11.10 - Van Andel Institute Graduate School...Professor, Department of Biology National Science Foundation Program Director, Neural Systems Cluster of the Integrative & Organismal

ORGANIZING INSTITUTIONS:

AQUINAS COLLEGECALVIN COLLEGEGRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITYHOPE COLLEGE VAN ANDEL INSTITUTE GRADUATE SCHOOL

11.10.18

CELEBRATING 12 YEARS OF SCIENTIFIC AND EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATION

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12TH ANNUAL

WEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE (WMRUGS) RESEARCH CONFERENCE

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2018

8:30 AM ARRIVAL AND POSTER SETUP Cook-Hauenstein Hall

9:00 AM WELCOME Tomatis Auditorium Steve Triezenberg, PhD Dean, Van Andel Institute Graduate School

9:15 AM KEYNOTE SPEAKER ADDRESS Tomatis Auditorium Colin Saldanha, PhD

“Hormones & Neuroplasticity: Learning from a Resilient Brain”

American University Professor, Department of Biology National Science Foundation Program Director, Neural Systems Cluster of the Integrative & Organismal Systems Division

10:00 AM POSTER SESSION I Cook-Hauenstein Hall and Vande Woude Sessions Conference Room Presenters at even-numbered posters

11:25 AM UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH TALKS Tomatis Auditorium Aimee Judd, Aquinas College “Combinatorics of Citation Networks” Meghan Schilthuis, Calvin College

"Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Stimulation Promotes HIV-1 Infection in CD4+ T Cells"

Kathryn Sheets, Grand Valley State University “Assessing the impact of mussel bed presence on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and stream function”

Skylar Sundquist, Hope College

“The Regulation of Cellular Proliferation by VACM-1/CUL5 is Dependent on its Posttranslational Modifications by NEDD8”

12:25 PM LUNCH Cook-Hauenstein Hall Lunch seating is available in the café, conference rooms 3104 & 3105, the pre-function area outside of conference rooms 3104 & 3105 and the auditorium

12:35 PM RECORDED TED TALKS Tomatis Auditorium Please join us in the auditorium to see and hear recorded TED Talks

1:25 PM POSTER SESSION II Cook-Hauenstein Hall and Vande Woude Sessions Conference Room Presenters at odd-numbered posters

2:50 PM GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH TALKS Tomatis Auditorium Leslie Wyman, PhD Candidate - Van Andel Institute Graduate School Alumna: Grand Valley State University “Mechanisms of LRRK2 dimerization and activity”

Robert Vaughan, PhD Candidate - Van Andel Institute Graduate School Alumnus: Grand Valley State University “Growing with the scientific community in West Michigan”

3:30 PM CONCLUSION

Graduate School Recruiters/Representatives, and Internship and Employment Recruiters/Representatives will be on hand in the DeVos Lobby. Recruiters/Representatives are available starting at 9:00 AM. End times for recruiters/representatives may vary. A list of recruiters/representatives, their contact information and their availability are provided on pages 34-39.

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WEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Costs for the 2018 West Michigan Regional Undergraduate Science (WMRUGS) Research Conference are underwritten by our title sponsor Gentex Corporation, keynote speaker sponsor: University of Michigan, memorial sponsor: generous gifts honoring Dr. Gordon Van Harn, poster session sponsors: Ferris State

University’s College of Pharmacy and Grand Valley State University, as well as by the following organizing institutions: Aquinas College, Calvin College, Grand Valley State University, Hope College,

and Van Andel Institute Graduate School.

POSTER SESSION SPONSOR

TITLE SPONSOR

MEMORIAL SPONSOR

KEYNOTE SPEAKER SPONSOR


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WEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE

ADDITIONAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS – COMMITTEE AND SUPPORT STAFF

WMRUGS ORGANIZING INSTITUTIONS AND ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

Jennifer Hess, PhD – Aquinas College Keith Grasman, PhD – Calvin College

Mark Staves, PhD – Grand Valley State University Kristin Dittenhafer-Reed, PhD – Hope College

Nancy Schaperkotter, AM, LMSW, CEAP – Van Andel Institute Graduate School Jiyan Ma, PhD – Van Andel Institute Graduate School / Van Andel Research Institute

Galen Hostetter, PhD – Van Andel Institute Graduate School / Van Andel Research Institute Mary Winn, PhD – Van Andel Institute Graduate School / Van Andel Research Institute

Karsten Melcher, PhD – Van Andel Institute Graduate School / Van Andel Research Institute

WMRUGS HOST

Thank you to Van Andel Research Institute for hosting the West Michigan Regional Undergraduate Science Research Conference for 12 years

WMRUGS SUPPORT STAFF

Cover images designed by Frank Brenner, VAI Communications & Marketing Associate

Social media administration and support provided by Alex Edema, VAI Communications & Marketing Associate

Administrative support provided by Michelle Love, Tatum Kovach, Van Andel Institute Graduate School staff, graduate students of Van Andel Institute Graduate School and Michigan State University, and post-doctoral fellows from

Van Andel Research Institute

Audiovisual services provided by Terry Ballard and Bill Baillod with Van Andel Institute Production Services, and Tim Sundt with Viking Creative, LLC

Catering services provided by Eurest Dining Services

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KEYNOTE SPEAKER (9:15 AM - Tomatis Auditorium)

Colin Saldanha, PhD

Professor, Department of Biology, American University Program Director, Neural Systems Cluster,

Integrative & Organismal Systems Division, National Science Foundation https://www.american.edu/cas/faculty/saldanha.cfm

“Hormones & Neuroplasticity: Learning from a Resilient Brain”

Steroid hormones like estrogens have profound effects on the developing, adult, and aging brain in vertebrates

of both sexes. Estradiol modulates various indices of neuroplasticity including neurogenesis, neuronal migration,

synaptic connectivity, and cell death. This is particularly obvious in some species of songbirds, where entire

circuits of the adult brain degenerate and regenerate annually. Some songbirds constitutively synthesize

estradiol in neurons and synapses within the brain itself; and at levels high enough to affect complex behaviors

like learning and memory. Estradiol synthesis can also be induced in glial cells following neurotrauma, where

we are beginning to learn about the complex interactions between inflammatory processes and neural steroid

synthesis. I will discuss some of our findings with emphasis on the critical roles of ecologically valid animal

models and interdisciplinary approaches in neuroscience research and teaching.

https://www.american.edu/cas/faculty/saldanha.cfm

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH TALKS – ABSTRACTS (11:25 AM - Tomatis Auditorium)

Aimee Judd, Aquinas College Major(s): Mathematics, and Education with an emphasis in Learning Disabilities Senior, Class of 2020 Research Mentor(s): Joseph Fox, PhD – Associate Professor of Mathematics “Combinatorics of Citation Networks” Citation networks are large collections of objects, some of which refer to others. For example, one might consider a collection of Supreme Court decisions, some of which cite others as precedents. In this project, we will investigate the combinatorics of citation networks. Specifically, we will develop methods to count all possible orderings of the objects in a citation network that preserve the citation structure.

Please note that Aimee Judd will also present a poster (# 136) during the morning poster session at 10:00 am in Cook-Hauenstein Hall.

Meghan Schilthuis, Calvin College Major(s): Biology Senior, Class of 2019 Research Mentor(s): Anding Shen, PhD – Associate Professor of Biology "Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Stimulation Promotes HIV-1 Infection in CD4+ T Cells" A cure for HIV-1 remains elusive due to persistence of a latent reservoir of infected cells. Currently, mechanistic knowledge of latent reservoir formation is limited. The leading theory posits that only activated CD4+ T cells are infectible and that the reservoir forms when infected activated cells relax to a resting state. In contradiction, we have previously demonstrated that lymphatic endothelial cell stimulation enables direct infection of resting CD4+ T cells. This was shown using a CXCR4-tropic virus, seen in advanced stages of HIV, yet the transmittable viral form is CCR5-tropic. Thus, experimenting with CCR5-tropic virus is more relevant to early infection and latent reservoir formation. In this study, we observed that lymphatic endothelial cell stimulation also promotes the infection of cells by CCR5-tropic virus. Additionally, we showed that LEC stimulation enhances infection rates in both resting and activated CD4+ T cells. These results are impactful as they challenge the prevailing paradigm by demonstrating direct infection of resting cells and show that endothelial cell stimulation increases infection rates in both activated and resting CD4+ T cells.

Please note that Meghan Schilthuis will also present a poster (# 39) during the afternoon poster session at 1:25 PM in Cook-Hauenstein Hall.

https://www.aquinas.edu/people/joseph-fox-ph-dhttps://calvin.edu/directory/people/anding-shen

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UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH TALKS – ABSTRACTS (11:25 AM – Tomatis Auditorium)

Kathryn Sheets, Grand Valley State University Major(s): Ecology & Evolutionary Biology Senior, Class of 2018 Research Mentor(s): Eric Snyder, PhD – Professor of Biology

“Assessing the impact of mussel bed presence on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and stream function”

Freshwater mussels (Unionidae) are one of North America’s most biodiverse and long-lived taxa with nearly 300 species represented, and a life span of up to 70 years. They also experience a high risk of extirpation with one half of remaining Unionidae species projected to experience extinction over the course of the next century, joining the 30 species lost over the course of the last one. The relationship between live, active mussel beds and macroinvertebrate communities in two Michigan stream systems was examined in this project. Surveys of the Coldwater River and Cedar Creek were conducted to locate live mussel beds, and to identify mussel species presence and abundance. Additionally, quantitative sampling of the macroinvertebrate community was conducted within each mussel bed, as well as at paired sites without mussels. Abiotic variables measured included water chemistry, substrate analysis, discharge, and canopy cover. We hypothesized that mussel beds would contain a larger percent of filter-feeding macroinvertebrates, and that diversity between mussels and macroinvertebrates would be positively correlated. Results indicated high variability between mussel and control sites for aquatic macroinvertebrate community metrics. However, mussel sites dominated by the Asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) had significantly lower macroinvertebrate taxa richness, percent EPT, and macroinvertebrate diversity (p=0.022, 0.005, 0.002, respectively; ANOVA with post-hoc pairwise comparisons). Mussel taxa richness was positively correlated with macroinvertebrate taxa richness supporting our second hypothesis (R2 = 0.835, p=0.03, linear regression using the subset of sites with mussels). However, our first hypothesis was not supported as the abundance and richness of collector-gatherer FFG’s was not significantly different between mussel vs. non-mussel sites (p=0.405 & 0.803, respectively; ANOVA). Total macroinvertebrate abundance was significantly higher in Cedar Creek vs. the Coldwater River (total abundance 10,500 vs. 4,100; p=0.052; ANOVA). Finally, we found higher diversity and abundance of native mussels in Cedar Creek vs. the Coldwater River. Our results indicate that the presence of the invasive Asiatic clam is a good indicator of degraded macroinvertebrate community, but the mechanism is unknown and should be investigated further. This research can be used to track recovery in the degraded Coldwater River, and establish baseline conditions in Cedar Creek.

Please note that Kathryn Sheets will also present a poster (# 51) during the afternoon poster session at 1:25 PM in Cook-Hauenstein Hall.

Skylar Sundquist, Hope College Major(s): Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Junior, Class of 2020 Research Mentor(s): Maria Hledin, PhD – Professor of Biomedicine & Chemistry


VACM-1/CUL5 acts as the scaffold protein in the E3 ligase complex in the ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation pathway. The overexpression of VACM-1/CUL5 is known to inhibit proliferation, whereas inhibition of VACM-1/CUL5 expression induces cellular proliferation. Thus, VACM-1/CUL5 is implicated in cancer pathways. The effect of VACM-1/CUL5 on cellular proliferation is dependent on its post-translational modification (PTM) by the protein NEDD8 (neddylation). The relationship between NEDD8 and VACM-1/CUL5 is important for cell cycle regulation and offers a target for cancer therapy. This work explores the relationship between VACM-1/CUL5 and NEDD8, specifically investigating the structure function relationship of VACM-1/CUL5 and its neddylation sites. VACM-1/CUL5 was mutated at three potential neddylation sites, Lysine (K) 724, 727, and 728, and referred to as the 3K mutant. Our previous work suggests that the expression of the 3K mutant decreases the antiproliferative effect of VACM-1/CUL5. Our current work focuses on characterizing cells transfected with the mutated VACM-1/CUL5 cDNA to better understand the importance of neddylation at these sites. Interestingly, Western Blot analysis indicates that the 3K VACM-1/CUL5 mutant is still neddylated, which suggests that VACM-1/CUL5 may be neddylated at additional lysine sites.

Please note that Skylar Sundquist will also present a poster (# 21) during the afternoon poster session at 1:25 PM in Cook-Hauenstein Hall.

https://www.gvsu.edu/biology/module-directory-view.htm?siteModuleId=0B58E664-EF75-8BFD-E603E40519057DDC&entryId=E6CAFC79-D928-23CE-B8C59A6701D44568https://hope.edu/directory/people/burnatowska-hledin-maria/

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GRADUATE STUDENT RESEARCH TALKS – ABSTRACTS (2:50 PM - Tomatis Auditorium)

Leslie Wyman, PhD Candidate – Cell and Molecular Genetics Van Andel Institute Graduate School Alumna: Grand Valley State University – Bachelor of Science, Cell and Molecular Biology, 2015 Research Mentor: Darren Moore, PhD “Mechanisms of LRRK2 dimerization and activity” Co-Authors: Darren Moore, PhD Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative movement disorder pathologically characterized by the selective loss of

nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons resulting in a significant reduction of striatal dopamine. Current approaches for the treatment of

PD provide only symptomatic relief, and thus there is an urgent clinical need for the development of disease-modifying therapies.

Although the majority of PD cases have no clear genetic link, 5-10% of cases are inherited, caused by genetic mutations in at least 13

genes. Mutations in the leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the most frequent cause of late-onset, autosomal dominant

familial PD. The prevalence of LRRK2 mutations in PD makes it a promising therapeutic target, but the molecular mechanisms

mediating LRRK2-induced neuronal dysfunction are not well defined. LRRK2 is a member of the ROCO protein superfamily,

characterized by a conserved Ras-of-Complex (Roc) GTPase domain in tandem with a C-terminal of Roc (COR) domain. Adjacent to the

Roc-COR tandem domain is a protein kinase domain. GTPase activity is critically required for normal kinase activity and is important

for LRRK2-mediated neuronal toxicity. LRRK2 may function as a G protein Activated by nucleotide-dependent dimerization (GAD)

where dimerization regulates the LRRK2 GTPase cycle, however it remains unclear which domains and residues of LRRK2 are critical

for dimerization. Based on findings from our lab and others, we hypothesize that LRRK2 dimerization is mediated by the Roc-COR

tandem domain. Disrupting critical interactions within the dimerization interface may alter intracellular location and impair LRRK2

enzymatic activity, thereby inhibiting LRRK2-mediated neurotoxicity. In this present study, several hypothesis-testing mutations were

generated within the Roc-COR tandem domain to identify novel interactions required for LRRK2 dimerization. We are currently

employing a combination of in vitro assays, cultured neurons, and rodent models to test the effects of disrupting dimerization on

enzymatic function and neurotoxicity. The long-term objective of this project is to provide insight into the regulation of LRRK2 activity,

and demonstrate an important proof-of-concept that disrupting dimerization can attenuate the pathogenic effects of LRRK2. Our

investigation of LRRK2 regulation may lead to the development of novel therapeutic interventions for LRRK2-associated Parkinson’s

disease.

Student Profile: https://vaigs.vai.org/current-students-alumni/students/leslie-wyman/

Robert Vaughan, PhD Candidate – Cell and Molecular Genetics Van Andel Institute Graduate School Alumnus: Grand Valley State University – Bachelor of Science, Cell and Molecular Biology, 2012 Research Mentor: Scott Rothbart, PhD “Growing with the scientific community in West Michigan” In this talk, I will share my professional and academic journeys that led to my current position as a graduate student at the Van Andel Institute Graduate School. My work in emergency medicine as a paramedic exposed me to many unmet clinical needs, and pushed me toward an advanced degree in biomedical sciences. Here, I will highlight my research experiences in organic chemistry and antibiotic resistance mechanisms at Grand Valley State University, and share my recent work on epigenetic regulation through histone ubiquitination. Student Profile: https://vaigs.vai.org/current-students-alumni/students/robert-vaughan/

https://moorelab.vai.org/https://vaigs.vai.org/current-students-alumni/students/leslie-wyman/https://rothbartlab.vai.org/https://vaigs.vai.org/current-students-alumni/students/robert-vaughan/

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12TH ANNUAL WEST MICHIGAN REGIONAL UNDERGRADUATE SCIENCE RESEARCH CONFERENCE

2018 POSTER PRESENTATIONS Poster presentations will take place in the Cook-Hauenstein Hall and in the Vande Woude Sessions Conference Room

Presenters with even-numbered posters will present at 10:00 AM Presenters with odd-numbered posters will present at 1:25 PM

AUTHORS LIST

Pages 9-13 includes a table with a list of principal presenting authors by last name Co-Presenting authors, co-authors and research mentors are included with the detailed poster information on pages 14-33

List of Principal Presenting Authors

Last Name First Name Poster # Institution Field of Study

Andrews Caroline 53 Hillsdale College Biology

Apostle Stefanos 47 Grand Valley State University Biology

Apostle Alexander 65 Michigan State University Biology

Ausherman Christine 25 Van Andel Research Institute Biochemistry

Baker Alyssa 70 Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Becker Sarah 17 Hillsdale College Biochemistry

Best Safiya 110 Grand Valley State University Chemistry

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Bhimani Kevin 159 Kalamazoo College Physics

Bhullar Abhjeet 160 Kalamazoo College Physics

Biel Sara 98 Calvin College Chemistry

Bleitz Maria 32 Calvin College Biology

Bobian Andrew 109 Ferris State University Chemistry

Bouwer Miranda 1 Calvin College Biochemistry

Bouwman Rachael 99 Calvin College Chemistry

Brantuo Maame Adwoa 165 Calvin College Psychology

Brouwer Kelsey 122 Calvin College Computer Science

Brunink Schuylar 55 Hope College Biology

Burroughs Luke 100 Calvin College Chemistry

Callahan Brianna 162 Michigan State University Physiology

Campbell Molly 120 Lake Superior State University Chemistry

Chang Han 66 Taylor University Biology

Charles Joseph 45 Ferris State University Biology

Cheap Avery 29 Aquinas College Biology

Chen Shenghui 125 Calvin College Engineering

Chew Joyce 101 Calvin College Chemistry

Chui Kevin 71 Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Cooper Alexander 126 Calvin College Engineering

Day Carol 124 Cornerstone University Ecology and Evolution

DeHeer Katherine 141 Calvin College Microbiology

Deighton Jared 26 Calvin College Bioinformatics & Biostatistics

DeJonge Heather 150 Lowell High School Neuroscience

Dewey Emma 59 Indiana Wesleyan University Biology

DeWitt Ashley 48 Grand Valley State University Biology

Dho Jinsung 2 Calvin College Biochemistry

Dible Sarah 56 Hope College Biology

Doran Caitlyn 78 Ferris State University Biotechnology

DuHadway Kathryn 18 Hillsdale College Biochemistry

Eapen James 33 Calvin College Biology

Ebels Lauren 34 Calvin College Biology

Evert Lauren 148 Hope College Neuroscience

Faitz Zac 23 Indiana Wesleyan University Biochemistry

Farrell Regan 102 Calvin College Chemistry

Fish Skyler 35 Calvin College Biology

Fogg Camille 130 Hope College Engineering

Frasher Breanna 171 Ferris State University Public Health

Freiman Andrew 85 Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Fugate Madeline 86 Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Galla Kylie 49 Grand Valley State University Biology

German Ryan 36 Calvin College Biology

Giurini Michael 113 Hope College Chemistry

Goad Blue 27 Davenport University Bioinformatics & Biostatistics

Goeglein Brock 60 Indiana Wesleyan University Biology

Gomez Jasper 75 Michigan State University Biomedical Sciences

Green-Jackson Lavar 147 Grand Valley State University Neuroscience

Grey Joshua 87 Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Hall Kelsey 137 Aquinas College Mathematics

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Hamilton Katy 3 Calvin College Biochemistry

Harlow Olivia 134 Calvin College Immunology

Harrah Ashleigh 88 Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Hartgerink Colin 4 Calvin College Biochemistry

Hashem Tanwir 135 Michigan State University Immunology

Hirakawa Kento 62 Kalamazoo College Biology

Horner-Richardson Mary 5 Calvin College Biochemistry

Hren Zackary 15 Ferris State University Biochemistry

Jang Byoungchan 155 Calvin College Physics

Jenkins Sabrina 111 Grand Valley State University Chemistry

Johnson Mary 42 Cornerstone University Biology

Johnson Rebecca 114 Hope College Chemistry

Jones Tayler 154 Ferris State University Pharmacy

Jonker Patrick 6 Calvin College Biochemistry

Judd Aimee 136 Aquinas College Mathematics

Karsten Joel 20 Hope College Biochemistry

Kazmierczak Nathanael 103 Calvin College Chemistry

Keller Rahel 97 Cornerstone University Chemistry

Kheder Ashraf 43 Cornerstone University Biology

Kim Katherine 7 Calvin College Biochemistry

Kim Min Soo 116 Kalamazoo College Chemistry

Kirby Jacob 93 Indiana Wesleyan University Cell and Molecular Biology

Kuiper Sam 8 Calvin College Biochemistry

Kuiper Daniel 76 Calvin College Biophysics

Lamberg Olivia 37 Calvin College Biology

Langholz Anna 167 Hope College Psychology

Lee Sophia 9 Calvin College Biochemistry

Lenz Samuel 127 Calvin College Engineering

Leuschner Thomas 61 Indiana Wesleyan University Biology

Lietz Amanda 77 Ferris State University Biotechnology

Lillard Tyrese 112 Grand Valley State University Chemistry

Lindemann Reece 168 Hope College Psychology

Lowe Jared 115 Hope College Chemistry

Mack Curtis 143 Grand Valley State University Microbiology

Martinez Deziray 117 Kalamazoo College Chemistry

Mason Miles 10 Calvin College Biochemistry

Matusiak Paige 72 Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

McMahon Diana 145 University of Detroit Mercy Microbiology

Mellinger Joseph 142 Calvin College Microbiology

Moore Lindi 67 Taylor University Biology

Murray Shannon 79 Ferris State University Biotechnology

Nguyen Kenny 108 Aquinas College Chemistry and Physics

Nishii Akira 96 University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Cell and Molecular Biology

Nowland Gina 30 Aquinas College Biology

Ohsiek Ashley 73 Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Omollo Expery 24 Michigan State University Biochemistry

Park Amber 44 Davenport University Biology

Park Sung 63 Kalamazoo College Biology

Patel Manthan 163 Michigan State University Physiology

Paul Gage 89 Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Peterson Elizabeth 11 Calvin College Biochemistry

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Peterson Hannah 12 Calvin College Biochemistry

Pham Han 50 Grand Valley State University Biology

Porter Cedric 131 Hope College Engineering

Proksch Emily 16 Ferris State University Biochemistry

Pruim Jason 121 Calvin College Computational Biology / Bioinformatics

Pynes Rosemary 19 Hillsdale College Biochemistry

Reyes-Gonzalez Luis 164 Grand Rapids Community College Political Science

Rice Micaela 46 Ferris State University Biology

Ross Jackson 104 Calvin College Chemistry

Rulison Forest 156 Hope College Physics

Rulison Forest 156 Hope College Physics

Schilthuis Meghan 39 Calvin College Biology

Scholten Bradley 38 Calvin College Biology

Schutt Elizabeth 166 Calvin College Psychology

Scoville Riley 105 Calvin College Chemistry

Senti Mackenna 22 Hope College Biochemistry

Shaffer Gregory 151 Ferris State University Pharmacology

Shammami Marcelio 146 University of Detroit Mercy Microbiology

Sheets Kathryn 51 Grand Valley State University Biology

Shllaku Nikol 68 University of Detroit Mercy Biology

Shultz Jeremiah 69 Calvin College Biomedical Sciences

Sims Jonathan 161 Calvin College Physiology

Smith Austin 57 Hope College Biology

Song Youngtae 118 Kalamazoo College Chemistry

Stegenga Ashley 169 Hope College Psychology

Stewart Shannon 13 Calvin College Biochemistry

Stokes Lynn 28 Indiana Wesleyan University Bioinformatics & Biostatistics

Sundquist Skylar 21 Hope College Biochemistry

Sutton Elizabeth 80 Ferris State University Biotechnology

Sweeney David 40 Calvin College Biology

Szarowicz Carlye 81 Ferris State University Biotechnology

Terrell Nicholas 90 Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Teunis Katrina 139 Grand Valley State University Mathematics

Thaxton Kanedra 133 Michigan State University Human Biology

Thiel Allie 170 Hope College Psychology

Thomas Haryana 128 Calvin College Engineering

Thomas Audrey 144 Kalamazoo College Microbiology

Thompson Leah 41 Calvin College Biology

Thompson Isabel 52 Grand Valley State University Biology

Thurber Stacy 82 Ferris State University Biotechnology

Tolsma Rachael 54 Hillsdale College Biology

Tran Jennifer 83 Ferris State University Biotechnology

Tu Yukun 106 Calvin College Chemistry

Urban Nicholas 74 Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Van Baren Megan 152 Ferris State University Pharmacology

Van De Burg Jaimie 107 Calvin College Chemistry

Van Houten Bethany 140 Hope College Mathematics

Van Huis Dana 123 Aquinas College Ecology and Evolution

Van Winkle Taylor 64 Kalamazoo College Biology

VanDenTop Austin 91 Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Velazquez Alexis 92 Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Vennard Christopher 119 Kalamazoo College Chemistry

Ver Beek Noah 129 Calvin College Engineering

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Vettukattil Tejas 94 Kalamazoo College Cell and Molecular Biology

von Seeger William 157 Hope College Physics

Wilcox Kamaron 158 Hope College Physics

Williams Lorrayya 138 Calvin College Mathematics

Willson Alyssa 31 Aquinas College Biology

Wingrove Catherine 153 University of Virginia Pharmacology

Winslow Lindsey 84 Ferris State University Biotechnology

Wisneski Tiffany 132 Ferris State University Forensic Biology

Wolf Elysa 14 Calvin College Biochemistry

Woodford Elizabeth 149 Hope College Neuroscience

Wyeth Alexandra 58 Hope College Biology

Young William 95 Lansing Community College Cell and Molecular Biology

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2018 POSTER PRESENTATIONS AND POSTER INFORMATION

1. Miranda Bouwer, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Katy Hamilton, Dr. Brendan Looyenga, Dr. Larry Louters

“NMS-873 stimulates glucose uptake by inhibiting oxidative phosphorylation”

2. Jinsung Dho, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Professor Minah Suh and Hye Jin Park, Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR), Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16219, Republic of Korea

“Roles of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Systemic Inflammation in Neurovascular Coupling on rodents”

3. Katy Hamilton, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Miranda Bouwer, Dr. Looyenga and Dr. Louters

“Evaluating fluorescent glucose analogs in GLUT1 function and localization”

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4. Colin Hartgerink, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Matthew D. Rossler, Dr. Carolyn E. Anderson

“Synthesis of Trisubstituted Indolizines: Optimization and Scope Studies”

5. Mary Horner-Richardson, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Sarah Catlin

Co-Authors: Eric Arnoys

“Searching for GLUT1 PDZ Interactions”

6. Patrick Jonker, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Dr. Brendan Looyenga

“Characterization of NF2-deficient Renal Tumor Cells”

7. Katherine Kim, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Hasini Kalpage, Junmei Wan, Maik Hüttemann

“The Expression and Purification of Acetylmimetic Cytochrome c”

8. Sam Kuiper, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Patrick Jonker

Co-Authors: Brendan Looyenga

“Glutamine Availability Regulates Ligand–Independent Pseduo–Activation of MET”

9. Sophia Lee, Calvin College Biochemistry

“Investigating the Effects of Antibiotic Perturbation on Lactobacillus Species Metabolomics Profiles”

10. Miles Mason, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Leslie Nickerson, Emily Zerull, Dr. Carolyn Anderson

“Synthesis of Trisubstituted Indolizines: Mechanistic Studies”

11. Elizabeth Peterson, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Daniel Torrente and Daniel A. Lawrence, PhD

“An Immunofluorescent Characterization of Neuroserpin Expression in the Central Nervous System”

12. Hannah Peterson, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Neikelyn Burgos-Tirado; Jiayan Liu; Richard Auchus, MD-PhD

“Understanding Genetic Disorders: A Case of 17-Hydroxylase Deficiency”

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13. Kalina Reese and Shannon Stewart, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Drs. Rachael Baker and Amy Wilstermann, Calvin College

“Elucidating Genotype-Phenotype Connections in Bcs1L Mutations”

14. Elysa Wolf, Calvin College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Dr. Rachael A. Baker, Dr. Amy M. Wilstermann

“Combatting Antibiotic Resistance with Novel Fluoroquinolone-Based Compounds”

15. Zackary Hren, Ferris State University Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Luis Rivera-Rivera

“Pressure Effects on the Relaxation of an Excited Ethane Molecule in an Argon Bath”

16. Emily Proksch, Ferris State University Biochemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Connor Willitts

Co-Authors: Dr. Yumuna Kollalpitiya

“Investigating the Relationship Between 3ß- hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 2 and Tim17 Through Co-immunoprecipitation and Western Blot Analysis”

17. Sarah Becker, Hillsdale College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Dr. Francis Steiner

“The Effects of Extracellular Glucose on Methicillin and Hyperosmolarity Resistance Proteins in S. aureus Biofilms”

18. Kathryn DuHadway, Hillsdale College Biochemistry


“Detection of Methyl Syringate’s Desmutagenic Activity in Manuka Honey via the S.O.S. Chromotest”

19. Rosemary Pynes, Hillsdale College Biochemistry


“Analysis of Novel Quinolines as Photosensitizers against Staphylococcus Aureus Biofilms”

20. Joel Karsten, Hope College Biochemistry

“Use of the CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Knockout system to the effects of VACM-1/Cul5 on Cellular Proliferation”

21. Skylar Sundquist, Hope College Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Si Eun Lee, Dr. Maria Burnatowska-Hledin


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22. Mackenna Senti, Hope College Biochemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Alicia M. Bostwick, Alexandra J. Wyeth, Catherine, L. Wingrove

“Investigating mechanisms of regulation of mitochondrial DNA transcription”

23. Zac Faitz, Indiana Wesleyan University Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Justin Hazel, Stephen Leonard, Dr. W. Scott McCullough

“Parameterization, Docking, and Molecular Dynamics Generated Binding Affinity for SHP2 in silico”

24. Expery Omollo, Michigan State University Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Shahin Sayed, Zahir Moloo

“Quality improvement for breast cancer predictive and prognostic biomarkers”

25. Christine Ausherman, Van Andel Research Institute Biochemistry

Co-Authors: Robert M. Vaughan, Brad M. Dickson, Kevin Shaw, Evan M. Cornett, and Scott B. Rothbart

“Antagonizing the Histone Binding Domain of UHRF1”

26. Jared Deighton, Calvin College Bioinformatics & Biostatistics

Co-Presenting Authors: Abbi Stratton, Matthew Bone

Co-Authors: Stacy DeRuiter, Randall Pruim

“Clean Water for Liberia - Data Analysis”

27. Blue Goad, Davenport University Bioinformatics & Biostatistics

Co-Authors: Laura Harris

“Gene expression profile of macrolide resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae”

28. Lynn Stokes, Indiana Wesleyan University Bioinformatics & Biostatistics

Co-Authors: W. Matthew Sattley, Michael T. Madigan, Austin M. Huntington, Emma D. Dewey, Brad M. Burchell, Kathryn N. Shaffer

“Cultivation and characterization of icebound microorganisms from the South Pole”

29. Avery Cheap, Aquinas College Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Timothy Henshaw

“The Enzymatic Kinetic Profile of Class D β-Lactamase Variants Against Several Antibiotics”

30. Gina Nowland, Aquinas College Biology

Co-Authors: Jennifer Hess

“The Study of Natural Extracts Inhibiting the Growth of Oral Bacteria and Safe Relative Pathogens”

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31. Alyssa Willson, Aquinas College Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Stephanie Clark

Co-Authors: Dr. Rebecca Humphrey

“Abiotic factors affecting the prevalence of Rosa multiflora (Rosaceae) populations at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (Hastings, Michigan, USA)”

32. Maria Bleitz, Calvin College Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Laura Dykstra and Gillian Gardner

Co-Authors: Keith Grasman

“Monitoring reproductive and immunological effects in colonial waterbirds to support management decisions at contaminated Great Lakes sites”

33. James Eapen, Calvin College Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Gabriela Pineda

Co-Authors: Darren Proppe

“The effects of anthropogenic noise on bluebird reproductive success and health”

34. Lauren Ebels, Calvin College Biology

Co-Authors: Brian Nault; Ashley Leach

“Associations between onion growth characteristics and Thrips tabaci densities”

35. Skyler Fish, Calvin College Biology

Co-Authors: Benjamin Steenwyk, Deanna Geelhoed, Dr. Dave Warners

“Stormwater capture via green infrastructure in the Plaster Creek watershed”

36. Ryan German, Calvin College Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Amy Wilstermann and Dr. Rachael Baker

“The Care and Maintenance of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)”

37. Olivia Lamberg, Calvin College Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Jenna Atma, Alexandra Kamphuis, Connor Shea, Kaitlyn Vredevoogd

Co-Authors: Chace Scholten, Kristin Strydhorst, Darren Proppe

“A drone-mounted thermal camera is as effective as traditional methods for locating grassland bird nests.”

38. Bradley Scholten, Calvin College Biology

Co-Authors: Randall DeJong

“New Techniques to Detect Swimmer's Itch Parasites in Lakes”

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39. Meghan Schilthuis, Calvin College Biology

Co-Authors: Brianna Busscher, Maria Emerson, Anding Shen

“Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Stimulation Promotes HIV-1 Infection in CD4+ T Cells”

40. David Sweeney, Calvin College Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Andy Read, Dr. Nicola Quick

“Short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus) near-surface behavioral states in relation to previous dive characteristics”

41. Leah Thompson, Calvin College Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Tao Yang and Di Lu

“The Effects of Anti-Sumoylation Drugs in Inhibiting Osteosarcoma Cell Expansion”

42. Mary Johnson, Cornerstone University Biology

Co-Authors: Heather Carlson, Research Mentor: Dr. Robert Keys

“Coaching Stress and the Physiological Response”

43. Ashraf Kheder, Cornerstone University Biology

Co-Authors: Lucien Bahinga, Nigel Crompton

“Cadmium’s harmful effects on mammalian cells”

44. Amber Park, Davenport University Biology

Co-Authors: Laura Harris

“Gene expression and pathway enrichment profiles of azithromycin response in Pseudomonas aeruginosa”

45. Joseph Charles and Trevor Polisuk-Balfour, Ferris State University Biology

Co-Authors: Jacklyn Zvonar and Dr. Changqi Zhu

“The Role of Atg1 Gene in Fruit Fly Lifespan Regulation through Adult Muscle Tissues”

46. Micaela Rice, Ferris State University Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Daniel Adsmond

“Investigation of Amide Coformers for Sulfa Drug Cocrystals”

47. Stefanos Apostle, Grand Valley State University Biology

“Gaining Consciousness to the Mysteries of Anesthetics: Applications of chloroform, a model anesthetic, to Chara internodal cells”

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48. Ashley DeWitt, Grand Valley State University Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Alyssa DeWitt, Kasey Forton

Co-Authors: Sam Super, Christina Byl, Dr. Bruce Ostrow

“Development of Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps) Genitalia and Gliding Membrane”

49. Kylie Galla, Grand Valley State University Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Amanda Forner

“Changes in behavior of Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) following introduction to a new enclosure at John Ball Zoo”

50. Han Pham, Grand Valley State University Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Mia Diaz

Co-Authors: Jodee Hunt, Isabel Thompson

“Changes in behavior of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) following introduction to a new enclosure at John Ball Zoo”

51. Kathryn Sheets, Grand Valley State University Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Justin Radecki, Ana Wassilak, Raelee Olson

Co-Authors: Eric Snyder

“Assessing the impact of mussel bed presence on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and stream function”

52. Isabel Thompson, Grand Valley State University Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Jodee Hunt

“Effects of enclosure complexity on the behavior of big cats at John Ball Zoo”

53. Caroline Andrews, Hillsdale College Biology

Co-Authors: Jerry Fowler, Sasha Jakubek, Paul Scheet

“Evaluation of Sensitivity and Specificity of Computational Techniques for Detecting Allelic Imbalance”

54. Rachael Tolsma, Hillsdale College Biology

“Generating NIH/3T3 based hnRNP-A1 knockout cell lines using CRISPR-Cas”

55. Schuylar Brunink, Hope College Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Emma Wabel

Co-Authors: Sarah O’Mara, Philip Versluis, and Dr. Maria Burnatowska-Hledin*

“Knockout of Truncated VACM-1(KLB22) in HUVEC Using CRISPR-Cas9”

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56. Sarah Dible, Hope College Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. McDonough

“The Role of OPI1 In The Regulation of OLE1 Expression”

57. Riley Draper and Austin Smith, Hope College Biology

Co-Authors: Virginia McDonough, PhD

“Arv1p influences the regulation of the stearoyl-CoA desaturase”

58. Alexandra Wyeth, Hope College Biology

Co-Authors: Gonzalo Quiroga Artigas, Christine E. Schnitzler

“A detailed head regeneration timeline in the cnidarian Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus”

59. Emma Dewey, Indiana Wesleyan University Biology

Co-Authors: W. Matthew Sattley, Jennifer Baker, Lynn M. Stokes, Austin M. Huntington, Kathryn N. Shaffer, Brad M. Burchell, Michael T. Madigan

“Complete genome analysis of the alkaliphilic and minimalistic phototrophic bacterium Heliorestis convoluta”

60. Brock Goeglein, Indiana Wesleyan University Biology

Co-Authors: Thomas Leuschner, Michael Gongwer, Lexi Shepherd, Hannah Caringal, Boriana K. Tchernookova, Robert P. Malchow, & Matthew A. Kreitzer

“Muller Cell ATP-induced acidification is shaped by extracellular pH and carbonic anhydrase activity.”

61. Thomas Leuschner, Indiana Wesleyan University Biology

Co-Authors: Michael Gongwer, Boriana K. Tchernookova, Lexi Shepherd, Hannah Caringal, Brock Goeglein, Thomas Leuschner, Robert P. Malchow, & Matthew A. Kreitzer

“Characteristics of ATP-induced extracellular acidification from retinal Müller (glial) cells.”

62. Kento Hirakawa, Kalamazoo College Biology

Co-Authors: Santiago Salinas

“Phenotypic variation of fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) under extreme temperature and salinity conditions”

63. Sung Park, Kalamazoo College Biology

“Wnt3a treatment induces transcriptional upregulation of CTGF in HEK-293A and MCF7 cells”

64. Taylor Van Winkle, Kalamazoo College Biology

Co-Authors: William R. Morrison III

“The behavioral response of stored product pests, Rhyzopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) and T. castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to moldy grain volatiles”

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65. Alexander Apostle, Michigan State University Biology

Co-Authors: Keith Mason, Rufus Isaacs

“Effect of Integrated Pest Management on Spotted Wing Drosophila in Michigan Vineyards”

66. Han Chang, Taylor University Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Jessica Vanderploeg

“PCP localization and screen for novel PCP proteins”

67. Lindi Moore, Taylor University Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Jessica Vanderploeg

“Fruit Fly Research: Pointing us in the right direction; Structural dynamics of Drosophila planar cell polarity”

68. Nikol Shllaku, University of Detroit Mercy Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Angelina Antonyan, Alex Jackman, Diana McMahon, Marcelio Shammami

Co-Authors: Johnathan Finkel

“Discovery and Analysis of Genes Regulating Biofilm Formation of Candida albicans”

69. Jeremiah Shultz, Calvin College Biomedical Sciences

Co-Authors: Barbara J. Bailey, Pankita H. Pandya, Jixin Ding, Kevin Van der Jeught, M. Reza Saadatzadeh, Xiongbin Lu, and Karen E. Pollok

“Chk1 target validation in recurrent mutant p53 pediatric tumors”

70. Alyssa Baker, Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Co-Authors: Dr. John Capodilupo

“The Role of Synthetic Thyroid Hormone in Weight Management Among Patients with Hypothyroidism”

71. Kevin Chui, Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Co-Authors: Cynthia M June, Bradley J Wallar, David A Leonard

“Mutations at arginine-148 in the ADC-7 cephalosporinase confer the ability to hydrolyze cefepime”

72. Paige Matusiak, Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Co-Presenting Authors: Sidney Weaver, Yousif Slim, Cally Gooch

Co-Authors: John Capodilupo

“Improving resolution of GAP-43 isoforms: A potential biomarker for Alzheimer's disease”

73. Ashley Ohsiek, Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Co-Authors: John Capodilupo

“Evolution of breakthrough chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy and current implications”

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74. Nicholas Urban, Grand Valley State University Biomedical Sciences

Co-Authors: Jake Knowlton, Monica Peters, Ruijie Liu

“Study the Cardio-Protective Effect of ERK1/2 Using Genetically Modified Mice”

75. Jasper Gomez, Michigan State University Biomedical Sciences

Co-Authors: Kyle J. Card, and Richard E. Lenski

“Predictability and contingency in the evolution of antibiotic resistance after multiple decades of relaxed selection”

76. Daniel Kuiper, Calvin College Biophysics

Co-Authors: Paul E. Harper

“Structural Parameters of MNd Measured by X-ray Diffraction”

77. Amanda Lietz, Ferris State University Biotechnology

Co-Authors: Timothy Frey, Dr. Christopher G. Taylor

“Effect of Ionotropic Receptors on Nematode Chemotaxis”

78. Caitlyn Doran, Ferris State University Biotechnology

Co-Authors: Schuyler Pike, Ph.D and David Griffith, Ph.D

“Identification of the Neaphaenops tellkampfi Alarm Pheromone”

79. Shannon Murray, Ferris State University Biotechnology

Co-Authors: Lawrence I. Grossman (PI), and Neeraja Purandare

“The Effect of Insulin on Mitochondrial Function of MNRR1”

80. Elizabeth Sutton, Ferris State University Biotechnology

Co-Authors: Dr. Schuyler Pike, Dr. Clifton Franklund

“Analysis of Municipal Wastewater for Estrogen Derivations”

81. Carlye Szarowicz, Ferris State University Biotechnology

Co-Authors: Anne-Sophie Bohrer, Anthony Schilmiller, Dr. Dan Jones, and Dr. Hideki Takahashi.

“Optimization of LC-MS analytical methods for metabolite profile characterization of switchgrass cultivars”

82. Stacy Thurber, Ferris State University Biotechnology

Co-Authors: Schuyler Pike, Rich Haugland, Shannon Briggs and Mike Solomon

“Quantification of Escherichia coli Levels in Recreational Water by qPCR”

83. Jennifer Tran, Ferris State University Biotechnology

Co-Authors: S. Eric Nybo, Ph.D.

“A BIOBRICKS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY TOOLBOX FOR BIOSYNTHESIS OF ANTHRACYCLINONES”

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84. Lindsey Winslow, Ferris State University Biotechnology

Co-Authors: Amanda Kovach, Lin Bai, Huilin Li

“Purification of BiP – an Hsp70 family chaperone that helps nascent proteins cross the ER membrane”

85. Andrew Freiman, Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Margaret Dietrich

“Abnormal growth patterns of P. patens mutant phenotype may be due to disrupted miRNAs”

86. Madeline Fugate, Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Osman Patel

“Effects of supraphysiological dose of testosterone on breast cancer cells”

87. Joshua Grey, Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: David A. Leonard, Agnieszka Szarecka

“Force field parameters for doripenem for use in molecular dynamics simulations of OXA-66-doripenem complex”

88. Ashleigh Harrah, Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Brooke Armistead, Sok Kean Khoo

“miRNA-34b/c as disease progression biomarkers for Parkinson’s Disease”

89. Gage Paul, Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Diego Flores

Co-Authors: Sok Kean Khoo

“β-synuclein as treatment for Parkinson’s symptoms in Drosophila”

90. Nicholas Terrell, Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Osman V Patel

“Short-term androgen therapy inhibits proliferation of breast cancer cells”

91. Austin VanDenTop, Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Dylan Thompson, Steve McKenzie, Dr. Matthew Christians

“The COP9 Signalosome plays a role in ethylene signaling in model plant Arabidopsis thaliana”

92. Alexis Velazquez, Grand Valley State University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Osman Patel

“Effects of testosterone on androgen-dependent and -independent prostate cancer cells”

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93. Jacob Kirby, Indiana Wesleyan University Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Dan Jones

“Rescue of Zoledronate-Induced Death in Normal Human Oral Keratinocytes”

94. Tejas Vettukattil, Kalamazoo College Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Dr. Eric Kort (Research Mentor), Dr. Stefan Jovinge (Research Mentor), Dr. Santiago Salinas (Faculty Advisor)

“miRNA hsa-miR-144-3p and hsa-miR-1260a are differentially expressed across human circulation”

95. William Young, Lansing Community College Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Presenting Authors: Laura Hunnicutt, Lalith Gopi Nagaruri, Benjamin Oudsema, William Young, and Dr. Melinda Wilson

Co-Authors: Dr. Melinda Wilson

“DNA Barcoding Analysis of Honey: A Sticky Bzzzzness”

96. Akira Nishii, University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Cell and Molecular Biology

Co-Authors: Hiroyuki Mori, Colleen Dugan, Ameena Benchamana, Ormond A. MacDougald

“Temperature Regulation of Lipid Desaturation and Lipolysis in Adipocytes”

97. Rahel Keller, Cornerstone University Chemistry

Co-Authors: Ryan Reynolds, Dr. Robert Keys

“Effectiveness of Purell against Mold”

98. Sara Biel, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Dr. Michael Barbachyn

“Progress Toward the Synthesis of Novel Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors Derived from Fluoroquinolones. N-1 Alkyne Derivatives”

99. Rachael Bouwman, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Kumar Sinniah

“G-Quadruplex Topology and Stability as a Function of DNA Length”

100. Luke Burroughs, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Joshua Kuperus and Evamarie Medendorp


“Progress Toward the Synthesis of Novel Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors Derived from Fluoroquinolones. N-1 Amine Derivatives”

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101. Joyce Chew, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Nathanael P. Kazmierczak, Dr. Douglas A. Vander Griend

“Defining the Relationship: Computer-Driven Characterization of the Binding of Host and Guest Molecules”

102. Regan Farrell, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Roger L. DeKock

“A Theoretical Foundation for the Slater-Zener Screening Constant Model”

103. Nathanael Kazmierczak, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Joyce A. Chew, Dr. Douglas A. Vander Griend

“The Tie That Binds: Optimal Design of Equilibrium Spectrophotometric Titrations”

104. Jackson Ross, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Sam Schellenberg

Co-Authors: Lindsay Pederson, Emma Schroer, Dr. David Benson*

“Comparing Fe- to Cu-Mediated Formation of a Tyrosine Cofactor”

105. Riley Scoville, Calvin College Chemistry


“Progress Toward the Synthesis of Aminomethyl-Substituted QPT-1 Bacterial Topoisomerase Inhibitors.”

106. Yukun Tu, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Mark Muyskens

“How Models Improved Understanding of Fluorescence of Esculetin”

107. Jaimie Van De Burg, Calvin College Chemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Benjamin Boss

Co-Authors: Carolyn Anderson

“Synthesis of Trisubstituted Indolizines: Substitution, on the Pyridine Ring”

108. Kenny Nguyen, Aquinas College Chemistry and Physics

Co-Authors: Dr. Xin Du, Assistant Professor of Physics, Aquinas College

“Dynamics of Polydispersed Emulsion System in T-Shaped Chamber”

109. Andrew Bobian, Ferris State University Chemistry

Co-Authors: Dr. Dan Adsmond

“Using Amidines as Centerpieces of Ternary Cocrystal Design”

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110. Safiya Best, Grand Valley State University Chemistry

Co-Authors: Richard Rediske, Molly Lane, Brian Scull

“A comparison study of Colilert and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) methods at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon County, MI”

111. Sabrina Jenkins, Grand Valley State University Chemistry

Co-Authors: Dr. Scott N Thorgaard

“Sensing of Single Bacteria Using Blocking Electrochemical Collisions and the Dependence of Current Transients on Supporting Electrolyte Concentration”

112. Tyrese Lillard, Grand Valley State University Chemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Javis Tran, Christina Seppala

Co-Authors: George McBane, Stephanie Schaertel

“Pressure Broadening of Carbon Monoxide Infrared Absorption Lines by Neon”

113. Michael Giurini, Hope College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Dr, Kenneth L. Brown

“New Electrode Surface for Glucose Biosensors”

114. Rebecca Johnson, Hope College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Ethan M. Heyboer, Grace C. Ahlgrim, Kimberly S. DeGlopper, Megan R. Kwiatkowski, Trey C. Pankratz, Mason D. Yoder, and Jeffrey B. Johnson

“Synthesis of Ortho-Substituted Benzamides Through Nickel-Mediated Cross-Coupling”

115. Jared Lowe, Hope College Chemistry

Co-Presenting Authors: Kjersti Oberle, Chloe Hutchison, Gretchen Fata, Ryan Lash, Anna Bauer

Co-Authors: Christopher R. Turlington

“New Directions for Organocatalyzed Polymerization Reactions”

116. Min Soo Kim, Kalamazoo College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Dwight Williams Ph.D.

“Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 5-Hydroxy-2-(3-phenylpropyl)chromone Derivatives as 5-HT2B Receptor Ligands”

117. Deziray Martinez, Kalamazoo College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Dr. Dwight Williams, Dr. Regina Stevens-Truss

“Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Melatonin-Coumarin Hybrids as Potential Antibacterial Agents”

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118. Youngtae Song, Kalamazoo College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Ramakrishna Guda

“Plasmon Enhanced Light Emitting Diodes based on Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Interaction with Perovskite Nanocomposites”

119. Christopher Vennard, Kalamazoo College Chemistry

Co-Authors: Mya Gough, Dwight Williams

“Design and Synthesis of Coumarin-Yanglingmycin Hybrids as Potential Antibiotics”

120. Molly Campbell, Lake Superior State University Chemistry

Co-Authors: Dr. Adam Mosey

“A One-Pot Reaction Involving a Pictet-Spengler-type Cyclization Step for the Synthesis of Quaternary 3,4-Dihydroquinazolines”

121. Jason Pruim, Calvin College Computational Biology / Bioinformatics

Co-Authors: Paul Harper

“Lung Surfactant, Alkanes, and Lipid Structures”

122. Kelsey Brouwer, Calvin College Computer Science

Co-Authors: Professor Joel Adams

“Audializations: An Exploration in Sound”

123. Dana Van Huis, Aquinas College Ecology and Evolution

Co-Presenting Authors: Carol Day

Co-Authors: Dr. Robert Keys

“Bringing Biodiversity to Restored Grasslands”

124. Carol Day, Cornerstone University Ecology and Evolution

“The Effects of Vegetation Biomass Density on Grassland Bird Nesting”

125. Shenghui Chen, Calvin College Engineering

Co-Authors: Professor Randall Brouwer; Professor Yoon Kim

“Remote Sensing of Energy Efficient Windows”

126. Alexander Cooper, Calvin College Engineering

Co-Authors: Renard Tubergen

“Balancing Dormatory Temperatures”

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127. Samuel Lenz, Calvin College Engineering

Co-Authors: Dr. David Wunder

“Micron Sand Filtration: Proof of Concept for Ethiopia”

128. Haryana Thomas, Calvin College Engineering

“Software Integration of Control and Automation Lab”

129. Noah Ver Beek, Calvin College Engineering

Co-Authors: Professor Matthew Heun

“Societal Exergy Analysis: Energy History of Honduras”

130. Camille Fogg, Hope College Engineering

Co-Authors: Courtney A. Peckens

“Bio-Inspired Iterative Learning Techniques for More Effective Control of Civil Infrastructure”

131. Cedric Porter, Hope College Engineering

Co-Presenting Authors: Taylor Rink

Co-Authors: Courtney Peckens

“Wireless Sensor Networks for Long-Term Monitoring of Urban Noise”

132. Tiffany Wisneski, Ferris State University Forensic Biology

Co-Authors: Nicole Chinnici

“Determining the Ability to Identify Animal Species from Incinerated Remains”

133. Kanedra Thaxton, Michigan State University Human Biology

Co-Authors: Tanwir Hashem, Hyun Hee Lee, Rupali Das

“GENERATION OF CD2−⁄− MICE ON BALB/C GENETIC BACKGROUND”

134. Olivia Harlow, Calvin College Immunology

Co-Authors: Natalie Anumolu, Shannon Manning, PhD, and Erica Boldenow, PhD

“Hemolytic and Non-Hemolytic Group B Streptococcus Strains Impact on Infection and Inflammation in Human Placental and Immune Cells”

135. Tanwir Hashem, Michigan State University Immunology

Co-Authors: Ananth K. Kamala, Ryan M. Griffin, Manthan Patel, Kellie E. Mullany, Hariharan Subramanian, Rupali Das

“Ruxolitinib ameliorates the Th1 cytokine-associated immune response in a murine model of severe asthma”

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136. Aimee Judd, Aquinas College Mathematics

Co-Authors: Dr. Joseph Fox

“Combinatorics of Citation Networks”

137. Kelsey Hall, Aquinas College Mathematics

Co-Authors: Dr. Michael McDaniel, Nick Grabill, Emma Schmidt

“New Theorems of Old”

138. Lorrayya Williams, Calvin College Mathematics

Co-Authors: Ly Pham and Michael J Noto M.D. PhD.

“Pilus-Expressing Acinetobacter baumannii, mediated Enhanced Bacterial Clearance Involving Inflammasomes Signaling.”

139. Katrina Teunis, Grand Valley State University Mathematics

“The Combinatorics of RNA”

140. Bethany Van Houten, Hope College Mathematics

Co-Presenting Authors: Geordan Stukey, Angela Vito

Co-Authors: Dr. Joseph Stukey

“Arrested Development – Impact of Temperature on the Isolation Frequency and Lytic Cycle Growth of Cluster K Mycobacteriophages”

141. Katherine DeHeer, Calvin College Microbiology

Co-Authors: Joseph Mellinger, Tobechukwu Ndika, Dr. Kelly DuBois

“Microbial Responses to Green Infrastructure in the Plaster Creek Watershed (Bacteriophage)”

142. Joseph Mellinger, Calvin College Microbiology

Co-Authors: Katherine DeHeer, Tobechukwu Ndika and Dr. Kelly DuBois

“Microbial Responses to Green Infrastructure in the Plaster Creek Watershed (E. coli and Coliform Bacteria)”

143. Curtis Mack, Grand Valley State University Microbiology

Co-Authors: Ian Cleary

“Examining the Growth of C. albicans Filamentous Mutants In Embedded Conditions”

144. Audrey Thomas, Kalamazoo College Microbiology

Co-Authors: Heather Kroh, Madison Wright, Lars Plate, D. Borden Lacy

“Characterization of Clostridium difficile TcdR, a sigma factor that controls bacterial toxin production”

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145. Diana McMahon, University of Detroit Mercy Microbiology

Co-Authors: Angelina S. Antonyan, Alex B. Jackman, Marcellio Shammami, Nikol Shllaku, Jonathan S. Finkel Ph.D.

“Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans GAL10 Gene is Imperative to Biofilm Formation”

146. Marcelio Shammami, University of Detroit Mercy Microbiology

Co-Authors: Marcelio Shammami, Angelina Antonyan, Alex Jackman, Diana McMahon, Nikol Shllaku, Jonathan S. Finkel Ph.D.

“Determining Drug Targets in Candida albicans Biofilm Formation”

147. Lavar Green-Jackson, Grand Valley State University Neuroscience

Co-Authors: Glenn R. Valdez

“CRF2 Receptor of Depressive-Like Behavior During Protracted Ethanol Withdrawal”

148. Lauren Evert, Hope College Neuroscience

Co-Presenting Authors: Gonzalo Moya

Co-Authors: Garrett Fogo, Nicholas Rozema, Ryann Felton, Sarah Plowman, Tymi Staub, Leah Chase, & Andrew J. Gall

“Mixed Mood State Behaviors and Circadian Dysfunction following Homocysteic Acid Treatment: Potential Animal Model for Bipolar Disorder”

149. Elizabeth Woodford, Hope College Neuroscience

Co-Authors: Chelsea Miskelley (co-author), Peter Vollbrecht (Faculty Advisor)

“Exploration into Executive Function in Selectively Bred Obesity-Prone and Obesity-Resistant Rats through Behavioral Analysis”

150. Heather DeJonge, Lowell High School Neuroscience

Faculty Advisor/Research Mentor: Heather DeJonge, Lowell High School and Van Andel Research Institute

Co-Presenting Authors: Lucas Sherman, Marlie Fowler and Leanna Rose – Lowell High School Co-Authors: Brianna Roest, Dawn Kondor, Irving Vega and Cassandra Wygant – Lowell High School

“Effects Of Garlic Compound, SAC, In Its Ability To Rescue Phenotypic Deficits In C. elegans Models Of Tauopathies Disease”

151. Gregory Shaffer, Ferris State University Pharmacology

Co-Authors: Dr. Jennifer Lamberts

“Understanding the Role of Neuroinflammation in Parkinson's Disease”

152. Megan Van Baren, Ferris State University Pharmacology

Co-Authors: Felix Amissah, Ph.D.

“Impact of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitor/Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Combination on Rho GTPase Function in Lung Cancer Cells”

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153. Catherine Wingrove, University of Virginia Pharmacology

Co-Authors: Katelyn Ahern, Dr. Thurl Harris

“Oxidized Fatty Acids Regulate Insulin Signaling During Acute Stress”

154. Tayler Jones, Ferris State University Pharmacy

Co-Authors: Dr. Kim Hancock

“Dissolution of Antidepressant Medications in a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Dissolution Simulation”

155. Byoungchan Jang, Calvin College Physics

Co-Presenting Authors: Byoungchan Jang, Joshua Gilmore, Conrad Kuz

Co-Authors: Dr. Matthew Walhout

“Computational Modeling of Dynamics and Pattern Formation of Dielectric-barrier discharges (DBDs)”

156. Forest Rulison, Hope College Physics

“Ion beam Analysis for Silicon Carbide Crystals and Battery Materials”

157. William von Seeger, Hope College Physics

Co-Authors: Paul DeYoung, Artemis Spyrou, Jason Gombas

“Determining the β Decay Strength Function of 91Rb”

158. Kamaron Wilcox, Hope College Physics

Co-Authors: Dr. Jennifer Hampton

“The Effect of Potassium Hexacyanoferrate (III) Concentration on Prussian Blue Analogue Charge Storage”

159. Kevin Bhimani, Kalamazoo College Physics

Co-Authors: Dr. Yiming Yang and Dr. Humphrey Maris

“Cavitation of Electron Bubbles In Liquid Helium-4”

160. Abhjeet Bhullar, Kalamazoo College Physics

Co-Authors: Dr. David Wilson

“6-D Viral Phase Transformations”

161. Jonathan Sims, Calvin College Physiology

Co-Authors: Molly Thorson, Patrick Thrasher, Johanna Fleischman, Ashley J. Cuttitta, Daniel E. Michele

“Developing a high throughput assay for nitric oxide detection in adult mouse cardiomyocytes”

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162. Brianna Callahan, Michigan State University Physiology

Co-Authors: Ananth Kumar Kammala and Hariharan Subramanian

“Osthole, a natural plant derivative inhibits MrgprX2-induced mast cell responses”

163. Manthan Patel, Michigan State University Physiology

Co-Authors: Rupali Das

“Inhibitory function of 2B4 cell receptor in the Invariant Natural Killer T cell response”

164. Luis Reyes-Gonzalez, Grand Rapids Community College Political Science

Co-Authors: Meghan VanderMale

“Voting and Measures of Compactness”

165. Maame Adwoa Brantuo, Calvin College Psychology

Co-Authors: Dr. Herb Fynewever, Elizabeth Schutt

“Cultural mismatches between students and professors in the classroom”

166. Elizabeth Schutt, Calvin College Psychology

Co-Authors: Maame Adwoa Brantuo, Herb Fynewever

“Validation of a Teaching Personality Survey”

167. Anna Langholz, Hope College Psychology

Co-Presenting Authors: Thiel, Allie and Sooy, Trevor

“Measures of resilience in undergraduate students”

168. Reece Lindemann, Hope College Psychology

Co-Authors: Kelly Teahan, Daryl Van Tongeren

“Religious De-identification and the Religious Residue Effect”

169. Ashley Stegenga, Hope College Psychology

Co-Presenting Authors: Trevor Sooy

Co-Authors: Dr. Katelyn Poelker

“U.S. Adolescents’ Views of the Ideal Person”

170. Allie Thiel, Hope College Psychology

Co-Presenting Authors: Nicholai Shaw

“The Effect of Religiousness and Spirituality on Health Behaviors”

171. Breanna Frasher, Ferris State University Public Health

Co-Authors: Dr. Michael Reger

“Phytoestrogen Intake and the Risk of Total and Advanced Colorectal Cancer”

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11.10 - Van Andel Institute Graduate School...Professor, Department of Biology National Science Foundation Program Director, Neural Systems Cluster of the Integrative & Organismal