Summer Scholars Program

Faculty Mentor

Lifestyle Intervention for Healthy Change (LIVE WELL)

(5 week session)

Obesity is one of the most prevalent and important chronic diseases in the United States, and globally in the developed world. Obesity is the result of a complex interplay of numerous factors, including genetics, behavior, education, and various influences from society. It is associated with reduced quality of life, increased risk for many serious health conditions and decreased life expectancy. As the prevalence of obesity rises, so does the prevalence of known co-morbid conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, hypertension, dyslipidemia, as well as some cancers.

Current guidelines for management of obesity suggest an either step-wise or multi-modal approach, which includes lifestyle modification, behavioral counseling, pharmacotherapy and surgery. The 2016 AACE/ACE guidelines for treating patients with a BMI > 30 outline lifestyle intervention as the first step in management. Lifestyle modification includes a decreased intake of calories, an increase in physical activity as well as motivational or behavioral intervention. The next step adds pharmacotherapy, while surgical management is considered the third option. The Obesity Medicine Association (OMA) also advises a multi-modal approach to treatment, but describes dietary changes, physical activity, motivational counseling and use of pharmacotherapy as four equal cornerstones of treatment. The goals of management include improving patient health, quality of life, as well as body weight and composition.

The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a physician-led, multi-disciplinary approach to treating obesity that incorporates any combination of nutrition, exercise, and motivational counseling. To assist participant with meeting their weight loss goals, two apps are being utilized: FitBit (to assist with self-monitoring their activity) and MetricWire (an EMA platform that houses all components of the study: the dietary plan, behavioral change videos, and physical activity goals). While there are some studies incorporating various combinations of weight control strategies (diet, exercise, counseling, pharmacotherapy, and surgery), we will investigate these similar interventions in an academic/university setting and further assess their efficacy and impact on other variables such as quality of life and chronic diseases. Our ultimate goal is to better understand the impact of such a collaborative model in the treatment of obesity.

Advancing Cancer Therapy: Synthesis of Nrf2 Inhibitors

(9 week Session)

Cancer remains a significant global and national health challenge. In 2022, nearly 20 million new cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide, resulting in 9.7 million deaths, with projections indicating a staggering rise to 29.9 million cases and 15.3 million deaths annually by 2040. In the United States, 1,777,566 new cancer cases were reported in 2021, and over 608,000 individuals succumbed to cancer in 2022.

A major challenge across all types of cancer contributing to high mortality rates is anticancer drug resistance, a phenomenon where the effectiveness of drugs is significantly reduced or completely lost. One key factor in anticancer drug resistance is the overactivation of a protein called Nrf2. Nrf2 overactivation promotes cancer cell growth and metastasis by reducing oxidative stress and bypassing growth-blocking checkpoints typical of healthy cells. This highlights the urgent need for drugs capable of inhibiting Nrf2 to improve cancer treatment and patient survival.

Unfortunately, no Nrf2 inhibitors are currently available, as Nrf2 is a challenging protein to target effectively. To address this issue, my group has developed a novel medicinal chemistry approach to obtain effective Nrf2 inhibitors. This effort has resulted in the synthesis of more than twenty organic molecules, created by Augusta University undergraduate students. Our collaborators at the Georgia Cancer Center and Università degli Studi di Padova (Italy) are testing these molecules against cancer cells, including liver and brain cancers. These compounds are designed to block the nuclear internalization of Nrf2 by disrupting its interaction with importin α5, the protein responsible for transporting Nrf2 from the cytosol to the nucleus. Among our discoveries is a molecule named S1P4, which reduces Nrf2 activity by approximately 50% at a concentration of 50 μM.

Determining how the CXCR3/CXCL10 and NF-kappaB signaling pathways are connected to alter macrophage phenotype in triple negative breast cancer

(5 week session)

Despite massive clinical achievements in treating breast cancer, metastasis (spreading of the original tumor to other parts of the body) remains an obstacle for patient survival. The majority of breast cancer deaths arise from a very aggressive subtype called triple negative breast cancer, which is characterized by having a large number of immune cells, called macrophages. For this project, we will specifically study how two major signaling pathways (the nuclear factor-kappaB and the CXCR3/CXCL10 axis) interact to influence immune cell function in triple negative breast cancer. This project is part of a larger study that focuses on how these two signaling pathways interact to influence breast cancer metastasis. As part of this investigation, my student and I will use a novel transgenic mouse model that lacks the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway in macrophages. Our hypothesis is that the CXCR3/CXCL10 signaling axis and the nuclear factor-kappaB pathways are interacting to promote acquisition of an alternative, tumor promoting activity in macrophages, and that this will lead to aggressive properties in triple negative breast cancer like metastasis. This work could have implications in many other cancer types, as the gene expression trends of CXCR3/CXCL10 is similar among different cancer subtypes and aberrant NF-kappaB signaling is a hallmark of many cancers.

Does Treadmill Type Effect Running Characteristics?

(9 week Session)

Treadmills are an integral part of both exercise facilities as well as research in human performance landscape. The validity of utilizing treadmills to replicate overground running was verified by Jones & Doust (1996) who reported that running at a 1% grade on a motorized treadmill (MT) elicited a similar oxygen uptake as level overground running. However, there are some restrictions that come with training on a MT when compared to a more open standard athletic environment. Two of the major limitations are the standardized speed and the reduction of propulsion force needed when using treadmills (Riley et. Al., 2007, Alton et. Al., 1997). Nevertheless, even with these blatant limitations on MT running, it is still one of the most popular pieces of equipment in any gym setting.

One mitigating adaptation of the MT is the curved non-motorized treadmill (cNMT). This new device is similar to the traditional treadmills however the running belt is concave surface and is propelled by the runner. The cNMT itself has the potential to be a large influence in future training for not only endurance athletes, but it could potentially be helpful for other athletes as well as the everyday gym attendee. Some benefits include adding propulsion force similar to overground running back into the treadmill workout as well as giving speed control back to the user. One comparative study found that running on both MT and cNMT at similar speeds gave a greater workout to the cNMT user (Schoenmakers & Reed, 2018). Unfortunately, as the cNMT is a newer invention, there is limited research on the benefits and drawbacks of using such a device.

The current project has two major objectives. The first objective is to determine if treadmill type affects muscle activation during running. The second objective of this project is to determine if treadmill type influences ground reaction forces of the runner. If these two objectives are completed through this project, more light will be shed on effective methods to exercise athletes, patients, and casual gym-goers.

Efficient Epileptic Seizure Prediction Using Artificial Intelligence

(9 week Session)

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder identified by the frequent occurrence of symptoms called seizures in which the patient might lose awareness. It is among the most common neurological disorders affecting about 2 million people worldwide each year. The seriousness of this condition is centered on the sudden occurrence of seizure events. This can result in injuries, accidents, and even death. Predicting seizures would be a pioneering healthcare solution that would improve the quality of life of epileptic patients.

Numerous methods were proposed to predict seizures based on machine learning with high accuracy. However, machine learning technology suffers from high computational costs and hence high energy consumption which restrict their use in the real-time operation of wearable devices. To overcome this problem, the PI proposes to develop a novel seizure prediction method based on an artificial intelligence model that is brain-inspired and hence energy-efficient, where artificial neurons compute only when separate events are received. This method leads to an energy-efficient computing method to help predict seizures with high accuracy and low power in real-time settings towards the ultimate goal of developing a seizure prediction wearable device.

The student will receive intensive training and will be engaged in the research activities. Specifically, the student will learn the fundamentals of AI, how to develop, train, and test successful AI algorithms, how to design neural networks, identify their current limitations, and how to address them. Additionally, the student will gain knowledge about epilepsy, EEG signals, and how to visualize, analyze, and process those signals. The student will be trained on how to conduct successful research such as literature review, critical thinking, creative solutions, designing experiments, validating results, comparative analysis, and formulating conclusions. Moreover, the student will be trained on writing abstracts, creating presentations and posters, and presenting their work. The mentor’s lab computation resources will be utilized to complete these tasks. The mentor will ensure the research activities and their objectives will be achieved through supervision of the student and weekly meetings where the student can present his/her progress and the mentor evaluates progress, troubleshoots, and directs the student’s continued intellectual development.

Exploring Collective Many-particle Phenomena: Unraveling the Dynamics of Interacting Systems

(5 week Session)

Overview: Time-dependent collective many-particle phenomena in response to an external variable are a powerful probe of complex systems. They offer valuable insights into the underlying dynamics and interactions of the system, revealing its intricate structure and behavior. These phenomena often emerge from the collective behavior of numerous interacting components or units, whose individual actions are coupled in ways that give rise to new, often unexpected, properties. In general, these elements can be anything from electrons in material systems to magnetic moments in various types of magnets, repeated amino acids in proteins, genes within a cell, or neurons that contribute to our cognitive functions and memories. For example, the collective behavior of many electrons in materials gives rise to phenomena such as superconductivity, where electrons pair up and flow without resistance, and magnetism, where spins align in a coordinated fashion. Similarly, the interactions between many amino acids determine the folding and overall structure of a protein, which is essential for its biological function. Neurons, through their collective activity in the brain, play a fundamental role in processing information, enabling memory formation and decision-making. Additionally, collection of laser-controlled atoms determine the fate of universal properties that can be used in quantum computing. Understanding these complex collective phenomena is key to advancing science, technology and medicine.

However, understanding these time-dependent dynamics in particle systems is one of the most challenging problems in quantum physics that take place in microscopic systems. In this regard, assembling and understanding ultra-cold atomic systems, where atoms are cooled to very low temperatures are critically important for a number of reasons. They provide an experimental platform for understanding fundamental quantum physics including collective behavior, allow us to simulate the physics of other complex systems such as biological matter, and useful in technological applications such as precision measurement sensors and quantum computing.

Primary Objective: The primary objective of this study is to develop a theoretical scheme to understand the collective time dynamic behavior of strongly interacting Fermi atomic systems. The strongly interacting Fermi atomic systems are one of the richest experimental systems studied by the atomic physics community. The physics of laser controlled strongly interacting atomic systems have connections to other complex dense materials systems such as neutron matter and biological materials through their universal properties. We propose two different theoretical approaches known as hydrodynamic theory and linear response theory to study the collective aspect of laser controlled atomic systems.

Mechanisms of repair in developmental brain injury

(9 week Session)

Preterm birth is a major public health issue affecting ~10% of all deliveries in the United States. Brain damage induced by preterm birth is the leading cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities and is an ever-growing burden as preterm infant survival increases. Preterm infants are born with an underdeveloped respiratory system, exposing them to a low oxygen environment during a critical neurodevelopmental period. The most common injury in survivors of premature birth is white matter injury (WMI). In this injury, abnormal myelination results from damaged oligodendrocytes, the myelinating cells of the central nervous system. Although the cellular and anatomical pathogenesis of WMI is well characterized, molecular mechanisms driving injury progression and repair are poorly understood. Uncovering mechanisms underlying WMI is essential to inform the quest for more targeted and effective treatments for preterm infants.

The different timelines of mice and human neurodevelopment allows for an experimental model of prematurity where neonatal mice are placed in low oxygen. This model widely reproduces the primary functional and pathological abnormalities in observed in WMI. Because WMI is caused by a low oxygen environment, gene expression changes underlying injury progression and repair are likely directed by epigenetic mechanisms. Also, the effectiveness of experiential interventions in promoting recovery from WMI further suggests a role for epigenetic mechanisms. Whether mechanisms of injury and repair are the same in preterm infants is critical to determining the translatability of discoveries in the mouse model.

Our previous work screening for oligodendrocyte gene expression changes after WMI identified several histone-modifying enzymes that were affected. This project will test the overarching hypothesis that the lysine demethylase – JMJD1C – directs recovery from neonatal brain injury. The primary objectives for this project are to: 1) confirm effective knockdown of JMJD1C in our oligodendrocyte-specific knockout model, 2) characterize oligodendrocyte lineage cell dynamics following JMJD1C knockout, and 3) determine functional recovery from WMI following JMJD1C knockout.

The effect of listener experience on perception

(9 week Session)

Spoken language communication requires a remarkable process that transforms thoughts into complex movements which, in turn, produce sounds that are mapped onto a meaning. While many listeners appear to do this transformation effortlessly, deficits in listening comprehension are prevalent and rarely explained by mere hearing loss. These deficits can have an astounding impact on common day-to-day activities, critical to one’s well-being. The overall goal of the is to investigate how listening comprehension is affected by factors unaccounted for by hearing loss, such as a listener’s prior experience and the quality of the speech signal. We will address two aspects of this question, in two separate studies.

Study 1: The first study is a continuation of last summer’s project.

This study will focus on examining the recognition of words, and it is impacted by sound structure similarity between words, as a function the position of overlap as well as the quality of the speech signal (noisy or clear). Though these mechanisms are still not well understood, there is some evidence suggesting that the position of phonological overlap between two words can produce different effects on word recognition (Radeau et al., 1995). The causal mechanistic difference is not known, and resolving current debates requires further investigation. Interactions with effects of noise can provide a great deal of insight into this debate, as they have in other studies (Guediche et al., 2021). This will be the first study to examine noise effects as a function of position of overlap. Moreover, these differences have been overlooked in studies with patient populations. Critically, patients have shown differences from typical listeners in the manifestation of a word sound structure similarty on listening, in a way that relates to the locus of brain damage.  (Blumstein, et al., 2000). Last summer we focused on the experiment with clear stimuli. This summer we will create the experiment with noisy stimuli.

Study 2: This study focuses on the categorization of sounds before compared to after an adaptive training paradigm, in patient populations. The summer CURS student working on this project will only focus on the initial stages of the study helping to create the stimuli for the experiment and to examine the possibilities for recruiting patients with aphasia.

Both studies will be a precursor to future investigations in this lab, in clinical populations. The goal is to work towards preliminary data for an NIH grant. 

Effects of serine and interleukin-6 on health and longevity

(9 week Session)

Project 1: 

Manipulation of amino acid metabolism has been a focus of the biology of aging field for over 20 years. The majority of amino acid research has centered around essential amino acids, those that are not produced in our bodies, and we must acquire them from our diet. However, recently the role of non-essential amino acids is becoming more realized as also significantly important for healthy lifespan. Here, we focus on the non-essential amino acid serine, which is one of the most abundant amino acids in the body and is involved in multiple metabolic pathways, some with health promoting and others with health reducing effects. For example, serine can be converted into glycine, and increases in glycine have been associated with increased lifespan. However, serine can also be broken down into ceramides and sphingolipids, which are both associated with negative health outcomes. Therefore, there is a large gap in our knowledge about how serine modulation directly affects health and longevity.

Here, we will use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to test the effects of serine modulation on health and lifespan using both supplementation and genetic manipulation experiments. We will supplement the fly diet with excess serine to see how increasing exogenous serine impacts late age health. We will also knockdown expression of genes in the serine metabolic pathway to understand their effects on organismal health and lifespan. These will include genes in both the serine to glycine biosynthesis pathway, as well as the conversion of serine to ceramides. Students will complete both longevity and health assays (physical function and stress) in the flies, as well as molecular biology (qPCR) to confirm our gene knockdowns. We hypothesize that increased serine in the diet will extend lifespan and improve health at all ages.

Project 2: Interleukin-6 trans-signaling, inflammation, and aging

Inflammation is a vital physiological response in our bodies. Inflammatory signals are activated when the body is exposed to pathogens and when the body is injured and needs repair. However, if inflammatory molecules are released at times when they are not needed, they can have negative effects on the body. As individuals age, their bodies produce inflammatory signals, even in the absence of obvious activators. This chronic increase in inflammation is often referred to as “inflammaging”, and the most commonly studied marker of inflammaging is interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 has been shown to increase with age, and frail individuals have higher circulating levels in the blood than healthy older adults. Complete removal of IL-6 leads to negative health outcomes in mice as they cannot mount a response to an infection nor complete wound healing properly, so there is interest in ways to reduce IL-6 signaling without complete removal. Interestingly, IL-6 signals through two pathways: cis and trans, and trans-signaling specifically has been implicated in the negative effects of IL-6 stimulation, though it has never been tested for its specific effects with age.

Here, we use a novel mouse model that has genetic reduction of IL-6 trans-signaling only. We are interested in understanding if reduction in IL-6 trans-signaling can cause improvements in late life health. During this summer project, students will have the opportunity to measure health in mice as well as develop molecular biology skills. We will be measuring health of the animals using body weight and grip strength measurements that will be taken weekly in old and young mice. We will collect blood from these animals to look at how reduction in IL-6 trans-signaling affects mitochondrial function. Lastly, we will use already collected tissues (adipose and liver) to look at markers of cellular senescence. Mitochondrial function and senescence markers will be measured with qPCR and Western blots.

Effects of Acute Exercise on Dual-task Cognition, Posture, and Gait

(9 week Session)

Background: It is well-established that chronic exercise leads to functional and structural changes in the brain. Interestingly, an acute bout of aerobic exercise provokes improvements in memory for up to 20 minutes after exercise, likely due to contributing factors such as increased blood flow, neurotrophins, and catecholamines. However, the unique contribution of an individual exercise session on other domains of cognition, or dual-task (i.e., cognitive+motor task) posture and walking are unknown. A better understanding of the influence of an acute bout of exercise on cognition and dual-tasking may provide insight into underlying mechanisms and offer insight into therapeutic interventions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine 1) the influence of an acute bout of exercise on cognition, dual-task posture, and dual-task walking, and 2) whether possible changes in outcomes return to pre-exercise levels 24 hours later in healthy young adults.

Methods: We will recruit 22 healthy young adults to complete a battery of standard neuropsychological tests across cognitive domains: set-shifting (Trail-Making Test), inhibition (Color Word Stroop Test), processing speed (Digit Symbol Substitution Test), spatial orientation (Benton Judgement of Line Orientation Test), working memory (Forward/Backward Digit Span Test), and auditory verbal memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test). Participants will then perform a series of 60-second standing tasks on a force platform with their feet together with and without simultaneously performing cognitive tasks. Participants will then perform a series of single- and dual-task 4-meter walking conditions while wearing APDM inertial sensors with and without concurrently performing cognitive tasks.  Next, participants will perform an acute bout of exercise by walking/jogging on a treadmill for 20 minutes at 55-65% of heart rate maximum, monitored by a Polar Beat chest strap heart rate monitor. Participants will rate their perceived exertion using the Borg scale every 2 minutes. Immediately after the 20-minute aerobic exercise, as well as 24 hours later, participants will complete the same cognitive, postural, and walking tests.

Implications: This study may provide insight into the unique contributions of a single exercise bout on cognitive and motor domains, and offer insight into therapeutic intervention design.

Examining effect of athlete-fan identity congruence in signature brand expansion

(9 week Session)

Under Armour’s Curry Brand exemplifies a growing trend: expanding an athlete’s signature brand into a secondary sport. While innovative, such moves can be risky if consumers do not perceive an authentic connection between the athlete and the new sport. To explain why some expansions, succeed while others fail, this study applies identity theory to the athlete-fan relationship. Identity congruence occurs when fans’ expectations align with the athlete’s self-perception, promoting favorable consumer responses. Conversely, when fans sense incongruence, they may doubt the authenticity of the brand extension and resist acceptance.

This research focuses on how situational factors—particularly the athlete’s career stage—influence athlete-fan identity congruence. It posits that congruence, and thus successful brand expansion, is not static; it varies depending on whether an athlete is at an early, mid, or late career stage. Early-career athletes may struggle to gain acceptance in a secondary sport due to less established credibility and uncertain long-term significance. As athletes progress to mid and late stages, familiarity and trust with fans grow, potentially increasing the perceived legitimacy of a brand extension into a secondary sport.

Moreover, the study considers the moderating role of the athlete’s on-field performance in their primary sport. High performance may bolster fans’ confidence and willingness to accept new brand categories, while lower performance might hinder that acceptance. Increased athlete-fan identity congruence should, in turn, enhance fans’ perceptions of authenticity and justification, ultimately leading to stronger purchase intentions.

To test these hypotheses, Study 1 will recruit 150 participants and use hypothetical scenarios, manipulating career stage to measure effects. Study 2, with 300 participants, will replicate the design using both career stage and performance level, examining actual athletes and brands. Both studies’ samples will be collected from Mturk (approved platform of AU ClinCard) and ANCOVA will be utilized for data analysis using SPSS 29.

Small scale trial of a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) for students to build their own signaling pathways

(9 week Session)

Synthetic biology offers a new reductionist approach with which to dissect the principles of biological processes. Our overarching goal is to use the Drosophila wing as a synthetic biology platform upon which to develop the tools necessary to control multiple engineered cell-to-cell signaling pathways. I have designed a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) that will enhance my current teaching of Cell Biology (CB) and Advanced Cell Biology (ACB). CUREs integrate scientific practices, discovery, collaboration, and practical investigation of scientific questions and impact long-term student development by increasing the desire to pursue scientific careers, and the sense of agency in scientific inquiry. The course, "Build your own signaling pathways" (known by students as BYO) will complement my ACB course as a 2-credit optional lab component and involve ~15 students working in small groups to test their own hypotheses.

My lab has developed extensive synthetic contact-dependent signaling components with distinct properties and a mathematical model of how these work in the Drosophila wing, that together form the foundation for BYO. We have a library of synthetic components with different 'modules' that can be selected by students to produce distinct combinations that alter signal transduction characteristics, such as potency, signal-dependence, sensitivity to mechanical properties, and signal-to-noise ratio. The learning outcomes in the program are:

• Understanding and application of core concepts in cell communication.

• Hands on experience and appreciation of experimental benchwork and model organisms.

• Experience the workflow of a research project.

• The fun of collaboration, and its impact on research.

Lithium-Induced Disruption of Proton Transport in the Collecting Duct Intercalated Cells

(9 week Session)

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Lithium is an effective mood stabilizer that continues to be widely used in modern psychiatric practice. One of the most common adverse effects of lithium therapy is nephrogenic diabetes insipidus manifesting in reduced urinary concentrating ability due to impaired vasopressin (AVP) signaling in the collecting duct principal cells. While distal tubular acidosis has also been reported in patients receiving lithium, molecular determinants underlying the pathophysiological effects of lithium on the collecting duct intercalated cells and renal acid-base transport remain to be fully elucidated. Activation of Gq-coupled vasopressin 1a receptors (V1aR) in A-intercalated cells reportedly induces intracellular calcium mobilization and stimulates luminal proton secretion, resulting in urine acidification. Impaired AVP signaling causes urine alkalinization and can account for the development of metabolic acidosis.
OBJECTIVE AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective of this study is to test if lithium reduces a V1aR-induced intracellular calcium response and proton secretion in A-intercalated cells of murine collecting ducts. We hypothesize that lithium impairs V1aR-dependent intracellular calcium signaling in A-intercalated cells causing the reduction of luminal proton secretion in the collecting duct.
METHODS: We will use immunofluorescent imaging in collecting duct segments freshly isolated from C57BL/6NJ mice (Jackson Laboratory) receiving a regular Teklad 2918 chow (control) or a Teklad 2918-based diet containing 0.3% lithium carbonate (lithium-treated) to evaluate how lithium affects V1aR-mediated intracellular calcium signal, proton transport by intercalated cells.
SIGNIFICANCE: Intracellular calcium signaling in the intercalated cells is an essential determinant of acid-base handling in the collecting duct. Our findings will reveal how lithium affects AVP-dependent intracellular calcium response and proton transport in the collecting duct intercalated cells. The project will delineate the mechanisms responsible for the development of metabolic acidosis in lithium-treated animals and patients.

Exploration of natural products that are biosynthesized by novel enzymes

(9 week Session)

Natural products (NPs), chemical compounds produced by microorganisms and plants, are a significant source of drugs and drug leads. The clinical use of NPs gained momentum with the discovery and isolation of the first pure antibiotic, penicillin, in 1928. Since then, many NPs have been isolated and saved billions of people. Over the past 40 years, more than 60% of U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved small molecule drugs have been derived from NPs. However, infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens are increasing globally and are anticipated as one of the greatest threats to human health in the future. Therefore, new drug candidates for use in clinics are in high demand.

NPs are synthesized by orchestrated actions of various proteins that regulate complex chemical reactions. As a result, these molecules are structurally diverse and often challenging to reproduce or modify using conventional organic synthesis techniques. Investigating the biosynthetic routes of NP production and harnessing them for biosynthetic or semisynthetic approaches is an attractive avenue to diversify existing NPs or even develop novel “unnatural” NP-like molecules.

Recently, new proteins that catalyze a unique N-N bond formation during the biosynthesis of NPs have been characterized. This discovery has led to the identification of many new NPs and their biosynthetic pathways. A notable feature of these proteins is a specific catalytic region called “cupin.” Cupins are an extremely diverse class of proteins involved in both primary and secondary metabolisms, as well as having non-enzymatic (non-catalytic) roles. Due to their high diversity, we anticipated that many more unexplored NP biosynthetic proteins containing the “cupin” domain exist. Bioinformatic analyses confirmed this hypothesis, and we selected one cupin-containing protein for further study based on the availability of resources. In this project, we aim to discover a new NP whose biosynthesis involves a cupin-containing protein using biochemistry and analytical chemistry techniques.

Social Perceptions of Others

(5 week Session)

Despite societal advances, W.E.B. DuBois’s insight, that “the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color line,” remains as true today as it was over a century ago. Yet, research examining how race may impact the way people perceive each other remains limited to the White and Black dynamic (Burson & Godfrey, 2018; Craig & Richeson, 2012). In an increasingly diverse country (Krosch et al., 2022), it is important to examine race perception in other racial groups. The purpose of the current project is to examine and extend a previous finding on group perceptions based on zero-sum endorsement.

Zero-sum beliefs is the belief that gains for one group necessary comes at a loss of another group. Previous research have  found that White Americans endorse zero-sum perception about Black Americans, such that White Americans lose out when Black Americans make progress (Wilkins et al., 2015). However, Black Americans perceive that each group’s gains is unrelated to the other group (Wilkins et al., 2015). Importantly, endorsement of zero-sum belief is predictive of anti-immigrant sentiments (Esses et al., 2001) and oppositions to social change (Stefaniak et al., 2020) even among other dynamics (e.g., men versus women, etc).

Interesting, I have found that Asian and Black Americans endorse zero-sum perceptions about each other to the same extent (Nguyen et al., in prep). Yet, Asian Americans’ zero-sum perceptions toward Black Americans predicted less positive feelings towards Black Americans and the Black Lives Matter movement. This finding suggests that zero-sum beliefs may work differently among racial minorities. The current study will examine how zero-sum endorsement will predicts Black and Latino Americans’ feelings toward each other. The current project is important because it will increase our psychological understanding of racial minorities and their perceptions. Such understanding is practically important for policy makers and political leaders alike in an increasingly diverse country.

Modeling the Effects of Environmental Contamination on SARS-CoV-2 Transmission

(9 week Session)

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has profoundly impacted global health systems, economies, and societal structures. While significant progress has been made in understanding the transmission dynamics of the virus, the role of environmental contamination in facilitating its spread remains a critical area of investigation. This research project seeks to explore the interplay between environmental reservoirs and human infection dynamics to provide an understanding of the propagation mechanisms of the virus.

SARS-CoV-2 is primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and direct human contact. However, growing evidence highlights the potential role of environmental contamination in sustaining viral transmission. Surfaces (fomites), water systems, and air can act as reservoirs for the virus, with varying persistence times depending on environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and surface material. Despite these findings, the quantitative contribution of these environmental pathways to overall SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains poorly understood. This gap in knowledge hinders the development of effective mitigation strategies, particularly in densely populated or resource-limited settings.

Significance of the Study: Understanding the role of environmental contamination in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial in  informing public health interventions. By integrating environmental factors into epidemiological models, this study aims to: quantify the contribution of different environmental reservoirs to the transmission dynamics; evaluate the effectiveness of interventions such as enhanced cleaning protocols and improved ventilation; provide actionable insights for policymakers and public health officials to design control strategies that address both human-to-human and environment-to-human transmission pathways. The results of our proposed project: will enhance understanding of the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2; will be submitted to an undergraduate peer-reviewed journal for publication, and will be presented at the Annual Undergraduate Research and Fine Arts Conference, and at other conferences.

 Research Objectives: The objectives of this research project are to formulate and analyze a model of SARS-CoV-2 incorporating human-to-human and environment-to-human transmission pathways.  We will extend existing epidemiological frameworks, such as the Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered model, to include environmental compartments (e.g., surfaces, air, and water) that act as reservoirs for the virus. We will utilize data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to parameterize the model, including viral decay rates, contamination rates, and infection probabilities. Additionally, we will conduct simulations to explore the impact of environmental contamination under varying conditions, such as differing levels of human activity, cleaning frequencies, and environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Finally, we will analyze the potential impact of mitigation strategies, such as disinfection protocols and  ventilation improvements on reducing the overall transmission risk.

Stochastic Modeling and Distribution of the Age of Tumor and Remission Time

(9 week Session)

The first-passage-time (FPT) that a tumor size reaches a particular barrier is important in evaluating the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies and understanding certain rare spontaneous remission occurrences.

For certain verified stochastic models describing the volume of a tumor, a moving barrier for the tumor size in which an explicit solution of an FPT probability density function (PDF) exists for the first time the tumor size reaches the moving barrier is obtained in this work. The stochastic tumor dynamics incorporate anti-cancer therapies/treatments that are administered at varying rates. The first-passagetime distribution (FPTD) is obtained and used to calculate the age of the tumor and its doubling or remission time. The treatment effort needed to cause remission of the tumor is also calculated. This work is applied to experimental data including the Murine Lewis Lung Carcinoma cells originally derived from a spontaneous tumor in a C57BL/6 mouse.

Rational Design and Synthesis of Novel Therapeutics for Melanoma Cancer

(9 week Session)

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with melanoma being its most lethal form. Melanoma arises from pigment-producing cells in the skin and is the third most prevalent cancer among adolescents and young adults, with an annual increase of 1.4% to 1.6%. In 2015 alone, over 74,000 new cases were projected in the United States. Beyond its severe pathological effects, melanoma impacts patients' quality of life, long-term productivity, and imposes significant healthcare costs, particularly given its prevalence in younger populations.

Despite advancements in treatment, including immunotherapy and BRAF-targeted therapies, melanoma remains a challenging malignancy due to its aggressive nature and resistance mechanisms. Although combination therapies have shown promise in improving survival rates, they often come with significant side effects and interactions. These limitations highlight the critical need for innovative therapeutic strategies with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Our proposed research aims to address this challenge by utilizing molecular hybridization and rational drug design to create multiligand molecules. These molecules will integrate two medicinally significant scaffolds linked through a suitable connector, yielding drug-like compounds with selective anticancer properties and fewer adverse effects. The synthesized hybrid conjugates will undergo purification and characterization using advanced spectroscopic techniques.

To evaluate their therapeutic potential, these compounds will be tested in collaboration with Dr. Babak Baban’s research lab, including in vitro and animal studies. These findings will inform the development of a Department of Defense (DOD) proposal, focusing on designing novel therapeutic adjuncts for metastatic melanoma.

Given the aggressive and heterogeneous nature of melanoma, monotherapy alone is insufficient. This research seeks to provide a reliable alternative to existing treatments, addressing the urgent need for more effective, low-toxicity therapeutic options that can combat the growing prevalence of this devastating disease.

Self-Efficacy and Confidence in Multimodal Literacy and Physical Activity

(5 week Session)

The Role of ectonucleotidase CD73 on osteoblast metabolism

(5 week Session)

Introduction - CD73 is an enzyme found on the surface of cells and in the spaces outside of cells. It plays an important role in converting molecules called nucleotides, such as adenosine monophosphate (AMP), into adenosine, a signaling molecule involved in regulating inflammation and immune responses. This conversion process is part of a larger system that controls how cells respond to damage or stress. During injury or inflammation, CD73 helps regulate the balance of molecules like adenosine and ATP, which act as signals to help tissues heal or respond to injury.

While the role of ATP in the development of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts has been partly explored, how CD73 affects osteoblast metabolism—the processes that provide energy for these cells—remains unclear. Osteoblasts develop from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are specialized cells with the ability to form different types of tissues, including bone. The differentiation of MSCs into osteoblasts requires a shift in their metabolism, with both energy production from sugars (glycolysis) and the use of mitochondria—the "powerhouses" of cells—playing key roles in this process. Mitochondria regulate energy levels, handle oxidative stress, balance calcium, and control cell survival. This project aims to study the role of CD73 in how osteoblasts generate and use energy. To do this, we will compare two groups of mice: normal mice and mice that lack CD73. Bone marrow cells will be collected from both groups and stimulated in the lab to develop into osteoblasts. We will measure markers that indicate osteoblast formation and compare the results between the two groups. In addition, we will measure how much oxygen the cells consume and how much acid they produce—indicators of their metabolic activity—using specialized equipment (Seahorse analysis) that tracks energy use in real-time. This research will help us understand how osteoblasts use energy in both healthy and disease conditions, potentially contributing to new insights into bone-related diseases and their treatment.

Visualizing and controlling molecular events in live cells

(9 week Session)

Metastatic cancer is a highly lethal disease, with a median survival rate across all patients of approximately 10 months. In solid tumors, acquisition of invasive capability by cells within the primary tumor is an early and necessary step in metastatic progression, allowing tumor cells to escape the initial tumor site and gain access to blood and lymphatic vessels. Recently, our group revealed a fundamental connection between cancer cell invasion and production of GTP, a nucleotide which acts as a building block for nucleic acid synthesis. Suppressing production of GTP within metastatic cancer cells drastically reduces their capacity to invade, both in cell culture and in animal models. Subsequent studies revealed that cancer cell invasion is dependent specifically on local GTP production near the outer membrane of the cell. On this basis, we hypothesize that GTP fluctuations near the outer cell membrane influence membrane dynamics and cellular motility. However, no tools are currently available which can evaluate subcellular GTP pools with high resolution in space and time. Thus, a focus of the Wolff laboratory is to develop and utilize new technologies which enable both visualization and control of intracellular GTP dynamics. Utilizing invasive melanoma cells as a model system, this project will involve numerous common wet-lab molecular biology techniques, in addition to advanced live cell microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The primary objectives of the project are as follows: (1) to utilize a new intracellular GTP biosensor to confirm the existence of GTP fluctuations near the outer cell membrane in migrating melanoma cells; (2) to develop methods for controlling intracellular distribution of GTP production in real time; and (3) evaluate the effects of fluctuating GTP levels near the cell membrane.

Crime Hotspot Prediction in Major Cities Using Machine Learning Models

(9 week Session)

Crime significantly impacts various aspects of human life, affecting physical and mental well-being, disrupting daily routines, and influencing regional economic stability. In severe cases, prolonged exposure to high-crime environments can lead to permanent changes in individual and community behavior. Therefore, preventing crime whenever possible is of great importance. Fortunately, the occurrence of crimes is not entirely random. Instead, it tends to cluster in specific areas known as crime hotspots. By predicting the temporal evolution of these hotspots, law enforcement agencies can more effectively allocate resources to reduce the likelihood of criminal activities or mitigate their impact.

The project aims to compare the effectiveness of different machine learning algorithms in predicting crime hotspots across major US cities. We will evaluate a variety of widely used models to identify which algorithms perform best for real-world crime data. The primary objective is to provide insights into how these models can enhance the accuracy of crime prediction and inform data-driven strategies for law enforcement.

The significance of this project lies in its interdisciplinary contributions to both criminology and machine learning. First, it offers criminologists robust tools for studying crime patterns, enabling them to refine theories about the spatial and temporal distribution of crime hotspots. By publishing our findings, we aim to make these tools accessible to the broader research community for further analysis and development. Second, this project contributes to the machine learning field by evaluating algorithmic performance on criminology data. Since machine learning models often perform differently depending on the characteristics of the dataset, our results will highlight the strengths and limitations of various approaches. This can guide machine learning researchers in developing more efficient and specialized algorithms for crime related data.

Factors impacting succesful mentoring in undergraduate research

(9 week Session)

The project aims to study foctors in the mentoring process that support positive and effective mentoring of undergraduate students in the context of research collaboration. Undergraduate research (UR) is one of the oldest and most cited types of High Impact teaching Practices. For well over a decade studies have indicated that participating in UR provides students with highly valued skills such as good organization and time management (e.g., Kardash et al. 2008; Trosset et al. 2008; Wolf 2018), leadership qualities (Kardash 2000), problem solving and critical thinking abilities (Ishiyama 2002; Kistner et al. 2021; Lopatto 2007; 2010), knowledge regarding professional competence (Searight et al. 2010; Wolf 2018), and statistical skills (Starke 1985). The degree to which students gain skills due to research participation may differ according to several factors, with mentorship style being likley one of the most impactful factors. In this study we will assess traits such as teaching style, mentoring techniques, and personality as factors that influence the mentor relationship and benefits to students.

FACULTY

STUDENTS

Application period for SSP 2025:

November 1, 2024 - January 5, 2025

Read the Call for Proposals. We will be hosting two virtual interest meetings for faculty October 24-25. Please email curs@augusta.edu for more information.

Application period for SSP 2025:

February 1-15, 2025

Applications will ONLY be open for TWO weeks. Please plan accordingly.