Office of Undergraduate Research

Erik Ames

Enhancement of Natural Killer Cell Function by Depletion of T Regulatory Cells

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a vital role in the immune response by regulating autoimmunity. My previous research has shown that Tregs in vitro can inhibit the function of natural killer (NK) cells which provide a frontline defense against virally infected cells and tumor cells. My future studies will aim to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity against leukemia cells by depleting Tregs in vivo.

Jake Banks

Creation of an Artificial Sink for Thiamin

Thiamin (Vitamin B1) is a plant derived vitamin required in the diets of animals and humans. This compound is converted to thiamin pyrophosphate which is an essential co-factor required by a number of enzymes central to intermediary metabolism. Thiamin biosynthesis is tightly regulated in plants. Studies have shown that the expression of genes encoding some thiamin biosynthetic enzymes is regulated by endogenous thiamin levels. As such it appears that thiamin production is limited by the cell’s capacity to utilize and/or sequester thiamin. It is hypothesized that by creating an artificial sink for thiamin, it should be possible to override the tightly controlled feedback mechanism limiting thiamin production in plants. To test this hypothesis, a sesame seed thiamin binding protein (STBP) gene was introduced behind the CaMV 35S promoter into Arabidopsis thaliana. Tissues from the STBP overexpressing transformants will be tested for altered thiamin content by reverse phase HPLC, and expression of protein by SDS-PAGE

Sally Barney

Neurocognitive Deficits in Bipolar Disorder with Co-Occuring Borderline Symptomology

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are two chronic and debilitating psychiatric disorders. A relationship has been suggested between these disorders although little information is available regarding potential neurocognitive overlap. The current proposal utilizes to 1) provide insight into congnitive abnormalities common to both disorders, and by extension 2) identifty potential cognitive endophenotypes

Lacie Brownell

Synthesis of Graft Copolymers of Syndiotactic Polystyrene via Activation of C-H Bonds

Syndiotactic polystyrene has been functionalized in a controllable manner using transition metal catalyzed C–H bond activation and graft-from polymerization. tom transfer radical polymerizations of methyl methacrylate and tert-butyl acrylate allowed incorporation of polar polymer blocks into the nonpolar syndiotactic polystyrene, producing their graft copolymers, sPS-g-PMMA and sPS-g-PtBA, respectively. The hydrolysis of tertiary butoxy ester group in sPS-g-PtBA with trifluoroacetic acid produced a sPS graft copolymer with polyacrylic acid.

Anna Carr

The Role of Antioxidants in Preventing Age-Related Maculopathy

Age related maculopathy (ARM) is a leading cause for irreversible damage to visual function in the elderly population. For decades, it has remained fairly untreatable, however, in recent years, an increasing number of studies have suggested correlations between the intake of nutritional antioxidants and the development and severity of macular degeneration. This study will focus on quantifying how well Vitamins C and E and the carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin, protect against lipid membrane oxidation within the eye.

Michael Chaires

Microbial Nitrogen Cycling in Geothermal Springs

Hot spring habitats above maximum photosynthetic operating temperature (73ºC) are not well understood with respect to nitrogen cycling. Few predictions have been made, and no measurements have ever been reported. Thermodynamic calculations will be combined with measurements to predict the occurrence of the specific N-cycling reactions. These predictions will be tested by measuring chemical kinetic rates of nitrification, denitrification and nitrosification through stable isotope pool dilution and acetylene block methods.

Janice Cho

The Role of Cis-prenyltransferases in Rubber Biosyntheses

The biosynthesis of rubber has been studied for many years; however, the enzymes involved in rubber synthesis have not been identified. A prime candidate in polymerizing the rubber molecule is known to be a cis-prenyltransferase. We have cloned a CPT from Parthenium Argentatum, or Guayule, which is a known rubber-producing species. Our goal is to express and purify the Guayule CPT in E. coli. Further study and analysis will help us target CPT enzymatic activity in rubber production.

David Cotter

The Rotifer Brachionus plicatilis responds to thermal and osmotic shock through the induction of Hsp70 Isoforms

We have demonstrated that Brachionus plicatilis utilizes two pools of Hsp70, Hsp70 proper (Hsp70p) and Hsp70 isoform (Hsp70I), to respond to thermal and osmotic stress. Preliminary data indicate that B. plicatilis responds to one hour bouts of hypo-osmotic and thermal stress with as much as 12 and 38 fold inductions of Hsp70, respectively. A better understanding of the Hsp70 response in B. plicatilis will optimize the continued use of these organisms in aquaculture.

Joel Conrad Donalson

Mercury and Stable Isotopes in Native Truckee River fish

This study will focus on quantifying stable isotope and mercury concentrations in tissues of native fish in the Truckee River (located in western Nevada and eastern California) and comparing these data to those collected in 2001 and 2005. Management activities have subsequently altered flow regimes in the river and information regarding methyl mercury absorption and carbon and nitrogen isotope concentrations in native fish is important for further action.

Alex Dussaq

Molecular and Chemical Characterization of Marine Tunicate-Associated Microorganisms

Palmerolide A has been shown to be highly effective against melanoma type cancer. We believe Palmerolide A is a metabolite produced by cultivable bacteria within the tunicate, S. adareanum. Preliminary work indicated many different bacteria could potentially produce palmerolide A, of which at least fifteen are in pure culture in the Murray lab. The current direction is to screen for the production of palmerolide A in current and future isolates.

Julisa Edwards

Effects of Climate Variability and River Management on the Growth of Invasive Tamarisk Shrubs: A Tree-Ring Study

Tamarix is a non-native, invasive species that has negative effects on riparian environments. This study will explore the relationships between climate variability, hydrologic processes, and Tamarix growth. Research will be conducted using samples previously collected from the Grand Canyon. Regression analysis will be used to develop predictive models for Tamarix diameter growth. Results of this study will help us to understand the factors involved in how this species is able to successfully invade riparian plant communities.

Mary Ehrsam

Exploration of the Microbial Communities of Devil's Hole

Abstract: Devils Hole is a hydrologic island in the desert and best known for its critically endangered Devils Hole pupfish. The base of the Devils Hole food web (e.g. bacteria and microalgae), however, remains largely unexplored. Here we propose a detailed molecular-based characterization of microbial communities at various times and depths within Devils Hole to better understand the role of limited solar inputs in defining ecosystem dynamics.

Crystal Erickson

Symbiotic potential between Microcoleus and the Desert Moss Syntrichia caninervis

This project will expand the research I have initiated under the direction of Dr. Lloyd Stark which addresses a potential symbiosis associated with the relationship
between Syntrichia caninervis and the cyanobacterium Microcoleus vaginatus. Continued study into this relationship potential will involve exploring the species
performance under a range of stress conditions as well as an understanding of the mechanisms associated with the symbiotic benefit.

Alex Farkas

A Comparison of Collision Algorithms in Hybrid Plasma Simulations

This project will create a one-dimensional simulation of plasma using the hybrid model. This simulation will serve as the vessel by which to test the credibility, and run time of several competing Coulomb force based collision algorithms. The effectiveness of each at resolving the phenomena of interest will then be weighed against the computational time added to the simulation as a result of their implementation

Travis Fields

High Altitude Autonomous Glider

I am proposed to conduct preliminary research before starting my MS thesis next year on an unmanned autonomous glider. Two key components must be developed before starting on the glider project; these include developing a delayed deployment system for a parachute and measuring and analyzing the aerodynamic parameters of a glider prototype in order to implement a working autopilot.

Jessica Ford

Weak Gravitational Lensing From Space

Prior to the launch of future Weak Gravitational Lensing satellites, studies are needed to determine constraints on such a telescope, to ensure confidence in the data returned. Research this summer set preliminary restrictions on mirror size for Weak Lensing satellite. This project will continue the investigation into the effect of mirror size on the quality of data, studying a larger set of simulations and comparing different shear recovery methods.

Lora Griffin

Mineral Quantification of Carlin-type Gold Deposits at the Getchell and Carlin Trends, Northern Nevada

This project builds on research I conducted during recent NSF-EPSCoR grants (2006-2007). These studies are enhancing understanding of minerals associated with gold precipitation. In the proposal study, I will analyze additional gold ore samples and quantify mineral abundances in all analyses to date using advanced statistical methods. Such studies can contribute to exploration for similar deposits in Nevada and throughout the world.

Corinne Griffing

Linkage Between Microbiological Colonization and Mineralogy on Earth: Applications for Exploring for Life on Mars

New research has found a link between endolithic life and soil mineralogy. Sulfate minerals in arid and hyperarid environments in the Atacama Desert (Chile), the
Badia Desert (Jordan), and the Mojave Desert (U.S.A.) have been linked with colonies of cyanobacteria. It is believed that the sulfate minerals produce micro-habitats that are protected from UV radiation and contain excess water allowing for life in areas that are otherwise too extreme for such life (Dong et al., 2007). Further studies on the relationship between salt minerals and endolithic life are proposed in order to understand life in extreme environments. This study will test linkages between soil mineralogy and endolithic life in the most extreme environments in the Mojave Desert. Do certain minerals create better habitats for life? Are some endolithic species better suited for extreme environments? Results of this study are applicable for determining specific regions to search for possible life on Mars, as recent data has shown that the surface of Mars contains sulfate minerals.

Nathan Harrison

Complex Loading on Asymmetrical Concrete Columns

Asymmetrical bridge columns constructed using interlocking spirals of transverse steel benefit from being simple to construct, as well as having higher confinement strength than tied columns. Previous research into the seismic performance of interlocking spiral columns used simple loading, acting on the specimen in only one direction. The intent of this research is to expand on previous research, by developing analytical models to evaluate columns under complex multi-directional loading.

Tae Kim

Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials from Ionic Organic Compounds

A series of novel organic ionic compounds will be synthesized by Knoevenagel condensation from the reaction of various lutidines with p-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Synthesized compounds are stilbazolium derivatives, which are proven to have great potential in optical properties and in their nanostructures such as nanospheres and nanorods.

Conrad Kiyoshi

Traveling with Sugars: The Relationship between p24 Proteins to Syndecan and Heparan Sulphotransferase in Mechanosensory Neuron Migration in C. elegans

We will use C. elegans to investigate how mechanosensory neurons migrate to their positions in the organism. Mutations in the proteoglycan syndecan and heparan-2-O-sulphotransferase cause incorrect guidance of the mechanosensory neurons. Our lab has discovered that a mutation in the p24 gene causes similar guidance errors. This study will investigate the relationship and pathway between the p24 proteins to sdn-1 and hst-2.

Robert Kobey

Genes Involved in Desiccation Resistance

Using microarray analysis of Drosophila melanogaster, the Gibbs lab has identified several hundred candidate genes that may be involved in desiccation
resistance. One of these genes is Thor, an important downstream target of the TOR/insulin signaling pathway. Preliminary results confirm that Thor plays a role in
desiccation resistance. Further research will be needed to verify these results and understand the mechanism by which Thor increases desiccation resistance.

Mark Lamborn

Dietary and Supplemental Calcium and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women

Abstract: This study will reduce the knowledge gap regarding the status of calcium intake among Nevada postmenopausal women. It will also explore the association between dietary versus supplemental calcium and bone mineral density. The stratification for the source of calcium could help clarify the controversy about the correlation between calcium and bone mineral density at menopause. We hypothesize that dietary calcium is better correlated with bone mineral density than supplemental calcium.

Brandon Lane

Characterization of Carbon Nanofiber Infused-Carbon Fiber Composites

The characterization of carbon nanofiber infused-carbon fiber composites will investigate properties of nanostructured composite material for renewable energy solutions, specifically wind turbine blades. Infusing carbon nanoparticles into carbon fiber composites will increase material properties, but there are technical challenges to manufacturing the materials. A nanocomposite material will be developed and charaterized for mechancial properties including strength and fatigure life for the possible application in turbine blade design.

Karen Levy

The Effects of Host Physiological Conditions on the Expression of icsP in Shigella flexneri

Shigella flexneri is a human pathogen that affects the gastrointestinal tract. This study will examine how host physiological factors encountered during the course of infection affect the expression of icsP, the gene that encodes for the protease that cleaves an important outermembrane protein required for infection. The goal of the proposed study is to better understand the role that IcsP plays in infection.

Alessio Luinetti

This project examines the connection between transcription and stationary phase mutagenesis. Stationary phase mutagenesis is defined as genetic programs taking place in cells in non-dividing or stress conditions. Such processes have been implicated in the formation of cancer in eukaryotes and antibiotic resistance in prokaryotes. We will modulate transcription and measure accumulation of mutations in an inducible gene construct.

Huy Mai

First-Principles Study of hydrogen Fuel Cell Catalysis by Platinum and Platinum-based materials

The rapidly increasing cost of the popular gasoline has been urging America to find new alternative energy carriers. As a result, hydrogen emerges as a preferable one due to its simple structure and environment-friendliness. However, difficulties in effectively containing and catalyzing hydrogen reaction have been preventing it from replacing gasoline. In this project, we study hydrogen catalysis possibilities by platinum and platinum-ruthenium materials using ab initio computational principles.

Rebecca McKenna

Correlation between Polymorphisms of Melanocortin-1 Receptor and CD 117 with Malignant Melanoma

The primary objective of this proposal is to investigate the correlation between polymorphisms at melanocortin-1 receptor and CD117 in Sinclair swine. A large boar family will be genotyped and polymorphisms will be tested for association to susceptibility to malignant melanoma within the boar family if the boar is heterozygous. Blood samples have already been taken; therefore, no animals will be used or hurt in the research.

Vishal Patel

One-dimensional Molecular Self-assembly of a Novel Electron-deficient Asymmetrically Substitted Bisphenazine

This proposal presents the design and synthesis of a new asymmetrically substituted bisphenazine which strategically incorporates several key functional groups in order to generate one-dimensionally ordered nanostructures through molecular self-assembly. In addition to π-π stacking and van der Waals interaction, hydrogen bonding will be incorporated into the proposed target molecule to enhance one-dimensional self-assembly.

Steven Percival

Conductivity Measurements on Anisotropic Organic Thin Films

The cleanest and most abundant source of energy is solar power produced from photovoltaic cells. This research will evaluate the conductive properties of thin films of a group of compounds called perylene diimides for possible applications in solar power production. Voltage/current (IV) characteristics of the films will be measured and the influence of the substrate on the morphology and IV properties of the films will be determined.

Sean Pugh

Feed Efficiency in Angus x Hereford Corssbred Beef Cattle

How well animals can make use of food to growth is feed efficiency. One of the ways to measure feed efficiency is by estimating residual feed intake. To do this, cattle will be feed individually and feed intake will be recorded, over time, in addition to growth. From the resulting data, the energy in the food used to grow, reproduce, and to maintain body metabolism will be estimated.

Momina Razaq

Genetically Mapping Regions of the Drosophila Brain Needed for Notch Function

My research will focus on using a genetic binary expression system to dissect the nervous system of Drosophila melangaster to identify regions that must have Notch for the establishment or maintenance of higher order cognitive activities. We are particularly interested in the mushroom bodies that control congnitive activities such as learning and short-term memory. Furthermore, I will evaluate the conditional expression of a Gal80 repressor to limit Notch silencing to adult stages.

Michael Schroder

Development of a Low Cost Research Grade Experimental Imaging Radar System

Many academic institutions have a need for multi-frequency research grade radar systems which are scalable to millimeter wave applications to allow research in the area of millimeter wave signal and image processing. The current proposal addresses the research, design and development necessary to assemble a suitable radar system that is a modular in nature, for configuration flexibility and assembled primarily from test equipment that is commonly available in a universtiy microwave laboratory, for a cost effective solution.

Patricia Pieded Segura

Investigating New State-level Trend in Science and Technology Policies

This project will be an undergraduate component of a collaborative research project between the University of Nevada, Reno and the Desert Research Institute. The main objectives are to examine the role and development of the American States in research and development funding in science and technology (S&T) policy over the 25 past years. As an undergraduate researcher, I will assist in the literature review, collection of primary data from state S&T offices, coding program data, and analysis and presentation of results as part of a larger research team.

Wendy Seto

The Roles of Arabidopsis WRKY18, -40, -60 Genes in Stress Response

My research will focus on WRKY transcription factors, mainly WRKY18, WRKY40, and WRKY60 and their role in stress response. My project will have two
components: Bioinformatics and Experimental Biology. For the first component, I will apply bioinformatics tools for a comparative genomics in elucidating the evolutionary history of WRKY genes. For the experimental biology component, I will use physiological and molecular approaches to focus on the roles of the WRKY genes in response to abiotic stress.

Jeffrey Shoffner

Mapping Mineralization in the Monitor Pass Mining District

Spaceborne and airborne mineral mapping of the Leviathan Mine area in Alpine County, California was motivated by the potential for acid generation in the area
and the recent discovery of iron sulfate on Mars. Work last summer using spaceborne data sets developed the foundation for mineral mapping at the site. New hyperspectral airborne data were acquired and will be the focus of this project.

Carl Swenberg

Exploring the Chemical Behavior of the Platinum Group Elements

Currently, two competing hypotheses describe how the platinum group elements (PGEs) are deposited as ore in large igneous bodies deep in the earth's crust. Both theories suffer from a lack of data about the diffusivity and partitioning of PGEs in silicate magmas at the pressures and temperatures found in nature. This experimental study will generate data on the chemical behavior of PGEs at the pressures and temperatures that exist during ore forming processes. These data will then be used to evaluate current hypothoses or develop alternative hypotheses.

Brian Tackitt

Smartphone - Based Researcher's Companion Software (RSC)

Smartphones are small handheld devices with many of the features of regular PCs, while also serving as cell phones. The proposed Researcher’s Companion Software will utilize the smartphone technology to assist researchers with various tasks related to their specific type of work. The software will allow them to keep track of research ideas, share information with colleagues, manage references, create budget and budget justification forms, and more, without having to be tied to a PC or carry around a laptop.

Michael Treat

The Effects of Activity and Oxidative Stress on Muscle Senescence and Aging

Production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during metabolic activity may eventually overwhelm an organism’s antioxidant defenses resulting in cellular damage and senescence. Flying honey bees produce the highest mass-specific metabolic rate and likely produce high levels of ROS. I will determine if forager honey bees, which constantly fly, produce more ROS and consequently senesce sooner than same aged incolony bees that rarely fly.

Nicholas Tschernia

Examination of in vivo TLR-4 Triggering to Promote Dendritic Cell Activity as a Means of Increasing Immune Therapy in Cancer

CD40 and IL-2 are vital to immune stimulation. Prior research shows manipulation of the immune response utilizing these pathways can result in tumor regression; however efficacy can be improved. Therefore, I propose to use an additional immune stimulus to augment immune activation. Targeted cells of the immune system may then react to a lowered treatment dose, resulting in less toxicity and sustained anti-tumor response.

Charlotte Tyler

Molecular Exploration of Archaeal and Bacterial Nitrifiers in Lake Tahoe

Nitrification in aquatic environments is an essential step in the nitrogen cycle in which ammonia is oxidized in a two step process to nitrite then to nitrate. Recent studies have shown that archaea in addition to bacteria may also be responsible on a global scale for ammonia oxidation. Nitrification has not been studied in Lake Tahoe. Understanding the processes occurring in the lake following declines in clarity and introductions of nutrients such as nitrate through run-off, developing a better understanding of various nitrogen transformations in the lake such as nitrification - and understanding where it is occurring, and what organisms are responsible for this process is important. The results of this study will provide the first detailed description of the organisms capable of nitrification in Lake Tahoe which may also be important in other alpine lakes

Jeffrey Uss

Application of INtegral Equations to the Boussinesq Equation

The Boussinesq equation is a nonlinear partial differential equation describing the motion of water in unconfined aquifers. For certain types of initial and boundary conditions it can be reduced to a free surface problem for a nonlinear ordinary differential equation (ODE). Usually numerical methods are required to solve this ODE. In this project we'll construct approximate analytical solution to this ODE based on the concept of integral equations.

Joseph Evan Villaluz

Characterization of Hevea SRPP and REF

The SRPP (small rubber producing particle) and the REF (rubber elongation factor) have been shown to influence the quality and quantity of rubber in invitro
studies. The goal of this project is to express both the Hevea SRPP and REF proteins in recombinant vectors and characterize their functional role in rubber
production.

Ellen Webb

Hierarchicall Analysis of Branching Structures in Nature

River streams, blood systems, fractures in solids, percolation of a liquid through a porous media and many other natural processes can be described using trees. It was heuristically observed that only special, so-called self-similar, trees provide a successful description of real-life objects. However, the conventional probabilistic mechanism of tree modeling. Markov branching, can only produce a limited subclass of self-similar trees. What are possible alternative mechanisms for self-similar tree generation? What are the corresponding probability models and how can one estimate their parameters from limited observations? This project will address these and related questions by combining theoretical and numerical statistical analyses.

Matt Whipple

Touch Tabs: A New Solution for Guitar Music Composition Using Touch Screens

Recording new music compositions for a guitarist can be a very lengthy and inconvenient task. When a guitarist is experimenting to create new music, he or she develops strings of notes and chords, better known as “riffs,” that are eventually put together to form a song. Often times, when a guitarist is in a moment of inspiration, or feeling the music, it is extremely inconvenient to pause and write down a riff, for translating guitar into sheet music or writing down notes on a piece of paper takes time. TouchTabs will be an enhanced software solution for guitar music composition using touch screen interfaces.

Eric Wirthlin

Optimizing Algal Growth for Lipid Production in Geothermal Waters

Algae produced in bulk can be harvested for extraction of useful compounds, such as lipids. Algal lipids converted to fuel can provide a renewable energy source. Geothermal waters offer consisten temperatures and may provide favorable conditions for biofules productin. Determining conditions (nutrients, pH, light and temperature) for optimum growth and harvesting of algae is necessary for utilization of local, geothermal waters as a means for establishing the feasibility and the protocols for the future development of this potential resource.

University of Nevada, Reno
Maintained by: Karin Saxon