Spring 2022 VIRTUAL Undergraduate Research Symposium

We are interested in studying the reported medicinal properties of A. tridentata, precisely its antimicrobial properties. This study tested crude extracts from the sagebrush's twigs, leaves, and flowers to identify their antimicrobial activities against v...

Oxytocin is a hormone that mediates many complex social behaviors in both humans and animals. It is involved in maternal bonding, pair mate selection, and social cognition4. Studies identify intranasal oxytocin as a potential way to alleviate

In the environment, substantial phosphorus is locked in minerals and in deep underwater sediments. This phosphorus can be released through erosion, or by an upturning of aquatic sediment.

Our goal is to develop diagnostic assays for the viruses associated with Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD). BRD is a respiratory disease and is the result of five different viruses including Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) types 1 and 2.

Common carp are one of the most widespread invasive fishes across the globe. Aging carp populations has considerable influence over fisheries management and provides insight on species’ life histories.

In 2018, Dr. Sara Freeman published research showing a link between oxytocin receptor (OXTR) density in two brain regions: the Nucleus Basalis of Meynert (NBM) and Ventral Pallidum (VP) with autism. This study takes the next step in examining the causes o...

The purpose of our research is to determine the feasibility of extracting nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2 from wastewater as a biomarker for clinical infections. Previous wastewater detection was used for monitoring the poliovirus.

Our goal with this research was to ascertain whether a relationship exists between soil respiration and topography within the context of a major drought.

Window-bird collisions have a significant impact on global bird populations. For our research project, we are investigating lethal bird-window collisions at the USU Brigham City Classroom and Student Services Building, located in Brigham City, Utah.

The avian teaching collection had been in storage for two years during the reconstruction of Utah State University's Biology and Natural Resource Building. I spent the past academic year working with Dr. Kimberly Sullivan restoring the collection and gain...

We will be looking at how anole density and species change identity as distance is gained from tree gaps caused by hurricanes in the Puerto Rican rainforest.

A study of the response of A. childreni to thermal stimuli at regular intervals from juvenile stages through early adulthood.

We are performing a daily census to gauge the magnitude of the problem. Should collision hotspots be found, we plan to share methods for mitigation with the campus administration. To that end, we are investigating different methods of preventing bird-wind...

Influenza viruses can infect a human host as part of their infectious life cycle and have been responsible for large-scale pandemics and illnesses. However, not all strains of influenza that infect humans are capable of being transmitted from person-to-pe...

The US Navy has contracted Dr. Justin Jones and his lab to work with hagfish slime proteins. They desire to use hagfish slime to stop incoming ships through nonviolent methods and keep both servicemen and US equipment safe.

In this study we investigated the effect of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the metabolites of blueberry flowers produced in pollen. As honeybees feed on pollen and nectar, understanding whether N fertilization affects metabolite content is of relevance for...

Identify the effects of human influence threatened feline species’ habitats. Our goal is to draw conclusions from data analysis that aid in the process of establishing differences among pumas (Panthera onca), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), and pumas (Puma ...

Is there a difference in animals species diversity in areas that are closer to and farther from relatively large cities? I hypothesized that species diversity will be lower in an area that is closer to a large city and that an area farther away from that ...

Opioids are commonly used pain medications, but also have an adversely high addiction rate. The G protein-coupled receptor GPR171, with its agonist MS15203 is shown to lessen chronic and acute pain and increase morphine analgesia acutely. This effective c...

Identifying and quantifying the metabolites present in the pollen allows for greater accuracy in determining helpful changes that will further develop the symbiotic relationship present between honeybees and blueberry plants.

Harmful Algal Blooms have become a serious problem for water bodies worldwide. One potential method of inhibiting the growth of the blooms is through competition for resources.

This study commenced in a series of stages designed to evaluate how changing the C/t ratio affected levels of sign and goal tracking in 45 female Long Evans Rats. This evaluation was conducted using operant conditioning chambers with interchangeable lever...

Increased blood glucose has been shown to impair animal immune response (3-5) What are the effects of a high glucose diet on the wound healing abilities of I. iguana? And how does an LPS (immune) challenge affect wound healing?

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), an elegant cat famous for its dark spots, has been listed as an endangered species for over 50 years. As nocturnal creatures, the question is raised if light pollution is negatively impacting them.

Examine the GPR171 receptor and related agonists to identify their impact on pain relief in female and male mice. Examine the connection between the endogenous opioid system and the endocannabinoid system as it affects pain and tolerance in male and femal...

Using Event Logging Software to Identify and Track Bumble Bee Behaviors. Identify usable cameras and optimal conditions for recording specimens. Establish protocols for accurate and efficient scoring and tracking of behavioral observations for multiple in...

Our goal is to understand the variation in distribution of CRF receptors in the brains of the coyotes who have lost their pair mate by mapping CRF receptors in order to further explore the relationship between loss of social bonds and CRF receptors and co...

My objective in this study is to review camera traps from both national parks to compare activity levels in different species between the wet and the dry season. This will allow me to analyze how much the dry season affects their behavior.

Research conducted on frogs and toads (family Anura) proves to be extremely helpful in providing insight into the functions of their ecosystems.

Action selection and motor planning functions through two main pathways, a direct and indirect pathway. The direct pathway has been predicted to activate movement, and the indirect pathway has been predicted to inhibit movement.

Examining Sublethal Effects of λ-cyhalothrin on Alfalfa Leafcutting Bees (Megachile rotundata). λ-cyhalothrin: pyrethroid, heavily relied on for insect pest control in alfalfa systems. Pyrethroid: insecticide class, block sodium ion channels. Causes spasm...

Investigate the number of fatal bird window collisions that occur on the C&SS building. Then determine if it is larger than the expected number of fatal window collisions per month for a low-rise non-residential building.

Peritoneal Dialysis is a therapy performed for patients in end-stage renal failure. Therapy acts to clean their blood as the kidneys are unable to do so.