeholders to discuss health equity in our region.
Despite only making up 13% of the American population, Black Americans comprise 53% of the 3,466 exonerations listed in the National Registry of Exonerations (NRE). There has been minimal criminological research conducted exploring how race impacts exonerations. Throughout history evidence of differential treatment in prescribing penalties for people convicted of sexual assault depending on race is well documented in statutes, disparities in execution data, and the presence and impact of lynch mobs. This study explores the intersections of race and sexual assault wrongful convictions. Using a content analysis of the 387 sexual assault wrongful conviction cases included in the NRE, a mixed-methods analytical approach considered: (a) victim and offender case demographics, (b) types of contributing factors present, (c) victim-offender relationship, and (d) how race impacts the narratives and outcomes.
This research is titled American Islamophobia: What Does the History of American Nativism Teach Us? The study is predicated on examining the treatment of other minority groups in American history. We look to see if any trends exist between groups, and if lessons of assimilation and tolerance can be applied to American Muslims. This research coincides with a period of Islamophobia which has been increasing since 9/11. Case studies were the primary methodology of the research. We examined immigration waves throughout American history: the Irish, Chinese, non-Western Europeans, Japanese, and Latin influxes. These are then compared to the modern realities of Muslim immigration. We find that the same xenophobic arguments reoccur for every wave, divided into economic, social/racial/cultural, and political fears. We find that immigrants have constantly been used as scapegoats in times of national distress. In addition, we find American politics to be rather paranoid. A tolerant nation requires alleviating the underpinnings of nativism: economic insecurity, homogenous interactions, media literacy, and immigration reform.
It is only after experiencing the country first-hand with an open mind that a person can truly return with an accurate narrative. Prior to going on a Faculty-led Immersion to Guatemala, I noticed a pattern of advice I, and others attending, would receive from both friends and family--individuals who had yet to travel to Guatemala. This ranged from advice to be careful, to watch our backs and stay in groups, to that people carry around machetes. If not "safety tips”, some of us were told we would come back feeling grateful for our lives in the United States. This left us ill-informed of social customs, home life, traditions, and the people of Guatemala. Instead, information was given which created a false picture. It became easier to prepare for the worst, to have feelings of fear and pity, to have a lack of trust, and to stray from embracing the country and its culture. The goal of this presentation is to show that the best method to prepare adolescents to defend themselves from common U.S. misconceptions about other countries is to provide opportunities for abroad and immersive experiences, including service projects, market trips, and living with host families.
Our project, The Modern Pilgrim, will illustrate our experiences walking the Camino de Santiago during the summer of 2024. We will include various pictures from our experiences in Spain, Portugal, and France, as well as other physical items. These might be our official Pilgrim Passport (with stamps from along the way), and pins and trinkets that we think hold cultural significance. Because we did an honors contract centering around the Camino immersion, we also have about ten pages of journal entries from pilgrims that we encountered. Essentially, we asked pilgrims about their motivations for taking on the historic walk and had them write these in the journal. Our goal was to create a collage detailing the motivations people have for walking to Santiago. The diversity was incredible! Religious reasons, personal reasons, losing a loved one, finding yourself, making peace.. these were just a few responses. We thought that CERCA would be a great opportunity to inform the community about the Camino de Santiago, and the incredible culture surrounding it.
Faculty in higher education have expectations across three domains: teaching, research/scholarship, and service. However, research suggests that expectations in each area can sometimes be vague, especially between different faculty ranks and instructional positions. The purpose of this study was to examine the clarity, specificity, and consistency of department evaluation plan (DEP) review criteria for each of the three domains. To do this, we developed a checklist that measured 18 criteria for each domain. The coding process using the checklist involved independent reviews by two team members followed by a collaborative discussion to form consensus for any coding disagreements. Currently, we have completed reviews for 12 of 24 DEPs from one college at UWEC. Preliminary results suggest that teaching expectations in DEPs are significantly clearer than scholarship expectations. There is also significantly greater clarity within all three domains for DEPs that separate expectations by faculty rank compared to DEPs that do not separate by rank. We plan to finish analyzing the remaining DEPs prior to CERCA in order to present the complete results. Overall, this research is important because review expectations can guide engagement in work activities, relate to department culture, and support overall faculty and staff retention.
Although fractions are challenging for many students, children as young as four demonstrate informal fraction understanding (Hurst, et al., 2020). Everyday experiences, like sharing food, expose children to fraction concepts. First graders’ fraction knowledge predicts later math achievement (Viegut et al., 2023). Children demonstrate conceptualization of “half” earlier than other fraction words (Brizuela, 2006), but also hold misconceptions, like believing half means “a little bit” or is equivalent to any divided object (Björklund, 2018). This study examined children’s understandings and misunderstandings of half from preschool to second grade as well as the role of children’s Home Math Environment (HME) (Lefevre et al., 2009). This study included 55 children and their guardians. Children completed three fraction tasks: Matching (identifying correct depictions of half), Equal Sharing (dividing items fairly), and Endorsement of Misconceptions (judging the “cleverness” of fictional definitions of half). Guardians completed a survey on background characteristics and HME. As hypothesized, an ANOVA showed statistically significant differences in performance on all tasks between the two younger grades (preschool/4K, kindergarten) and the two older grades (1st, 2nd). Unexpectedly, regression analyses showed no significant correlation between task performance and HME. We discuss how our findings may inform early instruction to support fraction learning.
Children show understanding of fraction-related ideas years before learning about fractions in school (Begolli et al., 2020). We measured developmental changes in this understanding by tracking children’s production of fraction words across first and second grade. We investigated two questions: (1) Does frequency and accuracy of children’s fraction word use change over time? (2) How do children’s errors with these words change over time? As part of a larger study, 77 children completed the Informal Fraction Knowledge Assessment (Viegut et al., 2023) three times: start of first grade, end of first grade, and end of second grade. We analyzed the first 7 items, in which children helped characters share fairly (e.g., two bunnies share 6 carrot sticks) and explained their answer choice. We coded children’s explanations for the presence or absence of fraction words (e.g., “half”, “quarter”), the correctness of that usage, and the type of error if incorrect. Results highlight that children’s use of fraction words increases across 1st and 2nd grades (50% to 84%), even without formal fraction instruction, but errors with fraction words also increase. These findings raise new questions about how children’s growing informal knowledge can be leveraged to support formal fraction learning.
We are interested in how people share information strategically to address mating rivalry. Previous research has shown that women are more likely to spread negative information about a woman’s sexual promiscuity when she is described as a potential mating rival compared to not (Reynolds et al., 2018). Here, we investigate how women’s and men’s reported likelihood of sharing information about a same-sex newcomer to their social group is influenced by describing the newcomer as attractive and flirting with their romantic partner (i.e., as a mating rival). We used information that would (1) harm primarily men’s reputation (e.g., being a coward), (2) harm primarily women's reputation (e.g., being promiscuous), (3) harm both sexes’ reputation (e.g., using drugs), and (4) enhance both sexes' reputation (e.g., being smart). As hypothesized, participants were less likely to pass along reputation-enhancing information when the newcomer was described as a mating rival. Both men and women were more likely to pass along both male-harming and female-harming information when the newcomer was described as a mating rival. Men were more likely than women to pass along male-relevant reputation-harming information and, contrary to our prediction, men were also more likely than women to pass along female-relevant reputation-harming information.
We are interested in deception between young adult friends. Using previous research (Lewis et al., 2012; Bleske & Shackelford, 2001), we generated predictions about sex differences (male/female) and friendship differences (same-sex/opposite-sex) in the content of deceptions. For example, we predicted that heterosexual men and women would report deceiving their opposite-sex friends more than their same-sex friends about their current romantic relationship involvement, and that both sexes would deceive their female friends more often than their male friends about their friends’ appearance or attractiveness. Using a paper and pencil questionnaire, we defined deception for participants as “directly lying, misleading, or failing to tell a person something” and then asked them to report what they have deceived a male friend about and what they have deceived a female friend about (order was counterbalanced across participants). We provided blank lines for participants to provide open-ended responses. To code the responses, we divided into two teams of two coders, with each team categorizing the responses into predetermined categories based on our predictions. After both teams finished the first round of categorizing, we collectively discussed nominations that had been tagged as difficult to code. We will analyze the data and present the results at CERCA.
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.
After searching for planets around other stars for hundreds of years, astronomers confirmed the first one in 1992. Very surprisingly, this planet orbited a neutron star rather than a Sun-like star. In the salamander scenario (so called because the planet would have passed through the fire of the supernova explosion), this planet was formed at the same time as its host stars formed, an analogous situation to our own solar system. A second hypothesis — considered more likely — was that the planet would have been formed out of the debris of the supernova explosion, independent of any possible exoplanets orbiting during the star’s main sequence lifetime. Since the 1990s, thousands of exoplanets have been discovered, allowing us to compare the properties of the planet orbiting the neutron stars to the planets currently orbiting stars that will become neutron stars later in their evolution. To that end, we combed NASA’s Exoplanet Archive and the NASA Astrophysics Data System for hot and massive stars that are known to host planets. We then compare the properties of those planets to the properties of that first planet discovered.
Some sex differences are viewed as more problematic than others. For example, people express more concern about male-dominated occupations such as engineering than about female-dominated occupations such as nursing. This asymmetry might be explained, in part, by the fact that male-dominated jobs tend to be perceived as higher in status than female-dominated jobs. We investigated perceptions of male and female-dominated jobs of equal salary. In Study 1a (N=423), participants reviewed U.S. statistics about two male-dominated or two female-dominated jobs, one with an annual salary of 30K and one with an annual salary of 90K. Study 1b (N=387) was identical, except that the jobs had salaries of 50K and >110K. In Study 2 (N=612), participants again reviewed either male-dominated or female-dominated jobs but at two of the four salary levels. In both studies, women rated gender disparities in jobs as more problematic than men did. In addition, participants perceived male-dominated jobs as more problematic than female-dominated jobs, particularly those with higher salaries. These trends were not explained by participants’ perceptions of the status of the jobs, nor by (in Study 2) their reported desire for the jobs.
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.
Previous research has shown that people are not impartial recipients of information. They lean into information provided by experts (Clark et al., 2012) and those with personal (or “lived”) experience with the issue at hand (Mounk, 2023). People also are more receptive to information that coincides with their own personal experience and beliefs (Lord et al., 1979; Edwards & Smith, 1996). With these lines of research in mind, we conducted two experiments to investigate how people react to scientific information that is critical of psychiatric medications. In both experiments, we used vignettes to investigate how three specific factors predict individuals’ reactions to such information: (1) the expertise of the messenger providing the information (doctor/not a doctor); (2) the messenger’s personal experience with taking psychiatric medications (does/does not take); and (3) individuals’ own personal experience with taking psychiatric medications (does/does not take). In both Experiment 1 (N=431) and Experiment 2 (N=999), messenger expertise mattered: participants rated the messenger and information as more credible and were less inclined to censor the information when the messenger was a “doctor.” In both experiments, participants who used psychiatric medications rated the information as more harmful compared to those who did not use medications.
I aimed to understand the experiences of college students who engage in conversations about socio-political issues with students who differ from them politically. In fall 2023, a pilot group of 47 UWEC students volunteered to participate in the Unify America’s College Bowl. In the College Bowl, students engage in an online, guided political conversation with a student from another university who differs from them in political affiliation. In spring 2024, Dr. Bleske-Rechek conducted a randomized controlled trial in which she surveyed students at three time points over the semester; at mid-semester, one group of students was assigned to participate in the College Bowl while a control group was tasked with watching a neutral video. I thematically analyzed the content of students’ open-ended responses about their College Bowl experience. Students’ open-ended responses were overwhelmingly positive. Students commonly mentioned having respectful conversation partners, finding common ground, and learning new perspectives. These findings suggest that although many students may be anxious about engaging with people who differ from them politically, a guided conversation such as that provided by Unify America has the potential to facilitate productive and thoughtful interactions.
The goal of our project was to convert the in-person Social Work 385: Introduction to Child Welfare course into an online format to reduce schedule conflicts and waitlists, increase accessibility, and expand student enrollment in child welfare content by providing varied modalities. This project aligns with the growing trend of online learning, especially in higher education, by making child welfare courses more flexible and addressing learning gaps. The method and approach used to transform an in-person course into an online course was to utilize the in-person class format as a template, as well as review faculty evaluations for comments related to content. We explored pedagogy related to best practices in online learning, utilized resources such as CETL, and free and accessible training resources were explored and incorporated to reduce the barriers online learning can create. After successfully transitioning Social Work 385: Introduction to Child Welfare to an asynchronous format, an additional section was added in the first semester of availability demonstrating increased interest and enrollment. An online offering is allowing students to participate from three time zones, three different states, and one student internationally, which may lead to higher enrollment in other child welfare-related courses and will increase understanding on this prominent and relevant topic.
Research on social emotional learning (SEL) programs with at-risk adolescents is scant, resulting in limited available literature to inform educational professionals on how to best deliver SEL to this population. The intention of SEL programs is to foster social and emotional development within educational curricula at a universal level. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effectiveness of the implementation of an SEL program on knowledge retainment and behavior modification following brief (i.e., 45-minute) lessons on anger and stress management. The intervention was delivered to 7 at-risk adolescents participating in a credit recovery/GED program in the community. The lessons were delivered over eight weeks, and were derived from Merrell’s Strong Teens, an evidence based SEL program for adolescents, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles. The lessons aimed to increase students’ emotional and behavioral awareness on the two topics using a pre- and post- survey design. Results were mixed, with findings suggesting that emotional and behavioral awareness increased for some participants but not others. In addition, t-tests revealed improvements across some, but not all, outcome variables. Discussion focuses on the implementation of SEL programs with this population and how program developers might enhance SEL models in future iterations.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result in significant changes to social communication, which strain relationships with partners. Second-year graduate students in CSD 754, Acquired Cognitive Disorders, deliver a manualized treatment to individuals with TBI and their partners, as a part of the course. TBIconneCT is a 10-week program, which focuses on improving social communication between individuals with TBI and their partners. The program includes education about the social communication consequences of TBI and uses video modeling to help both individuals become more aware of their communication behaviors and adopt positive strategies. Hall et al. (2025) conducted a pilot investigation of North American TBIconneCT on individuals with TBI and their partners, while our study focuses on graduate student learning outcomes. Student learning reflections were analyzed qualitatively, identifying themes related to their learning. Preliminary findings include providing a safe learning space for individuals with TBI’s, partners, and student clinicians. As the program progressed, students' overall confidence increased, as they applied class content and further developed therapy skills, gaining knowledge beyond a textbook. We plan to use this data to enhance the positive impacts of TBIconneCT on student learning and identify ways to refine the program.
The primary purpose of this research is to gain insight into undergraduate CSD student perspectives on representation of a range of populations in their course materials and content at UW-Eau Claire. We are aiming to understand undergraduate CSD students' familiarity with individual variability in communication and how diverse human experiences are presented in academic coursework. CSD students were surveyed about academic experiences across content areas of the field, rating their familiarity with how cultural differences can affect communication, cognition, and swallowing for the individuals we serve. Preliminary results indicate a relative lack of familiarity with swallowing disorders (i.e., dysphagia) vs other content areas, as well as greater familiarity with individual variability and cultural differences across content areas for students who were near the end of their academic career (e.g., seniors). Quantitative and qualitative data about student perspectives will be discussed.
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.
We explore undergraduate students’ perceptions of components of science and of helping within the Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) major. Speech-Language Pathology and other human services professions embrace components of both science and of helping within the curriculum and professional practice. Students may be drawn to one component more than the other, and there may be (mis) perceptions regarding the presence of both components within the field, potentially drawing students towards, or pushing students away from, the field as a potential vocation. Participants include 20 freshman level CSD majors rating science and helping content on universities’ CSD department website landing page. A pre- and post- review survey will gather student input on the role of university websites in their decision to choose the CSD major. The students will then have five minutes on each landing page and use a slider to rate the presence of science and helping content. Data gathering and analysis is currently underway. Results will be presented in terms of participant perceptions of science and helping across five CSD department websites, and how those perceptions align with our past study of senior level CSD majors. Implications will be discussed related to how university websites may impact student perceptions and expectations of CSD majors
There have been a multitude of articles published regarding inclusion in the physical education setting focused on individuals with disabilities and English Learners (EL). There is little to no information on how the current physical education inclusive practices for EL students are affecting their behaviors and progress in the physical education setting. This study explored K-12 English learners’ perspectives on their physical education experiences and interactions they have had with peers and instructors.We recruited high school student who are English Learners and are either currently in or have taken a Physical Education class. Participants received interview questions ahead of time. Researchers interviewed participants on their experiences in Physical Education classes. Spanish speaking students' interview were interpreted during interview. The interview was audio recorded and transcribed for further qualitative analysis. The preliminary finding will be shared in this presentation.
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.
The purpose of this project was to increase and strengthen the accessibility features of the Children’s Museum of Eau Claire (CMEC) for children and families with disabilities. In order to accommodate and support more families and children with disabilities at CMEC, we have used research to create an accessibility webpage, informational binder to support staff, updated the sensory map, installation of a sensory path, access to adaptive materials in The Makery, and implemented Sensory Night events for children to increase access to play while managing stimulation and incorporated materials to decrease barriers across the museum. The methods used within this research project include a literature review of sensory integration, review of other inclusive museum websites, meetings with CMEC executive staff, and parent/guardian feedback to inform the actions and next steps completed to reach an accessible environment. Based on the information gained through our research, events were planned, and supplies were purchased using ORSP funding to decrease barriers throughout the museum. Through our research and work with CMEC, we have been able to increase and strengthen the inclusive opportunities offered within the museum as well as increase the understanding of sensory integration and children with disabilities of the staff.
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.
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.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result in significant changes to social communication, which strain relationships with partners. TBIconneCT is a 10-week, manualized telethealth treatment for social communication impairments following TBI. Hall et al. (2025) examined outcomes for two initial cohort of individuals with TBI and their partners in the pilot version of the North American TBIconneCT. Outcomes were similar to the original TBIconneCT program in Australia. The North American version includes both large and small group, which is different than the Australian version. In the large group, participants react to predeveloped videos that contrast successful and less successful interactions. The present investigation examined pre- and post-assessments, including self-ratings and standardized examination of social communication, along with systematic review of large group session videos. The intention of video review was to identify evidence of increased awareness (e.g., “I don’t want to dominate the conversation” or “I don’t mean to interrupt”), increases in positive behaviors (e.g., asking the partner about themselves rather than only sharing about oneself) and a reduction in problematic behaviors (e.g., interrupting, rambling) within the large group. Analyses are still in progress. We hope to identify further information about the function of large group in facilitating self-reflection and awareness.
This study examined how listeners with different dialects perceive speech. Specifically, we studied how Northern and Southern listeners perceive child and adult productions of word-final /l/, produced by speakers of Southern White Vernacular English (SWVE). The English /l/ is a complex sound that is challenging for children to produce. One common developmental pattern used by children is vocalization, which occurs when word-final /l/ is produced as a back vowel or glide. In addition, vocalization of /l/ is a normal feature of certain dialects of English, including SWVE. Chung et al. (2023) found that southern listeners often perceived children’s productions of vocalized /l/ as errors, even though this is a normal dialect feature. Our study aimed to follow up on Chung et al.’s findings by exploring whether listeners’ dialect background impacts perceptual judgments of /l/. Northern listeners rated Southern speakers' productions of word-final /l/ using a Qualtrics survey. Results showed that productions of /l/ after front vowels were rated as more correct than after back vowels, and adult productions were rated as more correct than children’s, regardless of dialect background. Southern listeners were more likely to judge children’s productions of /l/ after front vowels as more correct.
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional acts of discrimination that harm children, particularly those from minoritized backgrounds. Microaggressions may be related to a variety of different aspects of identity including race and ethnicity, disability, languages and dialects, gender, and socio-economic status. Microaggressions have been experienced by Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) and SLP students. Further, studies have documented the prevalence of microaggressions in schools and the impact on children the SLPs serve. The purpose of this study is to understand how aspects of Wisconsin elementary school SLPs’ backgrounds, experiences, and identities may intersect with their perceptions of microaggressions experienced by the children they serve. Eight elementary school SLPs were interviewed. Participants were chosen to represent multiple areas of Wisconsin and a wide range of identities and practice settings. Semi-structured interviews were used to understand details about the SLP’s background and their perceptions of microaggressions in the environment where they worked. Interviews were analyzed to discover themes. Results revealed complexity among the ways in which elementary-school SLPs' backgrounds intersected with their perceptions of the microaggressions experienced by the students they serve. Findings can help to reduce microaggressions against children from a variety of backgrounds and create environments in which all children can thrive.
The Autism Spectrum Disorder Attention Profile (ASDAP) is an unpublished protocol designed to measure 15 attention-related factors identified in research. Attention is a key behavioral phenotype affecting 50–70% of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), yet it is not formally recognized as a defining trait of ASD (Hours et al., 2022). The original study aimed to develop a protocol for assessing attention and to determine which ASDAP factors consistently reflected attention across five participants. With IRB approval, participants with existing or probable ASD diagnoses were recruited and assessed through informal clinical observations at the UWEC CCD clinic and caregiver interviews. Observations took place during informal therapy sessions, and caregiver-reported data were integrated into the ASDAP for a more comprehensive assessment across different environments. Data analysis, completed in spring 2024, revealed key areas for improvement, leading to a full redesign of the protocol. These refinements aim to enhance the ASDAP’s validity and increase its practicality. We are optimistic that our changes will result in more effective attention assessments in individuals with ASD. Future research will focus on testing the revised protocol in a larger sample to establish its clinical utility.
Aphasia is a language disorder, often caused by stroke, that alters one’s ability to express themself, while retaining intelligence. TBIconneCT is a 10-week, manualized teletherapy treatment program for individuals with TBI and their communication partners. This past fall, an individual with aphasia piloted the North American TBIconneCT program with a volunteer student partner. The intention was to see if there was value in such a program for a person with aphasia, vs. TBI. Our research addresses the feasibility and potential value of a TBI social communication program for someone who has a diagnosis of aphasia. No modifications were made to alter the program for the individual with aphasia. However, the participant has a mild-to-moderate aphasia, so he was able to engage in social communication exercises. We are using a mixed, deductive research approach that includes both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. For data collection, I analyzed both pre- and post- surveys from the program as well as personal interviews conducted with the individual. Preliminary data shows that the program was helpful and could be applied to the aphasia population. This conclusion can support the creation of social communication programs for the aphasia population.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between character strengths and orientations toward community service in university students within a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) program. Our motivating aim is to support a sense of moral responsibility to the community in CSD students. Prior research suggests that service-learning experiences and voluntary community engagement are influenced by individual character strengths and attitudes toward moral responsibility. Yet, the nature of these relationships remains uncharacterized and unexplored in CSD students. Participants will complete the Values in Action (VIA) Character Strengths Survey and the Community Service Attitudes Scale (CSAS), with factor analysis conducted to examine the underlying structure of the CSAS and correlation analyses assessing relationships between character strengths and dimensions of community service orientation. By identifying key relationships between character strengths and community service attitudes, our results will inform the development and design of educational experiences and service-learning opportunities that consider character-related factors to enhance and cultivate students’ moral purpose toward community engagement. Data collection is ongoing, and preliminary findings will guide future interventions to support students in developing a more profound commitment to service.
Social determinants of health (SDOH) encompass factors such as economic stability, education, housing, and access to healthcare, all of which significantly influence health outcomes. Transportation access is a critical component of SDOH, as transportation barriers can limit individuals' ability to attend healthcare appointments and access essential services. Individuals with aphasia, a condition that affects language and communication, face unique transportation challenges that restrict their access to a wide range of healthcare services. This study examined the potential role of ride-sharing services, specifically Uber Health, in addressing transportation barriers for individuals with aphasia in the Chippewa Valley. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating a review of national literature on transportation interventions, an analysis of local transportation options, focus group data, an interview with an individual with aphasia with firsthand experience with local public transportation, and a travel assessment with an individual with aphasia navigating public transit. Findings identify key facilitators and barriers associated with public transportation for individuals with aphasia and highlight the potential benefits of Uber Health in improving local access to speech-language therapy services. Results will be valuable for healthcare institutions working toward inclusive and accessible transportation solutions to increase healthcare outcomes for individuals from all backgrounds.
This research project's purpose was to study the intersection between childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) and traditional speech sound intervention to determine if there is a correlation between discriminative characteristics for CAS and those consistent with a diagnosed articulation disorder. Through examining this intersection, we hope to determine the effectiveness of DTTC for children presenting with CAS characteristics, and the correlation between DTTC treatment and traditional approach for children with articulation and phonological delays. CAS is often over-diagnosed in children, therefore, we wanted to evaluate the two treatment approaches, DTTC and traditional approaches, to determine if children previously presented with CAS characteristics will still benefit from these motor-based interventions. We are conducting a mixed methods study that will utilize a convergent parallel design to analyze a pediatric case study with the diagnosis of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). The quantitative methods will investigate the effects of the Dynamic Temporal and Tactile Cueing (DTTC) intervention and traditional speech sound disorder interventions including components of dynamic assessment that facilitate change. The qualitative methods will identify parent perspectives of the demographic profile of CAS characteristics and the efficacy of DTTC. Recorded video sessions using VALT will be analyzed, and data will be compiled using these videos for scoring. As a result of this study, we are hoping to determine if DTTC should be used in therapy approaches for other children rather than those who just have CAS, and if DTTC presents with more efficient outcomes across targets. Limitations of this study include the influence of CAS-based treatment using DTTC on the subject as this motor-based approach will be used before the traditional approach. Another limitation of this study is that the data being collected is only compiled from one client, therefore, for the results to be applicable, a larger study population would be required for generalization across populations. A point for discussion regards the idea of whether DTTC should be used in therapy approaches for other children rather than those who just have CAS.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can result in significant changes to social communication, which strain relationships with partners. Second-year graduate students in CSD 754, Acquired Cognitive Disorders, deliver a manualized treatment to individuals with TBI and their partners, as a part of the course. TBIconneCT is a 10-week program, which focuses on improving social communication between individuals with TBI and their partners. The program includes education about the social communication consequences of TBI and uses video modeling to help both individuals become more aware of their communication behaviors and adopt positive strategies. Hall et al. (2025) conducted a pilot investigation of North American TBIconneCT on individuals with TBI and their partners, while our study focuses on graduate student learning outcomes. Student learning reflections were analyzed qualitatively, identifying themes related to their learning. Preliminary findings include providing a safe learning space for individuals with TBI’s, partners, and student clinicians. As the program progressed, students' overall confidence increased, as they applied class content and further developed therapy skills, gaining knowledge beyond a textbook. We plan to use this data to enhance the positive impacts of TBIconneCT on student learning and identify ways to refine the program.
This study examined the relationship between maximizing decision-making styles and vocational calling among undergraduate Communication Science and Disorders (CSD) students. Our findings revealed that students who scored higher on a measure of maximizing tendencies in decision-making reported significantly higher presence of calling and meaningful work experiences. Data from 75 University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students was analyzed using decision-making scales, meaningful work measures, and life purpose and meaning assessments. Factor analysis was used to identify two dimensions of meaningful work: personal meaning and purpose and growth and understanding; both were positively associated with maximizing tendencies. Presence of calling was strongly correlated with meaningful work, while search for calling showed negative associations with meaningful work measures. These results suggest that maximizing decision-making styles focusing on optimal outcomes may enhance vocational calling and meaning in work among CSD students. These findings challenge previous assumptions of negative work-related outcomes associated with a maximizing decision-making style and provide insight into potential educational interventions to promote a sense of meaning and vocation in undergraduate CSD students.
Enoate reductase from Bacillus coagulans (ERBC) is a promising biocatalyst that has been shown to reduce the carbon-carbon double bonds of cis,cis-muconic acid in vivo, generating adipic acid, an important precursor used in the synthesis nylon-6,6. Our research has shown that ERBC is capable of reducing carbon-carbon double bonds in a variety of molecules produced using the extradiol dioxygenase BphC. Since the native substrate of ERBC is unknown, studying its activity with a variety of similar substrates will be beneficial for evaluating the scope of its reactivity. Our research aims to identify promising substrates using UV-visible light spectroscopy and to characterize enzymatic products through high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Identification of possible substrates and subsequent engineering and enhancement of the catalytic activity of ERBC can enable the development of environmentally benign synthetic methods for the production of a variety of commodity chemicals.
Dichloromethane (DCM) is an organic solvent with complimentary properties such as low boiling point, slight polarity, and efficiency in dissolving organic molecules that have resulted in DCM being used in many chemical industries with various important applications in synthesis and purification. New restrictions of DCM use are taking effect May 2025, that aim to minimize the risk to human and environmental health via controlled exposure limits. In our undergraduate organic synthesis research, DCM is used in separations during the purification process and as a reaction solvent, therefore it is ideal to find viable alternatives to DCM to have an informed decision on when to opt into using DCM. Alternative solvents and mixtures that possess similar properties regarding solubility and volatility have been identified by the American Chemical Society and career chemists, but each reaction needs to be independently optimized. Diethyl ether, ethyl acetate/ethanol (3:1), and dioxane will be tested as both reaction solvents and purification solvents for several organic synthesis reactions and evaluated based on purity and percent yield for viability as replacement for DCM use. Spectroscopic methods including 1H-NMR and FT-IR will be used to compare the effectiveness of the chosen alternatives.
Biomolecular condensates (BMCs) are naturally occurring membraneless organelles formed through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). They play significant roles in various cellular processes, including signal transduction, gene expression, and stress response. The thermodynamics of condensate formation involve a complex interplay between entropy and enthalpy. The loss in entropy due to ordered assembly formation inside the liquid-like condensate is compensated by the increase in intermolecular interaction enthalpy. The main factors that promote LLPS include changes in biomolecule concentration and intermolecular interactions. The LLPS process is sensitive to pH, temperature, and ionic strength. LLPS of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) and unstructured domains/regions of proteins (IDPRs) are well documented. Recent studies suggest that globular proteins also form crowder-induced biomolecular condensates. However, the precise role of molecular crowding in LLPS-driven biomolecular condensate formation remains understudied, especially for globular proteins. A thorough understanding of the molecular mechanism of protein condensate formation and the impact of phase separation on enzymatic reactions is crucial to addressing issues related to cellular physiology. To investigate the molecular mechanism of condensate formation in crowded environments, globular proteins such as bovine serum albumin and prolyl-tRNA synthetase are being used alongside synthetic crowders like polyethylene glycols of variable sizes. Additionally, variable salt concentrations are employed to understand the effects of multivalent interactions in BMC formation. We will present the preliminary results of different globular protein samples with and without polyethylene glycol (PEG) as crowding agents at high and low salt concentrations.
I am a Biochemistry/Molecular Biology Major with an interest in healthcare. Currently a student at UWEC, I aspire to attend medical school with the dream of becoming a doctor.
Light is important for plants as an energy source for photosynthesis, as a measure of day/night and seasonal cycles, and as information about the surrounding environment. For this reason, plants have evolved a sophisticated set of pathways to detect and respond to light, which allows them to adjust their development in response to changing conditions. Red and far-red light are detected by photoreceptors called phytochromes. A genetic screen for Arabidopsis thaliana mutants altered in red-light response conducted by the Gingerich lab identified mutations in PHYB, the gene encoding the major phytochrome involved in red-light responses. We have found that one of these mutations, which is predicted to alter a single amino acid in the phyB protein, increases sensitivity to not only red-light but also blue. Furthermore, this increased blue sensitivity is exacerbated when the genes LRB1 and LRB2 (which encode proteins functioning in complexes that initiate red-induced degradation of the phytochromes) are disrupted. This suggests a previously unrecognized interaction between blue-light response and the red-light phytochrome response pathway. Characterization of the blue-light response of this mutant will be presented.
Biologists have long recognized the importance of two native rodent species – California ground squirrels and voles – as important ecosystem engineers and prey for a suite of predators in California ecosystems. However, in the twelfth year of studying California ground squirrels at Briones Regional Park, for the first time, we observed ground squirrels shifting their diets from primarily granivorous to actively consuming vole prey. In 2024, our team documented a total of 74 events involving the hunting, killing, and/or consuming of voles by ground squirrels. Here we explored associations between vole density and these events. First, we extracted iNaturalist data to quantify vole numbers. Vole sightings in 2024 were regionally high at our site and seven times greater than the 10-year average statewide. Second, we created heat maps to show that vole-squirrel events occurred mostly where vole and ground squirrel burrows were the closest at our site. Our findings reveal important associations between this unusual peak in vole numbers, close spatial proximity between voles and squirrels, and the emergence of novel carnivorous behaviors by squirrels. Thus, spatial overlap with a locally abundant prey in a boom year likely contributed to the emergence of unusual dietary shift by a granivorous mammal.
Natural selection is expected to favor foraging behaviors that allow animals to maximize energy gain in novel situations. Whereas many species are known to regularly hunt prey and eat meat, squirrels are largely considered to be flexible omnivores that consume mainly grasses and seeds. However, our team recently documented the widespread hunting of California voles (Microtus californicus) by California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi). This novel behavior is unusual for the species and has not been studied before. Here, we analyze the behavior of ground squirrels during these predation events (N=22 events). We characterized the hunting sequence for the first time in the California ground squirrel. We define hunting as the active pursuit of prey. We know that some mammalian hunters (cursors) chase prey over distances whereas sit-and-wait predators use stealth to ambush prey. We found that California ground squirrels were successful in 59% of their hunts, typically chasing, pouncing, and then biting the neck or head of the vole before consuming it. Revealing these opportunistic patterns of behavior contributes to our broader understanding of mammalian hunting styles.
Anthropogenic changes are expected to influence behavior, stress physiology, and ultimately, lifetime fitness of animals. For social animals, external stressors imposed by human activities may interact with the social environment to either exacerbate or buffer stressors. In the context of human-induced rapid environmental change, long-term data on individually recognized social mammals has the potential to offer novel insights into the extent to which organisms can cope with social and ecological stressors. In this research, we established a new project focused on the behavioral ecology of North American beavers (Castor canadensis), a native ecosystem engineer, through monitoring using camera traps. We surveyed various public lands and identified several active family groups of beavers in West-Central Wisconsin. Our camera trap data indicate that the behavioral patterns and their interactions with other local fauna vary temporally within days and across seasons. Future research will focus on their social behaviors, including their monogamous lifestyles, dominance structures, communication systems, and movement ecology. The plethora of wildlife we monitored on our camera traps illustrates how beavers play a key role in shaping diverse and healthy wetland ecosystems. This research therefore has important implications for the management of wetlands and conservation of beaver populations in the region.
The goal of Clarifying JONAH is to design and implement data collection methods within JONAH to establish a baseline, track progress towards goals, and communicate impacts in the Chippewa Valley. Since 2007, JONAH has been working with individuals, agencies, and organizations to help make our communities healthier, safer and better places for everyone to live and work. Their work is important, yet little has been done to evaluate their impact on the Chippewa Valley. In this study, localized data will be gathered, analyzed, and shared to provide feedback on how the taskforces are advancing the goals of JONAH. I will attend and observe their meetings and conduct interviews to gather data on existing attitudes, norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions, which I will then analyze with theory of planned behavior. This program will improve the existing communication and coordination between the stakeholders within JONAH such as WISDOM (the statewide organizer), the community organizer in Eau Claire, the seven taskforces, the volunteers partnering with JONAH, and the community at large. By tracking the relationship between JONAH’s efforts and their results, JONAH and their partners can better demonstrate their ability to resolve critical social issues impacting the Chippewa Valley.
How well does the general public understand the current recycling process in the United States? Does Eau Claire County recycle a significant amount of waste? Where does it go? This study hopes to answer these questions and more by surveying Eau Claire County residents on their recycling habits, as well as interviewing employees at the top recycling companies operating in Eau Claire county to determine the level of public disconnect from the material reality of recycling and waste management.Many people assume the recycling system functions well and serves to reintroduce waste back into production of new consumer products and packaging, but in reality only a small amount of material is recovered. The rest takes up space in landfills or becomes incinerated to produce electrical energy. Recycling materials comes with several costs: Time, money, and energy. Often, the costs of recycling outweigh the benefits, and without the profit incentive there are no companies willing to recycle materials. Previously, the United States shipped most of its recyclable waste overseas to China, but following a 2017 Chinese decision to halt waste imports, American companies were forced to find alternate methods for waste disposal and material recovery. This research focuses specifically on waste management and material recovery in Eau Claire County, but it has broader implications for the rest of the United States.
The design of skateparks plays an important role in promoting positive mental health benefits within communities. Public Spaces like skateparks are created to be used for physical recreation and provides a place for social interaction and community. Skateparks have been shown to reduce stress and yield as an outlet for self-expression. Because of this, skateparks not only create a place for community and physical activity, but also can be a space for individuals to feel a sense of individuality and belonging. This paper explores the connection between skatepark designs and mental health and how that plays a significant role in city space planning with the intent of harboring community cohesion and individual wellbeing.
Dunn County Potter’s Field contains over 100 unmarked graves of persons from the County Poor House and the County Asylum (both now demolished) in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Community interest in locating the graves prompted non-invasive scans of Potter’s Field using ground penetrating radar (GPR). GPR transmits electromagnetic (EM) pulses into the ground, which reflect off subsurface changes before being received and recorded digitally. A 16x50m grid was collected along the site’s western boundary with a Sensors and Software pulseEKKO Pro GPR unit with 500MHz antennae. GPR traces were triggered every 0.02m via odometer wheel, and lines were collected with a spacing of 0.25m. Alternating strong and weak reflections are repeated in a sub-parallel, semicontinuous pattern throughout the grid. The strong reflections are often underlain by steep-angled hyperbolics. The reflections were identified 0.6–1.5m below the surface, each measuring 1.0m by 2.25m, and spaced 1.0m apart. Reflections were interpreted as two probable rows of individual graves. In Fall 2024, 42 crosses were placed at each probable grave, however further scanning is recommended to locate remaining lost graves. The GPR work at Dunn County Potter’s Field is a model for other cemeteries; providing means of locating and restoring honor upon unmarked graves worldwide.
Geography and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I have worked in the private sector and the public sectors in the 13 years I have been involved in Land Information. I have worked within a wide array of Geospatial and Land Information projects from development to implementation... Read More →
During the Holocaust from the 15-17 of December 1941, ~2,749 Jewish women and children were massacred behind a foredune along the coastline of Šķēde, Latvia. The execution trench has not been located, despite numerous photos of the killings. The research aims to identify the location of the trench using shallow, non-invasive subsurface imaging tools to respect Jewish Halacha burial laws, avoiding disruption of the deceased. Based on earlier research including current and past aerial imagery, witness testimonies, and historical photos of the killings, a 15x30m (NW-SE) GPR grid was laid down within the foredune. Using a Sensors & Software pulseEKKO Pro GPR system, lines were collected every 0.25m with 500MHz antennae and a step size of 0.02m, which allowed subsurface depths of ~4m (0.10m/ns velocity). The subsurface reflections dip at a 30-34° angle, with erosional truncation occurring at ~17-21m and extending ~3.1m below the surface; these dipping layers are interpreted as a probable trench ~5m wide throughout the grid. Based on witness testimonies, the trench is hypothesized to be ~100m long (S-N). The findings have been shared with the local Jewish community for memorialization, and the research provides a framework for identifying unmarked graves worldwide.
Geography and Anthropology, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
I am a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I have worked in the private sector and the public sectors in the 13 years I have been involved in Land Information. I have worked within a wide array of Geospatial and Land Information projects from development to implementation... Read More →
This project, focusing on the Wisconsin rural-urban political divide in historical perspective, aims to answer the following research question: Is there evidence of urban-rural electoral polarization in Wisconsin from the mid-20th to the early 21st century and, if so, what were the causal factors? Researchers who have studied political polarization in recent presidential elections have sought primarily to correlate single election results to ideological differences between urban and rural communities. In contrast, this project adopts a longitudinal approach by comparing presidential election results from the Wisconsin Historical Society for the periods 1948-1968 and 1992-2020. Our research demonstrates that electoral polarization among urban cities in our sample grew between 1948-1968 and 1992-2020. However, this urban polarization was greater than polarization between the sampled urban and rural communities. Similarly, electoral polarization increased among rural towns between 1948-1968 and 1992-2020. It too, however, was greater than polarization between the sampled urban and rural communities. These conclusions suggest that standard assumptions regarding the rural-urban “political divide” in Wisconsin presidential elections are overly simplistic. Specifically, they fail to account for causal factors such as regional geography among and between urban and rural communities from the mid-20th century to the present.
Seafaring and coastal women around the Americas during the 18th and 19th centuries lived on the periphery of a male dominated world, where cultural gender prescriptions ran into the reality of women’s work roles expanding and economic needs. This trend is reflected in the work of women within various Atlantic world industries such as piracy, whaling, and coastal and port activity. While women’s roles and agency changed because of new expectations caused by the formation of Atlantic world society, they were still unable to completely transgress the world’s standard expectations for women during the 18th and 19th centuries. While women were participating in this new society and found new agency, Atlantic seafaring still upheld gendered separation and expected roles across the various industries within that limited full transgression of gender roles. Using the practices introduced by gender historians Jeanne Boydston and Joan Scott, this poster presentation will study both women and gender in the Atlantic world and also examine the power structures within. Expanding the study of women in the seafaring world beyond focus on transgressive women like pirates Anny Bonny and Mary Read helps us to see how women involved as shopkeepers, tavern and boarding house owners, laundresses, and dependent widows sought personal and economic opportunities but still faced constraints from the societal gendered power structure.
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.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer, accounting for over 90% of cases, and is characterized by aggressive growth, early metastasis, and resistance to therapy. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving PDAC is essential for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this study, a multiomics approach was applied by analyzing both DNA methylation and RNA-sequencing datasets obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma project.The methylation dataset included significantly more tumor samples than normal samples, and a similar imbalance was observed in the RNA-seq dataset. This disparity posed a challenge for direct feature selection, as it could lead to a model biased toward tumor-associated features. To address this issue, six data imbalance correction techniques were evaluated and compared: Random Oversampling, Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE), and Adaptive Synthetic (ADASYN) for oversampling, along with Random Undersampling, Cluster Centroids, and AllKNN for undersampling. Identifying the most effective imbalance correction method is essential for improving feature selection accuracy and facilitating the discovery of novel genes associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A deeper understanding of these oncogenes could contribute to the development of non-invasive diagnostic tests and personalized treatment strategies for PDAC.
Curling is a strategic ice sport that presents unique challenges for AI research due to its combination of complex decision-making and intricate physical dynamics. This project aims to develop a physics-based curling simulator to address these challenges, enabling accurate modeling of stone movement, ice conditions, and sweeping effects. Our approach involves utilizing an existing physics engine, MoJuCo, to simulate realistic curling interactions. We implemented physics models based on leading theories for basic curling shot selections. The simulator initially focuses on stone dynamics and shot selection, with more complex features such as sweeping effects being added in later iterations. A visualization web app displays shot outcomes and will eventually support AI training and data analysis.In addition to the simulation application for curling research, we developed a training module for both the physics of curling and interacting with the MoJuCo library. This module is designed to help new student learn about the complicated physics of curling. This module also helps students learn how to implement and maintain MuJuCo based features into the simulator.
This project explores Costa Rica’s universal healthcare system, focusing on its approach to serving urban, rural, and Indigenous communities, as well as its role in enhancing population health. During a faculty-led intercultural immersion, we partnered with local experts and healthcare providers in the country and engaged in site visits to learn more about their healthcare system. The system has notably contributed to increased life expectancy, reduced infectious disease transmission, and lower rates of infant mortality while adapting to the growing burden of chronic disease in an aging population. Unlike the privatized and fragmented U.S. healthcare system, Costa Rica provides universal access, offering a valuable case study in alternative care models. By comparing the Costa Rican and U.S. healthcare systems, this project underscores the benefits and challenges of universal care, contributing to a more holistic approach to improving healthcare access and equity.
As climate change continues to escalate, it is evident that some countries are making substantial efforts, while others fall behind. Through participation in a Faculty-Led Intercultural Immersion program, we observed that Costa Rica has emerged as is a pioneer in developing a green economy, prioritizing sustainability, and implementing environmental protections. This project investigates Costa Rica’s existing policies and future initiatives aimed at improving planetary health, with the goal of identifying strategies that may inspire global efforts. Additionally, we seek to raise awareness of the urgent effects of climate change and emphasize the importance of international collaboration, particularly the role of the United States, in promoting a healthier and more sustainable planet.
Mosquitoes are harmful, disease-carrying vectors that pose significant publichealth risks worldwide. Aedes aegypti, known for transmitting Zika Virus, Dengue, andyellow fever, poses a threat in various climates, while Aedes triseriatus—native toWisconsin—transmits the La Crosse virus.While much is known about adult mosquito behavior, less is understood about thesensory behaviors of mosquito larvae. To address this gap, our lab is investigating thechemosensory behaviors of Ae. aegypti and Ae. triseriatus larvae, particularly in relation toforaging. We have refined protocols using the InVision device, a high-resolution camerasystem designed for tracking aquatic invertebrates, to monitor and quantify the behavior ofmosquito larvae in response to chemical gradients emitted from a point source.With these methodologies, our research now focuses on sensory behaviorvariations across all mosquito larval and pupal stages. The mosquito life cycle consists offour instar (larval) stages, followed by a pupal stage before emerging into adulthood. Ourprevious findings suggest that L1 Ae. triseriatus and Ae. aegypti larvae do not rely onchemosensory modalities to locate food. Preliminary results indicate that foragingbehavior increases in L2-L4 instars, suggesting a developmental shift in foraging strategiesas larvae progress through these stages.
Dietary flexibility allows animals to respond adaptively to food pulses in the environment. Here we document the novel emergence of widespread hunting of California voles and carnivorous feeding behavior by California ground squirrels. Specifically, we aimed to investigate whether the age and sex of squirrels explained the extent to which they engaged in hunting, consumption, and/or competition over voles. This work is part of a long-term study at Briones Regional Park in California where squirrels of known ages and sexes are regularly live-trapped, marked, and released. In 2024, from June 10th to July 30th, we recorded all sightings of squirrels hunting, killing and/or consuming voles both opportunistically on trapping days and during formal behavioral observations. We found no significant difference in the age-sex composition of those individuals that engaged in any of these behaviors compared to those that did not hunt, consume, or compete over voles. Thus, juvenile and adult ground squirrels of both sexes depredate, consume, and/or compete over vole prey. Given that participation in hunting and consumption of voles was so widespread across members of the study population, future studies are required to understand whether these novel foraging behaviors were learned individually or spread socially throughout the study population.
Squirrels (Rodentia; Sciuridae) are a well-known and diverse group of rodents, including the charismatic ground-dwelling members of the Tribe Marmotini. In particular, the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) is an emerging model system for the study of social and risk-sensitive behaviors in a rapidly changing world, as well as the physiology of resistance to snake venoms. To complement extensive natural history information for O. beecheyi, we provide a chromosome-scale genome to facilitate molecular studies focused on the genetic basis of ecologically important traits, population genetics, comparative genomics, and social evolution. The final scaffolded genome was 2.27 Gb contained in 9,960 contigs and placed into 28 1,383 scaffolds. The scaffold N50 was just over 125 Mb. We used the presence of 10,248 complete genes detected by BUSCO v5 specifically to compare broad patterns of chromosomal synteny between chromosomal scaffolds for O. beecheyi and two other sciurid rodents. The recovered pattern of synteny suggests several fusion and fission events for O. beecheyi to the other two species. This new information should advance our understanding of O. beecheyi, particularly concerning the study of social and risk-taking behaviors, and comparative studies of mammalian genomic biology and evolution.
Aging is a complex biological process influenced by a range of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors. Studying normal aging can help us better comprehend age related diseases and potentially lead to the identification of therapeutic targets. In this study, we use large transcriptomes collected from mouse and human brains (Tabula Muris and GTEx) to investigate genes, gene networks, and biological pathways that are selectively engaged at different biological ages through brain aging. We use a novel network biology platform called NetDecoder to determine which genes are highly utilized within brain specific biological networks; high utility genes are those that encode for important proteins that are crucial to a specific function, even if they are not differentially expressed. Our approach is unique because we can recover genes relating to the aging brain that are not differentially expressed, meaning they likely would not be pinpointed by other labs.
Cattle that eat the same feed and come from the same environment can emit methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas, at vastly different levels. An estimated 32% of anthropogenic CH4 can be traced to ‘enteric fermentation’ in livestock production. During enteric fermentation, specialized microorganisms will digest complex plant fiber to create compounds like acetate and hydrogen (H2). Some of these organisms, called methanogens, will consume and use these products to produce CH4. Emerging data suggests natural inter-animal variation in CH4 emissions could derive from host genetics or differences in rumen microbial digestion. Here, we will analyze 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing from rumen microbiomes to look for differences in the structure and composition of microbial communities from the rumen of twenty beef cattle of varying CH4 emission levels. There is no significant difference in microbial community diversity by CH4 emission level. We will analyze microbial community structure and composition to identify microbial taxa associated with high and low CH4 emissions. The findings of our work will begin to explain why some cattle emit higher methane levels compared to others, and may aid in finding solutions to reduce methane emissions in cattle while keeping their feeding efficiency and meat production high.
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.
Extradiol dioxygenases are known to oxidatively cleave aromatic pollutants, such as catechol. DfdB is an extradiol dioxygenase whose activity on substituted catechols has not been studied. Catechols and other aromatic hydrocarbons are a by-product of coal conversion, coal tar chemical production and other coal industries and are found in the air and wastewater surrounding these facilities. As catechol substrates are possible human carcinogens, their potential breakdown by DfdB is a significant area of interest. Ultimately, this research aims to define the conditions under which DfdB breaks down catechol substrates most efficiently and characterize the products of this bioremediation pathway. To accomplish this goal, the enzyme kinetics of DfdB were measured with varying concentrations of catechol substrates using Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-vis) Spectroscopy, and initial rates of reaction were calculated. Upon analysis, the data suggests that DfdB experiences concentration-dependent substrate inhibition, which has been noted for other extradiol dioxygenases. By measuring kinetic profiles for a variety of substituted catechols, we have better defined the characteristics of DfdB as a potential bioremediation catalyst. This information will be leveraged to improve the utility of this catalyst broadly for synthesis and bioremediation.
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.
A satisfactory understanding of the electron, including the nature of its structure and dynamics, has remained elusive since its discovery by JJ Thomson over a century ago. Recently, one of us has developed a working model for the electron that can explain its most enigmatic properties, including: 1) its dual wave/particle behavior; 2) its spin=1/2 nature; and 3) its ability to orbit a positively-charged atomic nucleus without spiraling into its core. Here, we present a visual depiction of two orbiting electrons in the n=1, s-orbital (helium) shell. We employ the animation program, Blender, to incorporate the time-dependent behavior of the different components of the electron, and show how its spinning components work together, simply following Maxwell’s Laws, to generate a stable electron shell surrounding the atom.
The cell of an organism is a complex environment filled with molecules, which are essential for survival. To fully understand the cellular environment, it is imperative to have powerful techniques that can be used to analyze molecular interactions. Spectroscopy, which is the study of the interaction of light with matter, is one of the primary ways to analyze molecules within a sample. Two spectroscopic techniques that are especially useful in identifying properties of molecules are Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy. While both techniques analyze light interactions, each provides different types of information. Fluorescence Spectroscopy is useful in identifying structural changes in a molecule due to any perturbations in the surrounding area. Raman Spectroscopy identifies the molecules present within a sample, generating a spectral fingerprint of the sample and allowing us to view how a sample changes in composition over time. We are currently using Fluorescence Spectroscopy to analyze how molecular crowding impacts protein function. Furthermore, we are using Raman Spectroscopy to analyze the difference between saliva samples of healthy individuals and saliva samples of individuals affected by breast or lung cancer.
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.
Menstrual cups have become increasingly popular in recent years for their environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, and user comfort. Most menstrual cups are made using silicone, taking advantage of its flexible and leak-proof material properties. However, there has been limited research on the hydrolytic degradation of silicone biomaterials, particularly in the acidic vaginal environment, raising potential safety concerns. The objective of this research project is to study the hydrolytic degradation of silicone under acidic conditions to better understand the safety profile of biomedical devices like menstrual cups. Our initial study tested 40 silicone samples over a 29-day period at 37 °C and 67 °C in a 1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution. Results of this accelerated study indicated a maximum mass loss of 11.4 %. Future studies will be performed using a vaginal fluid simulant (VFS) primarily composed of a lactic acid buffer system to assess physiologically relevant degradation behavior and to characterize potentially toxic degradation products. Ultimately, this research aims to develop a standardized workflow for studying the degradation of polymeric biomaterials in a VFS that could also be applied to other biomedical devices such as intravaginal ring (IVR) drug delivery systems.
Cortisol is a hormone released in response to stress that is also vital to human development. Previous studies in lab have shown that cortisol exposure of zebrafish embryos resulted in hypolocomotion with increasing cortisol concentration. Cortisol acts through two receptors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). We tested if the activation of the GR receptor would produce similar effects on behavior to cortisol exposure. Dexamethasone is a synthetic gluccocorticoid that selectively binds to the GR. Zebrafish embryos were collected and treated with different concentrations of dexamethasone at 4-6 hours post-fertilization (hpf) in a 12-well plate. The resulting zebrafish were transferred at 5dpf to a 96-well plate, which was then measured in an 18-minute alternating light-dark assay to assess their locomotor behavior using a commercial motor tracking system. Two rounds of experiments, consisting of concentrations ranging from 100 to 1 uM showed differential relative behavioral phenotypes at different concentrations. These experiments inform our understanding of how corticosteroid receptors affect zebrafish behavior in embryonic development.
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones vital to development and many physiological responses. The body’s primary glucocorticoid, cortisol, is released in response to stress and binds to two receptors: mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Excess prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids has been linked to adverse effects on neurodevelopment. Previous work in the lab found that an increase in embryonic exposure to cortisol resulted in decreased swim behavior in zebrafish larvae 5 days post-fertilization (dpf). The goal of this study was to identify how selective MR exposure would affect behavior in larval zebrafish using deoxycorticosterone (DOC), a natural precursor to cortisol that binds to MR. Zebrafish embryos were treated with decreasing concentrations of DOC (1 µM, 0.3 µM, and 0.1 µM) at 4-6 hours post-fertilization (hpf) in a 12-well plate. Larvae were transferred at 5dpf to a 96-well plate and assayed using a commercial motor tracking system (Noldus DanioVision). Initial results indicate that the swim velocities for larvae exposed to 0.3 µM DOC were higher than control groups in the first dark cycle, but no other significant differences were observed. By investigating how DOC affects neurodevelopment in zebrafish, these results can inform future studies on the role of MR agonists in development.
This study investigated the diversity, growth, and abundance of macroalgal species on reefs surrounding San Salvador Island, The Bahamas, amid ongoing ecological change. Coral reef ecosystems are undergoing significant shifts due to climate change, habitat degradation, and the spread of invasive species. Understanding macroalgal communities during this transition is critical, as these organisms play a key role in reef structure and function. We conducted quadrat sampling and photo surveys across three reefs representing different levels of degradation. Algal diversity, including variations in growth forms and color patterns, was estimated from photographic data collected at over 50 quadrat locations. A subset of samples was analyzed to confirm species identifications and to assess photosynthetic capacity and growth strategies through quantitative measurements of biomass and chlorophyll content. Reefs around San Salvador Island support a diverse macroalgal community, including calcareous algae (Halimeda spp.), fleshy browns (Dictyota spp.), greens (Udotea spp.), and filamentous species. This study establishes a valuable baseline for understanding macroalgal responses to environmental change and contributes to ongoing reef conservation efforts.
Schistosomes are parasitic flatworms that cause schistosomiasis, a highly prevalent neglected tropical disease impacting over 250-million people worldwide. Life cycle progression through a snail intermediate host during their first larval stage, which are called miracidia, is required for worms to become infective to humans. The mechanism miracidia use to locate snails is not known. However, a secreted snail peptide known as P12 has been shown to elicit responses from miracidia that suggest it may serve as a cue for them in locating their snail hosts. The objective of this study was to investigate the role and structural requirements of P12 in Schistosoma mansoni miracidia host-seeking. P12 was cloned and sequenced from five snail species, revealing natural variation at 7 key residues. Quantitative methods were employed to characterize miracidia behavioral responses to snail cues and synthesized P12 variants. Preliminary findings suggest that stimulant gradients are required to elicit behavioral changes in miracidia. Infection experiments with live snails were carried out to determine if P12-rich solutions can disrupt these gradients and dysregulate miracidia sensation. Miracidia dysregulation control strategies are an under-researched approach to reducing the prevalence of schistosomiasis, but they could have especially significant impacts in endemic regions of the world.
I'm a junior at UWEC majoring in microbiology. I am a researcher in the Wheeler lab here on campus (in the Biology Department). My research focuses on using quantitative methods to study parasite chemosensory behaviors. At CERCA, I'll be presenting a poster (Poster 036: Investigating... Read More →
This project is titled Tick-Borne Disease Risk and Climate Change: A Survey-Based Analysis of Eau Claire County Residents’ Knowledge and Perception. Tick-borne diseases are an increasing concern in the United States, including Wisconsin, where they are common. Evidence suggests that climate change is contributing to this rise, as warming temperatures expand the geographical range of ticks and extend their active season. The aim is to assess Eau Claire County residents’ awareness and understanding of the rise in tick-borne diseases, as well as their perceptions of the role climate change plays in this issue. Data is being collected through an anonymous online survey, with 75 participants so far. Preliminary results show that most participants (76%) are between the ages of 18-24, and 92% live in suburban areas. Regarding tick-borne disease concern, 48% are somewhat concerned about contracting one, and 33% somewhat agree that the risk in their area is high. While 74% report taking preventative measures, 43% feel they are not well informed about tick-borne diseases and prevention steps. Concerning climate change, 61% of participants express being extremely concerned, and opinions about its link to tick-borne diseases are divided, with 36% strongly agreeing and 36% remaining neutral. Data collection is ongoing.
At the Costa Rican-Panamanian border, Indigenous migration has historically supported both Costa Rica’s economy and the livelihoods of Indigenous populations throughout Central America. In this project, “From Bean to Border”, we examine cyclic migratory patterns of indigenous people and the role it plays in Costa Rican coffee production. This project was inspired by our Faculty-Led Immersion program, “Global Health in Costa Rica” in which our group spent ten days in Costa Rica learning about how migration, labor, and public health are all interconnected. By learning directly from small-scale coffee producers, we traced the journey of the coffee bean from cultivation and harvesting to processing and roasting. This provided insight into how labor-intensive coffee production can be for those who are a part of the industry. Our findings highlight the intricate connections between Indigenous migration, economic structures, and health outcomes, underscoring the need for a more equitable and sustainable coffee industry.
Economic insecurity is a critical but often overlooked determinant of public health. This study investigates how financial instability contributes to poor health outcomes. Financial instability is characterized by unpredictability of income, employment insecurity, and limited access to basic needs like food, clothing, housing and access to healthcare, all which affect physical and mental health outcomes. By analyzing the intersectionality of economic insecurity, healthcare access, and the role of social systems including healthcare policies and safety nets, this research aims to identify key factors that negatively impact health and wellbeing and exacerbate these effects. This research primarily relies on quantitative data from closed ended survey questions, supplemented by qualitative data from the addition of three open ended survey questions. The survey explores an individual’s economic position, experience with healthcare accessibility and the perceptions of the effectiveness of social programs. The objective of the research is to discover in what ways economics affect health and to highlight systemic shortcomings in addressing these issues. The findings from this research can provide insight to those dedicated to developing more effective interventions that would mitigate negative health consequences and improve healthcare accessibility.
Curling is a strategic team sport that presents unique challenges for artificial intelligence (AI) research, particularly in decision-making and physical simulation. However, a significant barrier to AI development in curling is the lack of structured and accessible datasets. This project aims to address this gap by leveraging standardized video feeds from Curling Stadium to generate datasets suitable for AI research.Our approach involves developing software that uses image detection models YOLO (You Only Look Once) and SAM (Segment Anything Model) to analyze YouTube videos of curling matches, tracking objects such as rocks and players to gather data on their positions and movements.The expected outcome of the larger project is a structured and scalable dataset that can be used for AI-based curling research, including game strategy analysis and predictive modeling. This project lays the foundation for broader AI applications in curling by automating data collection, enabling machine learning models to analyze strategic decision-making, and fostering human-AI collaboration in sports analytics.
The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses a variety of systems and devices that enable data exchange across networks. With this interleaved connectivity comes an inherent vulnerability to attacks. Traditional intrusion detection in IoT environments has been primarily human-reliant, but modern malicious methods surpass manual approaches. Machine Learning (ML)-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) show promise but require refinement to match human-monitored IDS effectiveness.This study involved a literature review of research involving the NetFlow dataset NF-ToN-IoT-v2, created in 2022 to enable ML-based IDS development. With balancing, the dataset includes approximately 16 million net-flows, with 63.99% attack and 36.01% benign. The data’s imbalanced nature was addressed through methods like down sampling to reduce training bias. A hyper-parameter tuning pipeline was used to optimize algorithm testing and cross-validation, especially for different data balancing methods.The algorithms tested based on previous research found during literature review include Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and XGBoost. Comparative analysis using confusion matrices and bar plots enabled the evaluation of algorithm effectiveness. Overall, this research highlights the potential of ML approaches in IoT IDS development, through leveraging NF-ToN-IoT-v2 to enhance detection accuracy and bridge the gap between human-monitored and ML-driven solutions.
Isolated cases of plague and widespread paranoia infected San Francisco. Fledgling practices of bacteriology debuted the ability to identify Petis bacteria. No longer was it the faceless enemy of the Black Death. Yet a contentious set of unknowns remained — competing medical groups clashed politically, socially, and professionally over the plague's transmission, treatment, and existence. Often to the detriment of Chinese Immigrants. Previous scholarship documented the outcomes of the plague and subsequent political battles as a vector to the construction of race, intertwining it with public health. This paper then looks at the commonality between these competing groups; the absence of critical epidemiological knowledge. It utilizes a study of ignorance, intentional or incidental, through the analysis of archival court cases, medical journals, correspondence, and newly translated Chinese newspapers. Rather than focusing on the outcomes of these battles, it shifts its focus to the underlying foundations. In this poster presentation, I then argue that the insertion of each group's respective ideology into the unknown variables formed the results of the plague; ignorantly shaping knowledge, and racist systems of policy while conversely allowing the Chinese to counteract them. Thus revealing how knowledge itself is the battleground for power.
This research explores how Chinese cuisine has evolved in the United States, focusing on the historical adaptations made by early Chinese immigrants and the ongoing cultural shifts reflected in contemporary Chinese food. Existing scholarship highlights how immigrant communities modify traditional cuisine to align with local tastes, often creating a hybrid culinary identity. To investigate this phenomenon, I conducted interviews with Chinese exchange students to compare authentic Chinese food with its American counterpart and surveyed American students to understand their perceptions of American Chinese cuisine. The findings suggest that the evolution of Chinese food in the U.S. reflects broader cultural adaptation processes, where historical necessity has given way to modern innovation and cross-cultural exchange. As cultural identity continues to shape perceptions of authenticity, food remains a powerful medium for connection and mutual understanding. Future research should further examine how cultural adaptation extends beyond cuisine into markets, traditions, and perspectives, deepening our understanding of how cultures influence and reshape one another.
We aimed to increase awareness of the local flora and fauna that many people may not be awarelive in the Chippewa River. We decided to create glass mosaics to adorn the windows of the busstop in front of Haas Fine Arts Center as it is an accessible location for many people passingthrough Water Street.We used glass for its translucent properties, durability, and longevity to ensure that no harmwould be brought to the local environment through use of toxic materials and to make sure itwill last for years to come with little need for maintenance.The various colors of the glass pieces and the location result in the appearance changingthroughout the day and seasons as the available light differs, keeping it intriguing for andvisible for both visitors and the bus drivers they are waiting for.Our project resulted in a beautiful piece of art that succeeds in showcasing many local endangeredfish and demonstrating the talents of graduates from the art program. The location nearby theriver may also tempt curious minds to see if they can spot any of the creatures themselves.
This research project seeks to compare the craftsmanship and performance of commercially available handmade oboereeds produced by ten professional oboe reed makers and share our observations via ourOboeForEveryone.com website. By focusing on key parameters such as pitch, response,dynamic capabilities, and ease of playing, we aim to help adult amateur and student oboistsmake informed decisions regarding reed selection for purchase.
This research highlights the differences between Japanese pop music from other pop music and examines Japan in relation to the country's popular music genres including insight to globalization. This in-person research conducted in Japan analyzes the impact of the U.S. and Japan’s relationship in regards to the music industry.The central questions of this research is how Japanese and American fandoms differ in the context of cultural exchange and how Japan’s relationship with the U.S. has affected this exchange. Fan communities, data from album and concert sales of Japanese Pop and Rock artists are analyzed in order to evaluate the reception of these genres in domestic and foreign markets. This research considers the historical relationship between Japan and the U.S. before and during the development of this genre.This study provides insight into Japan’s global cultural identity by showcasing globalization in Japan through the lens of the Japanese music industry. Japan’s history with the U.S. sheds a new perspective on the pop culture breakout of Japanese media, and the growing collaborative relationship with America. From using weapons of war to culturally influencing one another, this research lends insight to the changing relationship between these two countries.
This study explores how apology videos differ across platforms and speaker statuses, and how these factors shape their perception by an audience. Linguistic coding on a dataset of publicly available apologies from the past five years is used to identify several linguistic markers that influence the perception of apology videos. In addition to these linguistic markers, videos are analyzed based on speaker type (celebrities, online influencers, private individuals, and brands) and format (long-form pre-recorded videos, short social media clips, and traditional live media statements). A survey measures audience reactions, including emotions elicited, perceived sincerity, and perceived effectiveness. A qualitative analysis then compares apology strategies to these audience perceptions in order to identify patterns.
In this paper I will be discussing the relation between Japanese manga and anime, and the changes from the transition from manga to anime due to censorship laws and changes within post-WWII Japan. Continuing, I will discuss what these laws and changes within Japan are meant to accomplish and what their application/results could have on their media as a whole. Next, I will be discussing what changes are made to media when exported to other countries to adhere to their redactive laws. The definition of censorship that I will be using for this paper is: “Places where media that has been changed to limit the themes, concepts, or actions that are deemed unsensible or unwanted by a large, usually government, body.” This definition is meant to include things that are commonplace such as blurring or black boxes, or even censorship that’s more transformative via cutting out parts of original material completely.This research will make people aware of how media can be changed to convey a certain culture's beliefs on what is “appropriate” for a certain group of people. To take it to a more extreme level, this research will also convey how strict/effective censorship can be at a non-concerning level- not censoring certain content to prevent learning about certain information. And how potentially concerning censorship could be put in place with similar laws. And finally how censorship reflects a culture as a whole.
One of the most controversial topics of conversation among scholars and a lay audience in the United States is how much protection the First Amendment should give people, specifically regarding freedom of speech. The political theory aspect of this project focused on what paternalism is and its potential uses through Mill’s “On Liberty”, Dworkin’s “Paternalism,” and secondary literature that discusses freedom of speech in a paternalistic context. The legal aspect of this project focused on court cases that showcased people’s thoughts on the limitations of one’s freedom of speech. Through my research, I found that paternalism, in theory, could be used to limit someone’s freedom of speech if they are under the age of majority; however, limiting an adult’s freedom of speech has not been successfully done in the courts. This is due to the difficulty of proving that by limiting an adult’s freedom of speech, the government is saving the person from themselves while also not violating the Harm Principle set out by Mill.
Candida albicans is the most frequently isolated human fungal pathogen and is an important agent of hospital acquired infections. To determine if a gene encodes a protein that contributes to its ability to cause disease, both alleles of a gene are typically disrupted. Historically, gene disruption in C. albicans utilizes the URA3 gene as a selectable marker in a URA3 auxotrophic strain. It was discovered that some of the mutant strains created using the “URA-blaster” technique had reduced levels of URA3 expression that affected the phenotypes of the mutant strains. Previously, we created a mutant strain of Candida albicans in which the MBP1 gene has been disrupted using the “URA-blaster” technique. To determine if the mutant phenotype observed is due to the disruption of the MBP1 gene or is an artifact due to reduced levels of URA3 expression, we are assessing URA3 gene functionality by assaying for OMP decarboxylase activity using protein lysates from wild-type and MBP1 mutant strains. Currently, we are making protein lysates which will be assessed for URA3 activity. Once we obtain the results of this experiment it will help to clarify the significance of the phenotypes observed in the MBP1 null mutant strains.
The aim of this study is to understand how flatworms use their sensory capacities in their environments. Parasitic flatworms are a threat to human health globally. Understanding how these worms can find hosts to infect would help advance parasite control. This study focuses on Girardia dorotocephala, a species of free-living planaria we are developing as a flatworm model, uses chemoreceptors located in their auricles to sense their surroundings. While planaria are not parasites, they possess many of the same traits as parasites within the phylum. Both planaria and parasitic flatworms belong to the Platyhelminthes and have some of the same morphological features and molecular pathways. Because of the similarity between the two clades, we can use planaria as a model organism to better understand flatworm behavior. To initiate this project, we recorded and tracked planaria when placed in separate controlled environments. Experiment followed the planaria’s movements when placed in the presence or absence of food, or under different light conditions. We were also working on sequencing the genome to help identify genes potentially involved in sensation, setting up G. dorotocephala as a model flatworm for sensory experiments.
Schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease caused by three parasitic flatworm species,including Schistosoma mansoni, relies on freshwater snails as intermediate hosts. Interrupting theparasite’s ability to locate snails could provide a novel strategy for disease control. Praziquantelis the current treatment of choice for human infections, and it exerts its effect by targetingtransient receptor potential (TRP) channels on the parasite, leading to death of the worm. Despiteits effectiveness in eliminating adult parasites, treated individuals remain susceptible toreinfection.In this study, a drug screening approach was used to identify compounds targeting the transientTRP receptors in miracidia, a larval stage of the parasite. A custom 96-well acrylic device wasdesigned; worms were added to each well and treated with 10 µM of drug.The impact of eachcompound on miracidia behavior was assessed to identify potential drug candidates. Toaccurately monitor their responses, a high-resolution recording device was utilized. This systemenabled precise observation of miracidia motility and orientation, allowing identification ofcompounds that disrupt general movement or host-seeking behavior. Preliminary findingssuggest that TRP channel modulators play a role in altering miracidia navigation, offering apromising avenue for disrupting the parasite’s life cycle.
I'm a junior at UWEC majoring in microbiology. I am a researcher in the Wheeler lab here on campus (in the Biology Department). My research focuses on using quantitative methods to study parasite chemosensory behaviors. At CERCA, I'll be presenting a poster (Poster 036: Investigating... Read More →
Schistosomiasis is a tropical disease caused by human-infective parasites of the genus Schistosoma. The larval stage, called miracidia, infects a snail intermediate host and matures into cercariae that are shed into water. Cercariae penetrate human skin and migrate to blood vessels connecting the intestines and liver. Here, mature parasites lay eggs that follow the flow of blood into the liver or against the flow into the intestines. Intestinal eggs will mature, be defecated into fresh water, and hatch to miracidia to continue the cycle of infection. In contrast, liver eggs have reached a dead end, but these are routinely harvested from rodent lab hosts for research use and maintenance of the life cycle. Previous evaluation of transcriptomic differences between the liver and intestine eggs revealed distinct functional differences, yet nothing is known about differences between miracidia derived from these eggs. We isolated distinct infected mice tissues and hatched miracidia. Using these miracidia, we performed RNA-seq analysis and found distinct transcriptomic clusters and differentially expressed genes between the samples. Future directions include experiments to test for differences between these miracidia in behavior and infection capacity. These findings will lead to deeper insights about relevant differences between miracidia from different tissues.
I'm a junior at UWEC majoring in microbiology. I am a researcher in the Wheeler lab here on campus (in the Biology Department). My research focuses on using quantitative methods to study parasite chemosensory behaviors. At CERCA, I'll be presenting a poster (Poster 036: Investigating... Read More →
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.
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.
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.
Architectural coatings are categorized as either solvent-based or water-based, with the latter gaining popularity due to their lower volatile organic compound (VOC) content and simplified manufacturing process. However, their performance can be limited compared to oil-based alternatives. To address these challenges, dispersants are incorporated to enhance stability and prevent titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particle aggregation, the primary pigment in the majority of architectural coatings. Our research investigates the structure-property relations of stimuli responsive polyethylene glycol:poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) [PEG:PDMAEMA] block copolymers and specifically their application as an eco-friendly TiO₂ dispersant in water-based coatings. These block copolymers were synthesized via ARGET ATRP (Activators ReGenerated by Electron Transfer - Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization), a process which allows for precise control of block length with minimal catalyst use. Various block length ratios were synthesized and characterized, with stress-dependent flow properties analyzed using rheometry and interfacial activity assessed via pendant drop tensiometry. Paint formulation performance was compared to a market standard through Leneta chart and water droplet testing, evaluating opacity, gloss, and resistance to leeching. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating PEG:PDMAEMA polymer dispersants into architectural coatings as a viable alternative to solvent-based coatings while maintaining essential performance properties.
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.
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.
In lakes, mosses are distributed in deeper waters than any other form of plant life. Little is known about these plant communities, and this ongoing study by Dr. Lonzarich and his students is the most comprehensive of its kind. Prior work in this lab has explored the distribution and factors affecting the occurrence of mosses from 70 lakes in Wisconsin. The objectives of this study were to identify the mosses collected from these lakes using a DNA barcoding approach, which involves DNA extraction, PCR amplification of the LTS gene (barcoding gene), and sequencing using the Sanger method. An altermative method using the RBCL gene and next-generation sequencing is also being used. By identifying the species through online gene databases, the study intends to unravel the geographic distribution patterns of deep-water moss species in the state. The study builds on previous work that found difficulties in identifying moss species based on morphological characteristics due to their unique growth forms in deep-water habitats. Initial indications from morphological assessments suggest the presence of distinct geographic patterns in the distribution of deep-water mosses within Wisconsin's lakes.
Mobile applications like PictureThis use artificial intelligence to identify plant species, providing a convenient tool for users without botanical expertise. However, the accuracy of these applications remains uncertain, which is particularly important in ecological and conservation contexts, as misidentifications can have serious consequences. This study evaluated the reliability of PictureThis by comparing its identifications with genetic sequencing results from plant samples collected on the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire campus. Ninety-four plant samples were analyzed, with sixty-five yielding positive genetic identifications. Of these, thirty-three (51%) matched the species-level identification provided by PictureThis, while twelve (18%) were confirmed at the genus level and five (8%) at the family level. The remaining fifteen (23%) showed no correspondence between genetic sequencing and app-based identifications. Discrepancies may stem from the app’s inability to identify certain plants, such as grasses, or its reliance on superficial similarities. Notably, genetic analysis confirmed that twelve plants identified by the app as non-native were actually native to Wisconsin, indicating an overestimation of non-native species. These findings highlight the limitations of AI-based plant identification apps and emphasize the need to supplement such tools with scientific validation when making ecological or conservation decisions.
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.
The aim of this project is to research and conceptualize the current as well as historical nuance of the tolerance of religion. The question this research will answer is whether society should embrace a more tolerant view of religion and instill the views of free speech and religion into the younger generation. This research comes at a time of significant differences among the population surrounding the topic of freedom of religion. Although many Americans continue to embrace the freedom of conscience behind the First Amendment, there is increasing polarization around how far religious freedom should go, which freedoms “count” as religious, and how the religious and irreligious should coexist with one another. This project's approach will use political theory, constitutional law, and historical writings to examine this question. The political theory aspect will characterize views of tolerance within scholarly works and how it applies to religious expression. The findings will be used to evaluate the standing of tolerance in today’s discourse and attempt to find changes. The findings of the research conclude that tolerance is still a heavily raised issue and has been since political discourse entered into the sphere of human interaction.
As modern thought has transitioned from religious to scientific research, there has been a hard line driven down the middle of the two branches suggesting that the two cannot exist with one another. In the 21st century, the idea that science is the only accurate way to perceive the world is one of the most dominant views, relegating mysticism and religion to a separate corner, unrelated to science, but this is contrary to a very long human tradition of mystical practices. Even though science is the dominant school of thought, there are still millions to billions of people globally who participate in faith practices across religions and spiritualities, so what continues to draw people to faith? The researchers conduct interviews across faith practices and beliefs to gain a deeper understanding of what compels people to follow ideas inconsistent with modern thought. Through a mixture of answers from positive psychology, natural expression, and human connection, the beginnings of an answer may be found.
The purpose of this research is to explore the increasing threats of censorship in libraries, the laws supporting or opposing censorship, and the impact of censorship on librarians through the use of language and rhetoric. Through examining the current political climate surrounding libraries, censorshipm and diversity, I hope to emphasize how libraries can become involved in the promotion and protection of intellectual freedom and democracy by advocacy, policy making, and popular mobilization (i.e. solidarity with each other). The primary method of research is comparing legislative texts, national advocacy organizations, and case studies. Restrictive and protective approaches to intellectual freedom were compared using Idaho HB710, Alabama HB385, California AB1825, and Vermont Act 150 legislative documents. Idaho and Alabama bills were used for their definition of “harmful materials” and for procedural aspects of criminal charges as examples of state policies restricting free inquiry; California and Vermont bills were used as examples of states protecting intellectual freedom. The primary conclusion is that libraries cannot afford to be censored in order to provide equal access to information and to promote the democratic principles they serve. Through lobbying for protective policies, raising public awareness, forming legal relationships, and obtaining continued federal support, libraries will be able to stand up against these pressures and restate their commitment of delivering needed services to all members of society.
I will be examining the history of Disney and Nintendo, how they have helped construct the childhoods of Japanese and Americans alike, and how they have helped the two countries heal from the second World War.Disney first took off around the start of WWII when they released Snow White and The Seven Dwarves in 1937. During the American occupation of Japan in the 1950's, as their movies flooded into the country, they helped to create a new, thriving animation and entertainment industry. Following WWII, Nintendo found growing success in this new entertainment landscape after a striking a partnership with Disney in 1958 to produce playing cards. Come the 1970s and 80s, they took the world by storm with revolutionary gaming systems. Come today, Disney and Nintendo are two of the biggest companies in the world. Disney is responsible for a sizable amount of popular animated movies and champions theme parks globally. Nintendo has pioneered the video game market and has greatly influenced positive public perception on gaming. Though both companies market towards children and families, they’ve found large fan bases with adults.
In media, or what we consume for entertainment, like movies, music, books, etc.... a motif is a form of repetition in some form. Whether that be a song, song title, a theme, or literally anything else, these motifs act as a way for one piece of media to connect to another. There are certain psychological effects that come with these motifs as well, like a sudden noise in a scary movie is associated with fear, or a happy go-lucky tune is associated with being happy. In video games, there are certain sounds that are synonymous with good things like a bell ringing or an upbeat tune. Instruments can also be included in this, with pianos or violins being associated with sadder songs or drums and electric guitars with heavy metal, head banger music. Symbols can also be a staple of motifs, like the symbol of death or God/heaven. Even if you don’t notice it, motifs are everywhere, and if you listen or look closely, you can notice them.
Can the clarinet learn to play with a singing quality by studying vocal repertoire and technique? This was the central research question addressed in our UWEC Student-Faculty Research that we considered through the study of repertoire and historical context of Bel Canto music written by French composer Pauline Viardot as well as a vocal approach to the selected pieces. Dr. Alyssa Powell guided my study of three pieces that demanded slightly different artistic approaches. These were, Fleur desséchée, Povera me, and L’innamorata, all by the remarkable and lesser-known composer, Pauline Viardot. For each piece, I learned the French and Italian diction with the help of Dr. Ken Pereira, considered agogic stress of the text with the music, determined the articulations needed to convey the many vowels and consonants present in the language via the clarinet, considered registration as a singer would, and combined the results of this work in a performance. I performed the three works alongside Shawn Muench, local pianist, in a recital. Examining the tone colors, breathing habits, and articulations from a vocalist’s perspective was especially helpful in stretching my musical interpretive skills.
The purpose of this study is to measure the effectiveness of a student-led art session with college students. Participants are randomly selected by volunteer. Participants will be given a pre-and post-session survey. The survey will assess demographics and then stress levels pre- and post- session. The post-session survey will also assess likelihood to continue the use of art therapy in professional as well as non-professional settings.
This follow-up study investigates how school factors (e.g., administrative support, workload, etc.) and teachers’ characteristics (e.g., teacher efficacy) influence teachers’ retention through their fifth year in the profession. There is currently a nationwide teacher shortage that has presented challenges for schools and administrators. Eight percent of teachers leave the profession each year, with special education among the disciplines most affected by this attrition rate. Within the field of special education, approximately 40% of teachers leave the field by their fifth year of teaching. While preparing new teachers is one solution, retaining teachers in the field presents a more efficient choice. Participants in this study include fifth-year teachers (n= 6) who previously participated in a study on teacher induction during their first year of teaching. Methods include a survey on teacher efficacy and semi-structured interviews. Preliminary surveys completed by participants have indicated that all participants are working in the field of education, well above the national retention averages. Student and faculty researchers will present the identified themes in participant’s survey and interview responses that pinpoint which factors contributed to their retention and how that information might be used to improve pre-service programs.
This ongoing study investigates how psychological flexibility correlates with teacher burnout across three populations with different professional demands: preservice teachers, primary teachers, and college professors. Teacher burnout is common, which creates multiple concerns like teacher turnover and worse student outcomes (Chang, 2009). One promising intervention used to decrease teacher burnout in K-12 teachers is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which targets psychological flexibility – the ability to adapt to different situations to pursue one’s goals (Emery, 2011). By administering questionnaires related to psychological flexibility and teacher burnout to preservice teachers, primary teachers, and college professors, we seek to show how these components connect in different populations. If psychological flexibility is negatively correlated with burnout across all three populations, ACT may be effective for all three populations. When data collection is complete, we expect to see a difference in correlations due to the diverse demands of the job. We also expect overall burnout to differ across groups: if individual factors are more significant, we hypothesize that preservice teachers will experience the highest level of burnout. Alternatively, if contextual factors are more important, we hypothesize that inservice teachers will experience the most burnout.
The reason that we are looking into the relationship that stress had on our mental and physical health is that we are all college students so it is important to us to understand our stress, and to control it to help our health. We look to our peers and see significant levels of stress that seem to make people less happy overall. This made us question why people get stressed in the first place? Is it their class load, their workload, or anything else that they go through day to day? To answer these questions, we have looked into several different people's perspectives to see what they have discovered on the issue. Along with this we also conducted our own research to figure out our own conclusions.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI; injuring oneself without intent to die) is prevalent among college students. Many report using NSSI as a coping mechanism, including managing suicidal thoughts and urges. Due to the coping-regulatory effects of NSSI for individuals, perceptions of NSSI coping effectiveness may relate to increased ability to resist attempting suicide. This study aimed to examine individuals’ perceived effectiveness of NSSI on the ability to resist suicidal thoughts and urges the next day. 132 participants with a recent history of NSSI and suicidal ideation completed a daily diary protocol assessing engagement in NSSI, perceived effectiveness of the NSSI, suicidal urges and the ability to resist suicide attempts. Multi-level dynamic structural equation analyses will be conducted with individual responses mean-centered to capture within-person differences across days. It’s anticipated that on days participants perceive their NSSI as effective, they will report lower suicide urges and greater ability to resist attempting suicide the next day. This would support the role of NSSI being a coping mechanism and suggests suicide risk may increase if NSSI effectiveness lessens over time. Additional clinical implications of the results will be discussed.
Building on prior sexual abuse research that has retrospectively examined sexual abuse in institutional settings, this project examined files from the Boy Scouts of America “Ineligible Volunteer” database. Through a retrospective content analysis, the research team analyzed BSA files of 49 individuals in Wisconsin deemed “ineligible volunteers” by the organization. Several patterns emerged from the content analysis. This poster introduces multiple case studies that highlight various patterns of institutional abuse observed in the BSA IV files. Implications of the results and directions for future research also are discussed.
Everyday policing during the pandemic was both critical and challenging. A handful of studies focus on COVID-19 in relationship to the change of police officer’s perceptions toward police performance and departmental change. This study attempts to identify perceived differences between pre-COVID and post-COVID policing. This research utilizes four domains: Normal Policing, COVID-19 Policing, Protective Measures, as well as, Gender Roles and Social Ostracization, to distinguish key differences in policing. To achieve the objective, this qualitative research conducted a semi-structured interview process with local front-line officers in the State of Wisconsin. Preliminary results indicated substantial changes between normal policing and COVID-19 policing. Moreover, police officers perceived differences in how protective measures were being enforced differently at the departmental level and at the individual level. Officers expressed changes in shift structure resulted in animosity between day and night scheduled officers. Finally, police officers sensed how gender roles and social ostracization could affect the atmosphere of departments and police performance. Future work should investigate if these departmental changes are generalizable.
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.
Scheduling classes is a challenging and time-consuming task. The mathematical technique of linear programming has the potential to simplify this challenge by building a model of linear constraints to find the most optimal solution that satisfies all the constraints. In this project, we are implementing a linear programming model using the DOCplex library in Python. The objective function represents instructor satisfaction with different courses and the constraints represent limitations such as the fact that one instructor cannot teach two courses at the same time. These constraints allow many ways to build a schedule. The goal of our program is to identify the most optimal solution, that maximizes the professor's satisfaction and class availability. We will present a system for encoding the preferences about number of preps and back-to-back courses, as well as discussing the advantages of using binary variables to represent combinations of courses, professors, and meeting patterns (such as MWF 9-9:50) instead of individual day-time pairs. We will also present results from adding constraints and preferences about course distribution throughout the day, depending on whether the number of sections is above or below a threshold.
Knowing what types of enzymes a molecule will interact with can aid drug development by minimizing side effects due to unwanted interactions. In this project, we built and interpreted models for classifying enzyme substrates. We utilized the machine learning technique XGBoost in Python to build a predictive model for each enzyme class using the original molecular data as well as top linear combinations of the data obtained using Principal Components Analysis. We will discuss the process of developing code to automatically tune the parameters of XGBoost to optimize the model. We will also present examples of how to interpret these models by writing code to visualize the impact of variables in each model and identifying common factors in the top contributing variables of significant principal components to characterize each enzyme class. For example, we found that the probability of a molecule interacting with oxidoreductase enzymes is positively associated with the number of nonpolar regions. A particular descriptor is NOCount, the number of (polar) NO groups in the molecule, which was negatively associated with the probability of interacting with oxidoreductases.
Composite Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8-x (Bi-2212) wire has great potential as a material for high temperature superconducting magnets, which can conduct electricity with no resistance and achieve magnetic fields exceeding 20 T. However, Bi-2212 wire needs to realize improved geometrical homogeneity in order to be effective for large magnet applications, and there are a large number of geometrical variables that can impact the overall homogeneity. By measuring intrinsic characteristics of the wire and submitting them to a Principal Component Analysis (PCA), high dimensional data can be diminished, while identifying important trends in the data. The broader goal of this algorithm is to specify the variables that contribute to the inhomogeneity and allow us to give design feedback to wire manufacturers, so that they can improve their wire fabrication techniques. An example of this is the ability of the PCA to find trends between the area and the coefficient of variation of area, such that the uniformity of the wire area can be seen.
Rare-earth doped barium copper oxide, more commonly referred to as REBCO, is a high temperature superconductor that can carry extraordinarily high levels of electric current (many kiloamps) at magnetic fields above 20T. In previous research, we discovered that the secondary phases in the tap can vary in size from 0.24µm2 to 0.41µm2, reducing the tape homogeneity and limiting its performance capacity. To explore the source of these defects, 30 cm long samples were obtained from 6 different manufacturers and 1 cm samples were cut from each end. Samples were etched and imaged using scanning electron microscopy, then thresholded to isolate secondary particles located on the REBCO layer through ImageJ software. Python code was developed to compare trends between samples. Manufacturers A and B have an average particle area of 0.701µm2 and 0.368µm2, respectfully. Manufacturer A also has an increase of 42.5% in particle area from edge to edge at the same longitudinal position, showing variation along the width, length, and between the producers. This research provides valuable insight for manufactures into the discrepancies present among different samples and helps establish a baseline for variation along the length.
Superconductors are materials that can carry electricity without resistance at cryogenic temperatures, which is useful for large magnet applications such as particle accelerators. Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8-x (Bi-2212) is a superconductor capable of producing very large magnetic fields (>20 Tesla), but processing the Bi-2212 into usable, filamentary round wire forms is challenging. The fluctuations in the size and shape of Bi-2212 filaments in a composite wire can affect processing capability and wire performance. The focus of this project was to create a programmed application that would simplify the image analysis process. The program takes as input a series of black-and-white thresholds of transverse wire cross-sections. The program then returns as output a spreadsheet with filament measurements and basic statistical data on the filaments over the series of images. The key measurements of a filament are its area and circularity. The key statistical data of a filament is its coefficient of variation, which provides information about its homogeneity along the wire. Previously, this analysis took up to 5 hours of manual analysis and data manipulation. Using the new program has reduced this time to up to 5 minutes of automatic analysis, improving productivity by 60 times.
Curling is a strategic ice sport that presents unique challenges for AI research due to its combination of complex decision-making and intricate physical dynamics. This project aims to develop a physics-based curling simulator to address these challenges, enabling accurate modeling of stone movement, ice conditions, and sweeping effects. Our approach involves utilizing an existing physics engine, MoJuCo, to simulate realistic curling interactions. We implemented physics models based on leading theories for basic curling shot selections. The simulator initially focuses on stone dynamics and shot selection, with more complex features such as sweeping effects being added in later iterations. A visualization web app displays shot outcomes and will eventually support AI training and data analysis.In addition to the simulation application for curling research, we developed a training module for both the physics of curling and interacting with the MoJuCo library. This module is designed to help new student learn about the complicated physics of curling. This module also helps students learn how to implement and maintain MuJuCo based features into the simulator.
Curling is a strategic team sport that presents unique challenges for artificial intelligence (AI) research, particularly in decision-making and physical simulation. However, a significant barrier to AI development in curling is the lack of structured and accessible datasets. This project aims to address this gap by leveraging standardized video feeds from Curling Stadium to generate datasets suitable for AI research.Our approach involves developing software that uses image detection models YOLO (You Only Look Once) and SAM (Segment Anything Model) to analyze YouTube videos of curling matches, tracking objects such as rocks and players to gather data on their positions and movements.The expected outcome of the larger project is a structured and scalable dataset that can be used for AI-based curling research, including game strategy analysis and predictive modeling. This project lays the foundation for broader AI applications in curling by automating data collection, enabling machine learning models to analyze strategic decision-making, and fostering human-AI collaboration in sports analytics.
The Internet of Things (IoT) encompasses a variety of systems and devices that enable data exchange across networks. With this interleaved connectivity comes an inherent vulnerability to attacks. Traditional intrusion detection in IoT environments has been primarily human-reliant, but modern malicious methods surpass manual approaches. Machine Learning (ML)-based Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) show promise but require refinement to match human-monitored IDS effectiveness.This study involved a literature review of research involving the NetFlow dataset NF-ToN-IoT-v2, created in 2022 to enable ML-based IDS development. With balancing, the dataset includes approximately 16 million net-flows, with 63.99% attack and 36.01% benign. The data’s imbalanced nature was addressed through methods like down sampling to reduce training bias. A hyper-parameter tuning pipeline was used to optimize algorithm testing and cross-validation, especially for different data balancing methods.The algorithms tested based on previous research found during literature review include Naïve Bayes, Random Forest, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM), and XGBoost. Comparative analysis using confusion matrices and bar plots enabled the evaluation of algorithm effectiveness. Overall, this research highlights the potential of ML approaches in IoT IDS development, through leveraging NF-ToN-IoT-v2 to enhance detection accuracy and bridge the gap between human-monitored and ML-driven solutions.
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most common form of pancreatic cancer, accounting for over 90% of cases, and is characterized by aggressive growth, early metastasis, and resistance to therapy. A comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving PDAC is essential for improving diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. In this study, a multiomics approach was applied by analyzing both DNA methylation and RNA-sequencing datasets obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma project.The methylation dataset included significantly more tumor samples than normal samples, and a similar imbalance was observed in the RNA-seq dataset. This disparity posed a challenge for direct feature selection, as it could lead to a model biased toward tumor-associated features. To address this issue, six data imbalance correction techniques were evaluated and compared: Random Oversampling, Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE), and Adaptive Synthetic (ADASYN) for oversampling, along with Random Undersampling, Cluster Centroids, and AllKNN for undersampling. Identifying the most effective imbalance correction method is essential for improving feature selection accuracy and facilitating the discovery of novel genes associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). A deeper understanding of these oncogenes could contribute to the development of non-invasive diagnostic tests and personalized treatment strategies for PDAC.
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.
Analytics have been less utilized in women’s professional tennis (WTA), compared to other professional sports. Despite unique difficulties in predicting match outcomes, there has been a spate of recent articles that utilize prediction tools applied to men’s profession tennis (ATP) data. Our research adds efficiencies and new features to previously-created probabilistic models for longitudinal predictions of WTA matches. We compute, update, and analyze a set of related summary statistics along with specific match details for individual players and integrate these with Bradley-Terry algorithmic modeling of match probabilities to incorporate strength of schedule. Data for player statistics and results of WTA tournaments was obtained from a GitHub repository under a Creative Commons license. We edited and created original functions in R: wrangling the data across an appropriate time window, court surface, and player rank; and implementing an existing algorithm for prediction and assessment. We also apply Elo ratings for comparative prediction, utilizing a longitudinal update and weighting by strength of win. We discuss the methods and coding, and apply elevated error analysis of match predictions compared to observed match outcomes to determine the overall accuracy of our model; accurate predictions could further inform the ranking of WTA players.
Professor, Department of Mathematics, University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
I have been teaching at UW - Eau Claire since 2006, covering courses in undergraduate statistics (introductory and upper-level) and Master’s-level data mining and programming. My research is in data-mining techniques, with a focus on penalized regression. My recent (last ~ 6 years... Read More →
The internet was created in 1983. After this social media had a boom in the early 2000s with the rise of MySpace and Facebook. Many platforms surfaced from this including Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter as known as X. Social media has changed the way we communicate and interact with people. Additionally, social media has significantly impacted relationships through instant messaging and video calls. However, it introduced challenges such as jealousy, trust issues, and unrealistic expectations set by influencers and content creators. This paper examines excessive social media use can lead to digital dependency, where people prioritize online interactions over their relationships whether it be friendships or romantic relationships. Additionally, it can lead to division in relationships and the feeling of exclusion. Also, it can lead to feelings of jealousy and comparison because of social media.
The University of Maine states that 4.8 Billion people all across the world who use social media. That is 68.57% of people in the world. Social media is built to keep people coming back to the app. As a result of this, several people find themselves addicted to their phones. As a result it’s beneficial to find out how many people are addicted to social media and their phones while also figuring out why people keep using social media despite it’s proven mental health impacts. Everyone always says how bad social media is for people and yet no one ever wants to quit using social media. I’m going to survey people of all age groups to see why they keep using social media, what benefits people get out of social media, and why they refuse to leave social media. I’d like to give a report based on the age group and the way they use social media.
Alcohol use disorders (AUD) are a critical public health issue in the United States linked to elevated morbidity and mortality. Mutual help groups (MHGs), which provide peer advice and support, are among the most widespread forms of treatment for individuals with AUD. Twelve-step MHGs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), are the most utilized and evidence-based interventions for AUD. In recent years, several secular 12-step/AA alternative MHGs have emerged, including Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) Recovery, LifeRing, and Women For Sobriety (WFS). The outcomes and mechanisms of these 12-step alternative MHGs are poorly understood. In the present study, we conducted a systematic review with the goal of updating the scientific literature on outcomes, moderators, and mechanisms of change of SMART Recovery, LifeRing, and WFS for alcohol use problems in adults with AUD. Our review was pre-registered with PROSPERO and followed PRISMA guidelines. Alcohol-related outcomes, such as alcohol abstinence/reduction in alcohol use, heavy drinking, and other negative consequences were examined. Additionally, we included analysis of engagement-related outcomes, like membership characteristics, moderators of engagement/involvement, and mechanisms of change for MHOs. Preliminary Results from our qualitative review suggest differential alcohol-related and engagement-related outcomes by MHG. These findings highlight the importance of defining similarities and differences between MHGs, as individual differences in patient history and/or ideology disprove notions of universal MHG suitability. Study findings provide valuable insights into the different mechanisms and moderators of 12-step alternative MHGs that may inform future precision medicine strategies.
Individuals meeting NSSI-Disorder (NSSI-D) criteria differ from those who do not on key psychological and behavioral factors. NSSI is strongly associated with suicide ideation and research suggests it may increase suicide risk by reducing fearlessness about death, aversion to death/self-injury, and altering cognitive biases toward suicide. However, limited research examines these differences. This study tested whether individuals meeting current NSSI-D criteria reported higher levels of fearlessness about death, suicide-related biases, suicide ideation and plans, and lower aversion to death than those not meeting criteria. Participants (N = 308; 83.4% female, 87.7% White, 28.9% current NSSI-D) with past-year NSSI or suicide ideation completed assessments in our research lab. Independent samples t-tests found significant group differences across all variables except fearlessness and aversion toward death. Hypotheses were partially supported. Aligning with prior work, those meeting NSSI-D criteria reported lower aversion to death and higher suicidal thoughts and behaviors than those not meeting criteria. Findings highlight the need for further research on NSSI-D’s role in suicide risk and intervention development.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide are major public health concerns and represent behaviors most practitioners will encounter during their career. Unfortunately, many mental health providers lack confidence in their skills for treating suicidal and/or self-injuring patients. Factors such as concerns about liability, emotional contagion and suicide severity appeared to moderate willingness to treat. There is a lack of research whether these patterns emerge regarding providers’ willingness to treat NSSI, a known risk factor for suicide. This study aimed to explore therapists’ willingness to treat clients with NSSI, Depression, or suicide risk. Participants were emailed through midwestern state licensing lists and asked to answer questions about a hypothetical patient from one of the three conditions. Analyses included chi-square, ANOVA, and regression. Participants showed a lower willingness to treat or accept a patient who has a history of Suicide compared to NSSI or Depression. In addition, both regression models identified significant variables, those being confidence, negative attitudes towards self-harm, and liability concerns that associated with willingness to accept or treat. We also found that the perceived risk of the patient negatvely correlated with willingness to treat. Mental health providers could benefit from increased training about suicide to build their skills and confidence.
An exploration of an Afrocentric Pedagogy within Higher Education: A review of LiteratureAfrican Pedagogy in Education is an examination of an Afrocentric model of learning and teaching that could potentially enhance student learning outcomes. This method of teaching revolves around a more universalistic vs. individualistic worldview, alternative modes of teaching to supplement student learning, and more. As test scores and average grades have been consistently dropping among students in America, it is important to recognize what this negative trend might be rooted in- perhaps our Eurocentric way of teaching in America. Furthermore, it is essential to recognize who is often at a disadvantage when learning from a Eurocentric perspective. Through an analysis of literature revolving around the Afrocentric perspective, academic motivation, models of Afrocentric teaching, and student outcomes from learning from an Afrocentric perspective, the goal is to bring to light a means of teaching and learning that could produce enhanced student outcomes. This literature review will lay out the historical context, benefits of, and means of teaching, through the lens of Afrocentric pedagogy. Keywords: Afrocentric pedagogy, Eurocentrism, academic motivation.
University support services are an integral function in helping students thrive in an academic environment and have helped thousands reach their goals on the path to earning their degrees. That being said it’s important that students are fully aware of the services that are offered to them, and for them to have a positive view of said services, if we expect them to utilize these important resources. For that reason, a university’s ability to properly communicate to students the services available to them is imperative for the success of their students – this is especially true for demographics that are otherwise disadvantaged in some way, such as first- generation or disabled students. This study was primarily conducted to measure what methods may be most effective in advertising support services for students across campus, particularly focusing on Chippewa Valley Technical College and University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire students and their perceptions of various services offered by their institutions. To do this, a survey was conducted asking students about their knowledge of, opinions on, and the frequency in which they use services, as well as how they learned about them. In understanding the outcomes of different methods of advertising, universities can broaden the number of students that are able to use their services, potentially increasing rates for graduation, student retention, and academic standing, as well as generally improving the overall experience of their students.
In 2023, Wisconsin legislators passed Wisconsin Act 20. This law required schools, including higher education institutions, to evaluate their literacy programs to align with the new Act 20 standards. Several classes offered at UWEC focus on teaching literacy methods, including UEM 433: Inclusive Literacy Methods in Grades 4-9. Our research aimed to determine if the course content taught in UEM 433 covered the components of Act 20. We first read through the Act 20 legislation and determined its key components. We then reviewed course materials, including assignments, objectives, and readings and noted whether they addressed specific aspects of Act 20. We found that the course addresses most concepts of Act 20, but not sufficiently in the area of oral language. We were able to find evidence of other areas addressed in Act 20 but determined that more information could be included in the course for areas such as vocabulary surrounding assessment and roles of faculty. We added a reading addressing middle grade oral language development to the course. Further research could be conducted to determine if oral language is a gap that persists across university middle level English Language Arts teacher education courses.
This study explores the relationship and impact of digital media—such as social media, video games, and television—on early childhood mental development in children ages 1 to 18 years. It recognizes both the potential benefits and risks associated with moderate or excessive screen time. Data was collected through a survey that included a series of questions regarding children's digital media usage patterns, in conjunction with standardized measures of emotional and social skills. This research aims to examine the influence of digital media on cognitive, socioemotional, and behavioral development in children, while also analyzing the role of parental mediation in this context.
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.
PURPOSE: Evidence demonstrates that undergraduate students experience a chronic lack of sleep with 60% being qualified as poor sleepers. Additionally, poor quality and quantity of sleep and sedentary behavior has been shown to increase all-cause mortality in the general population. Given the high prevalence of poor sleep quality in undergraduate students raises the question of how various exercise modalities would affect the quantity and quality of sleep of undergraduate students. METHODS: A total of 23 college students were recruited. Participants were split into three groups: journaling (control), aerobic training (AT), and resistance training (RT), and completed three, 30-minute sessions of the intervention for three weeks. Two accelerometer and inclinometer devices were worn at baseline and the third week of intervention to track quantity and quality of sleep. Group x Time two-way repeated measures analysis of variance was employed to compare the differences in outcome variables across the three groups. RESULTS: There was no interaction effect between group and time on total sleep time, number of awakenings, average length of awakening, and sleep efficiency (p>.05). CONCLUSION: Three weeks of AT and RT compared to journaling did not have significant effects on undergraduate students’ sleep quality and quantity.
We have seen a noticeable lack of understanding amongst undergraduate CSD students in upper-level courses when recalling information on how speech sounds are made by mouth. We developed a game to reinforce knowledge about the articulation of speech sounds. We are expecting this game, used in class as a brain warm-up, to reinforce previous knowledge which is necessary for graduate school and a career as a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. To play the game, the course professor will give each student a black notecard and display a prompt (ex. “she __ about phonetics.”). Each student will identify a word that fills in the blank based on syntactic constraints. Students will identify sounds and write down the place, voice, and manner of articulation for each sound in the word (e.g., voiceless, interdental, fricative for the “th” sound in “thinks”). When finished, students exchange their work with another and identify the phonetic symbols for all sounds described. This game will be played weekly for the remainder of the semester, and we will analyze the collected data at the end of the semester.
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
Motivational interviewing is a counseling style that speech-language pathologists can use to guide clients in making change that is led by client priorities and values. Making change and taking action is typically preceded by a period of ambivalence. Our study examines how ambivalence manifests in the counseling conversations between speech-language pathologists and caregivers with children with a language impairment. Counseling conversations between a speech-language pathologist and three caregivers was recorded and transcribed. Inductive methods of analysis are employed to examine how caregiver ambivalence manifests across these sessions. Themes are presented so that clinicians can develop a greater understanding of the conflicting emotions and attitudes caregivers face when taking action to support a child with language impairment.
Intergenerational programs in long term care settings, which connect older adults to younger generations, have been recognized for combating social isolation, promoting empathy and understanding across age groups, and challenging ageist stereotypes. With the increasing popularity of these programs, this research aims to study the implementation process and development of these initiatives, identifying best practices and challenges in order to promote successful strategies for the future. This study compiles data from 21 intergenerational programs conducted by undergraduate healthcare administration students during their residency in a nursing home from 2020 to 2024. We conduct an in-depth review of the projects, investigating facility demographics, methodologies, and results, and evaluate the effectiveness of these programs in various dimensions, including care quality, social isolation, and the psychological well-being of nursing home residents. Furthermore, we examine the most common barriers students encountered, such as limited resources and community engagement, as well as factors that promoted success, including teamwork and communication. By exploring these projects, we seek to offer recommendations for future program implementation, supporting the health and well-being of older adults and encouraging meaningful interactions across age groups.
This research will examine the positives and negatives of management styles and their influences on employee motivation. Everyone has opinions on their workplace, whether good or bad. Those opinions are largely based on how much work they are required to do and how much appreciation they receive for completing their workload. The significance of this research is important as it helps identify ways to make the workplace a better, positive environment while improving the amount and quality of work completed. The research paper aims to identify which management style best impacts employee motivation. Information has been gathered through a survey to help provide more informed and first-hand accounts of the effects of management on motivation.
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.
Iterated function systems offer a framework for generating complex, self-similar patterns through the iterative plotting of points. An iterated function system is a family of functions that map R^2 to R^2. For each iteration of the system, a variation is chosen with a certain probability. The asymptotic points make up the final fractal image. In this work, we examine specific variations using various heuristics that measure behavior between iterations and reveal the system's deeper patterns that improve our understanding of the system's intrinsic behavior. Our research focuses on developing and applying a multitude of heuristics designed to analyze the dynamic behavior of individual variations within these systems. Through visualizations produced by each heuristic, we illustrate the distinct characteristics of each heuristic across multiple variations.
Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) displays use organic compounds to emit light of many different colors on screen technologies. They can produce a wider range of colors and have higher energy efficiency than traditional LEDs. For this research, I will be working with Dr. Radue to investigate OLEDs assembled by Dr. Rybicki’s research group. The OLEDs consist of a glass slide, indium tin oxide (ITO), tris- (8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (AlQ3), calcium, and aluminum. Last year’s research revealed that exposing an OLED sample to short wave UV light leads to a reduction in peak transmittance amplitudes. Measurements were taken using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and data from samples exposed and unexposed to UV light was compared and analyzed. Currently, Dr. Radue and I are focusing on changes in magnetoresistance and the IV (current-voltage) curve as the OLED devices are exposed to short wave UV light. If no significant changes occur from the UV light, devices will instead be exposed to an x-ray source. After determining the minimum exposure needed to change magnetoresistance, measurements will be conducted on an uncoated AlQ3 sample exposed to the same amount of radiation. Said measurements will be performed using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy.
When we look up to the stars, we only see a brief snapshot of the universe’s life. The stars change over the course of many millions of years, making it difficult to observe their behaviors. Consequently, astrophysicists who wish to study the lives of stars turn to computers to model them. This project utilizes Modules for Experimentation in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA), specifically the wd_builder module, to model the behaviors of white dwarf stars. These are the leftovers of average-sized stars, like our Sun, that have reached the ends of their lives and collapsed into hot, dense stellar remnants. We have developed a suite that allows computational astrophysicists of all backgrounds to easily and efficiently build models of white dwarf stars that they can utilize for their own research purposes. By streamlining the process of modeling a white dwarf computationally, and by employing the power of modern physics, we can trim the process of white dwarf building from hours down to minutes. For the future of this project, this suite could push the boundaries of stellar astrophysics physics, allowing us to study kinds of white dwarfs that haven’t been observed in space, or to dissect more puzzling real-world white dwarfs with unexplained behaviors and characteristics.
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.
The purpose of this project is to build a data collection system that can obtain pressure readings in a wind tunnel to determine the speed of the airflow. In this project, data is collected by a pressure sensor and then is interpreted by a microcontroller. This involved building the circuit and programming the microcontroller to receive data from the sensor. We then used an equation that relates the readings from the sensor to a pressure value. When this is complete, we will be able to obtain real time pressure readings from a wind tunnel, which can be used to interpret the impact objects in the wind tunnel have on the airflow. The next step of this project will be to calibrate the sensor with the wind tunnel and determine the baseline airflow profile of the wind tunnel.
Understanding the aerodynamics of systems is crucial in the design of vehicles and structures. Wind tunnels provide a controlled environment to analyze airflow around models that help inform the design process. Large scale wind tunnels are expensive and in this project, we are investigating whether we can observe similar behavior to large wind tunnels using a smaller scale version that can be constructed at significantly lower cost. In this poster we describe our design and present measurements of the airflow showing the effectiveness of design features such as a flow straightener, screen, and baffles to reduce turbulence. Construction of the wind tunnel also provides a platform for future research opportunities.
This research details the results of work done in Modules for Experiments in StellarAstrophysics (MESA) on cataclysmic variables. Cataclysmic variables are binary systems ofstars that orbit each other with a period of a few hours. In these systems, mass is transferredbetween one star and the other, often alternating between times where mass is transferredquickly, and other times where it is transferred slowly. Recent work has suggested that thetransferred matter is rapidly processed from hydrogen and helium to carbon and oxygen,resulting in the long-term growth of the star that received the matter. Our model uses MESAto track the variable mass transfer at small time scales. We show that long-term growth isinhibited by periodic explosions known as classical novae that eject most of the matter thatwas transferred, casting doubt on the earlier results indicating efficient stellar growth.
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.
Aim: To explore the use of various definitions for the exact moment a collapsing cloud of gas and dust becomes a star, often called the zero-age main sequence (ZAMS).Context: In stellar models, the definition of when a collapsing cloud of gas becomes a fully-fledged (hydrogen burning) star, can be characterized in many ways. To obtain data, we stop a computational star model when each of the various “definitions” is met, graph, and analyze to determine how well the data represents a newly matured star.Methods: This study uses MESA (Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics) to generate computational star models for 30 stars of initial masses between 0.126 solar mass and 100.0 solar mass. The stopping conditions explored involve the central hydrogen abundance, the ratio of power created by fusion to total power leaving the star, and, most notably, a quantity that compares the local luminosity gradient with the nuclear energy generation rate, which should balance for a star that is powered primarily by nuclear fusion.Results: We present Hertzsprung Russell diagrams depicting the isochrones of star models using the different stopping conditions. While the investigated stopping conditions typically generate similar star populations, some are able to catch stars slightly earlier in their evolution. We make a subjective argument for favoring a luminosity gradient vs. nuclear energy generation rate definition of the ZAMS.
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.
Once roughly five times the size of the Lake Superior in the United States, Megalake Chad was a vast inland lake that has drastically receded over the past 5,000 years, leaving behind geomorphic features and drainage patterns indicative of its former expanse. This study investigates the geomorphic features and hydrology of this ancient lake using topographic data. Specifically, we utilized the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) 30-meter Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for analyses, generating slope maps to enhance our understanding of surface drainage patterns. To identify drainage features potentially overlooked by slope analyses, radar remote sensing data was used. Because much of Megalake Chad's northern basin is in the Sahara Desert radar sensors like PALSAR and RADARSAT are valuable for their ability to reveal subsurface features under the sand. Integrated topographic surface analysis and subsurface mapping offers a promising approach to uncovering buried channels and alluvial fans/deltas. Our findings not only reinforce evidence of a large ancient lake, but also reveal previously underexplored drainage patterns with potential valuable water resources and arable land.
This project is investigating the nature of gold mineralization at the Atlas Mine, western Montana. Rock and powder samples were provided by LJB Explorations Ltd. to characterize the textural and mineralogical associations of gold mineralization at the mine. These samples included rocks from ore stockpiles, waste piles, and crushed, high-grade samples. The rock powder was processed for heavy mineral concentrates, including gold, using gold panning and a Gemini Table. The rock samples and heavy mineral concentrates were mounted in epoxy then polished to a finish of 1 µm. These samples were then examined using an SEM-EDS with a goal of determining textural and mineralogical associations with gold that could assist LJB Exploration Ltd. in targeting additional gold concentrations on a larger scale. Results from the SEM for the high-grade powder sample produced flakes of gold, roughly 20-30 µm, with associated heavy elements consisting of iron, silver, lead, and trace yttrium. Rock samples had flakes of gold in the range of roughly 20-100 µm in size, with associated heavy elements consisting of primarily iron, with a more substantial amount of silver as well.
This research project aims to explore the characteristics of long-term care professionals in various career stages through the use of the Long-Term Care Administrator (LTCA) Self-Assessment Tool (Johs-Artisensi et al., 2016). In previous research, differences were found when comparing the LTCA characteristics of freshman/sophomores with their results as emerging leaders (1-2 years postgraduation). This project will analyze differences and/or similarities of LTCA results of current residency students from when they were freshman/sophomores in the UWEC Health Care Administration (HCAD) program against their results four months into administrative residency (~1-3 years later), as well as the results of current residency students’ preceptors. This study will demonstrate how 10 LTCA characteristics of students progressing through their academic career may change over time, while also allowing for the comparison of results in three different career stages. Results will either confirm previous findings, explore differences, and/or provide further insight on leaders in long-term care.
This study examines the impact of goal orientations (results-oriented vs. process-oriented) on team dynamics and performance evaluations within global virtual teams, challenging traditional assumptions about team efficiency. Drawing on Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory (1959), Locke's Goal-setting Theory (1967), and intrinsic motivation frameworks, we analyzed data from the X-Culture Project, encompassing 3,660 undergraduate business students in 925 global virtual teams during Fall 2020. Our research specifically investigates how different approaches to incentive mechanisms and goal orientations influence team member perceptions and evaluations. Through multivariate regression analysis, we found that while both results-oriented (focused on monetary rewards and certificates) and process-oriented (valuing collaborative experiences and relationships) team members reported similar levels of subjective satisfaction, their peer evaluations differed significantly. Results-oriented members received lower peer evaluations, being perceived as less creative, less effortful, and less task-compliant. Conversely, process-oriented members were evaluated more positively, demonstrating stronger leadership qualities, active thinking, and perceived work ethic. This favorable evaluation of process-oriented members may be attributed to their stronger focus on team relationships, communication, and collaborative learning, which are particularly crucial in virtual environments where building trust and maintaining engagement require extra effort. Their emphasis on the journey rather than just the destination likely leads to more consistent participation, better communication patterns, and stronger relationship building – all qualities highly valued by peers in virtual collaborative settings. These findings challenge conventional wisdom about incentive structures in global virtual teams and suggest that process orientation may offer a competitive advantage in virtual collaborative environments. The study contributes to our understanding of team dynamics and has important implications for designing effective incentive mechanisms and managing diverse goal orientations in virtual team settings.
A variety of instructional approaches are employed in educational settings to promote student learning and engagement. Two such approaches are subject-centered and problem-centered learning. Subject-centered approaches structure the curriculum around specific subject matter, which is presented in a linear manner. In contrast, problem-centered approaches emphasize application and relevance to real-world scenarios, with information discussed iteratively as the class unfolds. Problem-centered learning offers advantages such as increased student collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking (Stutt, 2023). Additionally, best practices for teaching courses related to diverse populations include the active application of concepts and the use of written reflections, which foster higher-level critical thinking and conceptual integration (Keegan et al., 2017; Simon-Cereijido et al., 2023). The purpose of this research was to examine how student learning in a course on diverse populations was influenced by a subject-centered approach compared to a hybrid problem-centered approach. The course was taught using a subject-centered approach in one semester and a problem-centered approach in another. In both semesters, students completed reflections on guided clinical scenarios involving diverse populations. These reflections were analyzed for quality and depth of critical thinking, enabling a comparison between the two semesters. Findings from this study can inform future pedagogical approaches and course design.
Speech Language Pathologists (SLPs) work to support children's speech and language development. SLPs are required to provide culturally and linguistically responsive services. Books used within SLP sessions should include high-quality representation across a variety of aspects of identity, as the use of culturally relevant, inclusive literature serves to increase treatment outcomes, mitigate stereotypes, promote self-efficacy, and help children develop a sense of belonging across identities. The purpose of this research was to understand student perceptions of, and the impact of, a class session designed to teach students about the use of inclusive children's books. The class period included a lecture about the value of considering representation across different aspects of identity, application practice which allowed students to actively select books while considering both clinical targets and representation, and reflective assignments. The reflective assignments were analyzed to discover changes in students’ thoughts regarding the aspects they considered while selecting books for therapy, the importance of considering aspects of representation, and how challenging it is to access books with diverse representation. Results will be used to inform future decisions about the value and impact of class sessions devoted to this topic.
Our research aims to describe perceptual and acoustic features of the word-final "l" sound across two different dialects of English: Midwestern English and Southern White Vernacular English. The English /l/ is an articulatorily complex sound that is considered one of the late-developing sounds. One common pattern used by both children with typical speech development and those with speech sound disorders is vocalization, which occurs when word-final /l/ is produced as a back vowel or glide (e.g., [bɛʊ] for bell). In addition, vocalization of /l/ is a normal feature of certain dialects of English. For our research, we recorded Midwestern speakers producing word-final /l/ in single words. Trained transcribers then transcribed the words and coded the degree of vocalization. Productions were also analyzed acoustically. The results were compared to a set of existing data for word-final /l/ produced by speakers of Southern White Vernacular English. Data analysis is ongoing, but preliminary results suggest differences in the degree of vocalization across dialects.
The research question is: is the 8-minute self-paced (8SPV) VO2max test a valid method for measuring VO2 max? VO2 max is the highest rate at which oxygen can be consumed during intense exercise and reflects the efficiency of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. There are validated VO2 max protocols (ie. Bruce and 10-minute self-paced), however, existing protocols have evidence pointing toward peripheral fatigue being a limiting factor, therefore a shorter 8-minute test could lead to better VO2 max result. UWEC students will be recruited and three VO2max tests will be performed for each participant. The three protocols will be conducted using a treadmill and the VO2max will be measured using the metabolic cart. The tests include the 8-minute self-paced, 10-minute self-paced, and Bruce protocol. One-way repeated measures ANOVA will be implemented for comparing the VO2max across three protocols. The anticipated result is that the 8SPV will provide consistent results with the validated protocols. If validated, the 8SPV protocol can be used in future research.
The purpose of this study if to investigate the effectiveness of exergaming in combination with resistance training to reduce fall risk among individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD). PD causes many balance impairments and fall risks due to the underlying physiology of the disease. Six participants were recruited from the Parkinson’s Exercise Program at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire and were split into two groups. For the first four weeks, Group 1 will engage in two 15-minute exergaming sessions along with 75 minutes of resistance training per week while Group 2 will only be doing 75 minutes of resistance training. After the initial four weeks, the groups will switch, and Group 1 will only do resistance training while Group 2 will do the two exergaming sessions along with resistance training for four weeks. Fall risk will be assessed at the beginning, middle, and end of the study using a fall risk assessment on the BioDex Balance System and a Timed Up and Go - Cognitive assessment. This research is still in progress. We hope that this study will provide valuable insight into effective strategies for decreasing fall risk among individuals with PD.
Parental relationships play a crucial role in shaping the emotional, psychological, and social development of a child. We are conducting this research to better understand the development of children directly correlated to the parents' relationship with the child. Our research heavily focuses on the direct effect of the parent's marital status and the development of a child. We discuss multiple different branches of the topic such as how a parent-child relationship between self-concept and career maturity in children and adolescents. As well as, the link between later parental conflict and adolescents adjustment in divorced and intact families. Another topic is, the value of children of divorced and non-divorced parents. Lastly, the parental impact of the child is the main topic of what we researched.
Muscle growth is a complex topic, with many influencing and detracting factors, many of which vary in effectiveness from person to person. In order to better understand these factors in the context of strength training, research was performed on contributors to an individual’s perceived muscle stimulus, which likely correlates with the amount of actual muscle growth detected. A survey was distributed to multiple individuals of varying levels of experience in strength training, focusing on variables such as contraction type, range of motion, volume, repetition amount, and amount of effort in each exercise. Other contributors like diet, growth supplements, age, sex, experience level, and build were also monitored.
This study examined the reliability of bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) compared to dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) to track body composition changes in Division III football athletes across an entire off-season training program. A sample of Division III male college football athletes (n=32) participated in this study. Total body composition analysis was measured using DEXA and BIA at three time points throughout the off-season training program. These time points represented the beginning (January), middle (May), and end (August) of the off-season training program. Change scores (post-pre) were calculated between time points to quantify changes across time points. Paired-samples t-tests were employed to examine any significant differences (p0.05) in FM, FFM, and FFMI changes between DEXA and BIA within the January-May time frame. A significant difference (p
Speech-language pathology students are paired with supervisors in their initial clinical experiences. What expectations do novice clinicians have for their clinical supervisors prior to beginning the experience? Students enter their first clinical experience with varying expectations of the support they will receive and a mismatch in expectations can lead to frustration. We surveyed students at accredited speech-language pathology programs. Graduate and undergraduate students responded to one open-ended question and 22 Likert scale statements about expectations. The survey replicated the research of L.C. Larson from 1981 (Larson’s Expectations Rating Scale). Participants from 17 universities completed the survey during the fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters. No significant differences were found between graduate and undergraduate responses across the Likert scale items. These three lowest expected behaviors were the same items as identified in the original study. Differences emerged when comparing the top three highest expectations across studies. Notably, today’s students most expect clinical supervisors to function as coach/mentor while students in the 1980s most expected supervisors to identify weaknesses in clinical skills and reflect on strategies for things that could be done differently. This tells us that student expectations have changed so supervision practices may need to change as well.
The field of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) is predominantly white, with 90.5% of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) identifying as white. This contrasts with the diverse population served by SLPs, which is increasingly multilingual and multicultural, with children from Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) backgrounds representing more than 53% of the population. This mismatch may reduce the effectiveness of services provided and highlights the critical importance of recruiting and retaining students of color in the field of speech-language pathology. The purpose of this study was to examine the factors influencing University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire undergraduate students’ choice of major and to understand how these factors differ based on student-identified race and ethnicity. Sixteen undergraduate students, both CSD and non-CSD majors, were interviewed to explore the factors that led to their choice of major. The results will provide insights into the influences shaping students’ major selection across different races and ethnicities. Findings can inform efforts to increase diversity within CSD undergraduate programs, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have equitable opportunities to enter the field of speech-language pathology.
The primary objective of this project is to provide comprehensive education on insurance markets within Spanish-speaking countries. This project is particularly aimed at students who are considering traveling to Latin American countries or other international destinations. Understanding the intricacies of insurance in these regions is crucial for students to ensure they are well-protected against potential risks.
This research proposal investigates the communication tool preferences of native English speakers (NES) and English as a second language (ESL) learners within global virtual teams, focusing on the interplay between communication frequency (CF), communication tools (CT), team conflict (TC), and identification (ID). The study posits three hypotheses: (H1) communication frequency is negatively correlated with team conflict, suggesting that increased CF reduces TC; (H2) higher communication frequency positively influences the use of information-dense communication tools, such as Zoom, over less dense tools like text messaging; and (H3) communication tool preferences differ based on identification—NES members shift from low-density tools (e.g., texts) in low-frequency settings to high-density tools (e.g., Zoom) in high-frequency settings to minimize conflict, while ESL members consistently prefer text-based tools across all frequencies to mitigate interaction tension and reduce conflict. Based on the data collected from 153 global virtual student teams which participated in the X-Culture project, we found that higher communication frequency will reduce team conflict across both groups, with NES members not showing any preferences on communication tools, while ESL members exhibit a persistent reliance on text-based tools to address linguistic and social challenges. These findings aim to deepen insights into effective communication strategies in linguistically diverse virtual teams, providing actionable guidance for enhancing collaboration in globalized educational and professional settings.
The Paleoproterozoic Penokean Orogen in Northern Wisconsin is known to host multiple volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits which are important sources of Cu, Zn, Pb, Ag, and Au. Despite known large and potentially economic VMS deposits, limited outcrop exposure has hindered detailed reconstructions of the VMS-hosting environment to guide future exploration. Zircon petrochronology can help us give a more complete understanding of the magmatic environment in which they formed. This study sampled felsic igneous rocks to determine the timing and tectonic settings of VMS deposits in the western Penokean Orogen. Samples were pulverized and heavy mineral separates were obtained by various magnetic and density separation techniques. The zircon mineral grains were imaged by cathodoluminescence and backscattered electron microscopy at Laurentian University, Canada. Zircon isotopic (U/Pb, Lu-Hf) and trace element data were analyzed via laser ablation inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometer (LA-ICPMS). U/Pb isotopic data constrains timing of magmatism. Trace elements and Lu-Hf data constrain the tectonic setting and crustal architecture. Preliminary results have indicated two distinct VMS-forming magmatic events during the Penokean Orogeny that have similar tectonic and magmatic styles.
The Plover Au deposit, located in Marathon County, WI, is host to a series of andesite, schist, and felsic/mafic intrusives which have undergone at least 3 phases of deformation, hydrothermal alteration, and greenschist grade metamorphism. With its proximity to the larger and better explored Reef Deposit, a more complete understanding of the formational history and geochemical footprint of the Plover prospect can add to regional understanding and better gold exploration models. For this study, two holes (PL-76-1 & PL-76-4), totaling ~1,180 linear feet of core were logged and described to highlight the volcanic stratigraphy and lithologic variety. Cores and samples were characterized by petrographic and geochemical analyses. Mineralization at the Plover deposit is characterized by cross-cutting vein networks containing boudins and vugs, and zones of brecciation. Hydrothermal alteration is suggested based on sericite/talc alteration within volcanic strata and zoned sulfide (pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite), quartz, and calcite veins and vugs. Since high Au concentrations are typically present within brittle massive/semi-massive sulfide veins, formation of these deposits likely occurred after Penokean deformation/metamorphism and are related to a younger tectonic/magmatic event.
Modern technology and renewable energy require large amounts of metals that are derived from minerals. Many of these resources are imported, and there is a tremendous effort to domesticate our mineral extraction and processing. Several of these critical minerals, such as Ti, are found in Wisconsin, but little data is available to guide future mineral exploration efforts. This study describes the petrology and geochemistry of the Round Lake Ti Deposit in northern Wisconsin using historic drill cores stored at the WGNHS. The Round Lake intrusion that hosts the Ti mineralization is related to 1.1 Ga Mid-Continent Rift magmatism. The main intrusion is a magnetite-ilmenite rich gabbro, ranging from 35-50% magnetite-ilmenite and 15-50% coarse grained plagioclase laths. Movement and flow of magmas during emplacement formed porphyritic and trachytic textures with aligned plagioclase crystals. In addition, there are other intrusive phases associated with the magnetite-ilmenite gabbro intrusion. The anorthosite has 55-90% euhedral plagioclase, 10-15% magnetite, and 5-15% pyroxene. The magnetite rich gabbro and anorthosite make up the intrusion and is crosscut by a fine-grained gabbro and granitic dikes. Petrographic and geochemical data and interpretations improve our understanding of Ti-bearing magmatism in the Mid-Continent Rift system.
The Ritchie Creek Cu-Zn deposit, located in the Paleoproterozoic Penokean Volcanic Belt (PVB) of northern Wisconsin, is one of many volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits known in the region. Previous studies suggest that VMS mineralization is concentrated on the western edge of a felsic volcanic center, likely formed in a back-arc or intra-arc rift environment, with mineralization occurring within bimodal volcanic sequences. These interpretations were largely based on core descriptions and comparisons to other global VMS deposits. This study aims to improve the understanding of the tectonic and volcanic setting of the Ritchie Creek deposit by re-examining historical drill cores and stratigraphic units. Over 1,000 feet of historic drill core was logged, and 22 samples were collected for petrographic and geochemical analysis, focusing on trace element characterization to better constrain the volcanic and tectonic setting. Sulfide mineralization is hosted in three main units: a quartz mica schist with disseminated sulfides, a sericite- and chlorite-altered quartz mica schist, and an intermediate meta-felsite that transitions into a rhyolitic tuff with localized sulfides and quartz veins. This project provides insights into the volcanic and tectonic processes that shaped the Ritchie Creek deposit, enhancing the understanding of VMS mineralization within the Penokean Volcanic Belt.
Minerals, such as monazite and xenotime, are an important source of rare earth (La, Ce, Nd) and high field strength (Th, Nb, Zr) elements which are essential for modern energy, communication, and military technologies. These critical minerals are often sourced in pegmatites associated with alkalic complexes, such as mines at Mountain Pass, USA, and Mount Weld, Australia. The Paleoproterozoic Eau Claire Volcanic Complex is intruded by granitic pegmatite dikes that postdate peak metamorphism, potentially linking them to 1.7 to 1.4 Ga fractionated alkalic magmas in the region. These pegmatites are highly fractionated, garnet-bearing, and low in calcium. The high concentration U, Th, La, Ce, and other rare earth elements put this pegmatite in niobium-yttrium-fluorine (NYF) class of pegmatites. This study collected bedrock samples from several locations across the Eau Claire Volcanic Complex (Little Falls, North Fork, Muskeg) to describe the trace mineral compositions. The minerals in the pegmatite samples were geochemically analyzed using a scanning electron microscope energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (SEM-EDS). The major minerals in the samples are mainly plagioclase, quartz, and biotite. They contain minor mineral chemistry of Fe- and Mn-garnets, samarskites, xenotimes, monazites, thorites, and barites and may represent a potential source for critical minerals in Wisconsin.
The Mineral Lake Intrusive Complex (MLIC) is a relatively large (50 x 6 km) layered mafic intrusion (LMI) located in northern Wisconsin. Because LMIs are typically rich in platinum, chromium, vanadium, and titanium deposits, the MLIC has excited much interest for its potential to host valuable economic deposits. However, the entire southern boundary of the MLIC is defined by a significant thrust fault that placed the plutonic body on top of older Archaean crust. The fault separated the upper half of the intrusion from much of its lower half (not exposed), where the bulk of the economic deposits are expected to be found. There is an orphan, ~8 km^2 ultramafic intrusion (the Rearing Pond intrusion; RPI) adjacent to and of the same age as the MLIC. The RPI is composed of minerals expected at the base of a large LMI and may represent early crystallization within the MLIC. LMIs are characterized by distinct top-to-bottom stratigraphy in their Mg/Fe and Ca/Na ratios. We present whole-rock and mineral Mg/Fe and Ca/Na ratios using XRF and SEM analyses to test the hypothesis that the RPI represents the earliest crystallization in the MLIC, and to estimate the volume of missing material.
The Open Oral Presentation sessions are oral presentations of research, scholarly, and creative work from students across all disciplines and all UW-Eau Claire campuses. Presenters may use a slide show or other visual aid during their presentation.
