Academic Creativity and Excellence Day
The semi-annual research colloquium at Bushnell founded by Dr. Tim Bergquist.
The Biological Effects and Medicinal Use of Psilocybin
In this presentation, I will be explaining what the chemical psilocybin is and does, and its recreational and medicinal use. My research is based on therapeutic uses of psilocybin and its potential to be used medicinally to help with common mental health disorders.
BIOL 499, Senior Capstone
Paul Allee
W100
2 – 2:30 PM
Dementia and its Impact of our World
In this presentation, I will be explaining what dementia is and the effects it has on older populations. I will dive into different types of dementia, the symptoms, and the different studies that are currently going on to find the best treatment. My research is focused on informing people of how prevalent dementia is, making people more aware of the effect it has on our older populations, and the different studies that have gone on to find a drug that will have a lasting impact on patients with dementia.
BIOL 499, Senior Capstone
Paul Allee
W100
2:30 – 3 PM
Cinnamaldehyde and functional isomers: structure-activity analysis and antibacterial properties mediated through dihydropteroate synthase in Gram +/- bacteria.
Cinnamon oil has been used for thousands of years for medicinal purposes. More recently, it has been shown to have antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. We have investigated the antibacterial properties of cinnamaldehyde, a component of cinnamon oil, against two gram-positive (Bacillus cereus and Bacillus megaterium) and two gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Serratia marcescens) which are facultative anaerobic. When compared to other functional isomers, the aldehyde group and length of the aryl chain are important factors in determining antibacterial activity. Further, additions to the aromatic ring show small differences while additions to the aryl chain significantly abolish the effects. Together, these results suggest a “lock and key”, leading us to hypothesize that the mechanism of action of cinnamaldehyde is an enzyme/receptor mediated event. To test this hypothesis, we established bacterial growth curves to show cinnamaldehyde is bacteriostatic rather than bactericidal. Additionally, in our pharmacological studies, we have shown for the first time that cinnamaldehyde acts as an inhibitor of dihydropteroate synthase, a key component of folate metabolism. Results show that cinnamaldehyde is in competition with known substrates. As dihydropteroate synthesis is only found in microorganisms, this enzyme represents an ideal target for the development of novel antibacterial/antimicrobial agents.
BIOL 496, Research
Colin Willis & Paul Allee
Bucher Room, 10 AM – Noon
W100, 1:30 – 2 PM
Biochemical Pregnancies
Biochemical pregnancies are an early-stage miscarriage and one of the most common types. Unfortunately, it can take an emotional toll on the parents who are trying to conceive a child. In this paper, I go through some of the reasons that this event may occur. It is first important to understand the process of fertilization, implantation, and development of the conceptus. With an understanding, it is easier to grasp the complexities of pregnancy and why mistakes may occur during development. Early miscarriage can occur for a few different reasons. Research has found that most occur from chromosomal abnormalities, specifically aneuploidy and sperm DNA fragmentation. There is also evidence that there can be endometrial complications. The thickness of the endometrium plays a role in keeping the fertilized egg alive. Findings also suggest that implantation can determine if a biochemical pregnancy happens. The mother’s uterus can reject the implanting embryo, and there seems to be a preferred window of implantation that allows the conceptus to survive. Most interestingly, it has been found that women who undergo in-vitro fertilization are less likely to have an early miscarriage when compared to those who have a sporadic pregnancy. While there is some research dedicated to answering the question of why chemical pregnancies occur, there is not much dedicated to preventative measures. Evidence does suggest that there are a few, specifically preventing aneuploidy, but there are minimal resources dedicated to this research. Overall, biochemical pregnancies are an unfortunate occurrence that plagues many women, and because of this, more time and resources need to be dedicated to research on early pregnancy loss.
BIOL 499, Senior Capstone
Paul Allee
Womack 100
1:30 – 2 PM
Dogs: A Species Unlike Any Other
This presentation will cover the uniqueness of domesticated dogs. I will cover artificial selection and a small history of the domestication of wolves into dogs. I will explain the American Kennel Club and the multitude of breeds of dogs with their purposes. Lastly, I will examine the differences in the different breeds throughout the years.
BIOL205- General Biology
Dr. Paul Allee
10am – L204
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
In this presentation, I will define FASD, including its relevance to worldwide populations, describe practices for FASD diagnosis, describe practices for therapeutic interventions over the lifespan of the individual, and describe the impacts/challenges of FASD. My youngest brother was adopted and was born with FASD, specifically FAS. Therefore, diving deep into this disorder helps me better understand the abnormalities going on with my brother, and how I can better interact with him. Because this condition is also severely underdiagnosed, it will be beneficial for the audience to understand the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy and the proper steps to raise and treat a child with FASD.
BIOL 499 – Senior Capstone
Dr. Paul Allee
11am – L204
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
In my presentation, I will give an overview of the kidneys and their function followed by a description of chronic kidney disease (CKD), its relevance to populations, ongoing treatment options, and a more detailed explanation of treatment through dialysis. Kidney disease has been on the rise in America, making it one of the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. It is important to know how to discern the functionality of your kidneys, acknowledge signs or symptoms, and be aware of different risk factors that can increase the chances of being diagnosed with CKD and needing treatment.
BIOL 499 – Senior Capstone
Dr. Paul Allee
11:30am – L204
Tree Death From America to Oregon
Throughout our nation, there are many different reasons behind why our forests and orchards are dying. In the United States, our trees are dying because of drought, various diseases, pests, and invasive species and plants. With the loss of large amounts of trees due to these variables, this has brought attention to the idea of losing valuable carbon sinks. Within the state of Oregon, forests are dying due to drought, but also bark beetles and various root diseases like laminated root rot and black stain root rot. Locally here at Dorris Ranch in Springfield, Oregon, was an outbreak of the fungus Eastern Filbert Blight in 2016. This has had a huge impact on the hazelnut industry due to the fact that our nations’ supply comes from the Willamette Valley here in Oregon.
BIOL499- Senior Capstone
Dr. Paul Allee
10:30am – L204
Periodontal Disease and Periodontistry
The primary cause of tooth loss is periodontitis. Close to 50% of the adult population has a form of periodontitis or swelling of the gums due to bacteria lying just beneath the surface of the gums. Oral health is important to the general health of a person and it is the first line of defense against diseases and other bacteria entering the body. Dental caries can lead to adverse health effects and can even be the cause of death. Dental disease can also cause and be caused by stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. Periodontistry is a field that has been around for a long time to help combat this. Periodontists can do a myriad of procedures in order to help prevent gum recession and bone loss as well as other signs of periodontistry. Hygienists can also help prevent periodontitis by performing procedures such as scaling and root planing. Periodontistry is a vital role in keeping the mouth healthy and also the body overall.
BIOL 499, Senior Capstone
Paul Allee
L203
2:30 – 3 PM
Relationship between Genetics and Personalities
Genetics and personalities, two very interesting topics that could very possibly have correlations and a relationship with each other. Understanding how genetics plays into personality disorders is another aspect that does not go deep into detail mainly because there is not enough research around the subject. The biggest aspect of genetics that plays into one’s personalities is the nature versus nurture aspect. The environment that someone is surrounded by during the developmental stages of their lives play the biggest role in the idea of genetics and personality disorders. There are ten different personality disorders that are typically related to the environmental aspects of genetics. However, not enough information has been discovered to determine if there is actually a correlation between genetics and personalities, but it is currently being looked into and further studied and maybe in future years the idea of genes correlating with personality and personality disorders will probably be deeper in understanding and further the knowledge of the possibilities.
BIOL 499, Senior Capstone
Paul Allee
L203
2:30 – 3 PM
Can the Promotion of HSPs Enhance Performance and Recovery/Therapy in and of Exercise?
This presentation covers the role of heat shock proteins in the cytoprotection of the cell and discusses their ability to enhance efficiency in cellular processes when considering exercise specifically. It includes an analysis of the cellular stressors that are biproducts of exercise and how the heat shock response contributes to cellular survival and recovery from said insults. Research has shown that induction of the heat shock proteins has protected and prevented cell death or other damage from a lethal exposure to a stress. My research scope queries if we can induce the heat shock protein response in order to enhance the efficiency and extend the duration of exercise and if this family of proteins can have a role in exercise recovery and adaptation.
BIOL 499, Senior Capstone
Paul Allee
L203
11 – 11:30 AM
Free radicals, oxidative stress and antioxidants
For many years, there have been two main theories proposed for the process of aging: (1) The rate of living theory, which states that the lifespan of an individual is dependent on its rate of energy utilization and on a genetically determined amount of energy consumed during adult life, and (2) The oxidative stress theory of aging, based on the hypothesis that age-associated functional losses are due to the accumulation of free radical damages. The following research explores what causes humans to experience oxidative stress leading to aging, how antioxidants help to defend the body and prevent degenerative diseases, and the damages that may be caused by extensive free radical damage.
BIOL 499, Senior Capstone
Paul Allee
L203
11:30 AM – Noon
The Science of Cancer and the Preventable Mechanisms Behind It
Cancer is one of the most morbid killers across the globe, and its obliteration has been the focus of thousands of studies over the past 250 years. And while the vast majority of cancers are caused by a myriad of ineluctable factors, such as growth and inheritance, over a third of cancer deaths are attributable to multitudinous preventable causes, such as poor lifestyle choices, contraction of certain viruses, usage of tobacco and alcohol, among other factors. As such, this presentation seeks to explain the underlying mechanisms of cancer, along with the precise means by which these preventable carcinogenic factors promote its emergence.
BIOL 200, General Biology
Paul Allee
10 – 10:30 AM
Join the Zoom discussion afterward. The presenter and faculty advisor both have the password.
Multiple Sclerosis, and the role of T cells
This presentation reviews the autoimmune disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and its’ association with the role of T cells along with causes and possible treatments. Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system which includes the brain and also spinal cord. Myelin specific T cells play a major role in this disease and there are other factors which can play a role in the risk of getting multiple sclerosis, such as vitamin D deficiency, gut bacteria dysbiosis and certain gene alterations. T cells are seen working throughout these causes and in the disease itself. Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis, there are medications which can help those affected and are used to prevent frequent attacks. Further research is being done for treatment and cure of MS.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
10:30 – 11 AM
Join the Zoom discussion afterward. The presenter and faculty advisor both have the password.
In September of 1990 Gene therapy was delivered to its first patient, a four-year old girl suffering from adenosine deaminase deficiency. Research on Gene therapy had begun in 1985 when trying to discover a new way to deliver a human gene via a retrovirus. Since its creation, Gene therapy has been met with major push back based on its ethical concerns. However, it has also been proven through clinical trials to be an effective way of treating diseases we have not had the methods to be able to treat. This presentation reviews the techniques associated with Gene therapy as well as a review of a few of the clinical trials. It also addresses some of the ethical concerns and the regulations in the United States. The further development of Gene therapy could change the course of people’s lives who currently live with untreatable diseases.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
11 – 11:30 AM
Join the Zoom discussion afterward. The presenter and faculty advisor both have the password.
Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:
L203
Noon – 1 PM
The Importance and Potential Benefits of Nanotechnology: Nanomedicine
This presentation is about the importance and potential benefits of nanotechnology used in medicine: Nanomedicine. Technology has been a vast growing field. But we always think of the technology that is in our hands or sitting in front of our face. Nanotechnology is a technology that we can put to the use of medicine. It can be used to prevent disease, new drug delivery, and may even extend our life span. It can also be used to treat cancer tumors by having Nanoparticles injected into our body, destroying only the tumor. Knowing about the benefits of Nanomedicine can open your mind about new ideas of medicine.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
2:30 – 3 PM
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and human biological effects
Pollution has created significant impacts in human life in the past. It has devastated life greatly in all aspects. Pollutant materials are found across the globe in the water we drink, the air we breath, and land we walk on. One of the biggest concerns within the topic of pollution discusses the harmful particles we are constantly exposed to through the air we breath and the everyday products we use. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are derivatives of partial combustion of fossil fuels, biomass and overheating of organic material.[8] Exposure to this particulate matter has been researched and linked to the synthesis of DNA adducts and tumorigenesis. There are a number of pathways that operate the metabolic activation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
1 – 1:30 PM
Crohn’s Disease Presentation
An overview and analysis of Crohn’s disease, its epidemiology, genetic and epigentic factors, and overview of treatments to combat the disease.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
1:30 – 2 PM
Biodiversity Decline in the Great Barrier Reef
This presentation reviews the biodiversity of organisms that dwell within the Great Barrier Reef, and analyzes how various human activities have been ushering a destructive wave against this complex ecosystem. As a result of the augmenting carbon levels in our atmosphere, overfishing procedures, and the addition of numerous toxic chemical substances and other pollutants, many species are being affected. As coral growth and development are inhibited, the natural homes, food sources, and breeding grounds of many aquatic creatures are being uprooted. In addition, many larger species, such as sea cucumbers, fish, and turtles, are facing draconian challenges due to overharvesting and pollution. Fortunately however, these conditions are not irremediable. By establishing a clean energy economy and imposing regulations regarding mismanaged fishing and toxic waste, the potential for the revival of this biome will again be attainable, eventually restoring the vibrancy of the Great Barrier Reef.
Paul Allee
P114
10 – 10:30 AM
Genetic Effect on Common Diseases
The management and treatment of different diseases can be directly related to the origin of the disease. Diseases that have strong genetic ties can be treated in different ways than disease that have no correlation to the genetics of a person. In this review we discuss the different variations of effects of genetics on phenotypic diseases in an organism as well as discuss possible ways for treatment of these diseases. We discuss how we can prevent the spread of diseases that are not genetically tied as well as upcoming technology that allows us to correct any genetic abnormalities that can cause diseases.
BIOL 310, Genetics
Paul Allee
P114
10:30 – 11 AM
Treatment of Spinal Cord Injuries
The presentation will provide the basic anatomy of the human nervous system and explore the unfavorable events of spinal cord injury. Followed by the triggered cascades that lead to the lack of normal restorative and regenerative function of the spinal cord. Then the presentation will conclude with an explanation of the top strategies to promote neuroprotection, regeneration, and cell replacement for the spinal cord.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
2 – 2:30 PM
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears in Female Athletes
The knee is the largest and the most complex joint within the body, because of this, injury within this joint is a common occurrence. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a tough band of connective tissue that connects one bone to another. The ACL originates from the anterior intercondylar area of the tibia and extends to the lateral condyle of the femur. The ACL’s purpose is to keep the femur and the tibia from extending beyond their normal range. The ACL prevents anterior movement of the tibia as well as hyperextension from the knee. When injured, the ACL does not offer the stability that the knee joint needs for performance among athletes. When an athlete tears their ACL, the person may report hearing, as well as feeling a pop within their knee. Soon after an ACL is ruptured the knee swells. After some of the swelling goes down, individuals can usually walk on their knee but the joint feels unstable and may give out. Because of this, an ACL reconstruction surgery is needed in order to restore full stability to the knee joint and allow athletes to resume normal activities within their sport. The purpose of this review is to systematically look at some of the major risk factors associated with tearing the ACL in order to come to a conclusion on certain preventative measures that need to be taken by athletes in order to successfully lower the risk of an ACL tear.
BIOL 311, Anatomy and Physiology
Tammy Bovee
P114
11 – 11:30 AM
Enhancing Computing with Biologically Inspired Design
Computers as an integral part of the modern world are continuously being improved upon, and yet there is still a lot of space for advancement. With the impending end of Moore’s Law and the limits to how small components can be made, new computer designs and engineering models are needed to make further progress.
One area of inspiration that researchers and engineers have been turning to is that of the biological world. Computer architecture and design that takes a page from the structure of neurons and how they work in the brain promises great improvements in areas such as efficiency and parallel computation.
This process however of creating a biologically inspired computer is one that has required large amounts of research and study, as the vast differences between binary-based computers and biological neurons makes a fusion of the two paradigms very difficult.
This presentation will explore these topics and examine how these problems are being solved with the use of clever engineering and novel technologies.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P003
1:00 – 1:30 PM
CRISPR
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, Crispr for short is a dna sequence that can be used by the cas9 system of rna guided nucleases that effectively cleaves the section of dna containing a specific genome to repair or alter that specified genome. The crispr system is an adaptive immune system that is used and regulated by microbes and cells to defend against foreign substances and viruses by recognizing and eliminating the specific dna sequence associated with that virus. Most crispr systems contain 20-24 regularly spaced palindromic bases separated by spacers. The crispr cassettes are found in almost every archeon and almost half of bacteria studied. This provides a wide range of uses for the cas9 system and adds to the versatility of the system. We can use this system to replicate and code for specific genomes in animals and further understand how their traits are coded and replicated, we can create complex models for human inherited diseases or cancers, it can also be used to pinpoint the cause for underlying genetic processes by genome wide screening of the dna in any human cell. The origin of crispr however is the most intriguing aspect of the system. Being a biological system that was discovered and not a human engineered system, the origin is not entirely clear.
BIOL 200, General Biology
Paul Allee
P003
1:30 – 2:00 PM
Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:
L203
Noon – 1 PM
Ebola, A Threat Assessment
Hemorrhagic fevers like Ebola have been in the news over the last several years as severe outbreaks have sprung up in West Africa. It has captured our imagination due to its extremely virulent nature and by the spectacularly gruesome way in which kills those it infects. In addition its origin is relatively unknown which furthers the myth of this virus. Understandably the American public became incredibly worried, with large portions of the population concerned that the pandemic would spread to our shores. But was all this hype really worth it? Sure, Ebola is very deadly. In fact in some cases it kills up to 90% of those infected. What’s even more incredible is that it is not the virus that ultimately kills you, but rather your own immune system. Through viral trickery, the Ebola virus silences and short circuits your immune cells causing massive internal bleeding and organ failure. Also it can last relatively long periods on common hospital surfaces and still remain viable. However while it is quite destructive on the individual level it seems to be relatively impotent on a global level. Outbreaks have been severe but still remain locked to a relatively small area. This becomes very evident if we look at the R0 number and other infection factors of the virus and we can see that it has less teeth than originally thought. Therefore, I believe Ebola is not the harbinger of some future apocalypse, but it is an incredibly complex and fascinating virus that deserves future study.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P114
11 – 11:30 AM
Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:
L203
Noon – 1 PM
Dental Caries: A review of pathogenesis and genetically linked predispositions
Bacteria are small unicellular organisms that can cause an array of human diseases. They can take on a variety of shapes and sizes and can infect through many different modes of transfer. Streptococcus mutans is a spherical, Gram-positive bacterium that is responsible for causing dental caries. This disease is characterized by the breakdown of calcified tooth tissue, and is known more commonly as “cavities”. Studying and understanding the pathogenesis of a disease such as dental caries is helpful for medical professionals to recognize and treat the disease.
Besides understanding the exact mechanisms through which S. mutans invades and infects, it is also worth exploring any genetic predispositions for dental caries. The completion of the Human Genome Project has allowed researchers to sequence complete human gene extracts. With this information, researchers have been able to determine which genes and proteins are responsible for resistance or susceptibility to caries. Alterations to protein expression can lead to modifications in enamel structure, immune response, and sugar metabolism. Any of these modifications make one increasingly susceptible to disease.
Understanding pathogenesis and knowing genetic risk factors for diseases are two powerful weapons in combatting against them. Preventative measures should be taken when fighting against dental caries. Vaccines have been developed with some success, but perhaps the greatest method of prevention rests in low sugar diets and the daily practice of brushing.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P103
10 – 10:30 AM
Engaging Students at the Junior High Level: How to Overcome Biological Hindrances to Learning and Foster a Prosperous Classroom Environment for a Student’s Ultimate Success
In the teenage years, as one undergoes puberty, many biological changes are occurring. In order, to understand how to teach students at this level, teachers should be aware of how their brain works and the ways in which they learn. Taking a look at the process of myelination and examining different hormones, grasping the effects of poverty on the brain, and seeing how those with disabilities differ in the learning process provides insight into the effects on learning. In schools today there are various types of learners. Some learn through visual means, some auditory, and some kinesthetic. Through understanding these types of learners, a teacher can construct a classroom that accommodates students and pushes them to their highest potential. With the background knowledge of brain structures and functions, it becomes easier to limit distractions in the classroom, build lesson plans which collaborate and invent, and enforce classroom structure and discipline. This also informs how technology is used in the classroom and what type of relationship a teacher should have with students. All of these components construct a complete view of how a classroom can cater towards students and assist them to reach success, no matter the biological hindrances.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P103
10:30 – 11 AM
Food and People: a Review of the Western Diet and Implications for Human Health
The need for food is something that all humans have in common and is something that has not changed since we have started walking the Earth. What has shifted, however, is the way that we obtain food. Immense change has occurred at various levels of the food chain, from the crops grown, to raising meat, all the way to how we eat. Known as the “western diet” our way of eating today looks far different from our hunter-gatherer days, with highly processed foods full of refined sugar, fat, and grains comprising over half of our energy intake. With the emergence of the western diet phenomenon, so have “western diseases”, which are understood to be noninfectious chronic diseases common to developed societies, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and various types of cancer, not to mention obesity. Wherever people have shifted towards a westernized way of eating, western diseases have seemed to follow. As eating and food becomes more simplified, it seems that our health continues to get more complicated.
BIOL 499, Capstone
Paul Allee
P103
11 – 11:30 AM
Come to L203 at noon. If you’re one of the first to arrive, you can have free pizza. The meal’s entertainment consists of five minute talks by representatives from majors and minors across campus. Speakers will take a single idea they learned from their major or minor coursework, explain it, explain why it’s useful or beautiful, and explain why they personally love it. Scheduled speakers:
L203
Noon – 1 PM.