Poster Abstracts 2026
Mount David Summit 2026 Schedule
| Name | Title | Abstract |
|---|---|---|
| Zain Ali | tbx20 is Required for Atrial Development | Congenital heart disease affects up to 1% of births in the U.S. per year. Tbx20 is a transcription factor that is essential for heart development, and its loss-of-function has been linked to several congenital heart diseases such as atrioventricular septal defects. However, the mechanisms by which tbx20 regulates early heart development remain unclear. Previous studies have demonstrated that in mice, the left atrium of the heart underwent hypoplasia when tbx20 was conditionally knocked out in cardiomyocytes. However, studies using a zebrafish tbx20 mutant allele demonstrated ventricular hypoplasia. To further investigate the role of tbx20 in heart development, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9-based gene deletion and Cre-loxPmediated gene excision to generate a tbx20 loss-of-function zebrafish model. In our experiments, we observed a smaller atrium with a significant reduction in the number of atrial cardiomyocytes. Thus, our findings suggest tbx20 may have conserved requirements and future experiments can build on this work to understand the downstream mechanisms through which tbx20 influences atrial development. |
| Kate Ares | The Influence of Organic Matter on Chromium Mobility Using Simulated Rainfall Leaching: A Column Study of The Leeds Metal Site, Maine | The automobile shredding and scrap metal recovery work at Leeds Metal Site, located in Leeds, Maine, may have posed a very large threat of chromium contamination to surrounding soil, groundwater, and residential drinking wells. This study examines whether differing levels of organic material present in soil affects the mobility of chromium. Chromium is leached through artificial soil with activated charcoal as a surrogate for varying organic matter. Sequential eluate fractions are examined by UV-Vis spectrophotometer to identify chromium contamination and correlated to a Cr(NO3)3 calibration curve. With higher amounts of organic material present, there is expected to be less chromium passed through the column of soil and into the fractions. This result would enable understanding of how to reduce chromium mobility and decrease negative population health effects. |
| Sivani Arvapalli | Development of a Dual-Camera Optical Imaging System for the Laser Speckle-based Analysis of Mechanical Vibration and Fluid Flow | This thesis investigates how coherent laser light can be used to detect small-scale motion and structural changes through analysis of speckle patterns. When laser light scatters from a rough or dynamic surface, it produces interference patterns that are highly sensitive to nanometer–micrometer displacements and flow. A compact, Raspberry Pi–based imaging system using rolling- and global-shutter cameras is developed to study how optical coherence, wavelength, and camera timing influence speckle behavior. By combining low-cost hardware with computational analysis, this work explores accessible methods for non-invasive vibration and flow sensing with potential applications in materials characterization and biomedical imaging, including monitoring surface motion and microvascular dynamics. |
| Elizabeth Asada | Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence: Case Studies | Students in the Religious Studies course “Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence” will share public education projects based on studies of groups, movements, events, etc. that can help us better understand and address the complex interconnections among religion, violence, and nonviolence in our world today. |
| Zoe Ash | Exploring the Effects of Trawling Boats and Seasonality on the Social Dynamics of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Northeast Adriatic Sea | This presentation concerns a population of bottlenose dolphins near the Croatian islands of Cres-Losinj. The research examines dolphin social dynamics as influenced by three factors: temperature-defined seasons, tourism-defined seasons, and boat-following behavior. Results showed social groups were larger in summer, in tourist season, and when dolphins were following boats. Association strength was higher in tourist season than in off-season, as well as higher in summer and spring than winter and fall. Dolphins that infrequently followed boats had stronger associations than dolphins which frequently or never followed boats. This study augments research on the social dynamics of the Cres-Lošinj bottlenose population. |
| Riley Baker | Impacts of Agricultural Alterations in Sprague Marsh’s West Branch Through Carbon Isotope Signatures | This project uses analysis of stable carbon isotopes to determine the impacts of anthropogenic alterations in the West Branch of Sprague Marsh. Data was analyzed from sixteen 1 meter-long sediment cores collected between July 2023 and June 2024 at the Bates Morse Mountain Conservation Area under the research of Beverly Johnson. Using C/N ratios, d13C, percent loss on ignition (LOI), and past elevation and sedimentation data, this research attempts to reconstruct the historical geochemical processes of the marsh, the impact of agricultural alterations, and the future of marsh restoration in the West Branch. |
| Isabelle Baumann | Hormonal Acne Pathogenesis in Adolescent Females in Relation to Aerobic Exercise | Hormonal acne in adolescent females can be explained by endocrine, metabolic, and in- flammatory pathways that involve IGF-1/mTORC1 signaling, reduced FOXO1 activity, se- baceous lipogenesis, and TLR2-mediated cytokine release. Evidence from exercise physi- ology suggests that aerobic exercise can help with many of these molecular mechanisms; lowering inflammation, reducing CRP, IL-6, and TNF-— and helps insulin sensitivity and decreases circulating IGF-1 in young adolescent females that are prone to metabolic disor- ders. This shift in hormonal and inflammatory pathways in the opposite direction of what is shown in acne pathways, proposes aerobic exercise as a mechanistic tool to treat hor- monal acne. Epidemiologic findings are inclusive. Several cross-sectional and case-control studies do not show a strong association between aerobic exercise and acne. This can be explained by the confounding factors such as diet, BMI, stress, hygiene and self reporting of the activities. No randomized controlled trials have been experimented to see if aero- bic exercise would be a first line approach to acne intervention in adolescent females. In conclusion, the results show that aerobic exercise is not a first line treatment to acne that is hormonal. However, it can serve as a valid holistic approach to support the balancing of hormones, reducing inflammation. Thus, aerobic exercise can be a complementary therapy to adolescent females experiencing hormonal acne. |
| Kyle Beebe | Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt-Free Inorganic Blue Pigments | Today, cobalt (Co) is most widely associated with lithium-ion batteries, a discovery central to the global electronics industry. This very demand has employed environmentally destructive and exploitative mining practices, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Besides batteries, cobalt is also widely used as the primary blue pigment. Therefore, the various concerns surrounding cobalt call for alternative blue colorants. This work will investigate the synthesis, structural, and optical characterization of cobalt-free blue pigments with varying alkaline-metal, transition-metal, and silicate contents. This research seeks to offer artisans an accessible alternative to creating while becoming more environmentally and ethically sustainable. |
| Liza Bell | Community Gardening as an Instrument for Social Belonging: A Neuropsychosocial Framework for Enhancing Social Connectedness of Deaf Populations | The proposed study examines community gardening as an intervention to promote social connectedness for deaf populations. A randomized controlled trial will be conducted with deaf adults in Lewiston, Maine, comparing three conditions over six months. Outcomes include validated belongingness measures and hair cortisol concentration. We hypothesize collaborative gardening will demonstrate greatest improvements in measures of belongingness and greatest reductions in cortisol when compared with the other two conditions. This study provides evidence for community gardening as a scalable intervention for reducing social isolation and chronic stress in deaf populations, with potential implications in addressing health disparities through community-centered mechanisms. |
| Sergio Beltran | Can A Sniff Predict Your Brain’s Health? | Olfactory decline precedes cognitive symptoms in neurodegenerative disease by years, yet current smell tests lack diagnostic accuracy and predictive power. This thesis will develop a precision diagnostic tool by analyzing NHANES data (2013-2014) to identify which specific odor recognition deficits correlate most strongly with cognitive impairment. Machine learning classifiers will identify predictive patterns from the 8-odor test and cognitive assessments. These patterns will be mapped onto Keller et al.’s (2016) perceptual odor space of 5,000 molecules to design an optimized smell test that predicts cognitive decline and severity, enabling earlier, more effective intervention and treatment. |
| Catie Berg | Towards Diagnostic Anchoring: The Interpretive and Attributional Role of Diagnostic Labels | Diagnostic labels are central to conversations regarding mental health, yet their role in interpreting and attributing behavior is rarely examined. By drawing on cognitive, social, and attributional theories, this study introduces the concept of diagnostic anchoring – the degree to which a diagnostic label dominates attributions and explanations of experience and limits alternative explanations – across three domains: event-level attribution, person-level attribution, and counterfactual suppression. Participants will read an ambiguous vignette with or without a diagnostic label and complete the researcher-developed diagnostic anchoring scale (DAS), to assess the label’s impact on behavioral interpretation and attribution. |
| Luca Bernardin | Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence: Case Studies | Students in the Religious Studies course “Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence” will share public education projects based on studies of groups, movements, events, etc. that can help us better understand and address the complex interconnections among religion, violence, and nonviolence in our world today. |
| Sydney Bernstein | Social Distance of Ingroup Versus Outgroup and Consumer Behavior | This research examined how social distance affects consumer behavior in interactions with one’s political ingroup versus outgroup. Social distance was operationalized in two studies through partisan and ideological identity. Participants were presented with a partisan/ideological ingroup or outgroup target and assessed the relative weighting of feasibility or desirability in decision-making. Based on past work, I expected that desirability would be given greater weight for outgroup targets than ingroup targets, with the opposite happening for feasibility. |
| Hadley Blodgett | Holocene Reconstruction of a Greenland Ice Sheet Outlet Glacier in Inutoqqat Nunaat (Peary Land), Northern Greenland | Short-term climate observations are insufficient in assessing how high-latitude regions have responded to past natural climate variability. This study examines a proglacial lake sediment core in northern Greenland, providing a c. 7000-year high-resolution climate record for this region. We analyzed a 2.45 m sediment core using sedimentological and geochemical methods, including grain size, density, organic matter, and X-ray fluorescence. These sedimentological changes show variations in glacial meltwater and lake ice cover that reveal that recent ice retreat exceeds the range of variability observed through the record. |
| Eva Boucher | The Influence of Tobacco and Nicotine Use on Nutrition and Recovery | Tobacco and nicotine use are often studied for their long-term health risks, but less attention has been given to how they affect nutrition and recovery, especially in community settings. Nicotine can suppress appetite, change metabolism, and interfere with nutrient absorption, which may become important during periods of quitting. This study looks at how tobacco and nicotine use relate to eating patterns, appetite changes, and nutritional experiences, with a focus on recovery after quitting. Using survey data from community participants, this project explores patterns of nicotine use, self-reported eating habits, and experiences during quitting. Prior findings suggest that nicotine use is linked to reduced appetite and irregular eating routines, while quitting is often associated with noticeable increases in hunger and concerns about weight gain. Understanding how nicotine and nutrition interact may help improve the steps to quitting. These findings suggest that adding nutrition education and recovery-focused dietary support to tobacco prevention programs could better support individuals during the quitting process. |
| Graham Bracken | Development of a Synthetic Route to Luteoside B | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization for respiratory illness in infants. It is responsible for over 3.6 million hospitalizations each year, and almost everyone has had it by the age of two. Luteoside B, a compound isolated from a medicinal plant Markhamia lutea, has been shown to have antiviral effects that target RSV. This research aims to create a novel and reliable synthetic route towards Luteoside B. Developing an efficient synthetic route will allow for further investigation of its antiviral properties and support future therapeutic strategies for RSV. |
| Lucas Braun | Metal-Histidine Coacervates as Catalytic Microreactors | This project investigates how metal ions interact with histidine-rich polymers to form phase-separated droplets and how these droplets influence chemical catalysis. It will also study how Histidine binds metal ions and buffers pH, and how these interactions can generate enzyme-like microenvironments within coacervates. Throughout the project, experiments will be completed to prepare and characterize coacervate systems containing different metals, adjust solution conditions, and measure catalytic activity. This project will contribute to ongoing research on enzyme-like catalytic microenvironments and provide experience in data analysis and scientific communication. |
| Sam Bunar | Visualizing Chaos: 3D and 2D Modeling of the Geometries of Galactic Outflows with the MaNGA survey | How can analyzing an inefficient process such as star formation, which accounts for only 5% of baryonic matter, deepen human conception of evolving galaxies and the universe? We are using a subset of spatially resolved spectroscopic data from a Sloan Digital Sky Survey project: Mapping Nearby Galaxies at Apache Point Observatory (MaNGA). Studying galactic outflow’s kinematics through velocity asymmetries, extra-planar velocity distributions, and the relationship between outflow and rotational velocities. Consequently, observing correlations between the dynamical indicators and galaxy properties. Producing 2D asymmetry-map constructions of edge-on galaxies based on stellar velocities. Finding connections between galaxy structures, star formation, and feedback. |
| Kayla Burnham | Effects of Gap43 on Retinal Ganglion Cell Axon Pathfinding During Regeneration | Retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) connect the retina with the visual processing areas in the brain; loss of RGCs is irreversible and devastating. Previous work has established a set of developmentally expressed transcription factors sufficient to induce the generation of RGCs from late progenitors in the mouse retina. Gap43, a canonical growth cone marker, is expressed by induced RGCs but is not expressed by other retinal neurons born from the same progenitors. By investigating Gap43 in the context of RGC regeneration, we hope to understand how axon guidance molecules affect the generation and development of RGCs from progenitors. |
| Avery Cadorette | Implicit Motor Learning Across Computer-Based and Virtual Reality Tasks After Stroke | Arm and hand weakness affects the majority of stroke survivors, severely limiting their ability to perform activities of daily living and impacting their quality of life. Rehabilitation often focuses on practicing movements repeatedly, but recovery depends on how the brain relearns movement skills. Before stroke, some movement relearning occurs automatically, without conscious effort, and leveraging this kind of learning could make rehabilitation feel less burdensome. In this project, we use controlled movement tasks that subtly alter visual feedback to isolate automatic learning processes to evaluate whether people can access automatic learning after stroke. Some stroke survivors will complete this task on a computer screen, and their performance will be compared with that of healthy adults. A final experiment will utilize an immersive reality version of the task to determine whether a more engaging environment changes how unconscious learning occurs. I predict that stroke survivors will demonstrate some automatic movement adaptation, but less than healthy adults, and that the immersive task may improve learning by increasing engagement. Understanding how stroke survivors relearn movements could help design more effective and motivating rehabilitation strategies, particularly those using screen-based and immersive virtual reality technology. |
| Shay Campolongo | A Thousand Paper Cranes, A Thousand Stories: Meditation on and Memorialization of the Buddhist Experience in the American Internment Camps | Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, under Executive Order 9066, 120,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated in internment camps. Their stories are often excluded from the history of America. In this project, through the lens of religious studies I sought to amplify these stories by creating community engaged accessible educational resources. While at these events, I integrated the practice of folding origami paper cranes, as both a tool of memorialization, and a way to meditate on the experiences of Japanese-Americans connecting to our own. |
| Dalia Cape | Hemoglobin Dependent Control of Type IV Pili in Kingella kingae | Kingella kingae is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes joint infections in young children. An important factor for K. kingae is the presence of filamentous appendages called Type IV Pili (T4P). We found that K. kingae increases T4P density when exposed to hemoglobin. To ascertain how this response is orchestrated, we have created K. kingae mutants with putative hemoglobin receptors deleted, and are testing T4P function in these mutants via twitching motility and natural competence assays. We predict that these K. kingae mutants will be unable to sense hemoglobin and therefore unable to initiate an increase in T4P density and function. |
| Sam Caplan | A Mechanistic Overview of Cofactor Riboswitches | Cofactor riboswitches are regulatory RNA elements that control gene expression through direct binding of small metabolites. This work presents a mechanistic overview of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and tetrahydrofolate (THF) riboswitches, highlighting the structural and chemical principles underlying ligand recognition and regulatory function. We examine RNA folding, molecular interactions, and conformational changes that couple cofactor binding to transcriptional or translational control. Representative examples illustrate specific binding contacts and regulatory outcomes in model organisms. Comparative, environmental, and clinical perspectives demonstrate how FMN and THF riboswitches enable precise metabolic regulation. |
| Karen Chen | Assessing Host Neutral Lipid Alterations in HCoV-229E Infection Using Thin Layer Chromatography | SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins manipulate host cell lipid metabolism to support viral replication, causing accumulation of triacylglycerols and lipid droplets. While not as dangerous as SARS-Cov-2, the common cold virus HCoV-229E also belongs to the coronavirus family, and it contains similar proteins. By understanding how HCoV-229E impacts lipid landscapes, we can comprehend the same process in SARS-CoV-2 and other related viruses. My project focuses on the development of a thin layer chromatography assay, which will be used in the future in conjunction with HCoV-229E to measure changes in concentration of neutral lipid species in infected cells. |
| Dionne Chen | Culturally Adapting the DAHLIA into English: A Swedish Biopsychosocial Digital Intervention for Chronic Pain | Chronic pain affects 20–25% of adults in Sweden and globally, with significant personal and economic consequences. Although chronic pain is largely understood in the scientific community to be sustained by biopsychosocial and neuroplastic mechanisms, treatments have traditionally centred on a biomedical approach. The DAHLIA is a Swedish, digital, and biopsychosocial intervention but is currently offered only in Swedish. This thesis sought to create a culturally adapted English version. We conducted free-listing interviews with 20 native English-speaking adults to identify cultural beliefs about pain, coping, and help-seeking, and applied these insights to adapt the programme. Salience analysis showed strong endorsement of structural causes and a clear separation between physical pain and emotional distress, with little reference to psychosocial or neurobiological contributors. These findings informed iterative linguistic and cultural revisions to improve clarity, tone, and treatment credibility. |
| Kevin Chen | Observing Amount Effect in Maine | Studying the isotope composition in precipitation is crucial to understand the baseline isotope value for local hydrological cycle and track the trajectories of moisture. This project investigates the response of stable isotope (δ¹⁸O, δ²H) in rainwater to amount of precipitation over individual storm events and over season in Lewiston, ME. Timeseries constructed from storm events in September 2025 suggested a negative correlation between δ¹⁸O value in precipitation and amount of precipitation. The surface water samples collected from the Hart Brook watershed indicate that groundwater acts to buffer the variations in δ¹⁸O caused by storm events, resulting in a more stable isotope signal. |
| Darien Chiang | Developing a Simulation Education Package in Python | This project focuses on developing a Python-based package that complements the existing R simEd package for simulation education. Because R and Python are widely used and accessible programming languages, a Python implementation will broaden adoption and usability. The package will replicate core functionality while incorporating flexible queueing models, interactive visualizations, and analytical tools. It will also introduce new functions designed for later integration into both Python and R versions. The broader objective is to provide a modern, accessible simulation education resource for students and instructors. The package is intended for use across the simulation education community, including workshops at the Winter Simulation Conference. |
| Leith Chikh Rouhou | Optical Properties and Plasmonic Behavior of Gold Nanowires | Plasmonics investigates the collective oscillations of conduction electrons, known as surface plasmons, that are excited by electromagnetic radiation at metal–dielectric interfaces. These oscillations can couple strongly to incident light, resulting in localized and propagating surface plasmon resonances. The optical response of these modes is highly sensitive to the metal’s intrinsic dielectric function as well as extrinsic parameters such as thickness and overall geometry. Gold nanowires were synthesized under controlled laboratory conditions and subsequently irradiated with high-intensity laser pulses to probe their plasmonic response. This study aims to better understand how nanoscale morphology governs plasmon propagation and confinement in nanowire structures. |
| Edward Cho | Influence of Task Engagement on Cerebellar-Related Motor Learning | Motor learning is essential to the acquisition of skilled actions in everyday activities, yet laboratory tasks often overlook engagement and enjoyment despite their importance in real-world learning contexts. Prior studies suggest that motivational and reward-based features can alter motor behavior, but their influence on cerebellar-dependent motor learning is unclear. In this study, 35 undergraduate participants completed a computer-based aim training task in which they repeatedly moved their mouse cursor to click targets. Participants were randomly assigned to either the fun version of the task, which included visual and auditory feedback, rewards, and goal-based sequencing, or the boring version, which contained minimal reward feedback. Cursor trajectories were recorded throughout the task, allowing analysis of movement duration, path length, maximum excursion, reaction time, and accuracy across trials. Participants then completed a questionnaire evaluating subjective appraisals of how fun the task was. Interestingly, participants assigned to the fun version of the task learned to move more rapidly and efficiently than those assigned to the boring version, although subjective fun ratings did not significantly differ by task version. Together, these findings suggest that engagement-related task features can shape behavioral expressions of motor learning, with implications for the design of training and rehabilitation tasks. |
| Sophia Cocchiarella | The Power of Education: Practical Implications for Initiating Partnerships Between Reentry Programs and Colleges | Education is a powerful protective factor against criminal behavior and recidivism, yet vulnerable populations, including those who have been incarcerated, face countless obstacles when finding opportunities to earn a college degree. The Reentry Sisters is a Maine-based initiative that provides educational opportunities, resources, and support to formerly incarcerated women. Building off their current partnership with Colby College, the present research investigates the practical and logistical implications of initiating a partnership between the Reentry Sisters and Bates College. With input from current students, faculty, and administrators, suggestions are made on best practices for implementing the program at Bates. |
| Lauren Cockrill | Blood, Sweat, and Tears: A Comprehensive Review on the Menstrual Cycle and its Biochemical Relation to Exercise, Diet, and Recovery | I have conducted a meta-study on the literature of the on the biochemical relation between the menstrual cycle exercise, recovery, and injury prevention. As the menstrual cycle is one that is controlled by hormones, much like every cycle and process within the human body, my interest lies in how these hormones (at varying peaks and lows throughout the cycle) are related to, affected by, or directly affect other bodily processes such as metabolism, sleep, and mental wellbeing. Because women’s health and particularly exercise performance are severely under researched, I hope that my research and compilation of current findings can aid those with menstrual cycles in how to best take care of their bodies, as well as highlight shortcomings in women’s health research and what should be focused on. |
| Natalia Correa | Analysis of IRBIT’s Role in Regulating Intracellular Calcium Signaling and Phosphoinositide Metabolism by RT-qPCR and Western Blot | Intracellular calcium signaling and phosphoinositide metabolism are essential processes in nervous system cells. IRBIT (IP3R binding protein released with inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate) is involved in this regulation, influencing IP3-mediated Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. We hypothesize that IRBIT plays a role in regulating calcium release, and that it regulates calcium-dependent gene expression. To test these hypotheses, we generated an IRBIT-knockout cell line using wild-type HEK293 cells, later performing an RNA-Seq screen. We used RT-qPCR experiments on cDNA from each cell line to validate results, and tested protein levels of differentially expressed genes through Western blot experiments. |
| Maximillian Cory | Investigating the Redox-Driven Mobility of Iron in Natural and Acid Mine Drainage Impacted Systems | Iron mobility strongly influences water quality in acid mine drainage (AMD) environments. This study examined the effects of pH and soil composition on Fe(III) transport using controlled column chromatography with artificial soil matrices. Fe(III) nitrate solutions were introduced under varying pH conditions, and iron elution was quantified by UV–Vis spectrophotometry. Lower pH conditions produced earlier and higher Fe elution, indicating enhanced mobility due to weakened surface interactions. Variations in soil composition produced no consistent differences in Fe retention. These results highlight pH as a primary control on iron mobility in soil–water systems relevant to AMD-impacted environments. |
| Nicholas Dalessio | Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence: Case Studies | Students in the Religious Studies course “Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence” will share public education projects based on studies of groups, movements, events, etc. that can help us better understand and address the complex interconnections among religion, violence, and nonviolence in our world today. |
| Soren Davidson | Distinguishing Between Large Injections of CO2 and CH4 in the Atmospheres of Earth-Like Exoplanets | This thesis employs simulations of spectroscopic data to assess the viability transmission spectroscopy for distinguishing between substantial atmospheric injections of CO2 and CH4 on Earth-like exoplanets. The quantities of atmospheric CO2 and CH4 will be adjusted to reflect some of the more extreme concentrations of these gases observed throughout Earth’s geological history. |
| Abigail Davis | Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence: Case Studies | Students in the Religious Studies course “Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence” will share public education projects based on studies of groups, movements, events, etc. that can help us better understand and address the complex interconnections among religion, violence, and nonviolence in our world today. |
| Hannah de Fontaine | Functionalization of Polyethylene Glycol Through Acetalization | This presentation aims to convey how polyethylene glycol (PEG), a polymer commonly found in pharmaceuticals, can be functionalized to be degradable. Currently, PEG is not biodegradable and as a result, accumulates in the liver and kidney which causes immunogenic responses. The reaction we studied involves adding a carboxylic acid to the polymer backbone. My specific goal is to test a large scope of acids and see which ones are compatible with the reaction. |
| Yuleibi De Los Santos | Which Molecular Features are Represented in Olfactory Maps? | This project explored whether low-dimensional natural maps of smell accurately reflect the chemical structure of odor molecules. Using data from the Pyrfume project and neural activity maps from olfactory bulbs, I compared distances between high-dimensional chemical feature spaces and 2D neural map spaces. A histogram of pairwise distances between monomolecular chemical compounds showed moderate molecular diversity, while a hexbin plot revealed a weak but positive correlation between chemical and neural similarity. Multi-regression analysis identified branching, molecular weight, and electron-related features as key predictors of neural response differences. These results suggest that while olfactory maps capture some real chemical relationships, the weak correlation and selective emphasis on a few features also distort the original structure, limiting their interpretability. Overall, neural representations of odor preserve certain molecular features, but not reliably enough to assume that visual proximity always reflects true similarity. |
| Mary DeWitt | Mourning as Civic Practice: Material Culture, Memory, and Responsibility after Mass Shootings | This project examines how mourning takes material form after mass shootings and how memorial objects and spaces shape grief, collective memory, and public responsibility. Focusing on public memorialization in Lewiston and Auburn following the October 2023 shooting, it draws on material culture studies, trauma theory, and memory studies to analyze ordinary objects such as candles, notes, and flowers as meaningful acts that resist erasure. Through site analysis and an anonymous community survey, the project explores how memorial spaces function as sites of ethical attention that shape reflection on civic life without claiming direct causation. |
| Luka Di Fabio | Evaluating the Impact of Microplastic Induced Oxidative Stress from NFE2 Gene Expression in Danio Rerio | Microplastics are an emerging threat to environmental and human health, specifically through their potential to induce oxidative stress. This study investigates whether microplastic exposure triggers oxidative stress responses in Danio rerio (zebrafish) larvae by tracking behavior and expression of the NFE2 transcription factor, indicators of oxidative stress responses. Larvae were split into a control group and a treatment group exposed to 500µg/mL of microplastics for seven days. After treatment, software tracked the large distance movements and qPCR was used to measure NFE2 expression. While there were no statistically significant behavioral differences, the microplastic exposed larvae showed increased NFE2 transcription. |
| Xavier Drouin | HELZ2 Knockout vs WT Mouse Macrophage IFN Anti DENV Response | Helz2 was identified in a whole genome RNAi screen as a gene required for interferon mediation of hepatitis c virus, and later found to be required for interferon mediated suppression of dengue, a related flavivirus. The mechanism of helz2 appears to be through downstream regulations and/ or lipid modification, inhibiting viral replication. In vitro experiments in hippatocytes and HeLa cells found that Helz2 is an interferon effector, or gene required for interferon to suppress these viruses. Helz2 is also an interferon stimulated gene, as seen in treatments of osteoblasts and hepatocytes and HeLa cells, with up regulation of Helz2 by interferon. Prior studies found that helz2 knockout mouse macrophages are resistant to interferon mediated suppression of dengue, compared to wild type mice. |
| Alexander Duchin | Comparative Study of Lithium-Ion and Sodium-Ion Batteries for Electric Vehicle Applications | This thesis examines the environmental, chemical, and policy challenges surrounding lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, with a particular focus on a recently discovered lithium deposit in Newry, Maine. While lithium-ion batteries dominate energy storage due to their high energy density and efficiency, lithium extraction presents significant environmental and ethical drawbacks. Alternative technologies, particularly sodium-ion batteries, are being studied for their potential to reduce environmental impact and material scarcity by comparing chemical structures and performance. These perspectives show the balance between advancing clean energy technologies and minimizing ecological and societal consequences. |
| Peace Ekechukwu | Efunroye Tinubu & The Nigerian Transatlantic Slave Trade | This thesis explores the life of Efunroye Tinubu, a female slave trader in what became Nigeria. Specifically, it seeks to understand her life and involvement in the slave trade. Too often slave traders have been portrayed as men, obscuring women who were involved in the business. Moreover, Black women are often portrayed as victims. By providing an account of Madam Tinubu’s life and slave trade dealings, my thesis challenges this portrayal and presents a more complete account of Black women, demonstrating their role as active participants and even perpetrators in slave trade. |
| Ami Evans | Characterization of Ca2+-signaling in Wild-Type and IRBIT-/- in HEK293 Cells in Relation to IRBIT and IP₃ | Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP₃) is an intracellular second messenger that binds to receptors on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), triggering calcium release and regulating key cellular processes such as apoptosis and neuronal function. The study focuses on the IP₃-binding protein released with IP₃ (IRBIT), which acts as an antagonist for IP₃ signaling. Using wild-type and transfected cells, we can explore IRBIT’s role by comparing phosphorylation states through pharmacological assays, combined with calcium imaging and confocal microscopy. Understanding IRBIT’s function in regulating ER calcium homeostasis may provide insights into neurodegenerative disease in relation to calcium imbalances. |
| Olivia Faucera | Impact of Comorbid Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) on Suppression of Irrelevant Information | Our project intends to elucidate how the common comorbidity of Attention Deficit-Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has influenced our understanding of how neurodivergence presents in autistic individuals. Prior research has shown that Autism causes deficits in the ability to suppress irrelevant stimuli in attention-based tasks, which is also a hallmark deficit of ADHD. Recent research highlights that individuals with ASD also simultaneously present with ADHD 30-80% of the time, which raises questions about which neurodivergent characteristics ASD and ADHD are individually responsible for, and how they manifest together in comorbid cases. Our research is important to inform how treatment is provided for individual cases of ASD, ADHD and compound ASD. |
| Richie Fearey | The Role of Creative Self Efficacy in the Creativity and Well-Being Relationship | Creativity and well-being have been studied extensively but the mechanisms of their relationship and its potential benefits required further research. This study helps us better understand how creative self-efficacy can mediate the relationship between creative engagement and well-being. The study assessed creative self-efficacy, creative engagement, and overall well-being among current Bates College students and students who have recently graduated. Creativity engagement was assessed in two ways: an Alternate Uses Task (AUT) and questions about how often participants engage in creative activities. I hypothesize that higher levels of creative engagement will result in greater improvements to well-being through creative self efficacy. |
| Estelle Feinberg | Substance Use Prevention Among At-Risk Adolescents | Adolescence is a critical developmental period with increased vulnerability to risk behaviors including substance use. Usage of cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine during this period increases the risk of long-term neurodevelopmental consequences and substance use disorders (SUDs). Youth with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and unmet mental health needs face an even greater risk. This study examines substance use prevention among at-risk adolescents in a community-based setting, drawing on interviews and field engagement. Insights from this study highlight the importance of early intervention and trauma-informed approaches in substance use prevention. |
| Gianna Ferrara | A Mechanistic Overview of Cofactor Riboswitches | Cofactor riboswitches are regulatory RNA elements that control gene expression through direct binding of small metabolites. This work presents a mechanistic overview of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and tetrahydrofolate (THF) riboswitches, highlighting the structural and chemical principles underlying ligand recognition and regulatory function. We examine RNA folding, molecular interactions, and conformational changes that couple cofactor binding to transcriptional or translational control. Representative examples illustrate specific binding contacts and regulatory outcomes in model organisms. Comparative, environmental, and clinical perspectives demonstrate how FMN and THF riboswitches enable precise metabolic regulation. |
| Lane Foushee | How the Efficacy of Mobile Art programs Positively Impacts Emotional Health and Well-Being in Under-Resourced Areas | Art-making has long served as emotional expression, and psychological research highlights its therapeutic value. While literature shows that art therapy and community-based programs improve emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and strengthen self-esteem, mobile art programs remain under-evaluated in under-resourced areas. This study examines how mobile art programs impact emotional health in underfunded communities. Data from ArtVan’s 2025–2026 programming will inform the analysis. Qualitative storybook reflections and facilitator observations will be coded into measurable themes and analyzed alongside pre- and post-program surveys. Results are expected to demonstrate positive emotional outcomes for both child and adult participants. |
| Lindley Friedman | Disentangling Hypoxic Ventilatory Depression from Metabolic Depression in Neonatal Rats | Neonatal mammals exhibit a biphasic hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR): an initial rise in ventilation followed by hypoxic ventilatory depression (HVD). The mechanism of HVD remains unclear. Experiment 1 uses the P2X receptor antagonist PPADS to block carotid body signaling and allow continuous respirometry, testing if ventilation and metabolism remain coupled during hypoxia. Experiment 2 pilots using body temperature decline as a proxy for metabolic depression, examining if hypoxic hypothermia parallels metabolic changes. These methods address barriers in measuring metabolism during hypoxia and will advance the understanding of neonatal respiratory control, relevant to premature infants. |
| Kylee Fuller | Plasmons in Gold Nanowires | Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are coupled excitations between electromagnetic waves and collective charge oscillations at metal-dielectric interface, where the charge density wave propagates along the structure at optical frequencies. In our lab, we engineer ultra-high aspect ratio nanowires (hundreds of nanometers in diameter and millimeters long) using electrochemical deposition to control plasmon propagation across defined geometries. When femtosecond 1560 nm IR pulses impinge on the gold nanowires, they excite nonlinear harmonic generation while launching propagating plasmon polaritons. After traveling along the nanowire, plasmons reconvert into photons, which we analyze using real-space and Fourier-plane imaging. |
| Sophie Garber | All in the nose? Does Genetic Variation Among Odorant Receptors Predict Variability in Odor Experience? | People perceive odors very differently, but it is unclear how much this is explained by genetic diversity in receptor neuron populations. Using data from the Human Olfactory Receptor Mutation Database (hORMdb) we computed a metric of genomic similarity across different demographic groups, and compared this to a similarly derived metric describing similarities in self-reported odor perceptual experiences for these same groups. This work will help us understand how much of olfactory experience is biologically encoded vs. socially and culturally malleable. Additionally, by characterizing baseline levels of normal genetic and perceptual variation, we may better understand variations indicative of disease. |
| Jacob Garces | Exploring The Risk: How Cannabis Legislation and Social Influences Impact College Student’s Perceptions of Cannabis Use Risk | Cannabis use is increasing among college students due to legislative changes like medical marijuana legalization supporting recreational marijuana legalization, which has led to greater social acceptance. The influence of changing cannabis legislation on college students’ perceived harm is largely unexplored. Using mixed methods (national substance use data, a Bates College longitudinal study, and interviews) this thesis analyzes how legislation impacts students’ perceptions of cannabis harm and use. Findings show students misunderstand cannabis laws, leading to increased and uninformed use, often justified by harm-reductive narratives. Underage and marginalized students are particularly vulnerable to this misunderstanding and subsequent increased use. |
| Sophia Green | Effect of Hypoxic Conditions on Rat Pups’ Metabolic and Ventilatory Rates | Immature mammals increase their breathing in response to low oxygen, but later transition to a state of ventilatory depression. We hypothesize metabolic depression causes this secondary decrease in breathing. Our approach is to use head-body plethysmography to measure breathing while simultaneously measuring metabolic rate using respirometry. We made these measurements as we changed inspired oxygen levels, 21%, 15%, 12%, and 10%. If there is a causal link between hypoxic ventilatory depression and hypoxic metabolic depression, we predict there will be a correlation between these variables at all tested oxygen levels. |
| Kailah Greenberg | Multi-Pass Laser Spectroscopy of Dilute Methane for Air-Broadening Research | Accurate measurement of atmospheric methane is necessary for identifying and quantifying processes contributing to climate change. Laser spectroscopy techniques are often used for this purpose, and this project aims to improve the accuracy of spectroscopic models used to interpret atmospheric methane measurements. This thesis tests a method to produce a methane-nitrogen mixture for laboratory reference spectroscopy as well as the use of a multi-pass laser spectroscopy system in our measurements. Our results validated our approach for precision laboratory spectroscopy of methane-air mixtures, and our measured spectra show clear signs of spectroscopic errors that will be addressed in future experiments. |
| Tess Griffith | Enhancing Mental Engagement Among Collegiate Athletes: A Sport Psychology and Marketing Evaluation of Koomba at Bates College | Student-athletes experience high psychological demands, yet sport psychology services remain underutilized. Research identifies stigma, toughness norms, and social evaluation concerns as key barriers to help-seeking. Marketing literature further suggests that engagement depends on message framing, identity alignment, and institutional endorsement. Bates College partners with Koomba, a digital sport psychology platform, but its effectiveness depends on awareness and perception. This study surveys Bates student-athletes to assess awareness, attitudes, perceived stigma, and utilization of Koomba. Findings will inform evidence-based recommendations to improve communication strategies and enhance athlete engagement with performance services. |
| Ava Guleserian | Genetic Rescue of Neuronal Plasticity: Restoring IRBIT and Ca2+ Signaling | The physiology of neuronal plasticity is of great interest in the treatments of neurodegeneration and chronic pain. Past research has shown that a lack of IRBIT, a molecule that regulates Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum into the cytoplasm, may induce altered plasticity. Here, I am seeking to further characterize Ca2+ signaling with IRBIT and the role of its phosphorylation by utilizing genetic rescue techniques. By transfecting IRBIT-/- cells with plasmids that express wild-type IRBIT, Ca2+ signaling may return to steady-state levels. Additionally, wild-type IRBIT cells transfected with mutant IRBIT-S68A will increase calcium signals as IRBIT becomes nonfunctional as a competitive antagonist. |
| Sanae Hagino | Quantifying HCoV-229E-Induced Changes to Sphingolipid Levels Using Thin-Layer Chromatography | Common cold coronaviruses, while less pathogenic, are genetically very similar to pathogenic viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and can therefore be used as models to understand how these viruses replicate. Sphingolipids are an important class of lipid molecules found in all eukaryotic cell membranes. They are indispensable for biological function, particularly in cell signaling and programmed cell death. The purpose of this project is to investigate how sphingolipid levels change after infection with the common cold coronavirus HCoV-229E, primarily using thin-layer chromatography to detect lipid levels. The project develops a method for quantifying sphingolipid extractions from HCoV-229E-infected cells. |
| Sam Hallett | Earth’s Atmospheric Climate Sensitivity to Rapid High-Emission Greenhouse Gas Scenarios | It is a major feat that life has been able to thrive even with Earth’s relatively stable atmosphere. A key mechanism that drives atmospheric stability is the carbonate-silicate weathering cycle. However, there are questions about the future of Earth’s atmosphere due to anthropogenic emissions if life on Earth will continue to thrive. The focus of this study is to interpret the overall net impacts on future changes in this weathering cycle on the global climate. Using geochemical proxies to establish initial parameters, this study developed three climate scenarios that test Earth’s atmospheric response to rapid, massive greenhouse gas emission events. |
| Luke Halligan | Quantifying the Polarization-Dependence of a Lab-Built Optical Harmonic Confocal Microscope | Plasmons, collective oscillations of electrons in a conductive material, are excited by a femtosecond-pulsed infrared laser. Nonlinear optical harmonic generation, creating higher photons by using a nonlinear medium to combine lower energy photons, can be combined with. plasmonics to confine electromagnetic fields at subwavelength volumes. Previous studies of plasmonically enhanced nonlinear optical harmonic generation showed anomalous polarization effects. In this work, I have quantified the polarization-dependence of the reflectivity of the dichroic mirror that is integral to the instrument’s operation, so that those effects can be accounted for when analyzing the polarization effects in our plasmonic and nonlinear optical experiments. |
| Charlotte Hansen | The Effects of Respiration on Memory Recall and Sensory Processing | This thesis investigated the effects of breath-holding on memory recall and sensory perception. Previous research has found enhanced memory performance and auditory perception during inhalation versus exhalation. This project explored possible differences between breath-holding and normal respiration. Along with an associative memory task, electroencephalography (EEG) and an auditory oddball paradigm were employed to determine whether sensory processing was affected by breath-holding. Piloting revealed technical and methodological weaknesses, which were addressed and a forced-choice memory paradigm was introduced. Results from the improved paradigm will be discussed, along with possible directions for future research. |
| John Harun-DeLong | Investigating Novel Doped Anion-Deficient Pyrochlores | While pyrochlores and their unique Fd3m structure are well studied, anion-deficient pyrochlores retain the same structure but lack full occupancy of the O’ site, altering their frustration dynamics and thus affecting said pyrochlores’ unique properties. By doping Ag2Sb2O6 pyrochlores with Na, K, and Nb, we aim to further investigate the structure of anion-deficient pyrochlores. Using conventional solid-state synthesis and X-ray Diffraction, we characterized the crystalline structure of our anion-deficient pyrochlores and gained additional insight into their frustration mechanisms. |
| Ansley Higgins | The Analysis of IRBIT’s Role in Phosphoinositide Metabolism | Intracellular signaling depends on precise regulation of calcium and phosphoinositide lipids. The IP3R-binding protein IRBIT, initially described as an inhibitor of IP3-mediated calcium release, also interacts with phosphatidylinositol phosphate kinases (PIPKs), suggesting a role in phosphoinositide metabolism. This study tests whether IRBIT coordinates Ca2+ release and phosphoinositide turnover by comparing phosphoinositide levels and kinetics in wild-type and IRBIT-/- HEK293 cells using lipid mass spectrometry and live-cell imaging. Preliminary data showed altered PIP2 species and PI:PIP2 ratios in IRBIT-deficient cells, however, further data collected in this study did not support this. |
| Gabrielle Hill | “Microbiome Heroes” and Media Literacy: A Strengths-Based Nutrition Workshop for Middle School Students | This community-based research project examined how a brief, interactive nutrition workshop influenced middle school students’ engagement, attitudes, and confidence related to food and health. Conducted in partnership with Hebron Academy, the two-week intervention included four sessions across two grade groups (8th grade and 6th–7th grade; n=36). Activities included a media literacy discussion, dining hall scavenger hunt, and Kahoot review. Students completed an anonymous post-workshop survey reflecting on confidence, understanding, and engagement. By documenting student responses following the sessions, this project explored how short, school-based, strengths-focused nutrition programming supported positive health perceptions and meaningful engagement during early adolescence. |
| Mavy Ho | Biological and Cultural Influences on Odor Pleasantness Across Populations | My project investigates whether emotional valence is more biologically grounded in olfaction as opposed to being varied by culture. Because olfactory pathways are neurally linked to limbic systems, I hypothesize that odor valence judgments will show greater cross-cultural agreement than facial emotion categorization. Participants from diverse cultural backgrounds will evaluate odors and facial expressions using valence and emotion-label number rankings. By comparing patterns of agreement across modalities, this study hopes to further uncover how biology and cultural learning can interact and have an impact in shaping emotional perception. |
| Noor Hoban | Synthesis and Characterization of Blue Ceramic Pigments | The most commonly used blue inorganic ceramic pigments contain an environmental hazard known as cobalt. Former research has focused on understanding the structural and chemical properties of cobalt and alternatives that allow it to produce its signature blue color. To better understand these properties, we investigated the formation of crystal structures in cobalt blue recipes, the impact and chemical implications of opacity, as well as the chemical properties of commercially available inorganic pigments. In conjunction with one another, these projects set out with the purpose of developing more environmentally friendly and stable alternatives to the conventional cobalt blue. |
| Frances Hochleutner | Connecting Motivations and Consequences: Comparisons Across College Student Alcohol and Cannabis Use | Substance use in college students needs to be examined not only in terms of prevalence and outcomes but also to understand the underlying motivations. This study identifies motivations in alcohol and cannabis use among college students and their relationship to the negative consequences of use. Combining quantitative analysis of survey data collected between 2022 and 2024 with qualitative interview insights to expand upon these findings, this research utilizes a mixed-method design. Preliminary findings suggest a significant prevalence of both substances, with greater consumption of alcohol. There is an association between the category of motivation for alcohol and cannabis consumption and negative consequences. Understanding attitudes and motivations aims to provide insight into how to address negative academic outcomes, mental health challenges, and physical harms resulting from use. Findings suggest potential avenues of education on alcohol and cannabis for prevention and support. |
| Andrew Hoffman | Development of a Synthetic Route to Luteoside B | Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalization for respiratory illness in infants. It is responsible for over 3.6 million hospitalizations each year, and almost everyone has had it by the age of two. Luteoside B, a compound isolated from a medicinal plant Markhamia lutea, has been shown to have antiviral effects that target RSV. This research aims to create a novel and reliable synthetic route towards Luteoside B. Developing an efficient synthetic route will allow for further investigation of its antiviral properties and support future therapeutic strategies for RSV. |
| Lexi Inger | Investigating B-Cell Responses to Brucella ovis Infections in Sheep | Brucella ovis causes brucellosis in sheep, leading to reproductive harm, economic loss, and public health concerns. Despite vaccines such as Rev. 1, immune susceptibility at the cellular level remains poorly understood. This study examined how B.ovis interacts with peripheral blood mononuclear cells, focusing on B-cell infection in rams and ewes. Using GFP-labeled bacteria and image flow cytometry, infection rates and B-cell receptor clustering were assesed, along with the effects of opsonization and IFN |
| Anzal Isaak | Introduction of Degradable Linkages into Polyethylene Glycol via Photochemical Hydrogen Atom Transfer | Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely used in medicine because it is water-soluble and biocompatible. However, high-molecular-weight PEG does not naturally degrade and can accumulate in the body. This project introduces degradable bonds into PEG using photochemical hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). Under visible light, a photocatalyst generates radicals along the PEG backbone that react with radical acceptors to form acid-sensitive hemiaminal ether linkages. Six radical acceptors are examined, four commercially available and two synthesized in the lab. Functionalization is measured by 1H NMR, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) determines changes in molecular weight. Degradation is evaluated under biologically relevant pH conditions. |
| Mia Jaenike | Reddit Sentiment and Stock Returns: Evidence from AI Product Launches | Major technology firms have rapidly integrated AI features into consumer products, raising concerns that valuations may exceed fundamentals. This paper studies the relationship between consumer sentiment and firm performance following AI feature announcements. Sentiment toward announcing firms is measured using Reddit data, and abnormal returns are constructed from NASDAQ prices. Using Granger causality and vector autoregression, I find that sentiment predicts next-day abnormal returns under lag structures consistent with slower market adjustment, while contemporaneous sentiment shows no effect. The results contribute to behavioral finance and market efficiency and inform investors and firms managing product launches. |
| Helena Jankovic | Modeling Gene Expression Through IRBIT Knockout | IRBIT is a multifunctional protein that is responsible for regulating intracellular calcium signaling. Although the protein has been implicated in phosphoinositide metabolism, the mechanism by which IRBIT influences IP₃- mediated calcium signaling and phosphoinositide metabolism in living cells is not fully understood. In this study, we aim to investigate how the loss of IRBIT affects gene expression in human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293), using RNA-seq to identify candidate genes. Differently expressed genes will then be further analyzed using RT-qPCR and Western blot techniques to ultimately assess how IRBIT can link the two signaling processes in both sickness and health. |
| Amanda Jenkins | Analysis of Epigenetic Modifications as a Response to Varying Ocean Temperature in the Gulf of Maine | The foundational species, the blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) has been in noticeable decline in the Gulf of Maine over the past 40 years. One environmental stressor contributing to this decline is rising ocean temperature. M.edulis may respond plasticly, through acclimatization and adaptation. One such method of response is epigenetic modification, where chemical signals on top of the genome affect the expression of certain genes. This research studies the rate of global methylation in M.edulis at northern and southern sites in the Gulf of Maine by analyzing the percentage of 5-methyl cytosine (5-mC), a byproduct of DNA methylation. |
| Miles Kaufman | The Mystery of Vat. gr. 1851: Dating a Medieval Greek Manuscript | For roughly 120 years since its discovery, Vat. gr. 1851, the so-called “Epithalamion to Andronikos II Palaiologos” had no exact date attached to it. The individuals in the 109-line poetic codex are only identified by their roles, making prosopography difficult; paleographic analysis has been scant on the manuscript. In the summer of 2025 at JGU’s Institut für Byzantinistik, I conducted a paleographical study on the work, cross-referencing different manuscripts and the work of the dozen scholars who have written on the epithalamion. I concluded that the manuscript was written in 1272, likely by the hand of the monk Theodore Hagiopetrites. |
| McKayla Kendall | Elucidation of the Impact of Soil Composition on Chromium Mobility in the Environment | New data elucidate the impact of soil composition on chromium mobility in the environment. Focusing on a former tannery facility in South Paris, Maine, ICP-OES testing assessed whether historic chromium contamination may have ongoing effects on local drinking water and ecosystems. Dry-column flash chromatography simulated chromium leaching under laboratory conditions to evaluate how organic and inorganic soil components influence metal movement. Results show organic matter-depleted soils facilitate more rapid initial leaching, providing context for chromium movement in South Paris and clarifying how Maine soil profiles may mitigate or exacerbate heavy metal migration to support future remediation efforts. |
| Izzy Kent | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| James Kilbride | Building a Laser Intensity Stabilizer for an Ultracold Atomic Physics Apparatus | We present a design for stabilizing electronics that will utilize photodiodes and a RedPitaya microcontroller to redirect the laser beam back to its origin, with the aim of inducing a negative feedback loop / self-corrective behavior. This should allow for more accurate measurements using the dipole trap in the future. |
| Josie Kim | Connecting Motivations and Consequences: Comparisons Across College Student Alcohol and Cannabis Use | Substance use in college students needs to be examined not only in terms of prevalence and outcomes but also to understand the underlying motivations. This study identifies motivations in alcohol and cannabis use among college students and their relationship to the negative consequences of use. Combining quantitative analysis of survey data collected between 2022 and 2024 with qualitative interview insights to expand upon these findings, this research utilizes a mixed-method design. Preliminary findings suggest a significant prevalence of both substances, with greater consumption of alcohol. There is an association between the category of motivation for alcohol and cannabis consumption and negative consequences. Understanding attitudes and motivations aims to provide insight into how to address negative academic outcomes, mental health challenges, and physical harms resulting from use. Findings suggest potential avenues of education on alcohol and cannabis for prevention and support. |
| Claudia Klingbeil | Is Brain Rot Real? The Effects of Short-form Videos on Sustained Attention and Mind-wandering | The current study’s goal is to understand the effects of short-form videos on sustained attention and mind-wandering. A modified version of the Mobile Phone Short Video Addiction Tendency Questionnaire (MPSVATQ) will be used to gauge participants’ relationship with short-form videos. Participants will complete the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) to assess their sustained attentional skills. Randomly during the SART, participants will be prompted to indicate if they had been mind-wandering. It is hypothesized that the more time one spends watching short-form videos, the poorer their ability to remain focused and the more they will mind-wander. |
| Qwynn Kobertz | Optomechanical Design for a Liquid Xenon SiPM Test Chamber | In trying to further our understanding of the standard model, we want to answer the question of whether or not the neutrino is its own antiparticle by detecting neutrinoless double beta decay. Facilities deep underground and well shielded from any background radiation are needed to detect such elusive particle events. My work involves building the optical components of our liquid xenon set up here to better understand the silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs), detection devices, to be used in the final experiment. This involves collimating light from an isotopic xenon source into a beam within a liquid xenon bath. |
| Liina Koch | Organic Synthesis of Luteoside B: Glycosylation of L-Rhamnose Thioglycoside, a Promising Therapeutic for Respiratory Syncytial Virus | Luteoside B is one of five phenylpropanoid glycosides identified in Markhamia Lutea. Although research is limited, existing studies discovered that luteoside B has significant biological activity against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Due to the compound’s low natural abundance, scientists are exploring a synthetic route to further their knowledge of the compounds’ specific chemical pathways in hopes of developing beneficial therapeutics. This work adds to previous studies on luteoside B, with a focus on improving L-rhamnose glycosylation yields. Specifically, the prior trichloroacetimidate (TCA) leaving group is replaced with a thioglycoside (SPr) leaving group, with the intention of improving product yield. The glycosylation reaction, with the SPr leaving group, yielded 0.33g (40.4%) of product. These findings suggest that thioglycoside donors may offer improved efficiency for the L-rhamnose glycosylation step in the total synthesis of luteoside B, supporting future efforts in RSV-related drug development. |
| Grace LaFountain | Inside a Cosmic Windstorm: JWST Reveals the Engine of Makani’s Outflows | Powerful galactic winds play a central role in regulating star formation and galaxy growth, yet their physical drivers remain poorly understood. This thesis presents a detailed study of Makani, a compact starburst galaxy hosting one of the most massive galactic winds discovered. Using mid-infrared spectroscopy obtained by JWST, I investigate Makani’s extreme, asymmetric outflows to determine whether they are driven by intense star formation or a deeply obscured active galactic nucleus. Emission lines such as [Ne II] trace vigorous star formation (approximately 50 solar masses per year), while [Ne V] diagnoses hidden black hole growth (not detected in Makani). |
| Ingrid Lam | Structural Characterization of Er-based Pyrochlores Through Neutron Total Scattering | Pyrochlore oxides can host a variety of cations that exhibit magnetic and electric phenomena. In addition to their chemical flexibility, this structure type can accommodate substantial structural disorder, which strongly influences the observed properties. To understand structure-property relationships in this system, techniques that study both the crystallographic structures and local distortions are imperative. It is essential to probe both the crystallographic structure and local distortions. This work investigates temperature-dependent neutron total scattering of a series of Er-based pyrochlores to examine the evolution of local and long-range magnetic and electric interactions upon cooling, providing insight into local distortions at low temperatures. |
| Willa Laski | Crying Wolf: Lethal Wolf Control and the Livestock Industry | This paper examines the relationship between the reintroduction of the Gray Wolf into wilderness areas in the western U.S. and the livestock ranching industry in these states. A time series analysis assesses the relationship between livestock and wolf populations, as well as depredation rates. The main finding of this analysis is that lethal control of wolf populations does not have a statistically significant effect on livestock depredation. There are implications of this research in terms of the ongoing discourse regarding the possibility of wolves and ranchers living in harmony in the era of modern agriculture. |
| Ella Laurita | Confidence Calibration, Gender, and Domain: Effects on Observer Perceptions of Competence and Likeability | Confidence directly shapes how we’re perceived, yet high confidence doesn’t always reflect true ability. This study examines how external observers form impressions when presented with subjects whose confidence either aligns with, or exceeds their demonstrated performance. Participants read vignettes depicting different subjects in academic and social settings, then rate them on levels of competence and likability. By comparing ratings across calibration types, contexts, and genders, this research reveals how people interpret self-confidence when forming initial judgments. Findings clarify the social consequences of confidence calibration, and inform our understanding of interpersonal evaluation in academic and social settings. |
| Anna Lawlor | The Effects of Respiration on Memory Recall and Sensory Processing | This thesis investigated the effects of breath-holding on memory recall and sensory perception. Previous research has found enhanced memory performance and auditory perception during inhalation versus exhalation. This project explored possible differences between breath-holding and normal respiration. Along with an associative memory task, electroencephalography (EEG) and an auditory oddball paradigm were employed to determine whether sensory processing was affected by breath-holding. Piloting revealed technical and methodological weaknesses, which were addressed and a forced-choice memory paradigm was introduced. Results from the improved paradigm will be discussed, along with possible directions for future research. |
| Kate Lee-Gilligan | Characterization of Unique Transporters, Channels and Organelles Within the Thin Limb and Distal Nephron of Mouse and Rat Kidney Using Super Resolution and Confocal Microscopy | Epithelial cells of the nephron express diverse proteins that give each segment distinct physiological functions essential for kidney health. Fundamental physiological parameters depend on the synthesis, trafficking, and localization of these proteins, however detailed information regarding cell-specific expression and localization in situ is not well characterized. This study used immunostaining and super-resolution microscopy to visualize transporters, channels, and organelles within the thin limb and distal nephron of mouse and rat kidneys. We also standardized methods for examining nephron segment-specific and organelle proteins, enabling high-resolution visualization of subcellular architecture in Muridae kidney tissue. |
| Sophie Leight | The Blue Mussel in a Warming World: Influence of Latitude and Location on Mytilus edulis Response to Thermal Stress | In the Gulf of Maine, the Atlantic blue mussel (Mytilus edulis) population has declined by more than 60% over the past 40 years. Previous research suggests thermal stress as a driver of decline. Few projects, however, have explored the interactions between local environmental context, mussel physiology, and thermal response. In this study, I collected M. edulis organisms from two northern locations and one southern location in the Gulf of Maine. I conducted thermal ramping experiments and physiological assays to determine thermal envelope, energy reserves, and metabolic strategy. Results of the laboratory experiments are forthcoming. |
| Carmen Liang | Rethinking Asynchronous Learning for Early Childhood Engagement: Insights from Educators Across Community and Academic Settings | Asynchronous learning has become increasingly common in educational settings, yet less attention has been given to how asynchronous instruction supports engagement for very young learners. This study explores how asynchronous instructional materials can be designed to better engage preschool-aged children within a community-based early intervention program. Drawing on qualitative survey feedback from educators in community and academic contexts, this project examines existing sample instructional videos used during periods when in-person instruction is unavailable. The goal of this research is to identify design considerations that align with developmental needs, support engagement, and reflect the values of family-centered early education. |
| Erik Lindolm | Regenerative Agriculture: Effect of Tomato Intercropping Practices on Soil Health | The regenerative agriculture movement focuses on sustainable global food production, resilience to climate change, carbon sequestration, and preserving biodiversity through practices centered around supporting soil health. Intercropping is a regenerative agricultural practice that involves planting multiple complementary species within a single row. Previous studies demonstrate that increasing plant diversity enhances soil health, including gains in organic matter and microbial biodiversity. While there is anecdotal evidence around intercropping combinations, limited data exist on how specific intercropping combinations influence soil health dynamics across a growing season. Additionally, the balance between synergistic and competitive relationships within intercropping systems is not well explored. To help address this, we collected soil along a row of Solanum lycopersicum (tomatoes) with a gradient of increasing companion planting from a farm in Brunswick, ME. Multiple samples were collected at three time points: before planting, during the vegetative growth stage, and during the fruiting stage. We assessed the effects of intercropping on soil composition through moisture and loss-on-ignition, and soil biodiversity using fungal and bacterial qPCR and 16SrRNA sequencing. This approach enables identification of companion planting combinations that most effectively enhance soil biological function. Identifying companion planting regimes that support soil health supports farmers in making planting choices to help maximize soil carbon storage, water retention, biodiversity, and land yield efficiency. |
| Sebenele Lukhele | Optimization of the Purification of BbMurE, a Unique Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis Enzyme from the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. | Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is an emerging public health concern. Uniquely, the peptidoglycan (PG) that is essential to B. burgdorferi contains L-Ornithine in the peptide stem, unlike the typical use of meso-DAP or L-Lysine across most bacterial species. This incorporation is mediated by the MurE enzyme, which in B. burgdorferi features a distinct EDPR motif in its active site, potentially responsible for L-Ornithine selectivity. Structural studies are currently hindered by low protein yield, making crystallization difficult. This research aims to improve MurE expression and solubility using molecular and biochemical techniques, ultimately supporting future crystallization attempts and advancing understanding of Mur ligase mechanism. |
| Bronwyn Madan | In Collaboration with The Dempsey Center: Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment | The Dempsey Center offers free comprehensive care to cancer patients and they expressed having a gap in the knowledge and resources necessary for supporting those experiencing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI), a lesser-known symptom of cancer and its treatment. This project, including a training program for staff at the Center, is an attempt to fill this gap. Research into underlying causes identified targeting these as a possible treatment strategy. Other treatment strategies, such as cognitive rehabilitation therapy, target actual cognitive symptoms. The hope is that following this research, the Dempsey Center will be able to lessen the burden of CRCI on patients by providing them with treatment options and support. |
| Ella Maher | Development of Degradable Polyoxazoline Analogues via Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization of Amide-Containing Cyclic Carbonates | Polyoxazolines are promising biocompatible polymers widely explored for drug delivery. Despite their biomedical potential, the lack of degradable analogues restricts long-term applications. The research aims to develop degradable polyoxazoline-like polymers via anionic ring-opening polymerization of amide-containing cyclic carbonates. Previous studies in our lab revealed purification challenges for cyclic carbonates containing short alkyl substituents due to high polarity. This work introduces larger alkyl groups to reduce polarity, improve purification, and enable efficient polymerization. The resulting materials are not only designed to yield novel, degradable polymers, but ones with good mechanical properties, thermal stability, and chemical recyclability. |
| Rosina Makwabe | Promises, Participation and Power: An Analysis of Community Based Natural Resource Management and An Africanfuturism Reimagination of Conservation in Africa | Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) has been widely promoted as a solution to the social injustices of fortress conservation in Africa, promising to reconcile wildlife protection with local livelihoods. Drawing on case studies from Namibia, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe, this paper examines whether CBNRM has fulfilled its claims of community empowerment and equity. By tracing the historical foundations of conservation from Europe to its exportation to Africa, this paper highlights how contemporary conservation practices continue to be shaped by colonialism and uneven power dynamics. Africanfuturism is proposed as an alternative framework for reimagining conservation, emphasising African sovereignty, and navigating human–wildlife coexistence. |
| Evelyn Marchand | Establishing δ13C Amino Acid Patterns for Kelp Derived Organic Matter in Sediments | Deliberate burial of discard kelp biomass from kelp farms is a potential marine carbon dioxide removal strategy in the carbon credit market. Determining a traceable biomarker for Saccharina Latissima guarantees that the buried carbon originates from deliberate kelp sinking. A microcosm experiment consisting of discard S.latissima material on top of sediment was conducted to determine how S.latissima is buried in sediments under different treatment conditions. Compound-specific isotopic analysis of amino acids was used to find an amino acid δ13C pattern for S.latissima that can be traced in the underlying sediment. |
| Cece Marshall | Sacred Steps: The Effect of Religiosity on the Relationship Between Synchrony and Cooperation Among College Students | This study investigates the impact of religiosity on the relationship between synchrony and cooperation among college students. First, participants will report their religiosity. Participants will also be assessed on their personality, a control variable in the study. Next, participants will be randomly assigned into two groups and asked to imagine synchronous or asynchronous movement. Afterwards, participants will complete the “public goods game” in which they choose between self-interest and cooperation. I anticipate that overall, synchronous participants will be more cooperative than asynchronous participants, but the effect will be greater for highly religious participants. |
| Aleisha Martinez Sandoval | A Mechanistic Overview of Cofactor Riboswitches | Cofactor riboswitches are regulatory RNA elements that control gene expression through direct binding of small metabolites. This work presents a mechanistic overview of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and tetrahydrofolate (THF) riboswitches, highlighting the structural and chemical principles underlying ligand recognition and regulatory function. We examine RNA folding, molecular interactions, and conformational changes that couple cofactor binding to transcriptional or translational control. Representative examples illustrate specific binding contacts and regulatory outcomes in model organisms. Comparative, environmental, and clinical perspectives demonstrate how FMN and THF riboswitches enable precise metabolic regulation. |
| Haskel McKee-Seegal | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| Annie Menden | Studies Toward the Synthesis of Linderofruticoside A | The Lindera fruticosa plant is used in traditional medicine to treat gastric ailments and as an anti-inflammatory. Isolated from the roots of Lindera fruticosa, Linderofruticoside A is a natural product composed of D-xylose, D-apiose, and gentisic acid which combine to form a novel 13-membered ring. Extracting Linderofruticoside A from the plant is a difficult and low yielding process; therefore, synthetic access to the compound is necessary for biological screening. Described are synthetic steps toward the total synthesis of Linderofruticoside A. |
| Mohammed Mohammed | Synthesis of Phenylpropanoid Glycoside Luteoside B: A Potential Therapeutic against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains a major health challenge with limited treatment options. This project focuses on the synthesis of Luteoside B, a natural compound with antiviral potential. My work addressed a key challenge in this synthesis: forming the bond between two sugars, glucose and rhamnose. I prepared glucose building blocks with specific chemical features that make this bond easier to form. These materials lay the groundwork for completing the synthesis of Luteoside B and advancing its evaluation as a potential antiviral agent. |
| Enathe Muhawenimana | Bacterial Skin Infections in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: The Role of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus Species. | People with diabetes are more susceptible to skin infections that cause severe wounds and delayed healing. I am interested in studying bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, common causes of these infections, to develop better prevention and treatment strategies. High blood glucose increases infection risk because impaired phagocyte function in diabetes leaves excess glucose available for bacterial growth. By examining how these pathogens adapt to high-glucose environments and regulate nutrient use, I aim to better understand their behavior and identify effective ways to prevent and control diabetic skin infections. |
| Max Murthi | Evaluating the Impact of Microplastic Induced Oxidative Stress from NFE2 Gene Expression in Danio Rerio | Microplastics are an emerging threat to environmental and human health, specifically through their potential to induce oxidative stress. This study investigates whether microplastic exposure triggers oxidative stress responses in Danio rerio (zebrafish) larvae by tracking behavior and expression of the NFE2 transcription factor, indicators of oxidative stress responses. Larvae were split into a control group and a treatment group exposed to 500µg/mL of microplastics for seven days. After treatment, software tracked the large distance movements and qPCR was used to measure NFE2 expression. While there were no statistically significant behavioral differences, the microplastic exposed larvae showed increased NFE2 transcription. |
| Zoe Norall | More than Athletics: Exploring the Association Between Girls’ Sports, Safe Spaces, and Mental Well-Being | Women’s sports are growing in popularity, yet little research examines how safe environments for girls’ sports impacts their well-being. This study explored how girls-only youth sport programs empower females and reduce sport withdrawal. One-to-one interviews were conducted with 10 participants from Strong Girls United (SGU), a nonprofit organization training girls in kindergarten through 12th grade in athletics and mental skills. Two additional interviews were conducted with the adult program organizers of SGU and Girls on the Run Maine. It’s predicted that participants will express a positive well-being. Findings could provide insight on how youth athletic programs can better support girls. |
| Luca Norquist | Synthesis and Characterization of Blue Ceramic Pigments | The most commonly used blue inorganic ceramic pigments contain an environmental hazard known as cobalt. Former research has focused on understanding the structural and chemical properties of cobalt and alternatives that allow it to produce its signature blue color. To better understand these properties, we investigated the formation of crystal structures in cobalt blue recipes, the impact and chemical implications of opacity, as well as the chemical properties of commercially available inorganic pigments. In conjunction with one another, these projects set out with the purpose of developing more environmentally friendly and stable alternatives to the conventional cobalt blue. |
| Kate Norry | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| Amara Ogbonna | Exploring the Movement of Chromium Through Solid/Liquid Interfaces | The release of Chromium into the environment is regarded as a life-threatening form of pollution. Exposure to the hexavalent Chromium form [Cr(VI)] has been linked to respiratory and gastric issues in humans and reduced plant growth. With the increasing discharge of Chromium into the environment, it is essential to understand the mobility of Chromium at solid-liquid interfaces. Using water samples from Narrows Pond, this research investigates the characterization of outer-sphere interactions between Chromium and artificially prepared soil samples. Further characterization will be carried out using UV-Vis spectroscopy. |
| Kyra Ong | Comparative Genomic and Transcriptomic Characterization of Secreted Frizzled-Related Proteins in Genomes of Freshwater Sponges | The Wnt pathway is a conserved gene regulatory network foundational to metazoan development, and its emergence represents a key step towards multicellularity by directing cell fate and axis polarity. Secreted Frizzled-Related Proteins (SFRPs) modulate Wnt signaling extracellularly by binding and regulating Wnt ligands. Our study leverages the conservation of the Wnt pathway across animals to characterize putative SFRPs in the freshwater sponge S.lacustris through comparative genomic analysis with E.muelleri and humans to understand the evolution of this pathway. We also analyze single-cell sequencing data from S.lacustris to elucidate the roles of Wnts and SFRPs in freshwater sponges. |
| Madison Pavao | Role of 5-HT2C Receptors and GABA-A Receptors in the Depressive Phase of the Biphasic Hypoxic Ventilatory Response | Neonatal mammals’ exhibit a hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) with a pronounced decrease in ventilation from an initial hyperpnea in the second, depressive phase. Previous studies suggest GABA-A and 5-HT receptors as neuromodulator drivers of this decrease, with greater evidence supporting GABA-A receptors. However, the roles of specific subtypes of either remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigates the roles of GABA-A and 5-HT2C receptors in the depressive phase during acute hypoxia using receptor antagonists in 3-4-day-old rat pups. Enabling the development of a deeper insight into neuromodulator drivers of the neonatal HVR, providing avenues for future research in HVR-link human diseases. |
| Lucy Paynter | Endurance Training and Long-Term Decision-Making Outside of Sport | Endurance training requires sustained effort over time, often without immediate rewards, potentially shaping how individuals approach long-term decision-making beyond sport. This study examines whether endurance athletes differ from non-athletes in how they value future outcomes. Participants will complete an online survey including a delay discounting task, which assesses preferences for smaller immediate rewards versus larger delayed rewards and provides insight into patience and long-term thinking. By comparing endurance athletes to non-athletes, this research explores whether delayed-payoff training is associated with valuing future rewards. Endurance athletes are expected to be more willing to wait for larger future rewards than non-athletes. |
| Alan Pham | Digitization of Olfaction | Does your nose work like a coin sorter, IDing molecules by their physical shape or like a wind chime, detecting their atomic vibrations?I am going to investigate the controversial “vibrational theory” of olfaction by setting up two computational models. By using the benchmark dataset from the DREAM olfaction Prediction Challenge, I will test models trained on molecular spectral data can predict human odor ratings with more accuracy than molecular features that relies on structural fingerprints. This could revolutionize the flavor and fragrance industry by letting us reverse engineer complex smells like sandalwood or rose just through digital frameworks. |
| Colin Pierce | Spatial Localization of Cancer/Testis Antigens in Glioblastoma | Glioblastoma (GBM), the most common and aggressive central nervous system malignancy, remains difficult to treat despite standard therapy of surgical resection followed by radiotherapy and temozolomide. Advances in spatial-omics highlight the need for patient-specific tumor characterization. Cancer-Testis Antigens (CTAs) are promising biomarkers in multiple cancers but remain unexplored across GBM tumor niches. Here, we investigate CTA spatial localization to inform future immunotherapeutic strategies. Using the GeoMx Digital Spatial Profiler, we performed transcriptomic and proteomic profiling of 19 IDH-wildtype grade IV tumors across cellular, vascular/angiogenic, and necrotic niches, applying clustering and differential expression analyses. |
| Nate Pierce | Comparing Carbon Removal Strategies Using a One-Dimensional Climate Model | Greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase global temperature averages, which drives a need for carbon dioxide removal and mitigation technologies. This thesis will compare several geoengineering strategies for carbon removal including enhanced silicate weathering, direct air capture, afforestation, and biochar production. Estimated carbon removal rates for each method will be obtained from existing literature and incorporated into a one-dimensional climate model. Simulating changes in atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and global mean temperature through 2100 for each strategy will estimate their projected climate impact. This will allow for a direct comparison of their relative effectiveness and potential contribution to long-term climate stabilization. |
| Matea Podgursky | Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence: Case Studies | Students in the Religious Studies course “Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence” will share public education projects based on studies of groups, movements, events, etc. that can help us better understand and address the complex interconnections among religion, violence, and nonviolence in our world today. |
| Amanda Power | Population Genetics of Mytilus edulis in Maine | The Gulf of Maine is warming faster than 99% of the world’s oceans. Rocky intertidal ecosystems are model systems for understanding climate impacts due to extreme daily temperature change. With the decline of the blue mussel, an intertidal foundational species, population genetics studies are a necessary tool to determine which populations, if any, are becoming locally adapted to warming. Though previous work found little genetic differentiation across Maine, the improvement in genetic technology and the intensification of climate stressors justifies follow up studies. Initial findings indicate that there is genetic mixing across latitudes despite the presence of a biogeographic barrier. |
| Molly Quinlan | Educational Reentry Models for Rural Justice-Impacted Women: A Multi-State and Neuroscientific Analysis | Educational programs can improve reentry outcomes, but we don’t fully understand how they work for women returning to rural communities. In this community-engaged neuroscience thesis, I compare three education-centered reentry models—Washington’s Freedom Education Project Puget Sound, New Mexico’s NMRC/NMCD Reentry Division, and Massachusetts’ Reentry Empowerment Program—to identify what makes them effective. I argue that education supports reentry not only through credentials but also by rebuilding cognitive regulation, agency, and identity after chronic stress and incarceration. Across cases, the strongest models pair meaningful learning with trauma-informed relationships, practical supports, and continuity through release—features that may be critical in rural states like Maine. |
| Delaney Rankin | The Synthesis of Degradable Polyoxazolines via Anionic Ring-Opening Polymerization Utilizing Ethyl Nonanoate | Polyoxazolines are biocompatible polymers potentially useful in biomedical applications such as drug delivery. Next steps in the improvement of these polymers is designing biodegradable options to avoid accumulation in the body. Our goal is to synthesize a biodegradable polyoxazoline via anionic ring-opening polymerization using ethyl nonanoate. Previous experiments suggest that this synthesis is possible, though highly polar intermediates cause difficulty purifying. Thus the use of ethyl nonanoate, with its long, hydrophobic alkyl group, has potential for easier purification. A series of chemical reactions will occur to synthesize starting material derived from ethyl nonanoate, subsequently polymerizing to produce a biodegradable polyoxazoline. |
| Sophie Rasol | Multiple Exposure to Criminal Suspects: Does Double-Blind Administration Prevent Eyewitness Errors? | Eyewitness researchers recommend testing witness memory only once. Pilot research reveals that repeated exposure to suspects is assumed to reflect either investigatory incompetence or a thorough investigation. The present research builds on these findings by testing whether the effect of an intervening suspect photo depends on witnesses’ perceptions of administrator knowledge. Participants viewed a mock-crime video, described the culprit, and saw an intervening photo. Administrator knowledge was manipulated by describing the intervening photo as experimenter-selected (i.e., single-blind) or software-selected (i.e., double-blind). Participants then made an identification. Predicted results are higher false identifications in the single-blind condition. |
| Kendall Reed | The Relationship Between Support for Death Penalty and (Mis)Perceptions of Frequency of Wrongful Convictions | In capital cases, officials generally pick jurors who are “death qualified,” meaning jurors who aren’t opposed to imposing the death penalty as punishment; these jurors tend to be more likely to convict. This study examines the relationship between people’s support for the death penalty and the accuracy of their perceptions of the frequency of wrongful convictions. Participants will be given questionnaires measuring their death penalty support, perceptions of wrongful convictions, belief in a just world, and tolerance for wrongful convictions. I predict that higher support of the death penalty will be positively associated with higher inaccurate perceptions of wrongful convictions. |
| Zach Richards | Rationalizing the Assad regime’s use of photography to document its victims during the Syrian Civil War | This presentation explores the Assad regime’s decision to photograph civilian detainees it had brutally tortured and executed during the Syrian Civil War. These horrifying photographs, released by a Syrian military defector (“Caesar”) in 2013, provided damning evidence against the regime’s claims that it was not deliberately massacring civilian protestors. Why did a regime so intent on covering up its crimes produce tens of thousands of photographs documenting those crimes? Why was photography such an important medium in documenting these deaths? |
| Pacific Ricke | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| Paloma Rodriguez Thorne | Development and Characterization of a Blue-Detuned Optical Dipole Trap for Bose-Einstein Condensates | The behavior of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) depends strongly on the shape of the external trapping potential, making control of trap geometry an important tool in ultracold atomic physics. Optical dipole traps provide a flexible method for shaping this potential. In this thesis, a blue-detuned optical dipole beam is developed and integrated into an existing rubidium-87 BEC experiment to modify the trapping geometry. The project focuses on optical system design, beam characterization, and implementation of a repulsive optical potential near the atomic sample. By introducing repulsive regions, this work aims to study changes in condensate density, confinement geometry, and excitations. |
| Zachary Rosenthal | Make No Little Plans: The Burnham Plan and the Progressive Remaking of Chicago’s Lakefront | This thesis examines how Daniel Burnham’s 1909 Plan of Chicago reshaped the city’s lakefront under the Progressive Era mandate that it remain “forever open, clear, and free,” transforming Lake Michigan from an industrial corridor into a civic commons. Drawing on planning documents, legal cases including the Montgomery Ward litigation, Park District records, maps, and newspapers, it shifts focus from Burnham’s vision to lived experience. While the Plan institutionalized an orderly, unified shoreline, it fell short of democratic ideals, as class and racial exclusions limited who benefited. The lakefront thus reflects both the promise and contradictions of Progressive Era planning. |
| Josie Rothman | Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence: Case Studies | Students in the Religious Studies course “Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence” will share public education projects based on studies of groups, movements, events, etc. that can help us better understand and address the complex interconnections among religion, violence, and nonviolence in our world today. |
| Abbey Rowe | The Effects of Respiration on Memory Recall and Sensory Processing | This thesis investigated the effects of breath-holding on memory recall and sensory perception. Previous research has found enhanced memory performance and auditory perception during inhalation versus exhalation. This project explored possible differences between breath-holding and normal respiration. Along with an associative memory task, electroencephalography (EEG) and an auditory oddball paradigm were employed to determine whether sensory processing was affected by breath-holding. Piloting revealed technical and methodological weaknesses, which were addressed and a forced-choice memory paradigm was introduced. Results from the improved paradigm will be discussed, along with possible directions for future research. |
| Sardar Mohammad Ruhan | Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence: Case Studies | Students in the Religious Studies course “Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence” will share public education projects based on studies of groups, movements, events, etc. that can help us better understand and address the complex interconnections among religion, violence, and nonviolence in our world today. |
| Sophia Rumsey | The Role of Racial Framing in Romantic Outcomes Among Asian American Women | Asian American Women (AAW) are uniquely racialized and sexualized in ways that shape perceptions of their desirability, influencing romantic experiences. The present study examines how racial framing in expressions of romantic attraction (non-racialized, racially ambiguous, or racially explicit) affects AAW’s relationship outcomes through romantic validation, as mediated by perceptions of objectification and moderated by degreee of internalized racism. Participants first completed the Internalized Racism in Asian Americans Scale (IRAAS), then were randomly assigned one of three attraction conditions, and subsequently completed measures assessing perceptions of objectification, experiences of romantic validation, and feelings of romantic interest based on their condition. |
| Tim Ruppet | Metal-Histidine Coacervates as Catalytic Microreactors | This project investigates how metal ions interact with histidine-rich polymers to form phase-separated droplets and how these droplets influence chemical catalysis. It will also study how Histidine binds metal ions and buffers pH, and how these interactions can generate enzyme-like microenvironments within coacervates. Throughout the project, experiments will be completed to prepare and characterize coacervate systems containing different metals, adjust solution conditions, and measure catalytic activity. This project will contribute to ongoing research on enzyme-like catalytic microenvironments and provide experience in data analysis and scientific communication. |
| Izzi Sander | Application of Charcoal and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Reconstruct the Holocene Fire History of North-Central Maine | Forest fires are a key driver of ecosystem disturbance. Analysis of past fire dynamics provides long-term perspectives on their role in ecosystems and the association between fire activity and climate. This study investigates the long-term fire history of central Maine using a sediment core from Lower South Branch Pond in Baxter State Park that spans the last c. 7200 years. We analyzed charcoal and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as fire proxies. The record shows evidence of fire historic and prehistoric activity and contrasting signals between the two fire proxies associated with regional versus local events. |
| Maia Seigerman | Making Homecoming: How Nature Shapes Wellbeing and Belonging for Youth in Lewiston, Maine | This project explored the relationship between nature, wellbeing, and belonging amongst youth in Lewiston, Maine, specifically immigrant, refugee, low-income, or first-generation youth. In collaboration with Tree Street Youth and the Nature Conservancy, this phase of the project examined the youth’s experiences with nature, the impacts of those experiences on feelings toward nature, and what the students’ hopes are for the future of their relationship with nature. Interview responses were analyzed qualitatively to understand themes that appear across individual experiences. This information will be used to create more inclusive and engaging nature-based programming at Tree Street Youth. |
| Justine Sherry | Is Concentration the Key: Linking Olfactory Receptor Encoding to Behavioral Variability? | How can the same odorant cause both fear and hunger; might this difference lie in its concentration? Is the difference in behavior hardwired into receptor responses, or does it arise from downstream processing within the olfactory system? Using an ethological atlas of odor-evoked behaviors, we will map how behavioral responses change across odorant concentrations. Then relate these patterns to the corresponding olfactory receptor response at those same concentrations. We will look for correlations between odorant concentration-dependent receptor responses and innate behaviors. Clarifying this relationship will enable us to design more targeted drugs and training therapies for diseases. |
| Kelly Siegal | Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in our Bodies: The Effects of PFAS on Reproductive, Maternal, and Newborn Health in Maine’s Underprivileged and Rural Communities | Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a set of “forever chemicals” widely used in consumer and industrial products like cookware, carpets, waterproof clothing and materials, and firefighting foams. They do not degrade over time, and eventually accumulate in water systems, sewage and waste sludge, and soil. This study uses data from environmental PFAS data from Maine DEP and health data from Maine CDC to explore relationships between the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), environmental PFAS, and maternal and infant health outcomes. We found that environmental PFAS did not affect infant health outcomes in Maine, but SDOH did. |
| Luke Singer | Predicting and Contextualizing Chronic Absenteeism in the Lewiston Public School System | Chronic absenteeism (CAbs) in Lewiston exceeds state and national rates, undermining learning and equity. Using de-identified administrative attendance records from 752 students at a public middle school in Maine, Study 1 modeled CAbs with logistic regression. Housing instability was the strongest predictor (OR=2.82), while additional years in-district reduced risk (OR=0.91). Predicted probabilities were converted into low, medium, and high risk bands to support early identification. Study 2 interviews with school stakeholders highlighted transportation barriers, unstable housing, and generational distrust as key mechanisms. Future work will use full-year data, refine demographics, validate risk bands, and interview students and families more directly. |
| Ava Singh | “We Believe It’s in God’s Hands”: Negotiating Faith and Medical Authority at the End of Life Across Immigrant Generations | This thesis examines how first- and second-generation Nepali and Indian American families interpret dying within U.S. medical institutions. Drawing on interviews with second-generation participants and sociological scholarship on the medicalization of death, I explore how faith, family obligation, and medical authority shape end-of-life decision-making. While hospitals frame death as a clinical process governed by expertise and protocol, families often understand it through religious belief and relational responsibility. Generational differences reveal tensions between institutional definitions of care and culturally rooted meanings of a “good death,” highlighting how trust in medical systems is negotiated rather than assumed. |
| Evan Skufca | Synthesis of Linderofruticoside A | Linderofruticoside A is a naturally occurring carbohydrate-based compound derived from the plant L. Fruticosa with promise of medicinal applications. Completion of the total synthesis of Linderofruticoside A would allow for further study into the production and relevance of this compound as a pharmaceutical agent. In the completion of the synthesis, developing a streamlined and efficient process for the protection and deprotection of reactive groups is necessary to facilitate a consistent synthesis process and optimize future studies on this compound. |
| Maddie Smith | The Olfactory System and Its Link to Memory: Odors as a Diagnostic Tool For Neurodegenerative Disease | Smell loss with age is common, and can also be a surprisingly reliable predictor of neurodegenerative disease, even before symptoms of memory decline manifest. Using data from a large National Health registry, I am investigating the correlation between individuals’ performance on the CERAD-WL/DR test of delayed memory recall, and sensory deficits in olfactory naming on the 8-item Pocket Smell Test (PST). These data will be analyzed with respect to self-reported socioeconomic and ethnographic groupings, with the goal of identifying populations who are at highest vulnerability, and for whom olfactory screening would be most beneficial. |
| Ben Sparks | Synthesis and Characterization of Blue Ceramic Pigments | The most commonly used blue inorganic ceramic pigments contain an environmental hazard known as cobalt. Former research has focused on understanding the structural and chemical properties of cobalt and alternatives that allow it to produce its signature blue color. To better understand these properties, we investigated the formation of crystal structures in cobalt blue recipes, the impact and chemical implications of opacity, as well as the chemical properties of commercially available inorganic pigments. In conjunction with one another, these projects set out with the purpose of developing more environmentally friendly and stable alternatives to the conventional cobalt blue. |
| Lucy Sterba | Development and Synapse Formation of Induced vs. Endogenous Retinal Ganglion Cells | The mammalian retina cannot regenerate after injury or disease, leading to irreversible vision impairment or loss. Previous work from the Woodworth Lab shows that retinal injections of a transcription factor mix in day-old mice successfully induce retinal progenitor cells to reenter the developmental cycle and generate functional retinal ganglion cells, which relay nerve signals from the retina to the brain. However, the axons of induced RGCs retract from the thalamus after ~70 days. My thesis investigates whether the presence of endogenous RGC axons at these thalamic targets prevents induced RGCs from forming long-term connections with the brain. |
| Karsten Stiner | Examining Trends in First Row Transition Metal Nanoparticles on Molten Salt Systems | Molten salt is known to be desirable for use in energy technologies due to its ability to store heat. It has been observed that metallic nanoparticles are able to increase heat capacity of molten salt, but there is a lack of research examining the impact of changing nanoparticle identities. This research seeks to determine if there are any observable trends among first row transition metal nanoparticles. Data was collected by analyzing nanopowders in molten salt using primarily Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). This research aims to shed light on ideal candidates for nanoparticles in molten salt systems by determining if specific nanoparticle identity or characteristics could have improvements on heat capacity, which could be applicable for use in energy technologies. |
| Joely Stone | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| Fahren Sweet | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| Izzie Switanek | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| Eli Terrell | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| Sally Thornburg | Organic Synthesis of Luteoside B: Glycosylation of L-Rhamnose Thioglycoside, a Promising Therapeutic for Respiratory Syncytial Virus | Luteoside B is one of five phenylpropanoid glycosides identified in Markhamia Lutea. Although research is limited, existing studies discovered that luteoside B has significant biological activity against the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Due to the compound’s low natural abundance, scientists are exploring a synthetic route to further their knowledge of the compounds’ specific chemical pathways in hopes of developing beneficial therapeutics. This work adds to previous studies on luteoside B, with a focus on improving L-rhamnose glycosylation yields. Specifically, the prior trichloroacetimidate (TCA) leaving group is replaced with a thioglycoside (SPr) leaving group, with the intention of improving product yield. The glycosylation reaction, with the SPr leaving group, yielded 0.33g (40.4%) of product. These findings suggest that thioglycoside donors may offer improved efficiency for the L-rhamnose glycosylation step in the total synthesis of luteoside B, supporting future efforts in RSV-related drug development. |
| Ava Varrell | Optimization of the Purification of BbMurE, a Unique Peptidoglycan Biosynthesis Enzyme from the Lyme Disease Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. | Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is an emerging public health concern. Uniquely, the peptidoglycan (PG) that is essential to B. burgdorferi contains L-Ornithine in the peptide stem, unlike the typical use of meso-DAP or L-Lysine across most bacterial species. This incorporation is mediated by the MurE enzyme, which in B. burgdorferi features a distinct EDPR motif in its active site, potentially responsible for L-Ornithine selectivity. Structural studies are currently hindered by low protein yield, making crystallization difficult. This research aims to improve MurE expression and solubility using molecular and biochemical techniques, ultimately supporting future crystallization attempts and advancing understanding of Mur ligase mechanism. |
| Vyshu Viju | The Effects of Secondary Motor Task Interference on Explicit Strategy Acquisition and Retention During Visuomotor Adaptation | Motor learning is known to be vulnerable to cognitive interference, but data about the role of motor interference is lacking. The research investigates the effect of how motor multitasking affects motor learning in a laboratory task, with the goal of developing theories that help us understand how we learn complex, compound movements during skills like playing musical instruments. I hypothesize that motor multitasking during training will impede strategic motor learning by using up a shared cognitive resource. My results will have significant implications for developing evidence-based neurorehabilitation interventions for patients recovering from stroke, where multitasking and strategic motor learning may be impaired. |
| Alexander Voglmayr | Phase Separation in RNA – Polypeptide Coacervate Systems | Liquid–liquid phase separation is a fundamental mechanism underlying the formation of membraneless compartments in modern cells, including stress granules and nucleoli. In this study, we investigate RNA–polypeptide coacervates as minimal, tunable model systems for understanding the physical principles that drive biomolecular condensation. Coacervate droplets were formed through electrostatic interactions between complementary nucleic acids (polyadenylic and polyuridylic acid) and cationic polypeptides, including poly-arginine and poly-histidine. We examined how polymer identity, charge density, and concentration influence droplet formation, stability, and morphology. These results highlight how simple molecular components can self-organize into dynamic, compartmentalized structures without lipid membranes. Beyond their relevance to origin-of-life models, RNA–polypeptide coacervates provide insight into the biophysical mechanisms governing biomolecular condensates in contemporary cellular systems. |
| Lexi Wachen | AI: An Antagonist or Aid? | The study investigates if the use of artificial intelligence (AI) hinders memory performance, building on past research on the effects of AI on critical thinking, problem solving and memory retention. A sample of Bates College students were randomly placed into an unaided group, where they studied on their own, or an AI-group, where they used ChatGPT. Participants were asked to read and study an article, complete a sidetracking task, and answer a series of questions about the initial reading. An Independent Samples T-Test was conducted to see if there was difference in memory performance between the two groups. |
| Owen Wang | Adverse Childhood Experiences and Identity-Expressive Appearance: The Mediating Role of Self-Concept Clarity | According to the CDC, 63.9% of U.S. adults report at least one Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE), which is associated with long-term mental and social outcomes (Felitti et al., 1998). This study examines whether higher ACE exposure predicts more intense identity-expressive appearance (e.g., tattoos, piercings, frequent hair-color changes) and whether this relationship is mediated by self-concept clarity (SCC). Participants completed an online survey measuring ACEs, SCC, appearance intensity, and appearance motivations. I predict that higher ACEs will be associated with lower SCC and stronger protective motivations, and lower SCC will be associated with higher appearance intensity. |
| Mia Wetzel | Understanding the Degradability of Functionalized PEG Derivative in Water | Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a water soluble, non-toxic synthetic polymer that enhances therapeutic properties of drug delivery systems. Despite these desirable properties, PEG is non-biodegradable, so it can cause harmful accumulation that results in liver and kidney damage. Our lab has developed a synthesis of a functionalized PEG derivative, and my thesis will study its degradability in water. Data will be collected over four days and analyzed with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gel permeation chromatography. If successful, this data could prove useful in enhancing biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. |
| Lucy Whitelam | A c. 13,000-year Record of Wildfire Activity from Ossipee Lake, New Hampshire | Examining fire activity in response to natural climate changes is key to better understanding future fire dynamics. Sedimentary charcoal records can be used to pinpoint past fire events within a watershed and document long-term regional trends in fire activity. In this study, we present a c. 13,000-year paleofire record from Ossipee Lake, New Hampshire. Charcoal particles (>125 µm) were counted and charcoal morphologies were quantified using image analysis software integrated with a transmitted light microscope. Ongoing work will examine the connections between fire activity, changing climate, human activity, and vegetation to better understand the drivers of these trends. |
| Matt Wiley | The Relationship Between Electrical Stimulation and Dielectric Properties of Bone | My thesis investigates the dielectric properties of bone and their role in healing. 10% of bone fractures do not heal properly, placing a physical and financial burden on patients and providers. The central question I am exploring is: How do the dielectric properties of bone and materials that model bone relate to its ability to respond to electrical stimulation? LCR, SEM, and XRD measurements were taken of both hydroxyapatite and bovine bone to measure the dielectric properties of these materials. My goal is to gain a better understanding of how material properties influence bone’s response to electrical stimulation. |
| Alessandra Williams | Road Salt Contamination in a Local Urban Watershed, the Hart Brook, Lewiston, ME | The Hart Brook watershed is a tributary of the Androscoggin that runs through Lewiston, Maine. It is classified as a impaired urban watershed with high impervious surface coverage (ISC) at 20%. We sampled water sources from three locations in the Hart Brook watershed to assess the level of road salt contamination and compared it to past data sets. A multimeter data sound was used to collect Specific Conductivity, temperature, DO, and pH. Water samples were collected and tested for Total Dissolved Solids and Chloride Concentrations using Mohr Titrations. The average chloride concentrations across three different sample sites within the Hart Brook watershed ranged from 209 to 401 ppm. The highest concentration was found adjacent to a major roadway, and inversely the lowest concentration was found in a more rural area. Chloride and specific conductivity levels have a strong positive linear relationship, as chloride ions are major carriers of electricity in water. This suggests that Specific Conductivity can be used as a proxy for estimating chloride concentrations. Additional analyses are underway to determine the source of high chloride level variations and to understand potential long-term impacts. |
| Omar Yaish | Effects of Microwave Phase Noise on Rabi Oscillations Decay in a Bose-Einstein Condensate of Rb-87 | My thesis investigates the effects of phase noise on Rabi oscillation decay in a Bose-Einstein condensate of Rb-87. In an ideal system, coherently driving populations between hyperfine states produces sustained Rabi oscillations. In a real experimental system, however, phase noise introduces a stochastic relative phase resulting in the dephasing and decay of our Rabi oscillations. This ultimately reduces our systems’ overall coherence and impedes precise quantum control. Isolating phase noise as the sole noise parameter and characterizing the properties of the Windfreak signal generator driving the populations allows us to quantify the extent of decoherence caused by this source. |
| Emma Yen | Energy Transport and Dissipation in the Heliosphere Due to Landau Damping | Understanding the extreme temperatures of the solar corona requires identifying how turbulent kinetic energy transforms into heat. Plasma turbulence transfers energy from large scale magnetic fields down to kinetic scales, where electron Landau damping can enable energy transfer. I use PLUME to simulate various plasma beta environments and identify plasma waves likely to exhibit strong Landau damping, then utilize Field-Particle Correlations to identify Landau damping through its specific velocity space signatures. Finally, by analyzing the kinetic pressure strain, I characterize the dissipation patterns of different plasma waves. These results provide a framework for interpreting fundamental heating processes across the heliosphere. |
| Amanda Yolles | The Four Roots of Resilience: How Early Childhood Outdoor Education Prepares Children For Climate Change | Many childhoods in the United States are now shaped by technological overload, rising safetyism, excessive consumption, and accelerating climate change: forces that disconnect children from themselves, from others, and from the natural world. These forces underscore the need for education to meet the needs of today. This thesis investigates how early childhood outdoor education can cultivate interconnectedness, environmental stewardship, emotional resilience, and creativity to build climate resilience. By weaving these capacities together, outdoor education provides a holistic framework for cultivating climate resilience in early childhood. |
| Deniz Yucel | Paying the Price: How College Affordability Has Changed in the United States in the Last 15 Years | Rising college costs threaten higher education’s role as a pathway to social mobility. This thesis examines how college affordability in the United States has evolved over the past fifteen years and evaluates the effects of recent policy interventions. Using institution-level panel data from IPEDS covering 1,186 nonprofit four-year colleges from 2008–2009 to 2022–2023, I measure affordability through average net price (overall and by income group) and borrowing outcomes. Descriptive evidence shows substantial heterogeneity across institutional characteristics, despite broadly parallel price trends over time. Panel and triple-difference analyses indicate that pandemic-era federal aid reduced net prices and borrowing, particularly at public institutions. In contrast, the effects of New York’s Excelsior Scholarship are concentrated among middle-income students, consistent with the program’s design. |
| Alden Zhang | Exploring Racial Socialization, Belonging, and Self-Esteem Among Transracial Asian American Adoptees | Transracial Asian American adoptees navigate unique identity challenges from racial trauma and cultural disconnection. This mixed-methods study explores dimensions of belonging as mediators linking racial socialization and self-esteem among adoptees. Study 1 utilizes a quantitative survey to test this model, while Study 2 employs thematic interviews to explore how intersectional identities shape well-being. Findings are expected to advance theoretical frameworks of Radical Healing, Intersectionality, and Asian Critical Race Theory. Ultimately, this work informs counseling practice and addresses psychological health and identity development among transracial Asian American adoptees. |
| Yuchen Zhang | The Role of Positive and Negative Affect in Attentional Control Among College Students | Attentional control is a core component of executive functioning that supports goal-directed behavior, inhibition of distracting information, and effective cognitive performance. Prior research suggests that negative affect can interfere with attentional control, while positive affect may support cognitive functioning and buffer against emotional distress. The present study examines the independent and interactive effects of positive and negative affect on attentional control. Participants will complete self-report measures of affect and attentional control, along with a flanker task assessing attentional interference. This research aims to improve understanding of how everyday emotional states shape cognitive functioning. |
| Xucheng Zheng | CheA-dependent Regulation of Twitching Motility in Response to Environmental Stimuli in Kingella kingae | Kingella kingae is a Gram-negative bacterium that causes invasive infections of synovial tissue in young children. K. kingae bacterial motility requires filamentous appendages, Type IV pili (T4P). Data in the lab demonstrates an increase in T4P density when exposed to hemoglobin. This study will investigate the involvement of putative chemotaxis related genes in the K. kingella genome for this T4P response. We have created a deletion mutant for cheA, a potential chemotaxis response regulator. We will use this mutant to conduct T4P biogenesis and bacterial motility assays, helping determine the role of CheA in K.kingae T4P-driven response to stimulants. |
| Conrad Zheng | Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence: Case Studies | Students in the Religious Studies course “Religion, Violence, and Nonviolence” will share public education projects based on studies of groups, movements, events, etc. that can help us better understand and address the complex interconnections among religion, violence, and nonviolence in our world today. |
| Wangtiancheng Zhu | When is “Sorry” Enough? The Roles of Apology Quality, Timing, and Offense Severity in Sincerity, Forgiveness, and Trust | This study tests how apology quality, timing, and offense severity shape perceived sincerity, forgiveness, and trust. In a 2×2×2 independent group experimental design, participants read a transgression scenario and an apology varying in quality (minimal vs. well-articulated), timing (immediate vs. delayed), and severity (minor vs. major). They then rate sincerity, willingness to forgive, and trust. Three-way ANOVA will assess main effects and interaction effects. It is expected that well-articulated, delayed apologies and minor offenses will yield more positive evaluations, with severity moderating timing and quality effects. |
| Lily Zink | Proposed Organic Synthesis of Luteoside B: A Compound with the Potential to Treat Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Other Viral Infections | An efficient route to organically synthesize luteoside B, a potential treatment for viral infections, was investigated to obtain higher yields than isolation from its natural source. The strategy employed a stepwise construction, beginning with glucose pentaacetate as the starting material. The anomeric carbon was protected via a thioglycosylation reaction, followed by deprotection of the intermediate. A benzylidene acetal was introduced to selectively protect the O4 and O6 hydroxyl groups, and the remaining hydroxyl groups were acetylated. With the sugar fully protected, glycosylation at the anomeric position using a phenylethyl aryl acceptor established a key structure toward assembling luteoside B. |