Xavier University of Louisiana 19th Annual Festival of Scholars by Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity

Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity 2022 Festival of Scholars

Xavier University’s Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (CURGO) sponsors the 19th Annual Festival of Scholars (FOS). In its 19th year, the Festival of Scholars is once again showcasing Xavier University of Louisiana’s best and brightest. We are pleased to welcome you to this year’s in-person event and we know that you will find the event an engaging and impactful experience. Students and faculty from all disciplines will present their research and creative renderings, April 7-8, 2022. The festival kicks off with a warm welcome from the Director of CURGO, Dr. Gennifer Goode, followed by opening remarks from the Dean of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Anderson Sunda-Meya. This year in addition to oral, course, and poster presentations we are excited to bring outstanding Xavier Alumni back to campus to share their work and experiences, including the FOS Guest of Honor, Deirdre Roberson. The Center for Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (CURGO) is highly excited to host the Xavier community and guests, and we look forward to you joining us for the 19th Annual Festival of Scholars, April 7-8, 2022.

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF

SCHOLARS PROGRAM AT A GLANCE Thursday, April 7, 2022 9:00am

Registration and Presentation Set Up

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Coffee Hour with Alumni Guest University Center, Back Ballroom (B)

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Poster Session I University Center, Main Ballroom

12:10 pm

Festival of Scholars Student Kick Off -University Center, Main Ballroom

Welcome - Dr. Gennifer Goode, Director, CURGO Opening Prayer - Rev. Mitchell Stevens, Interfaith Chaplain Opening Remarks - Dr. Anderson Sunda-Meya, Dean, College of Arts and Sciences 12:15pm

Psychology Grad Student Program Presentation University Center, 205C

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Course Presentations University Center, Back Ballroom (A&C)

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

BUILD Symposium University Center, 205

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Oral Session I University Center, 205C

4:00 pm -5:00 pm

FOS Guest of Honor, University Center, Main Ballroom

Deirdre Roberson, Founder and CEO of EUMELANIN Friday, April 8, 2022 9:00am

Registration and Presentation Set Up

10:00 am – 11:00 am

Coffee Hour with Alumni Guest University Center, Back Ballroom (B)

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Poster Session II University Center, Main Ballroom

12:15pm

BUILD Grad Student Program Presentation University Center, 205

1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Course Presentations University Center, Back Ballroom (A&C)

1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

BUILD Symposium University Center, 205

FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

ALUMNI GUEST OF HONOR Deirdre Roberson

is a born and raised Detroiter, alumnus

of Cass Technical High School. She attended Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana (B.S in Chemistry, minor in Biology) and University of Detroit Mercy with a focus in biological and medicinal chemistry (M.S.). She is the Founder and CEO of EUMELANIN, a fashion brand that infuses science by using the chemical structure and pigments of Melanin as the focal point in clothing and jewelry design. EUMELANIN was created to celebrate and empower black and brown people globally, address issues of colorism, challenge the status quo of beauty, and to encourage all skin tones to be celebrated as beautiful. Deirdre and EUMELANIN were featured in a national MasterCard commercial that aired during the 2021 Grammys and across 20 major networks. In 2021 She gave a TedX Talk “Fighting Colorism with Fashion.” Deirdre is also the Co-founder and Co-CEO, of The Lab Drawer, an Ed-Tech STEAM (Science. Technology. Engineering. the Arts and Mathematics.) company that provides STEAM education to underserved youth globally. To date, The Lab Drawer has shipped over 20,000 STEAM kits globally to over 40 states in the U.S, Canada, Kenya, Nigeria, Jamaica and Germany; with over 85% of kits sent to black and brown students. Deirdre provides leadership and vision for The Lab Drawer’s information technology and is responsible for aligning the organization’s technologies to the needs of the business. She oversees daily application and infrastructure technology operations (shipping logistics and EDI systems) and the implementation of new services. The Lab Drawer. Ms. Roberson was recognized by General Motors (GMAAN) with an “Excellence in STEAM” award in 2020. She is working to release her new collection under EUMELANIN this fall. The Lab Drawer was recently selected and completed the Target Forward Founders Accelerator and are developing plans to scale to retail soon.

FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

ALUMNI GRADUATE STUDENT PRESENTERS Ashley Mello

graduated from Xavier University of Louisiana

in May of 2020 with a B.S. in Biochemistry. While at XULA, she was a part of the National Institutes of Health Building Infrastructure Leading to Diversity (NIH BUILD) Initiative and worked in the lab of Dr. Thomas Huckaba in the Department of Biology. In the Huckaba lab, she studied the neuronally enriched kinesin motor protein KIF5A, one of 87 genes known to cause a progressive neurodegenerative disease called hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) when mutated. Ashley also studied functional relationships between all 87 HSP-related genes. Additionally, she studied the microtubule-associated protein tau and protein kinase casein kinase 1 in the context of Alzheimer’s disease. During an internship at the University of California, Davis in the summer of 2019, Ashley worked in the lab of Dr. Jamal Lewis in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. There, she studied changes in the calcium concentration of phagosomes in macrophages during a cellular process called vomocytosis after fungal cell or microparticle uptake. In the fall of 2020, Ashley joined the University of Michigan’s Graduate Program in Immunology. She is currently a second year PhD Candidate working in the lab of Dr. Kyoung Eun Lee in the Department of Pharmacology. Her research in the Lee lab focuses on understanding how hypoxia, or low oxygen availability, regulates tumor immune microenvironments through the crosstalk between tumor cells, fibroblasts, and immune cells. At the University of Michigan, she is also involved in initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in graduate programs through outreach, networking, and recruiting programs designed for undergraduate students underrepresented in STEM.

FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

ALUMNI GRADUATE STUDENT PRESENTERS fields generated by two devices – the gold standard Humphrey perimeter and the research focused Macular Integrity Assessment perimeter – in cortically blind patients before and after visual rehabilitation training. Bryan is also motivated to use his academic experience to help create a pipeline for future scientists of color. As a Diverse Medical Scholars Program Fellow, an honor bestowed by the United Health Foundation/ National Medical Fellowships organization, Redmond has developed a Pre-Health – Sports Medicine program in partnership with University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men (UPREP), an all-boys charter school in Rochester, NY. Redmond is using the students’ affinity for sports as a scaffold for interest in careers in health care and options in higher education. Furthermore, as a charter member of University of Rochester’s Del Monte Institute Neuroscience Diversity Commission, he spearheads

Bryan Redmond is a second year in

an initiative to create inclusive laboratory spaces for graduate students. Longitudinally, Bryan hopes to one day unify his interests in healthcare and

the Neuroscience Graduate Program, and

policy-making. He currently serves as a Healthcare Policy Research Intern

fourth year in the Medical Scientist Training

for Vot-ER, a nonpartisan voter registration focused organization that

Program (MD/PhD) at the University

connects healthcare institutions and their providers with tools, training,

of Rochester School of Medicine and

and community to register patients to vote. Mr. Redmond is currently

Dentistry. Redmond is a native of Memphis,

exploring legislative processes that would make voter registration and

TN and summa cum laude graduate of

civic engagement a researched social determinant of health. His advocacy

Xavier University of Louisiana ‘18 with a

efforts, recognized by the Medical Student Society of New York (MSSNY),

B.S. in psychology.

led to his election as MSSNY Delegate to the American Medical Association (AMA) House of Delegates in March (the third highest state leadership

Mr. Redmond’s research interest lies in the

position within the AMA that a medical student can hold).

visual deficits experienced following optical lobe stroke. He is a student in the lab of

Bryan enjoys intramural basketball, power lifting, and taste testing new

Krystel Huxlin, Ph.D., investigating whether

foods with tons of protein (send suggestions). He is currently binge

neurons in undamaged areas of the visual

watching The Mentalist, reading C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters, and

circuit can be stimulated to restore vision

restarting Duolingo (for the fifth time).

following stroke. A manuscript currently in preparation compares the perimetric

FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

ALUMNI GRADUATE STUDENT PRESENTERS Nicholas Reese is a 2019 graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana as a Communication Studies Major and Entrepreneurship minor. While at Xavier, Nicholas was involved in Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Men On The Move MAX service initiative, and The Knights of Peter Claver fraternal service organization. In 2021, Nicholas graduated with his Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. Currently, he is a First Year Doctoral Student in the APA accredited combined doctoral program in School Psychology and Counseling Psychology at Florida State University. He is engaging in research within the Global Research On Working To ameliorate Health disparities (G.R.O.W.T.H.) Research Lab at FSU, a research initiative within the Combined School Psychology and Counseling Psychology Doctoral program focused on understanding racial discrimination and their influence on mental health and health behaviors, and career development in disadvantaged college populations. Nicholas’ specific research interest is exploring mental health outcome disparities in African American males and Sexual Health outcomes in college aged Minority populations. He hopes to discover and develop culturally salient interventions for said populations to address and ameliorate racialized health disparities. Clinically, he is interested in psychological testing and assessment in African American adolescent and adult populations, primary focus centering on ADHD, Intellectual, and executive functioning. Ultimately, Nicholas plans to attain full licensure as a counseling psychologist and school psychologist, establish a psychological private practice, and work within the Fulton County school districts focusing on child/adolescent ADHD and Intellectual functioning assessment and intervention.

FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

ALUMNI GRADUATE STUDENT PRESENTERS Tatyana Smith

is currently a third-year doctoral student in the

counseling psychology program at Western Michigan University, located in Kalamazoo, MI. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is a proud graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana. Tatyana’s current dissertation research focuses on Black men, childhood sexual abuse, romantic attachment styles, and masculinity, using a qualitative phenomenological framework. Her clinical interests include working with Black college students and adults, multicultural psychology, psychoeducation, outreach, mood disorders, racial gendered stress/trauma, and race-focused social justice. Tatyana is passionate about mentoring Black college students and increasing the number of students matriculating through the college to graduate school pipeline. Upon receiving a PhD in counseling psychology, Tatyana would like to establish a career that centers around mentorship, teaching, practice, psychoeducational presentations, consultation, and community outreach.

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

2022 BUILD SCHOLARS

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS - UC 205

Tyler Alexander April 7, 2022 2:50-3:10PM

Uterine Fibroids Campus Initiative: An Educational Program at Xavier University of Louisiana Mentor(s): Dr. Tyra Gross Department of Public Health Sciences Abstract: Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop during the childbearing years. Black women are three times more likely to develop uterine fibroids than their white counterparts. At Xavier, 75% of the student population identify as female and African American/ Black. In February 2022, we surveyed 154 Black women students about their uterine fibroid awareness. Of these, 25% said they did have a fibroid family history while 48% were unsure. After closing the survey, we plan to host an educational program in April 2022 to increase uterine fibroid knowledge. Purpose(s)/ Objectives: To implement and evaluate an educational program about uterine fibroids for Black college women at Xavier. Educational Activity & Setting: Two, hour-long in-person workshops targeting young Black women at Xavier will be offered during National Public Health Week. The outline of topics includes biology, prevalence, treatment, impact on fertility, and resources for addressing fibroids. Participants will view a PowerPoint presentation that provides information on uterine fibroids and create discussion questions to understand students’ concerns regarding their health. Anticipated results: The goal is 150 student attendees of various age groups and majors. At the conclusion, we will provide an evaluation survey to the attendees to assess the effectiveness of the program. Conclusion: Given the prevalence of uterine fibroids and literature on patient-provider communication, we hope to help young women understand how to communicate with their health care provider and inform them about uterine health specifically uterine fibroids.

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Zaire Bellamy April 7, 2022 3:10-3:30PM

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of New Ceramide Analogs Mentor(s): Dr. Maryam Foroozesh Department of Chemistry Abstract: Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women. It is estimated that on average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer; and one woman will die of breast cancer every thirteen minutes. Many anticancer drugs used to clinically treat breast cancer mediate tumor cell death through the initiation of apoptosis. Multidrug-resistance is a major cause of cancer chemotherapy failure in clinical treatment. As a result, molecular pathways involved in tumor cell proliferation have become potential targets for pharmacological intervention. Ceramide analogs can be designed to potentially inhibit metabolizing ceramide enzymes. Evidence shows that multidrug-resistant cancer cells are as sensitive as corresponding regular cancer cells under the exposure to anticancer ceramide analogs. Our approach is to synthesize ceramide analogs with a greater anticancer efficacy and specificity than endogenous ceramides. Previously, ceramide analogs with flavone on the N-sidechain were synthesized and an amide functionality was introduced. I will synthesize analogs having flavone and coumarin and an imine functionality will be introduced.

Aalliyah Celestine April 8, 2022 2:30-2:50PM

Tracking Dynamic Functional Connectivity Using Group ICA in the Meditative State Mentor(s): Dr. Jeremy Cohen Department of Psychology Abstract: Recent studies have shown that meditation activates areas in the brain associated with self-awareness and attentiveness. The regulation of these

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19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

states could potentially have clinical applications to improve concentration, lower stress levels, and stabilize emotions. The project we are working on seeks to decode uniquely defined neural network states associated with the varying stages of breath-focused meditation. We utilize the Group ICA of fMRI Toolbox in MATLAB to extract group- and single-subject fMRI data. With this data, we plan to analyze the studied intervals of the meditation process and assess the functional connectivity dynamics of the brain as a whole. Degrick Cheatham Teresa Beamon Loren Carter April 7, 2022

In Vitro Studies of the Effects of Ceramide Drugs on Breast Cancer Cells

1:30-1:50PM Mentor(s): Dr. Maryam Foroozesh & Dr. Tulasi Ponnapakkam Department of Chemistry Abstract: Chemo- and radio-therapies, primarily, exert anti-tumor effects through the activation of apoptosis, or programmed cell death pathways. As many current therapies have severe side effects, and/or lose their effectiveness over time due to developed resistance, there is a need for novel agents that can improve patient outcomes including the quality and length of life. Ceramide-mimicking drugs have such potential. Ceramide, a bioactive sphingolipid, is a powerful tumor suppressor molecule that is thought to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation. As part of our ongoing efforts toward the development of a potent anti-cancer drug, various ceramide analogs were synthesized and analyzed.

Mitchell Jackson April 7, 2022 1:50-2:10PM

Change, don’t eliminate: Transferring socially inappropriate stereotypes to socially acceptable behaviors Mentor(s): Dr. Stephanie Grant Department of Psychology

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Abstract: Developmental disorders (DD) that impact social skills, communication and behavior. Common behaviors associated with DDs may include aggression, self-injury, self-stimulation, and noncompliance. The American Psychological Association defines stereotypy as “a term used to describe physical movements that are both aimless and repetitive” There are many behavioral interventions aimed at reducing or eliminating these behaviors when they are maladaptive, disruptive and or socially unacceptable. While signs and symptoms of different DDs and IDs vary, the compulsion to engage in these types of restrictive and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) leads to noncompliance which can have detrimental effects in educational settings. Using a modified reversal design this study will employ existing interventions (e.g. Differential Reinforcement, Response Interruption and Redirection, and Functional Communication Training) to shift maladaptive repetitive behaviors to behaviors that allow for effective engagement. Results of this

study will show improved social engagements and

classroom interactions among participants. There were two participants recruited from local schools ranging from ages 13-15.

Enasia Mc-Elvaine April 7, 2022 2:10-2:30PM

Inhibition of Human Cytochrome P450 Enzymes Mentor(s): Dr. Maryam Foroozesh & Dr. Navneet Goyal Department of Chemistry Abstract: Cytochrome (CYP) P450 enzymes are a superfamily of enzymes that are known to contribute to the metabolism and detoxification of xenobiotics, and the biosynthesis of many endogenous compounds. The inhibitors of P450s enzymes are divided into two main categories, reversible direct competitive inhibitors, and irreversible time-dependent inhibitors. Based on previous research conclusions, we have designed and synthesized flavone derivatives as potential inhibitors of the enzyme studies.

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Kirsten McGowan April 7, 2022

Title

2:30-2:50PM

Mentor(s): Dr. Anup Kundu Department of Biology Abstract: Classical multi-drug resistance is characterized by membrane-bound drug efflux pumps - the ABC transporter proteins. Of the ABC transporter proteins, Phospho-glycoprotein (P-gp) is the most prominent. P-gp transports various chemotherapeutic drugs including: vinblastine, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, etc. P-gp is known to efflux chemotherapeutic drugs, such as those previously listed, out from cancer cells against steep concentration gradients, resulting in lower intracellular drug concentrations and allowing cancer cells to survive and multiply. Due to the sometimes counterproductive nature of P-gp, we have decided to incorporate nanoparticles into Doxorubicin. The purpose is to create an aptamer-labeled

liposomal delivery system for enhanced delivery

of Doxorubicin. This will help decrease adverse side effects while also increasing the concentration of Doxorubicin in HER 2 positive cancer cells and killing them. Our lab is invested in making this drug’s delivery more targeted by creating an aptamer-labeled liposomal nanoparticle delivery system. This nanotechnology has the potential to significantly decrease adverse side effects and overall toxicity of doxorubicin, if the nanoparticle system properly attaches to the doxorubicin. We will utilize various liposomes to deliver doxorubicin directly to HER 2 positive breast cancer cells. Twelve lipsomal batches will be prepared using different saturated (HSPC and DPPC) and unsaturated (POPC and DOPC) lipids by thin film hydration. The liposomes were selected based on their particle size, zeta potential, and drug encapsulation effieiency. The particles were also assess for in vitro toxicity.

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Ashley Mello, BUILD Alumni April 7, 2022 2:30 - 2:50pm

Hypoxia Promotes an Inflammatory Phenotype of Fibroblasts in Pancreatic Cancer Mentor(s): Dr. Kyoung Eun Lee Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan Abstract: Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of cancer with a 5-year survival rate of 10%. One of the most unique features of pancreatic cancer is the presence of extensive wound-like tissue in the tumor mass, called stroma. This dense stroma blocks the delivery of anti-cancer drugs to cancer cells and decreases the delivery of oxygen, resulting in low oxygen availability, or hypoxia. Multiple studies have shown that fibroblasts, the predominant cell type found in the stroma, are important in cancer growth. Our research aims to determine how hypoxia regulates the interactions between fibroblasts and cancer cells in pancreatic cancer and how this contributes to cancer progression. My work will shed light on how oxygen levels alter cancer cell-stromal cell interactions which could aid in developing effective cancer treatments that target both the stroma and cancer cells.

Chinyere Obioha April 8, 2022 1:30-1:50PM

Design & Synthesis of Small Molecules as Inhibitors of Cytochrome P450 2A6 for Tobacco Use Mentor(s): Dr. Maryam Foroozesh & Dr. Navneet Goyal Department of Chemistry Abstract: Cigarette smoking causes nearly one in every five deaths in the United States. The life expectancy of a smoker is 10 years less than a nonsmoker on average. Cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, seventy of which are known to cause cancer. Nicotine is responsible for the addictive and psychopharmacological effects of tobacco. Many tobacco components including nicotine are metabolized by cytochrome P450

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enzymes. Nicotine is mainly metabolized by P450s 2A6 and 2A13. In this project, our goal is to design and synthesize selective metabolismbased inhibitors of P450 2A6. Such inhibitors can decrease the amount of tobacco chemicals metabolized into carcinogenic species. In addition, they can potentially be used for smoking cessation.

Bryan Redmond, BUILD Alumni April 7, 2022 3:30 - 3:50pm

Fundus-Versus Pupil-Controlled Fixation: Impact of Visual Sensitivity in V1 Damaged Patients Mentor(s): Dr. Krystel Huxlin Department of Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center Abstract: Automated perimetry with pupil tracking is the clinical gold standard for measuring visual defects and assessing their progression. Prior work in 17 patients (Reinhard, 2005)claimed that fundus-controlled perimetry, by compensating for fixational jitter, was more accurate than no-fixationcontrol for measuring changes in hemianopic defects after V1 damage. Here, we contrasted visual sensitivity across the central 10˚ of vision measured with pupil-tracking Humphrey visual field (HVF) perimetry vsthe fundus-controlled, Macular Integrity Assessment (MAIA) in 36 occipital stroke patients (24M/12F; 57±15yrs old). All patients met reliability criteria on each system and some underwent blind-field visual training (Cavanaugh et al., 2019; Cavanaugh & Huxlin, 2017; Cavanaugh et al., 2015; Saionz et al., 2020)to create HVF changes ranging from worsening to improvement. At baseline, overall HVF and MAIA sensitivity were linearly correlated, though sensitivity was consistently lower in the MAIA. At re-test, both systems showed changes (HVF range: -2.17 to 4.95dB; MAIA range: -2.4 to 1.75dB), but they were totally uncorrelated. Importantly, fixational jitter measured by the 95% bi-contour ellipse area in the MAIA showed patients to behave normally for all tests (rel. to visually-intact controls), and failed to account for the variance in perimetric changes. In sum, clear differences in visual sensitivity measured by HVF and MAIA perimetry cannot be explained by fixational jitter during test performance. Current experiments are testing the hypothesis that the different tasks used in the two systems (HVF: increment thresholds, MAIA: luminance detection thresholds) are differentially sensitive to performance changes in V1-damaged patients.

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Lourdes Rodriguez April 8, 2022 1:50-2:10PM

Teacher Response Latency as a Predictor of Bias Mentor(s): Dr. Stephanie Grant Department of Psychology Abstract: Prior research indicates that teachers exhibit differential attention to the misbehaviors of Black students compared to White students (Gilliam et al., 2016) and that Black students are given harsher consequences for the same behavior exhibited by White students (Carter Andrews & Gutwein, 2017; Okonofua & Eberhardt, 2015). This negative attention is believed to play a role in the disproportionate disciplining of Black students and the disparities in the achievement gap. The purpose of this study is to assess whether teachers also exhibit differential attention to the academic helpseeking behaviors, such as hand-raising, of Black students compared to other students in the classroom (e.g., White or Asian students). We predict significant differences in the wait time experienced by Black students compared to other students in response to academic help seeking behavior as determined by a t-test. There may also be a significant difference in the likelihood of teacher assistance following academic help seeking behavior for Black students compared to other students as determined by a chi square analysis. If teachers are paying less attention to Black students’ academic engagement, and more attention to negative behaviors, they may be providing differential reinforcement and create self-fulfilling prophecies, possibly inhibiting children’s motivation and future academic achievement and reinforcing misbehavior.

Micah Stargill April 8, 2022 2:10-2:30PM

7-ketocholesterol Induced Oxidative Damage of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Mentor(s): Dr. Partha Bhattacharjee

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

SYMPOSIUM PRESENTATIONS

Abstract: Retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell disorders contribute to the leading causes of vision loss in the United States. Diabetic retinopathy and Age-related macular degeneration are RPE disorders that develop as a consequence to the accumulation of toxic retinal lipids. However, the mechanism of how RPE regulates lipid homeostasis in response to intraretinal dysfunction of lipid metabolism is unknown. The purpose of this project is to provide a new proof of principle information, toward the understanding, of how RPE regulates oxidative stress induced alteration of intracellular phosphatase/kinase signaling leading to retinal disorders. Through confocal immunofluorescence imaging, transepithelial resistance (TEER) measurement and Western Blot analysis of protein expression of primary human RPE (hRPE) cells is investigated after the treatment of 7-ketocholesterol. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), appears to have a pertinent role in the regulation of kinases (p-Akt and p-ERK ½ ) associated to RPE loss and TEER maintenance in response to oxidative stress induced by lipid peroxidation products. Altered PP2A signaling was found to be modulated by low density lipoprotein related receptor protein-1 (LRP-1) targeted peptidomimetic treatment. This project also provides potential clinical application to the treatment of retinal degeneration associated with intraretinal lipid homeostasis using a patented peptidomimetic targeting LRP-1 and PP2A signaling.

Lazarus Sutton April 8, 2022 2:50-3:10PM

New derivatives of 7-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro1H-inden-1-one as a Casein Kinase 1𝞭/e Inhibitors for treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease Mentor(s): Dr. Jayalakshmi Sridhar Abstract: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects brain cell connections and the cells themselves which cause them to degenerate and die. AD eventually destroys memory and other important mental functions. People usually experience: difficulty thinking and understanding, confusion, delusion, disorientation, forgetfulness, and eventually affects daily life tasks. The disease currently afflicts approximately 5 million Americans and is projected to increase to 16 million by 2050. African Americans are twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to be develop AD, typically due to other associated risk factors such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension.

COURSE PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

2022

COURSE PRESENTATIONS - UC BALLROOM A AND C

Ballroom A April 7, 2022 9:30-11:00AM

Ranyia Sinegar

PSYC 2512 - ADVANCED RESEARCH STUDENTS INSTRUCTOR: DR. ELIZABETH YOST HAMMER DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

Health Disparities and the Influence of Racism in Rural Versus Urban Areas of America Abstract: My primary research goal is directed towards exploring whether or not minority students have experienced health disparities, driven by racism, in either rural or urban to determine what geographical areas in the U.S. have a higher rate of health disparity. Past research has shown that both rural and urban areas are impacted by health disparities but little research has racism as a factor that drives health disparity. I chose racism as a variable to possibly determine which area, rural or urban, is more prevalent in health disparities. I hypothesize that racism will be more visible in urban areas due to diversity but rural areas will experience more health disparities because of a high percentage of the minority population.

Mirakle Williams

The Relationship Among Fatphobia, Racism, and the Resistance of One’s Healthcare Visits Abstract: The purpose of this study is to find how racial and weight discrimination changes the views on the importance of seeing healthcare professionals. There is evidence that people face discrimination in healthcare, and that people are increasingly using other resources, such as the internet to get medical information. My hypothesis is that people who experience racism at a higher rate and face discrimination due to fatphobia are more likely

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19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

to be resistant to making visits to healthcare professionals compared to people that don’t face racism and fatphobia.

Brianna Davis

The Relationship Among Conflict Resolution Patterns, Attachment Styles, and Relationship Satisfaction Abstract: The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship among conflict resolution patterns, attachment styles, and relationship satisfaction. This study will specifically aim to determine how the attachment styles and conflict resolution patterns alter the degree of relationship satisfaction. It is hypothesized that individuals with an anxious/ambivalent or avoidant attachment style will exhibit higher rates of negative conflict resolution patterns and have lower relationship satisfaction than individuals with a secure attachment style.

Cris Harris

The Relationship Among Stress, Mental Health, Wellbeing, and Coping Strategies Abstract: The aim of this study is to identify how stress, mental health, and wellbeing relate and the study will see if these factors can relate to either the individual choosing healthy or unhealthy coping strategies. I hypothesize that college students who have low stress levels as well as possess healthy coping strategies will experience a higher overall wellbeing and mental health levels than other students who possess unhealthy coping strategies plus have high stress levels.

Olevia Brown

The Relationship Between Parenting Styles and Black College Students’ Academic Success Abstract: This study will examine the relationship between parenting styles and college students’ academic success. The purpose of the research is to

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explain to the audience the importance of authoritative parenting styles. I hypothesize that Black college students with authoritative parents will have higher levels of academic success than those in other parenting styles.

Jourdan Burke

Lack of Attention, Retention, and Student Engagement Among College Students Abstract: In this study, I intend to find a way to improve the lack of attention among college students in the classroom. Despite the numerous opportunities that are presented to students to overcome many academic challenges, it has been stated by Ciceki & Sadik( 2019) that maintaining students’ attention has become a major struggle. Throughout this study, I will be exploring two factors that might influence the attention span of college students. These two factors consist of ICTs (Information and Communication Technologies) and note-taking.

Lauryn Taylor

Digital Self-Modifications and its Effects on Well-Being and Body Image Abstract: Social media is growing, with millions of photographs posted on popular social media apps every day. People on social media tend to romanticize a lifestyle that is hard to attain and maintain, especially for any “regular” civilian without connections. The present study will explore the association of digital self-modifications, such filters and photoshop, and one’s subjective well-being and their personal body-image.

COURSE PRESENTATIONS

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Ballroom C April 8, 2022 1:00-2:30PM

PSCI 2511 - QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS AND SERVICE LEARNING INSTRUCTOR: DR. ALLA ROSCA DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Does politically competitive high school impact an individual voting behavior? Keyla Jarvis Do high school students regularly exercise their right to vote? Terrol Perkins How do high school students learn about political candidates and voting? Nadia McKenzie What effects does social media have on the political opinions of teens? Nina Giddens How have Political Campaigns affected many young adults during the time of voting? Sabrina Pierre-Paul Does social media have an impact on students’ political affiliation? Trinity Ward

Ballroom C April 7, 2022 2:40-4:00PM

CRWT 3060 - SPECIAL TOPICS: CREATIVE NONFICTION INSTRUCTOR: KATHERYN LABORDE DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH Creative nonfiction is a literary genre that combines the structure and elements of fiction with the bite and constraints of truth. Drabble is a form of writing (more commonly found in fiction) that limits the tale to 100 words, each piece having a beginning, middle, and end. Students of CRWT 3060 will read their original drabble works inspired by an experience with, or an observance of, Nature. Cameron Grijialiva Brynn Jones Christelle Louis Jeune Blake Marshall Glenisha Runyon Tone Wilhite

COURSE PRESENTATIONS

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Ballroom C April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

SOCI 4800 - CRIME AND SOCIAL JUSTICE SEMINAR IN GENTRIFICATION INSTRUCTOR: DR. CHARITY CLAY DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY Gentrification in London, England Kyra Akinnibi Gentrification in Compton, California Alyssa Barajas Gentrification in Navy Yard DC Devin Booker Gentrification in the 4th Ward of New Orleans, LA Rionne Clayton Gentrification in Columbia Heights in DC Khalia Gatling Gentrification in Birmingham Alabama Ashley Hester Gentrification in the Bywater Neighborhood of New Orleans, LA Destini Warner

Ballroom A

CPSC 3603 - SPECIAL TOPICS (NATURAL LANGUAGE PROCESSING)

April 8, 2022

INSTRUCTOR: DR. RICKEY LANG

1:00-1:20PM

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS & COMPUTER SCIENCE

Alicia Simon

Fake News Detection Abstract: Although fake news has been around since the printing press, the rise of social media has led to a rapid spread of fake news and conspiracy theories online—damaging the public discourse. The 2016 election, which produced conspiracies such as “pizza gate”, proved that there is

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an increased need for automated fake news detection. This project will illustrate the use of natural language processing techniques and machine learning by systems for detection of fake news articles. In many cases, by analyzing the headlines of the articles, a “real” or “fake” classification can be reached.

Ballroom A April 7, 2022 1:00-1:20PM

Ming Tate

PSYC 2512 - ADVANCED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY INSTRUCTOR: DR. STEPHANIE GRANT DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY

The Relationship Between Cleanliness and Internalized Racism and Academic Performance of Black Women at an HBCU Abstract: Throughout history, Black women have been subject to a multitude of expectations and microaggressions rooted in gendered and racial stereotypes regarding cleanliness. Stereotypes that are historically endorsed and promoted in society result in the targets internalizing hateful and oppressive beliefs and actions. Social expectations regarding the cleanliness habits and attitudes of Black women could have been internalized and passed down through generations of familial teachings. In this study, I evaluate the extent of the relationship in which the personal cleanliness of a Black, female, undergraduate student’s dormitory intermingles with internalized racism to impact academic performance at a Historically Black University, HBCU. Students of Xavier University of Louisiana will self-disclose their GPA as a measure of academic performance. Participants will also complete the Novel Cleanliness and Grooming Scale as a measure of cleanliness and the Internalized Racial Oppression Scale as a measure of internalized racism. I expect my results to display a positive Pearson’s r correlation between scores on the Novel Cleanliness and Grooming Scale and GPA, a negative correlation between scores on the Internalized Racial Oppression Scale, and GPA, and a positive correlation between scores on the Internalized Racial Oppression Scale and scores on the Novel Cleanliness and Grooming Scale. These predicted correlations will suggest that internalized racial and gendered cleanliness norms manifest themselves in rigid cleanliness habits and beliefs that could potentially impact performance in Black women. The results of my

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study will also assist in the future structural design of academic spaces as they will demonstrate the need for a new focus on cleanliness in academia to aid with student success.

Ballroom C April 7, 2022 1:00-2:20PM

Blaise Pelote

SPAN 4051 - SPECIAL TOPICS IN SPANISH INSTRUCTOR: DR. ELIZABETH ROUSSELLE DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES

“Las mujeres otras y olvidadas: El feminismo moderno y sus problemas discutidos en “Gula,” “Avaricia” y “Pereza” de Pecadoras capitales” Abstract: El feminismo es uno de los movimientos más importantes, influyentes y siempre cambiantes en nuestra sociedad. Las mujeres están hartas de ser menores, de no tener los mismos derechos que hombres, de no tener las mismas oportunidades, de no ser iguales. Por eso, crearon el movimiento del feminismo en el siglo XX y por eso todavía existe el movimiento. Las mujeres, a pesar de la raza, la orientación sexual, la religión o el lugar de nacimiento, están luchando por sus vidas. Aunque todas las mujeres no tengan los mismos problemas, todos deberían sentir cómo el feminismo es un movimiento para ellas mismas. Pero, el feminismo históricamente ha sido un movimiento blanco, heterosexual y cristiano. Las mujeres de color, las mujeres que son miembros de la comunidad LGBTQ+ y las mujeres que no son cristianas no se encuentran en el feminismo. El feminismo no está luchando por esas mujeres tampoco. Sin embargo, el feminismo hace muchas cosas buenas para las vidas de las mujeres. Por eso, escribieron los ensayos de Pecadoras capitales unas mujeres españolas influyentes. Las mujeres escribieron sobre los pecados capitales de la religión cristiana. Cada ensayo discute uno de los pecados y describe cómo se relacionan con el feminismo y las vidas de las mujeres. Discuten el feminismo, los problemas del feminismo y la historia del movimiento. Después de leer los ensayos de la colección, una persona puede saber lo que es el feminismo, cómo afecta la sociedad, y las vidas individuales de las mujeres. El feminismo, aunque es un movimiento que hace muchas cosas buenas para mujeres por todo el mundo, es un movimiento roto y anticuado que hace tantas cosas negativas como positivas y se pueden ver en los ensayos “Avaricia,” “Pereza” y “Gula” en Pecadoras Capitales de varias autoras españolas.

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Nikea Banks

“La representación del feminismo en Pecadoras Capitales” Abstract: Pecadoras Capitales es un libro profundo que describe las experiencias de las mujeres desde la perspectiva de mujeres inteligentes y creativas que no se suscriben a las normas del patriarcado. Con narrativas cómicas, serias y con sentimientos de ira también, estas mujeres proveen ensayos muy fuertes sobre las pecadoras capitales, un concepto que es uno de los más viejos en la sociedad católica y patriarcal. Ellas proveen un nuevo entendimiento de este concepto viejo con la sociedad hoy. La representación del feminismo está presente en cada ensayo del libro. Con un análisis de los ensayos “Envidia,” “Pereza” y “Ira” en el libro Pecadoras Capitales, las ideas de la opresión, el patriarcado, el control de las mujeres y la unidad son las (ideas) más importantes en su representación del feminismo. La idea del feminismo se refleja en cada tema. Las autoras de estos ensayos de Pecadoras capitales representan la jerarquía social, los dinámicos complejos en la sociedad y cómo la gente entiende el mundo.

Joshua Clay

“La objetificación de las mujeres en “Gula” de Pecadoras capitales y “El avión de la bella durmiente” de Doce cuentos peregrinos” Abstract: “La objetificación de las mujeres en “Gula” de Pecadoras capitales y “El avión de la bella durmiente” de Doce cuentos peregrinos” Project summary: En el libro Pecadoras Capitales hay varios temas explorados. Muchos de los temas son sobre la vida de las mujeres y el libro es escrito por escritoras españolas contemporáneas. Debido a esto, el libro ofrece muchas perspectivas femeninas diferentes sobre los pecados capitales y cómo se ven en relación a los hombres y en relación a las mujeres de una manera diferente por el sexismo. Uno de los pecados capitales explorados es la gula en un ensayo que se llama “Gula”. “Gula” tiene varios significados, pero en este libro representa la forma en que las mujeres son vistas como objetos cuyos cuerpos son muy importantes. Las mujeres a menudo son objetivadas como dicen las autoras de esta sección en el libro, María

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Hesse y Tania Llasera. A menudo las mujeres soportan varias formas de objetivación a lo largo de sus vidas. Esto es muy debido a los hombres. Los hombres son los que crean las imágenes ideales de cómo deben ser las mujeres. Además, los hombres son responsables de la continua sexualización de los cuerpos de las. Un ejemplo de esta sexualización se puede ver en el libro titulado Doce Cuentos Peregrinos de Gabriel García Márquez. Específicamente en el capítulo llamado “El Avión de la bella durmiente” los lectores pueden ver a un hombre sexualizar a una mujer por su cuerpo por todo el cuento. No es una mera coincidencia que ambos libros, mientras que están escritos en tiempos separados desde diferentes puntos de vista, muestran el mismo problema de la cosificación o deshumanización de la mujer. Un breve análisis y exploración sobre el tema de la gula en Pecadoras Capitales y un análisis y exploración en el cuento “El Avión de la bella durmiente” en Doce Cuentos peregrinos revelarán que hay una plaga de objetivación y sexualización de las mujeres en la sociedad. Además, una profunda inmersión en ambos libros ayudará a llegar a la conclusión de que para poner fin a la plaga de la objetificación y la sexualización todos los miembros de la sociedad necesitan hacerse conscientes de cuál es el problema y cómo están contribuyendo a ello con el fin de poner fin a este problema que impide a las mujeres vivir vidas despreocupadas.

“La avaricia como un estado de contradicciones en Tone Wilhite

“Avaricia” de Pecadoras capitales y “El avión de la bella durmiente” de Doce cuentos peregrinos” Abstract: (in Spanish because written in Spanish and will be presented in Spanish): En cada religión, existe un sistema de normas y aversiones que detallan cómo se debe vivir en concordancia a Dios. Este sistema cosmogónico ofrece a los seguidores los buenos y los malos de la vida para concederles la oportunidad de escoger cualquier camino que se desea con la esperanza de que se elija lo que lleva la salvación. A pesar del gran intento de realizar lo bueno en vez de lo malo, la humanidad sigue en sus acciones corruptas y manipulativas. En la religión católica, se establecieron los siete pecados capitales para exponer cómo no se debe comportar, no obstante, solamente causaron una división más amplia entre los humanos. En la obra titulada, Pecadoras capitales, las autoras desempeñan un proyecto para relatar cómo los siete pecados capitales del catolicismo han separado a los

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humanos, trayendo otros males sistémicos como el racismo, la xenofobia y el sexismo. Uno de los pecados destacados en la obra es la avaricia que es ejemplificado en el cuento “El avión de la bella durmiente” por Gabriel García Márquez, recordándonos los deseos egoístas de los hombres, especialmente hacia las cosas que no son suyas.

Ballroom A April 7, 2022 1:20-2:05PM

HIST 4999 - SENIOR CAPSTONE HIST 4503 - INDEPENDENT STUDY INSTRUCTOR: DR. SHARLENE SENEGAL-DECUIR DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY 100 Years Drought: An Analysis on the Political Absence of African Americans in New Orleans 1867-1978 and the Election of Ernest Morial Azhae’la Hanson The Journey to Freedom: The Paramount Role of Diane Nash’s Freedom Ride to Alabama Khyria Kelly A Historic Analysis of the First and Second Great Migration Alexis Bridges

AADS 3020 - SPECIAL TOPICS (BLACK WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP) Ballroom A

INSTRUCTOR:

April 8, 2022

DR. RONICKA BRISCOE

1:20-2:05PM

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY

Tiana Turner

Being a Woman Topic - Hyper Sexualization of Black Women Abstract: Winning on the road is used as a metaphor to describe the experiences African-American women encounter in their professional careers while ascending to executive leadership. The goal of this class is to understand more deeply what African-American women, who have beaten the odds to attain executive leadership positions, attribute to their success. The primary questions that will guide the course are: What are the lived experiences of African-American women who have successfully attained

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executive leadership positions in their chosen fields? (1) What activities do African-American women engage in when seeking an executive leadership position? (2) What are the challenges that African-American women face on their journeys to reaching executive leadership positions? (3) What skills and capabilities do African-American women in executive leadership positions attribute to their successes? (4) What personal attributes, dispositions, and behaviors do African-American women in executive leadership positions credit with helping them attain their roles?

Isabel Hallock

Black Ivy Abstract: The topic of my research is Black women in higher education. The central questions it will address will be- How does the culture of the higher educational institutions you are associated with reflect or nor reflect who you are as a person? Have you experienced social or academic isolation? Racial hostility? Is there room for your emotions and thoughts in higher educational spaces? Janelle Williams from Rutgers University has written on Black women in the Ivy league and how they create an increase in community and inclusion, yet still go through many struggles and battles to overcome the hiccups to getting there. Rana Campell wrote on the experiences of Black women in Ivy Leagues- which is the main goal of my research- to bring to light the real experiences of Black women who may not otherwise have their voices heard in a safe space to do so. Black women’s status in society through being their authentic selves while being in a systemic space that was not originally made for them- whether they are seen as belonging there or not- is what I want to focus on. The book Upending the Ivory Tower discusses the civil rights and Black Power movements at Ivy leagues from 1945 to 1975 including Berkely, Princeton, Dartmouth Brown, Columbia, U of Pennsylvania, Yale, Cornell, and Harvard. My main findings were that Black women/students often feel/ have historically felt excluded by the curriculum and administrative choices offered, and have trouble finding an adequate community that they can relate to. Implications lead to a need for the opportunities for Black women to voice their concerns and have their accommodations met in order for them to thrive.

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Ballroom A April 7, 2022 2:05-2:20PM

XAVIER UNIVERSITY EXPONENTIAL HONORS PROGRAM DIRECTOR: DR. SHEARON ROBERTS Impacts of COVID-19 in Cuba and How Cuba Managed a Pandemic Samara Smith Erin King Micah Daggs Jalen Freeman

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2022

POSTER PRESENTATIONS - UC MAIN BALLROOM

Hiba Abdelaziz April 7, 2022 10-12PM

Investigation of the spatial and temporal distribution of particulate matter using low cost Arduino-based PM sensors Mentor(s): Dr. Morewell Gasseller Department of Physics and Computer Science Abstract: Airborne particulates are important air quality components that vary significantly in both space and time. PM2.5 and PM10, components of the EPA’s Air Quality Index (AQI) are measured at some but not all LDEQ air quality monitoring sites and are widely underreported. Most often, a single sampling site represents a large region that may or may not be spatially homogeneous. The PM2.5 and PM10 values associated with the AQI are 24-hour averages, which do not in any way capture the significant spatial and temporal diurnal variability that can be caused by sources of particulates such as traffic, agricultural, and industrial activity. This presentation describes how we have built Arduino-Based particulate monitoring systems and deployed these sensors at monitoring sites around the Xavier campus and in the New Orleans area. We will compare the AQI values obtained at these variation locations with the official values given by LDEQ.

Jamier Ashley April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Differentiating factors between Fake and Authentic Instagram users Mentor(s): Dr. Andrea Edwards Department of Computer Science Abstract: Engagement data from a standard instagram user is calculated regularly as

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it benefits both Meta and the user of the account. This engagement data as well as user activity is stored and can be used to determine whether or not an instagram account is a bot or a real user. The basis behind this presentation is to analyze this data to determine where the overlap is among the different fields that separate the authentic from unauthentic users. The data set for the presentation has been collected previously and during my presentation I will display an analysis of the data present the determining factors that were discovered. I will be using a program called Weka to aid in visualizing the data and the different fields that are present in the engagement data as well as any fields I deemed necessary.

Jada Bezue April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Lysine Deacetylases Have Distinct Preferences for Multiple Acetylated Substrates Mentor(s): Dr. Terry Watt Department of Chemistry Abstract: Lysine deacetylases (KDACs) are enzymes that remove an acetyl group from a lysine, thereby regulating the post-translational modification of lysine. KDACs are important in many different biological processes and are associated with various mechanisms of diseases in the human body. However, factors contributing to substrate specificity of the KDACs are poorly understood. Moreover, many potential substrate proteins contain adjacent or nearby lysine residues that can be independently acetylated and deacetylated. We hypothesized that KDACs will demonstrate preferences for a particular acetyllysine when reacting with multiply acetylated substrates. We additionally hypothesized that KDAC activity would exhibit a dependence on the acetylation status of nearby lysine residues. We identified several proteins reported as putative substrates of KDACs and which contain multiple nearby lysines, each of which has been reported as acetylated. Using peptides derived from these proteins, we measured activity of the putative substrates with each KDAC via a fluorescence-based assay. The acetyllysine(s) targeted by each specific KDAC was determined by mass spectrometry. Molecular dynamics was used to model the interactions of the peptides with the KDACs. Our results demonstrate that nearby acetylation does influence the ability of

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individual KDACs to deacetylate a particular lysine residue, in a manner specific to each KDAC. We propose distinct contacts in the KDACs that may contribute to this selectivity. Future plans include evaluating the enzymatic activity of the KDACs with the full-length putative substrates in cells to more firmly establish biological relevance.

Mya Bolds April 7, 2022

Detecting Black Hair Texture

10AM-12PM Mentor(s): Dr. Andrea Edwards Department of Computer Science Abstract: Hair is one of the most prominent features of a human and typically characterizes their appearance. Black hair is generally characterized by tight curls and kinks. The detection of Black or kinky textured hair is not commonly studied in the computer vision community. Hair detection and analysis of hair in images can be utilized for many applications, such as facial recognition. The goal of this project is to analyze images of people and detect and classify the presence of Black/kinky hair within these images.

Kiara Bornes April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Identifying substrates of KDAC6 Mentor(s): Dr. Terry Watt Department of Chemistry Abstract: Lysine acetylation is a post-translational modification that occurs on human proteins. The presence of acetylation on these proteins is important for the development of diseases; therefore, deacetylation is also important. KDAC6 is part of a metal-dependent enzyme family that is responsible for reversing lysine acetylation. To understand how KDAC6 selects

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substrates to deacetylate, we are testing the specificity of KDAC6 in both in vitro and in cellular experiments. I hypothesize that KDAC6 could show a difference in specificity from the in vitro versus cellular experiments. Using peptides derived from biologically relevant proteins proposed as putative substrates, we have determined several to be substrates of KDAC6 using an in vitro assay. However, short peptides derived from the putative substrates are not always predictive of activity of the full-length protein with KDAC6. To determine whether KDAC6 is responsible for deacetylation of the corresponding full-length protein in their biological context, we utilized cell-based studies that detect changes in acetylation status of target proteins dependent on cellular KDAC6 activity. Target proteins were isolated by immunoprecipitation and the acetylation status determined using an acetyl-specific antibody of the protein. Isolated target proteins were then reacted with a recombinant KDAC in vitro to determine whether the enzyme is capable of deacetylating the fulllength protein. Overall, we observed that only some putative substrates previously attributed to KDAC6 show evidence of a direct deacetylation by KDAC6. Altogether, our data provide robust evidence for biologicallyrelevant KDAC6 substrates. Identifying direct targets of KDAC6, as well as other KDACs, is important for understanding the specificity of KDAC6 in a biological context, and will ultimately contribute to our understanding of the role of KDAC6 in disease.

Evan Bradley April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Luperox Effect on Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Mentor(s): Dr. Partha Bhattacharjee Department of Biology Abstract: Human retinal pigment epithelial cells are responsible for discarding the waste products produced by the rods and cones of the eye. The waste is typically peroxidative products. This research seeks to understand the protein pathways involved in metabolizing these peroxidative products. Luperox is a peroxide that was used to induce oxidative stress in the model RPE cell.

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Olivia Browne April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Biological Imaging with Ionic Liquids Mentor(s): Dr. Samrat Dutta Department of Chemistry Abstract: Infrared spectroscopy can be used to identify substances using their vibrational signatures. Such a technique, in principle, can be applied to biological tissue as an identification method to detect diseases. However, biological tissues have overlapping vibrational signatures at 30002800 cm-1 and 1700-1480 cm-1. These signals come from the bond vibrations of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins found within the cell. The overlapping signals give rise to spectra congestion which makes it difficult to detect diseases in the infrared. Contrast agents that can be used to detect diseases in the infrared are required but they are scarce. To this end, we intend to develop contrast agents by taking advantage of the spectrally isolated zone between 1800 and 2300 cm-1. In this work, we report the use of an azido ionic liquid as a contrasting agent to the image of C. Elegans in the infrared using the azido vibration signal. DMSO was used as a carrier to transport the ionic liquid into the organism. Further studies are underway to determine the viability of the protocols to image and detect cancer.

Teri Blake April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Impact of Covid-19 on College Students’ Mental Health Two Years Post-Pandemic Mentor(s): Dr. Billie Castle Department of Public Health Sciences Abstract: Today Covid has affected over 400 million people around the world and has a death toll of over 5 million. Although the United States first case was seen December 31,2019 they didn’t start taking precaution until March 13,2020. All safety measures were put in place, restaurants and bars were closed, grocery stores had limits to how many people could be in store at one time, and all schools were closed and transferred to virtual classrooms

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via Zoom. Studies at Texas A&M University showed that more than 71% of their students’ anxiety increased during pandemic (Investigating mental health). During this time GPAs dropped tremendously. There is a lack of information shown on what institutions have done to prevent more depression outbreaks. What measures should colleges put into place to adapt to the new struggle that students are facing post pandemic?

Loren Carter April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

In Vitro Studies on the Effects of Ceramide Drugs on Breast Cancer Mentor(s): Dr. Maryam Foroozesh & Dr. Tulasi Ponnapakkam Department of Chemistry Abstract: Chemo- and radio-therapies, primarily, exert anti-tumor effects through the activation of apoptosis, or programmed cell death pathways. As many current therapies have severe side effects, and/or lose their effectiveness over time due to developed resistance, there is a need for novel agents that can improve patient outcomes including the quality and length of life. Ceramide-mimicking drugs have such potential. Ceramide, a bioactive sphingolipid, is a powerful tumor suppressor molecule that is thought to induce apoptosis and inhibit proliferation. As part of our ongoing efforts toward the development of a potent anti-cancer drug, various ceramide analogs were synthesized and analyzed.

Roderick Elston April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Greetings from Chicago Department of Mass Communication Visual Description: These creative presentation entails my vision of Chicago’s architecture in a geometric-futuristic-vibrant manner.

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Dural Faust Thu Pham

Non-fiber phenotypic differences between imPPR

April 7, 2022

cotton mutant and its near isogenic wild type, ™-1,

10AM-12PM

help explain regulation of fiber thickness Mentor(s): Dr. Harish Ratnayaka Department of Biology Abstract: Thickness of cotton fiber, referred to as fiber maturity, is a key determinant of fiber quality, lint yield, and textile performance. The cotton immature fiber (im) mutant has been used to study fiber maturity since its fiber is thinner than the wild type near isogeneic line (NIL), Texas Marker-1 (TM-1). The im phenotype is caused by a single recessive mutation of a pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) gene that reduces the activity of mitochondrial complex I. However, the mechanisms underlying the formation of thinner fiber in the im mutant is not fully understood. Thus, we characterized the growth and gas exchange characteristics in im and TM-1 in addition to the fiber phenotypes to understand if those non-fiber phenotypes were also altered by this mutation. We found that leaf mass per unit area, plant biomass and stomatal regulation of photosynthesis were significantly affected by the imPPR mutation. These findings help explain how non-fiber phenotypes may play a role in the regulation of cotton fiber thickness.

Nakia Frazier April 7, 2022

Inhibition of a-Glucosidase by Guava Fruit

10AM-12PM Mentor(s): Dr. Patience Obih College of Pharmacy Abstract: Diabetes mellitus affects over 29 million people and is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Numerous complications stem from diabetes mellitus and include, but are not limited to retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy. Recent approaches to controlling postprandial blood

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glucose levels have involved α-glucosidase inhibition, where the cleaving of polysaccharides and uptake of resulting monosaccharides is delayed. Acarbose and miglitol are prescribed α-glucosidase inhibitors; however, they both have marked side effects. Aggregate costs for diabetes exceeded 245 billion dollars in 2012. Medical costs for diabetes patients are double that of people without diabetes. Therefore, there is a need for the study of alternative antidiabetic medication. It was hypothesized in this study that Psidium guajava would inhibit α-glucosidase activity. This study utilized aqueous extracts of guava fruit at various concentrations that were studied in vitro. Preliminary runs show promising results that are indicative of α-glucosidase inhibition, however, more tests are required to be conducted to determine the efficacy of the extract and its potential use for Type II diabetes treatment.

Chelsea Fuller April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Exploring Vaccine Hesitancy Among Healthcare Professionals and Considerations for Training Professionals Working with Vulnerable Populations Mentor(s): Dr. Cirecie Olatunji Center for Traumatic Stress Research Abstract: Healthcare professionals from all across the globe have diligently worked hard to develop a vaccine against the COVID-19 virus that would protect individuals against long-term disease and death. While some people are eager to take the immunization, others are cautious, and among those who are hesitant are healthcare workers. In this case study, we look at how certain minority healthcare professionals are wary of the COVID-19 vaccination, and how they contribute to the public’s fear of vaccines. African Americans are one of the vulnerable communities in Louisiana with poor vaccine uptake statistics. According to research, vaccination hesitancy can be caused by medical distrust, communication with healthcare providers, and educational resources. We show how vaccination hesitancy among healthcare professionals may also be a factor in the statistics, and how addressing healthcare provider hesitancy might favorably influence community acceptance.

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Izhayia Fuller Marc Merriman April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

The Effect of Acetylation on Mismatch Repair Function Mentor(s): Dr. Joanna Haye & Dr. Cecily DeFreece Department of Biology Abstract: DNA mismatch repair is a highly conserved biological pathway that protects the integrity and stability of the genome. Faulty mismatch repair can lead to cancer-causing mutations. The protein complex MutSα is a dimer complex responsible for detecting single nucleotide mismatches. The complex is composed of two subunits Msh2 and Msh6. The regulatory proteins Gcn5 and Not4 have the functions of acetylation and ubiquitination respectively. Previous studies showed that the presence of Gcn5 stabilized levels of Msh2, regardless of the presence or absence of Not4. These findings suggest that acetylation of Msh6 may be a mechanism for regulating the stability of the complex. To investigate this, we mutagenized lysine residues to alanine residues in Msh6 based on the hypothesis that the acetylation of the lysine residues is responsible for complex stability. We are currently focused on creating the mutants for future studies.

Layja Grant April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Optimal Buffer Systems with controlled pHs that are capable of forming Hemoglobin compound II Mentor(s): Dr. Heather Williamson Department of Biochemistry Abstract: Optimal Buffer Systems with controlled pHs that are capable of forming Hemoglobin compound II. Hemoglobin is the oxygen transport protein that circulates in the blood. Oxygen binds to hemoglobin at an FeII (ferrous) heme group. In the event of cell stress, auto-oxidation will occur and ferrous will become FeIII (ferric).

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Upon this occurrence, ferric can react with hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species. This reaction causes the ferric species to briefly convert to FeV equivalent [FeIV=O with a hole in the ring (ferryl)], then converts to FeIV=O (ferryl). FeIV=O, Compound II, can linger for hours at physiological blood pH before a reaction occurs. At neutral pH, pH 7, Compound II is kinetically stable. This stability allows the potent oxidant to find an ideal electron source to oxidize. Once it oxidizes, the likelihood of plaque build up/the risk to cardiovascular health increases. Following oxidation, Compound II decays to ferric form. This experiment will be conducted to explore buffer systems that are optimal to form hemoglobin compound II. The project goals are to exhibit buffer systems that does not cause the hemoglobin molecule to unfold. Layja’s duties include protein expression, purification, UV-visible spectroscopy, and data analysis. Her goal for the summer project is to determine if the mechanism for ferryl hemoglobin auto-reduction resembles myoglobin by observing the reaction at pH 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, and 7.5 at room temperature (25 degrees Celsius).

Jada Gray April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Stability of Mixed Chirality DNA Mentor(s): Dr. Jonathan Sczepanski Department of Chemistry, Texas A&M University Abstract: Testing how to make mixed DNA strands containing L-DNA with D-DNA/ RNA biodegradable. Observing how well these mixed DNA strands cleave in different biological environments. Develop L-DNA based sensors and other devices.

Cori Harris April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Who am I? The Adultification, Sexualization, and Self Image of Black Girls Mentor(s): Dr. Elliott Hammer Department of Psychology

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Abstract: For many decades, psychologists have been aware of the categorization process in person perception. When we meet someone, we immediately and rather effortlessly encode the social categories to which they appear to belong. We process gender, race, age, and sometimes other social categories; obviously, these are sometimes inaccurate, but people are generally efficient and accurate in their assessments of others, even with very brief exposure. Nevertheless, the person perception process is a fertile ground for biases to emerge. As we categorize people around us, we often make assumptions about them based on our stereotypes for those groups, and that can lead to prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory behavior. One area where these biases play a role is in the adultification and, sometimes, sexualization of Black children, especially Black girls. Just as Black men are sometimes judged to be larger than they actually are, Black children are perceived to be older than they are, leading to harsher judgments of their behavior. We are interested in moving this line of research forward with particular attention to the Black family structure. Some questions we are considering are the following: What influence does the Black family have in girls’ self image? How do White stereotypes and Black identity interact to influence the self image of Black girls? When does adultification result in sexualization, and what factors lead to that distorted perception? Finally, what are the consequences of these processes for the girls themselves and those around them?

Cymone Hoffman April 7, 2022

COVID-19 Vaccination Hesitancy

10AM-12PM Mentor(s): Dr. Cirecie Olatunji Department of Public Health Sciences Abstract: The projects purpose is to examine the cause for Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy in various communities from the perspective of medical professionals. In this experiment we conducted multiple focus groups via Zoom with medical professionals and had discussions surrounding the history, cause, and solutions of vaccine hesitancy.

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Farhana Islam April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Disparities in the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults Mentor(s): Dr. Felicia Wheaton Department of Public Health Sciences Abstract: Disparities in COVID-19 exposure, illness, hospitalization and mortality have been well-documented; however, less is known about whether racial/ethnic, age, gender, and socioeconomic disparities have an impact on greater worry among older adults related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from the special midterm release of the 2020 Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were used to examine the relationship between race (white, African American, and other), ethnicity (Hispanic/Non-Hispanic), gender (female), and COVID-19 related worry among older Americans (N=1,903). Participants were asked, “because of the coronavirus pandemic, how worried are you about 1) your own health, 2) the health of others in your family? 3) Your financial situation? 4) Being able to get help if you need it from family, friends, or others? 5) What will happen in the future?” (0=not at all worried and 10=very worried). Mediators included education, difficulty paying bills, not being able to afford care, and perceived constraints. Results indicate that age is associated with lower average worry and lower odds of many other outcomes. Race/ethnicity and gender results are consistent with hypotheses. Mediators examined explained only some of the associations between demographic characteristics and outcomes. Overall, findings show significant disparities in COVID-19 related worry & concern, and less consistent disparities in other outcomes. This has important implications for long-term physical and mental health.

Eden Jenkins April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Antidiabetic Effects of Papaya Fruit Mentor(s): Dr. Patience Obih College of Pharmacy

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Abstract: My research involves testing the efficacy of certain substrates (Papaya) in inhibiting the effect of alpha glucosidase. Alpha glucosidase breaks down starches to simple sugars, and alpha glucosidase inhibitors like acarbose slow down this breakdown to lower blood sugar levels after meals. I will be presenting my findings on whether or not Papaya fruit can have a similar effect as alpha glucosidase inhibitors.

Camerin Kimble April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Cytomegalovirus Infection Induces Differential Gene Expression in Adipose Tissue of Mice Mentor(s): Dr. Harris McFerrin Department of Biology Abstract: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a large DNA herpesvirus that reaches >85% seroprevalence rates in some populations. Increasing evidence associates HCMV with cancer, yet other literature reports that HCMV is absent in tumors or slows the progression of cancer. Thus, the role of HCMV in cancer is largely unknown1. It is agreed that HCMV gene products can alter the host cell cycle, promote cellular immortalization/ genome instability, promote cell survival and contribute to immune evasion. Our long-term goal is to identify mechanisms by which HCMV infection alters host cell metabolism and how this impacts the infected cell(s) and surrounding microenvironment2. We currently have access to RNA Seq, proteomics and metabolomics datasets created in human cells and mouse tissues in the presence of HCMV- or mock-infection through our collaboration with Dr. Kevin Zwezdaryk at Tulane University. To date, we have performed preliminary analyses of human and mouse CMV RNA Seq data using -omics pipelines developed by the Tauber Bioinformatics Research Center and online tutorials of the system developed by Pine Biotech in New Orleans and also using Qiagen Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software and existing data sets to analyze RNA Seq and possibly other multi-omics datasets related to HCMV infection.

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Alicia Lewis April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Effects of COVID-19 on Preventative Health Screenings in Albany, GA Mentor(s): Dr. Sharmon Osae College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia at Athens Abstract: Preventative health screenings continue to be an essential aspect of the healthcare system in the United States due to the high prevalence of chronic illnesses among patient populations in this community. The use of preventative health screenings in the field of primary care contributes to the diagnosis and treatment of chronic illnesses which are widespread in American adults. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic had an extensive impact on healthcare globally. This study analyzed the effects of COVID-19 as they intersect with the completion of several preventative health screenings in the health community surrounding Albany, Georgia. A cross sectional study was given to adult patients at four Albany Area Primary Healthcare (AAPHC) clinics which are all classified as federally qualified health centers (FQHCs). The forty-question survey was designed to assess the habits of patients regarding preventative health screenings prior to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a true measuring stick of the impact made by the pandemic.

Brian Lewis April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Gendered Mothering: Unequal Punishment in Dyadic Parental Relationships Mentor(s): Dr. Amy Bellone-Hite Department of Sociology Abstract: Corporal punishment can provide negative predictors for mental health and social issues. While only 45% of parents report using corporal punishment, 64% of Black parents report doing so. How can we explain this divergence? Moreover, how does a child’s gender affect their risk of

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being spanked based on their parent’s gender? Because more than half of Black children live in households headed by a single, female parent, it is important to understand their discipline techniques. By conducting interviews with Black mothers, this study uses an intersectional approach to explain corporal punishment as informed by Black mothers’ experiences with and understanding racism and sexism as simultaneous hierarchies. A purposive sample was used to select seven participants who identify as Black females and have at least one biological son and daughter. Semistructured interviews focused on how mothers’ discipline varied by gender. Prompts encouraged respondents to reflect on these differences, in which they highlight gender stereotypes, sexism, and racism. Most mothers did use corporal punishment and believed that they were harsher towards their sons. Inductive analysis of responses identified themes that were used to understand how emotions tied to the respondents’ subjective experiences and understanding of structural injustices were expressed through discipline. The results suggest we can theorize use of corporal punishment and gender differences in punishment as sexism leading Black mothers to anticipate powerlessness in protecting her children which, coupled with knowledge of terrors of racism, leads to heightened fears and use of harsher discipline as a protective measure. Black mothers’ use of corporal punishment cannot be explained by race, nor differential treatment by gender, but only through analysis of the intersection of these identities. Understanding Black mothers’ discipline—alongside the meaning and emotions associated with corporal punishment in the context of intersecting sources of oppression for both Black parents and children—has crucial policy implications for encouraging the continued decline of this harmful practice.

Jorden Marzette April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Ionic Liquid and Deep Eutectic Liquid Based Drug Delivery Systems Mentor(s): Dr. Samrat Dutta Department of Chemistry Abstract: Ionic liquids and deep eutectic liquids are green solvents whose physiochemical properties can be manipulated by changing the constituent materials. In this project, we present synthetic routes to coat

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PLGA nanoparticles with various ionic liquids and deep eutectic liquids to asses their potential for drug delivery. We characterized these systems by dynamic light scattering methods and zeta potential measurements. The prepared material will be tested in the future for uptake in breast cancer cells.

Shannon May April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

The Role of Neurokinin Receptors in Nicotine Withdrawal Mentor(s): Dr. Erika Perez Department of Neuroscience Abstract: Electronic cigarette or eCig use in the United States has increased at an alarming rate, especially among adolescents. eCigs differ from traditional combustible cigarettes in many ways, they tend to have higher concentrations of nicotine and are flavored. Current animal models use osmotic mini pumps or deliver nicotine via the drinking water to establish nicotine dependence. The primary goal of this study is to characterize the use of an E-vapor machine for chronic administration of eCig vapor. Initially we will focus on comparing cotinine levels produced after exposure to eCig vapor at various concentrations of nicotine (6%, 12%, and 24%) for different periods of time (15, 20, 30 min) to levels produced by a nicotine injection. Mice will be treated with nicotine vapor or injection and 30 min later, trunk blood will be collected. Serum cotinine levels will be measured using a cotinine elisa kit. We anticipate finding cotinine levels will correlate with both nicotine vapor concentration and duration of treatment. The validation of this treatment paradigm will increase the face validity of our experiments by using the exact route of administration adolescents are most commonly using. Comparing cotinine levels between vapor treated and injection treated mice will allow us to determine the best treatment parameter for chronic nicotine eVapor treatment in future experiments. In addition, we will be able to explore other parameters such as the impact of flavors on nicotine consumption.

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19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Zoe Mitchell April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Quantifying the Distance Between Double Minute Chromosomes in Diagnosis of Recurrent Glioblastoma Mentor(s): Dr. Matthew Hayes Department of Computer Science Abstract: Double minutes, or ecDNA, are formed from chromatin and circular fragments of extrachromosomal DNA that exist mostly in neuroblastoma, but can also be found in breast, lung, ovary, and colon cancer. Double minutes can evolve in cancer cells making cancer resistant to treatment during recurrence because they have an attribute of gene amplification, giving cells with ecDNA a distinct advantage over normal cells for growth and survival. We can quantify the distance between diagnosis and relapse in double minutes to measure the change in DM structure across different stages of cancer development. Also, this metric can create data points for building a model to predict DM structure change at future stages of cancer, which can potentially improve therapies to treat late-stage cancer. This study presents an algorithm to measure the distance between glioblastoma double minutes from the same patient at different stages: diagnosis and relapse. The algorithm works by taking two BED files representing two double minutes and returning a real number between 0 and 1, where larger numbers indicate less similarity. To do this, the algorithm calculates the ratios of repeating chromosomes and within those repeating chromosomes, whether the same parts of the chromosomes overlap between the DMs. Testing involved using patient data from five people where there were diagnoses and recurrent samples of their DMs in binary sequence alignment/map (BAM) format, which were processed with a program called AmpliconArchitect to infer the DM interval coordinates. The results demonstrate our algorithm’s ability to compute the DM distance between diagnosis and relapse samples. This study lays the foundation of further work to predict how double minutes evolve at later stages of cancer.

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Meghan Mouton April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

The Thermodynamic Analysis of the Myoglobin High-valent Auto-reduction Mechanism Mentor(s): Dr. Heather Williamson Department of Chemistry Abstract: When the body goes through any type of stress such as cardiac arrest or stroke an immune response is triggered in response to that. This immune response triggers the lowering of the pH of the location of the body. Myoglobin, a one subunit heme protein is oxidized to the ferryl state. At low pH levels, compound II is more abundant and reactive in the body. Higher levels of compound II cause more stress than the initial stressor leading to a stronger immune response. The goal of the Williamson lab is to examine the formation of an unknown intermediate from compound II and the subsequent formation of ferric in the myoglobin high-valent autoreduction mechanism at different temperatures. With this information, we will be looking at the thermodynamics of the bond formation and breakage for the species and how temperature can affect this process.

Derrick Mullins April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Simulating Double Minute and Phylogenetic Tree Evolution Using Java Mentor(s): Dr. Matthew Hayes Department of Computer Science Abstract: Double minutes are small extrachromosomal circular fragments of DNA that are acentric and contain oncogenes. Because double minutes have high amplification, they increase the malignancy of cancer present in cells. Double minutes (DM) can be discovered algorithmically, but they are difficult to detect.Thus, it is important that new algorithms for double minute discovery are evaluated on a panel of accurate simulated data. The goal is to simulate double minute evolution to create this evaluation data. The aim is to represent double minute evolution through phylogenetic

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trees. Because DMs are challenging to detect, we want to simulate them to help create data to evaluate DM discovery algorithms, which can lead to improved cancer treatments in the future. The algorithmic approach to simulating double minutes is to simulate DM evolution via a recursive algorithm. By simulating double minutes using recursion, we create hidden recursive trees like that of a phylogenetic tree. Given a userinput double minute that we consider the ancestor, 2 derivative DMs are produced with each recursive call, each containing different chromosomal locations, start coordinates and end coordinates. The results show an accurate representation of a phylogenetic tree containing double minutes represented in BED format. This helps us gain knowledge on how to identify cancer early, treating cancer before it progresses too far, and benefiting the entire cancer community. Future directions will be creating more methods to simulate and extract double minutes from phylogenetic trees.

Henry Hoang Nguyen April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Characterization of Cerebral Perivascular Space with Advanced MRI: A Lifespan Study Mentor(s): Dr. Kathleen Morgan Department of Chemistry Abstract: The perivascular space (PVS) is considered the intersection of three dynamic circulation systems within the brain: blood, cerebrospinal fluid, and glymphatic flow. This anatomical unit plays an important role in brain waste clearance and promoting immunological functions within the nervous system. Past literature suggests that significant dilation of the PVS is a biomarker of glymphatic dysfunction and eventual cognitive decline. Though these anatomic abnormalities are present within patients experiencing neurodegeneration, the exact relationship between PVS and age-related neurodegeneration remains undetermined. Recent radiological developments have prompted further exploration of the PVS beyond increased volume. Targeted aspects include symmetry and morphology of visibly dilated PVS with a primary focus on the effect of age upon these features. Past studies have analyzed age effects on the PVS, but age distribution within the sample was often limited to older populations. The

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purpose of this study was to expand the boundaries of this analysis by utilizing an increasingly widespread sample that includes younger cohorts, such as pediatric and adolescent subjects. Results revealed that the expected increase of grey matter atrophy due to aging begins earlier than reported by past literature. These volumetric changes were correlated with an increase in visible PVS, and this increase was directly proportional with subject age. Lastly, the majority of subjects within this study possessed a noticeable symmetry of PVS distribution, which potentially contributed to their healthy cognition despite the increase in visibly dilated PVS.

Ebenezer Chibuike Nyenwe April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Using RNA-Sequencing Analysis to determine differences in cancer onset and relapse Mentor(s): Dr. Matthew Hayes Department of Computer Science Abstract: Distinct approaches to treating the relapse of cancer can greatly affect the patient outcome. Having a greater understanding of the underlying logic behind why that works might create better informed approaches to treating cancer relapse in the future. Analyzing the genetic components of cancer onset and relapse can help determine the differences between them. Ideally, the genetic differences between onset and relapse can give insight into the nature of relapse and how to better approach treatment of relapse. The goal of this project is to find the differences in gene expression profiles between the RNA sequencing data for a specific cancer patient’s r’s onset and relapse cases. In order to properly do this, this study will use an RNA-sequencing analysis pipeline involving HISAT2, StringTie, and Ballgown. Using the pipeline, this study analyzes gene expression differences in cancer onset and relapse cases to facilitate future cancer treatment. The study will also investigate differences in double minute chromosome oncogene expression between the diagnosis and recurrence cases.

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Vaun Passley April 8, 2022

KDAC4 & KDAC5 correlation and activity

10AM-12PM Mentor(s): Dr. TJ Watt Department of Biochemistry Abstract: Post-translational modification of proteins are important for regulation of protein activity, and improper modifications are commonly associated with diseases within the human body. Lysine deacetylation (KDACs) are enzymes that cause deacetylases of acetyl lysine residues, effectively reversing acetylation, post-translational modification. This research has specifically focused on measuring and comparing the activity of KDAC4 and KDAC5 in-vitro assays, with various substrates. KDAC4 and KDAC5 share many of the same properties, it is hypothesized that they have similar substrate specificity and activity. Knowing what substrates these KDACs target could lead to a better understanding of why certain KDACs are associated with particular diseases.

Caroline Perez April 7, 2022

Hormonal Modulation of the Retina in Frogs

10AM-12PM Mentor(s): Dr. Kristal Huggins Department of Biology Abstract: My research focuses on hormonal modulation of the retina in multiple frog species. Our findings unearth a link between the endocrine and sensory systems that has yet to be fully explored. However, data indicates that hormonal fluctuations in some frog species impacts their vision.

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19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Nicholas Reese,

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for African American

McNair Alumni

Adults with Anxiety Disorders: An Evaluation of

April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Empirical Evidence of Treatment Efficacy Mentor(s): Dr. Laura Reid Marks Combined Counseling and School Psychology, Florida State University Abstract: Background: Approximately 20% of the U.S. population annually, and 10% of the world’s population will suffer from anxiety disorder (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder; Cuijpers et al., 2016). African Americans are the second largest minority group in the US, but this group makes up a large group of potential clients seeking psychotherapy for anxiety. Of the myriad of interventions options, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is empirically backed benchmark for treating individuals with anxiety disorders (Stewart & Chambless, 2009; Springer et al., 2018). Evidence for CBT’s use with anxiety disorders is strong, but there are limited published studies on its efficacy with African Americans (Markell et al., 2014). This trend is of concern for a myriad of factors. This population tends to be exposed to higher rates of anxiety due to racism, economic issues, and social stressors and may need direct treatment for anxiety symptomology when seeking help (Clark et al., 1999; Sue et al., 2007). The lack of scientific exploration is also surprising considering the prevalence and high functional impact of the disorder, with many individuals experiencing consistent anxiety throughout their life spans. Historically, the African American population has been neglected in the literature at a cost. The negative costs include a lack of multiculturally salient treatment models being developed, a lack of scholarly literature available for practicing clinicians to utilize, and less knowledge being spread regarding anxiety in African American populations. Objective: We reviewed the literature on the utilization of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for anxiety treatment in African Americans to determine its efficacy with this at-risk group. Methods: An empirical literature search for articles published between 1970-2022 was conducted through EBSCO using the search terms “CBT OR Cognitive Behavioral Therapy” And “Black Adults OR African-American Adults” AND “Anxiety”. Results: Within the limited amount of empirical literature (n = 15), CBT was found to be efficacious when used to treat anxiety in individuals of African descent (Gregory Jr & Virgil Lee, 2019; Carter, et al., 2003; Carter, et al., 2012; Markell, et al., 2014). However, extant experimental research

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studies specifically exploring the utilization of CBT for Adult African Americans with anxiety disorders is limited (Gregory Jr & Virgil Lee, 2019; Markell, et al., 2014). Further, most studies explored the implementation of a traditional CBT modality versus a culturally tailored approach.

Rion Sam April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

The Design and Synthesis of S6K1 molecules that can potentially inhibit the growth of breast cancer Mentor(s): Dr. Jayalakshmi Sridhar & Dr. Satendrya Kumar Department of Chemistry Abstract: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women in the United States. In 2021, there are an expected 281,500 new cases of invasive breast cancer that are expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S. Out of all of the breast cancers, an estimated 43,600 women are expected to die in the U.S. There are different types of breast cancers that are based off the expression of receptors. Breast cancer patients normally show expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor and amplified human epidermal growth factor. This is referred to as triple positive breast cancer. Cases that lack expression of these receptors are referred to as Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). A third type of breast cancer is one that shows HER2 amplification. Our research deals with the design and synthesis of S6K1 molecules that can potentially inhibit the growth of breast cancer. P70S6 Kinase 1, S6K1, is an important regulator of cancer cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. It is a ribosomal protein kinase that is a downstream kinase target of mTOR in the PAM pathway. The PAM pathway is involved in regulation of various physiological and cellular processes in breast cancer, including malignant transformation. Many studies have showed that in breast cancer, the phosphorylation of S6K1, in the PAM pathway, is a marker of poor patient prognosis, and stopping its phosphorylation leads to the inhibition of breast cancer cell growth. Inhibiting the S6K1 protein could possibly stop the promotion of breast cancer cells.

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Amaya Sanders Kennedy Drake Thandiwe Bush Nelson Brown April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Applying the Brakes: Understanding the Role of Conformational Changes in Kinesin-5 Mentor(s): Dr. Joseph Chaney Department of Chemistry Abstract: Human Kinesin-5 (Eg5), an anticancer drug target, is key to the assembly of the bipolar spindle during mitosis. Its promise as a clinical target comes from the fact that they are involved only in metaphase and not interphase like some of the leading clinical drugs. However, the overall mechanism of inhibition in these targets needs further exploration. Inspection of the crystal structures of Kinesin-1 dimers reveal the addition of strands to the central β-sheet is found in one head and absent in the other; this previously unrecognized structural asymmetry between the two heads may suggest a regulatory mechanism involving the N-terminal Neck-Linker (NL) and the C-Terminal Cover-Neck. These structural changes in the neck-linker and cover-neck of Kinesin-5 have not been reported. Thus, the importance of establishing this conformational switch in Kinesin-5 requires additional experiments for understanding and molecular validation. However, we must first understand how changes in the neck-linker modulate kinesin function. We have inserted three residues (+DAL) into various positions of the neck-linker of dimeric Kinesin-5 (1-513) and KHC (1-560). Our results indicate these neck-linker mutants can allosterically regulate kinesin ATPase activity.

Jakirah Sandifer April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Continued Fractions Mentor(s): Dr. Sindhu Unnithan & Dr. Gurdial Arora Department of Mathematics Abstract: Continued fractions and how they relate to Fibonacci numbers.

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Alicia Simon April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Improving the Prediction of Malignant and Benign Breast Cancer Using Machine Learning Mentor(s): Dr. Andrea Edwards & Dr. Kun Zhang Department of Computer Science Abstract: Breast cancer is a complex disease affecting more than 2.3 million women worldwide. During their lifetimes, 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer, making it the second leading cause of death in American women behind heart disease. Although there is no cure for breast cancer, early detection methods have proven to increase the survival rate of patients within the first five years. Mammograms, MRIs, and fine needle aspiration biopsies are effective tools in detecting benign and malignant cancers. To further assist medical professionals in their diagnoses, advances in machine learning techniques are being used to predict malignant and benign cancers. This project aims to improve the prediction of malignant and benign breast cancers by analyzing which attributes in the data set improve the accuracy of Random Forest and Logistic-R classifiers. I propose that if the attribute(s) with the weakest correlations are removed from the breast cancer data set, then the Multilayer Perceptron (97.0123 %), Random Forest (95.9578%), Logistic-R (96.1336%), and Naive Bayes (93.1459%) classifiers improve. Initial findings show that when the ‘texture_se’ attribute is removed (weakest correlation in the plot matrix), Multilayer Perceptron remains the same, Random Forest yields a higher accuracy rate of 96.8912 %, Logistic-R yields a lower rate of 95.2548%, and Naive Bayes remains at 93%.

Morgan Sinkfield April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Testing Novel Compounds as Therapeutics for Alzheimer’s Mentor(s): Dr. Thomas Huckaba Department of Biology

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Abstract: More than six million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

One of the major pathologies associated with AD is

the formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain, which are intracellular aggregates of the protein Tau. Since the severity of AD symptoms in patients scales with the level of NFT formation, our goal is to design novel compounds to degrade NFTs. The Wang lab has designed Proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) that induce ubiquitination of tau in NFTs, which should target them for proteasome-mediated degradation. To test these compounds, we are using cell-based assays in which the cells express a hallmark mutation in tau observed in AD patients. Because tau is tagged with a FRET sensor fluorophore pair, there is a positive FRET signal upon tau aggregation (i.e. NFT formation). When PROTACs are subsequently added, we expect to see a decrease in FRET signal if they are successfully inducing NFT turnover.

Secondary analysis via

immunofluorescence staining and western blot probes of whole cell lysate can confirm a reduction in tau levels and the presence of ubiquitinated tau. In this presentation, we will report our progress and the outcomes of these studies.

Tatyana Smith, McNair Alumni April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

The Rose that Grew from Concrete: Black Men, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Romantic Attachment, and Masculinity Mentor(s): Dr. Tangela Roberts Counselor of Education and Counseling Psychology, Western Michigan University Abstract: The current literature on romantic relationships typically characterizes Black male-female relationships by dismal marriage and divorce rates. However, this area of research largely ignores Black men’s relationship formation processes (e.g., attachment). Thus, it continues to perpetuate an inaccurate and biased view of Black men as the cause for conflictual romantic relationships and “broken” Black families. One way to remedy this biased view is to consider experiences of childhood trauma, such as sexual abuse, as this has been shown to negatively impact Black men’s ability to develop and sustain healthy attachments with their romantic partners.

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Further, how Black men with childhood sexual abuse histories are socialized about their gender roles within a sexist and patriarchal system may have important implications for how they come to view themselves, their romantic partners, and relationships as a whole.Therefore, more research is needed to better understand how the phenomenon of masculinity is understood by Black men with experiences of childhood sexual abuse, in addition to their attachment styles in romantic relationships. The present study will use a phenomenological qualitative design to understand the essence of Black men’s experiences of childhood sexual abuse, romantic attachment, and masculinity. Participants will include cisgender Black male adults who are living in the U.S. and are currently in a heterosexual romantic relationship. The present study’s findings may be significant to educators, counseling psychologists, and advocates for social justice committed to better understanding the relationship among cisgender heterosexual Black men’s experiences of childhood sexual abuse, masculinity, and romantic attachment styles.

Kamren Sutton April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

Effect of Mutation of the MSH6 Gene on DNA Mismatch Repair in Yeast Mentor(s): Dr. Cecily DeFreece & Dr. Joanna Haye Department of Biology Abstract: During DNA replication, the DNA Polymerase may incorporate the incorrect base. If unrepaired, mismatches that are not fixed by the proofreading function of the DNA polymerase would result in the accumulation of mutations. The DNA mismatch repair (MMR) process functions to fix mismatches that are not corrected by the DNA polymerase and protects the genome. In humans, mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes are associated with Lynch syndrome, which has a high penetrance and results in cancers such as colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial. Previous research has identified potential pathological mutations in the MSH6 gene in cancer patients. It is important to gain a better understanding of these variants of unknown significance. The goal of our project is to examine the effect of mutations in the MSH6 gene on the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system in yeast. We aimed to characterize a subset of the mutations in the MSH6 gene for the effect on MMR. We have identified three mutations in the

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MSH6 gene that inhibit function of MMR. We will continue our studies to determine the effect of these mutations on MMR.

Carmen Tate April 7, 2022

Anti-Diabetic Action of Guava Leaves

10AM-12PM Mentor(s): Dr. Patience Obih College of Pharmacy Abstract: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic condition plaguing 37.3 million Americans according to the CDC.The disease is characterized by reduced insulin production, insulin resistance or insulin deficiency. In particular, with Type 2 oral anti hyperglycemic medications have shown efficacy but many have undesirable effects. My project is to investigate medicinal herbs used locally for treating diabetes for anti diabetic activities by inhibiting alphaglucosidase as a mechanism of action. Jennifer Tran April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Displacement Based Aptamer Systems for Detection Mentor(s): Dr. Mehnsaz Ali Department of Chemistry Abstract: Molecular switches are molecules that change their structure when a trigger or stimulus is given.

Laini Tuboku-Metzger April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Uterine Fibroid Campus Initiative: Surveying Xavier Students’ Understanding and Perception of Uterine Health Mentor(s): Dr. Tyra Gross Department of Public Health Sciences

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Abstract: Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths in the uterus that usually develop during a woman’s childbearing years. Research indicates that fibroids are more common in Black women than those of other racial/ ethnic groups. Many Black women grow up believing that the painful, heavy periods commonly associated with uterine fibroids are just a part of life which many times results in years of needless suffering before seeking treatment for their fibroids. After evaluating the available resources by reviewing existing literature and online information that has been published on uterine fibroids regarding Black women, we found there is a lack of information that targets young, college-aged, Black women. Purpose: The goal of this study was to survey young Black women on Xavier’s campus on their knowledge about uterine fibroids and their uterine health. Methods: We adapted a uterine fibroid knowledge survey published by Dr. Geraldine Ekpo and colleagues. Participants on Xavier’s campus were recruited through online fliers. The survey was administered through Qualtrics. Questions included demographics, family history of fibroids, and knowledge about uterine fibroids. Results: At Xavier, 75% of the student population identify as female and African American/ Black. Over 200 Black women students at Xavier participated in the survey. Interesting findings include: Out of 154 students, 25% said they did have a fibroid family history while 48% were unsure. Additionally, many of the survey participants were unaware of what uterine fibroids are and had questions about how fibroids are caused, and what the available treatments options are. Conclusion: The data collected confirmed that there is a significant need for more fibroid awareness information that targets college-age women to promote early awareness of Uterine fibroids. Kyanna White Sharon Ogbonna April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

Development of Smart Dual Acting Drug Delivery System Mentor(s): Dr. Stassi DiMaggio & Dr. Jayalakshmi Sridhar Department of Chemistry Abstract: The present-day challenge of delivering drugs selectively to the tumor cells to mitigate systemic toxicity of the anti-cancer agents have led to greater focus on drug delivery research using nano-scale carriers. While

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great progress has been achieved in pre-clinical studies, the therapeutic effects have not lived up to their expectations in the clinical setting. Though promising, these systems typically exploit passive delivery of a single therapeutic to the target tissue, for example, by the encapsulation of drugs in carrier systems followed by drug release under an external trigger.

Our project will address this issue through the design and

synthesis of Smart Dual Acting Drug Delivery System (SDADDS) consisting of nanocarriers that act in a twofold manner. The designed nanocarriers will first have a targeting agent to recognize and bind to a receptor that is highly overexpressed in tumor cells. This will be followed by the photo-mediated release of drug molecules with spatiotemporal control creating even greater selectivity in the cargo delivery. The targeting of the receptor with an inhibitor will ensure the non-progression of the receptor mediated tumor signaling pathways and the photo-mediated release of small molecules will ensure their penetration of the tumor cell to target additional intracellular signaling pathways. The design and synthesis of the SDADDS will be customizable to a variety of tumor types with individualized combinations of inhibitors and therapeutic molecules. They will be synthesized by coupling two dendritic polymers (dendrons A and B) that are each monodisperse and exhibit excellent biocompatibility and solubility profiles. The first phase of targeting will exploit polyvalent interactions on the tumor cell surface by conjugating a precisely defined number of inhibitors to dendron A. The second phase will quantitatively couple an appropriate chemotherapeutic to dendron B via a photocleavable linker that will ultimately provide spatiotemporal control of drug release for the cancer cell targeting in vivo. Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is an ideal model system to first test the effectiveness of a new SDADDS due to the challenges associated with treating this aggressive cancer which is less or unresponsive to traditional treatments. The inhibitor on dendron A will actively target the TAM receptor and the drug molecule on dendron B will passively target Src kinase, both targets playing critical roles in TNBC.

Osoniya Wodi April 8, 2022 10AM-12PM

The Availability of Domestic Violence Resources in the United States: Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic Mentor(s): Dr. Shearon Roberts Department of Mass Communications

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Abstract: This study analyzed the availability of domestic violence resources in the United States in the years 2019 and 2020, one year before the COVID-19 Pandemic and the first year of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Analyzing data collected by the NNEDV, we concluded that the availability of domestic violence resources either stayed constant or lowered during the pandemic. We theorized that is was probably due to the shelter-in-place orders and economic hardship that decreased funding for community programs and social welfare resources.

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2022

ORAL PRESENTATIONS - UC MAIN BALLROOM

Na’Charlesia Floyd

Food Insecurity Mentor(s): Dr. Chen Zhou Department of Industrial Engineering, Georgia Tech Abstract: Food deserts are regions where low-income households do not have access to the affordable fresh foods. Many socially conscious grocers, NGOs and government programs have tried to address the problem. However, the problem persists. The busy college students also consume far less fruit and vegetables than the FDA’s recommendations on many college campuses. This may be due to limited on campus dining options, stress, or simply preference for flavorful foods. The low consumption of fresh food leads to poor nutrition, poor health and poor performance. Our study identifies reasons for the over-consumption of processed and packaged foods. The processed and packaged foods cost less, are more accessible, more convenient to prepare and more preferable in taste! The combination of these four characteristics hinders simple market solutions. In the food desert, the assistance programs are needed. We have identified current, such as SNAP or food stamp, and potential programs such as shuttle services, subsidized food delivery services, farmer’s markets, etc. Each assistance program has its cost structure. We will design optimization models to find the best allocation of funds among assistance programs in order to offer a more fresh and diverse food supply in the food desert. On campus, nutrition education, community refrigerator, community garden, nutrition focused food supply in dining halls can be potential solutions to this program.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Kamryn Edwards April 7, 2022 2:30-2:50PM

Returning Department: Mass Communication Description: “Returning” is a film about the origin of colorism within the Black community, portrayed by events from the times of slavery moves onto the present day where two black teenage females find the power to break the division that once created between them after struggling with their selfimage and in the end, they reunite in sisterhood.

Joshua Green April 7, 2022

Housing Classifiers and Housing Price

2:10-2:30PM Mentor(s): Dr. Andrea Edwards Department of Computer Science Abstract: This Project seeks to analyze a data set available via Kaggle.com to support my research hypothesis of how housing attributes affect housing price.

Jasmine Malone Jyana Seaman April 7, 2022 2:50-3:10PM

Pilates and PEdicures: The Ethics of COVID-19 Self Care Media Mentor(s): Dr. Shearon Roberts Department of Mass Communications Abstract: The study works to analyze luxury self-care trends that had a presence during COVID-19: Black Girl Luxury & That Girl content. Black girl luxury and That Girl self-care were intended to serve as a mode of escapism from

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

societal stressors because COVID-19 and its intermittent quarantines forced people to slow down and reflect on their world pre-COVID. However, these self-care routines have a capitalist and Eurocentric focal point that pushes self-care to an unattainable feat. Consequently, there is a pattern in society’s response to these self-care trends where they haphazardly take part in since they are aesthetically pleasing. The importance of this study is to uncover the basis and mechanism of Pandemic self-care trends since they have a heavy influence on consumers’ lives and have a constant resurgence through multiple successors.

Katherine Jones April 7, 2022 3:30-3:50PM

“Norman C. Francis Wall of Fame”: How Library Student Workers Preserve, Curate, and Exhibit Xavier’s History Mentor(s): Dr. VIncent Barraza & Dr. Nancy Hampton Archives and Special Collections - XULA Library Abstract: Xavier University of Louisiana (XULA) is known for being the #1 university to produce Black doctors, the third best HBCU in the nation, and celebrating gifted alumni across many disciplines. The university teaches humility and advocacy which are exemplified by ‘52 XULA graduate Dr. Norman C. Francis. Dr. Francis is the definition of a Xavierite - a lifelong learner who leads through exploration and advocacy while empowering the Black community. For his 91st birthday, we honor the nearly 60 years Dr. Francis served at Xavier and recognize his courage and foresight for what Xavier and Xaverites would become. The purpose of this exhibit is to highlight moment’s of activism and joy as it relates to Dr Francis and XULA. This presentation expands on the processes of preserving primary source material and curating university library exhibits.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Ming Tate April 7, 2022 3:10-3:30PM

The Relationship Between Cleanliness, Internalized Racism, and the Academic Performance of Black Women at a Historically Black University Mentor(s): Dr. Stephanie Grant Department of Psychology Abstract: Throughout history, Black women have been subject to a multitude of expectations and micro-aggressions rooted in gendered and racial stereotypes regarding cleanliness. Stereotypes that are historically endorsed and promoted in society can result in the targets internalizing hateful and oppressive beliefs and actions. Social expectations regarding the cleanliness habits and attitudes of Black women could have been internalized and passed down through generations of familial teachings.In this study, I evaluate the extent of the relationship in which the personal cleanliness of a Black, female, undergraduate student’s dormitory intermingles with internalized racism to impact academic performance at a Historically Black University, HBCU. Students of Xavier University of Louisiana will self-disclose their GPA as a measure of academic performance. Participants will also complete the Novel Cleanliness and Grooming Scale as a measure of cleanliness and the Internalized Racial Oppression Scale as a measure of internalized racism. I expect my results to display a positive Pearson’s r correlation between scores on the Novel Cleanliness and Grooming Scale and GPA, a negative correlation between scores on the Internalized Racial Oppression Scale, and GPA, and a positive correlation between scores on the Internalized Racial Oppression Scale and scores on the Novel Cleanliness and Grooming Scale.These predicted correlations will suggest that internalized racial and gendered cleanliness norms manifest themselves in rigid cleanliness habits and beliefs that could potentially impact performance in Black women. The results of my study will also assist in the future structural design of academic spaces as they will demonstrate the need for a new focus on cleanliness in academia to aid with student success.

ORAL PRESENTATIONS

19TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS

Hillary Smith Nathan Kim Tara Parker Tyler Sweeny April 7, 2022 10AM-12PM

HAP-SIM-Intraosseous Cannulation Training Device Department: Tulane Biomedical Engineering Abstract: HAP-SIM has created an intraosseous cannulation training device that provides real-time feedback. This training device models the proximal tibia, surrounding musculature, and PolyTek skin layer that simulates real skin mechanisms. The model represents accurate anatomical features and important landmarks to promote precision training. The purpose of this training device is to equip EMTs and medical professionals with a way to learn the steps of IO cannulation efficiently.

19TH ANNUAL

X AV I E R U N I V E R S I T Y O F L O U I S I A N A CENTER FOR UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH AND GRADUATE OPPORTUNITY

FESTIVAL OF SCHOLARS