FCRH 15th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium

Fordham College at Rose Hill

Welcome to the 2022 FCRH Undergraduate Research Symposium Virtual Poster Session! Presenters will be available live from 1:00-2:00, 4:00-5:00, or have recorded their presentations. Thank you so much for visiting our students' amazing work!

More info: https://fcrh2022.virtualpostersession.org/

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The Effectiveness of Various Toothpastes on Oral Bacterial Growth

Hunter Loos, James Baluyut, Arnesa Bislimi, Ikram Boukhadia

Abstract: Many toothpaste companies claim to be most effective in removing plaque and bacteria, and even whitening teeth. This study examined four leading brand toothpastes, and their effectiveness in removing oral bacteria from our participants. The products tested were Colgate Total, Colgate Optic White, Sensodyne, and Crest Pro-Health. The active ingredient in all four products was the fluoride ion in various concentrations. Study participants were college students who collected samples with cotton swabs before and after brushing their teeth each morning. Samples were inoculated on nutrient agar plates and incubated for 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. Additionally, a modified Kirby- Bauer test was conducted to observe the effects of toothpaste against Staphylococcus aureus, a common skin bacterium. The Kirby-Bauer results were inconclusive due to the lack of S. aureus growth. Nutrient agar plate results indicated that bacterial growth was reduced after brushing when compared to before brushing. While all four toothpaste products were effective in decreasing bacterial growth, Crest Pro-Health was most effective in nearly complete elimination of oral bacteria. While these results suggest Crest Pro-Health is the most effective toothpaste among the four tested, further study is required.
Presented by: Hunter Loos
Institution: Fordham University

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Race Diaspora Amongst US: How the United States Accepts Foreign Refugees Based on Race

Esperanza Diaz

Abstract: This paper will discuss the effects that race has when it comes to allowing people to become refugees. In today’s world being a refuge can be taken in one of two ways: they are either accepted as a refuge or denied. Based on the race that they come from, research has shown that countries favor and allow entrance to refugees that come from white backgrounds, in comparison to those that come from black, indigenous, Asian, or even middle eastern backgrounds. In 2022, it was approved that over 100,000 refugees were allowed to enter the United States, however, before the conflict in Ukraine, which a predominately white nation, the United States had stronger refugee laws, even if there were conflicts in places such as Haiti, the Middle East, and other places in Africa. Here I will be investigating the correlation that there is amongst people of color being allowed in the United States from past twenty years (2002-2022), and how race has influenced that choice. Although not a lot of research has been done on the acceptance of Ukrainians in the United States, there has been a lot of research and legislature passed that has limited the among of people that are incoming to the US as refugees of color. Finally, I will be looking at the sanctions and legislations that have been passed to prevent refugee movement and how race has played a role on those decisions.
Presented by: Esperanza Diaz
Institution: Fordham College at Rose Hill

Analyzing the Effect of Sanitizing Procedures on Microbe Growth in the Ram Fit Center

Anne Muldoon, Danielle Petrunoff, Jack Aldana-Proulx, Megan Kurz, and Marly B. Katz

Abstract: Through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, many public spaces responded by implementing safety protocols to reduce the spread of the virus. Beginning in August 2021, Fordham University’s Ram Fit Fitness Center implemented new cleaning procedures for gym equipment, limiting visitors to 1-hour appointment sessions and allocating 30 minutes between sessions for the gym custodial staff to sanitize all equipment. To test the effectiveness of these cleaning procedures, we swabbed various pieces of gym equipment: at the beginning of an appointment (prior to use), after that equipment was used, and after the subsequent disinfection. These swabs were plated on nutrient agar (NA) plates and analyzed for bacterial growth. We hypothesized that bacterial growth would occur on all NA plates for: before use, after use, and after cleaning, suggesting that despite the Ram Fit Center’s cleaning procedures, microbial growth would persist. Results were inconclusive: limited growth on NA plates as well as a small sample size precluded statistical analyses. While this limited growth might be attributed to consistently effective sanitization procedures, it could also have been the result of suboptimal incubation conditions. This experiment analyzed bacterial growth as a measure of the efficacy of cleaning procedures. While this provided limited information on these procedures’ direct mitigation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it reinforces the need for adequate cleaning procedures with or without the context of a global pandemic.
Presented by: Anne Muldoon
Institution: University of Fordham, Department of Biological Sciences

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The Impact of Horror on the Brain

Sebastian Guccione

Abstract: The aim of this research project was to analyze the impact of the horror genre in entertainment on the brain. The impact reviewed is through the form of data that monitored how both the physical areas of the brain changed through exposure, and monitored recorded responses of participants of studies. We know that fear plays an important role for human survival, and this project in a sense is an effort to gain a better understanding of artificially created fear. There were several studies and collected data that this project analyzed. In two of the studies analyzed, participants watched horror movies while in an MRI scanner. In a second study, participants answered structured questions after going through a haunted house. The project found that activity in the brain increases in both sensory areas of the brain and the frontal cortex, the former being more significant. It also found similarities and differences between acute and anticipatory fear. Anticipatory fear increases neural synchronization in 'threat response networks,' with these changes being both to perceptual input and attentional control. Acute and anticipatory fear also showed distinct neural pathways. Another area this project analyzed was subjects’ enjoyment out of the horror stimulation, as we11 as behavior that resulted from it. While participants recorded high levels of enjoyment in conjunction with when they reported high levels of fear, there was not enough data to show a strong statistical relationship. What was found however, is that highly motivated individuals were more likely to experience enjoyment when experiencing higher levels of fear.
Presented by: Sebastian Guccione
Institution: Fordham College at Rose Hill

Assessing the Effects of Levels of Traffic Pollution on Severity of Asthma Symptoms

Syeda Rahman, Johnny Morocho, Sarah Choudhury

Abstract: Pollution is a critical factor in determining the severity of one’s asthma symptoms. In recent decades, it has been on the rise due to increased car ownerships across all types of neighborhoods. This causes frequent congestion on the roads, especially in major cities, causing higher pollution levels. Moreover, in densely populated areas like the Bronx, asthma cases occur at disparagingly larger rates. Though most asthma research focuses on children, our study centers on college students, specifically those who reside in or commute to Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus. The University is situated among areas that vary in levels of air pollution, with some sectors near Fordham Road containing more traffic pollution compared to those near the Botanical Gardens. Undergraduate students with asthma completed a survey to assess and reflect on the severity of their asthma symptoms when residing or commuting to and from such sectors. We hypothesized that students in closer proximity to Fordham Road will experience more severe and worsening symptoms of asthma. In regards to this current case series, the results of the survey suggest that the general severity of asthma symptoms in students remain mild to moderate regardless of where students are situated on campus. This study demonstrates that there is room for research on college housing locations in relation to traffic pollution and its impacts on students and their asthma experiences, and there is indeed potential for analyses with other ages, demographics, and conditions as well.
Presented by: Syeda Rahman, Johnny Morocho, Sarah Choudhury
Institution: Fordham University Rose Hill

Comparing Elastic Energy Models of Lipidic Membranes

Eric Conor Lutts

Abstract: Lipidic membranes play a crucial role in the function of living cells. For instance, the ability of membranes to change shape allows cells to take in nutrients, remove waste, and communicate with other cells; processes essential for life. Currently, there are two theories that describe membranes: molecular dynamics and continuum mechanics. Molecular dynamics describes lipidic membranes by simulating individual molecules, which is computationally costly. The present work lies in the field of membrane continuum mechanics, where shape changes are described mathematically in terms of deformations of a continuous elastic material. The goal of the research is to formulate a so-called Helfrich elastic energy which gives deeper insight into membrane structure and is less computationally intensive. The major challenge is the detailed mathematical derivations which have led to inconsistent results in the past. We have overcome this challenge by formulating an alternate derivation that sidesteps the pitfalls and approximations.
Presented by: Eric Lutts
Institution: Fordham University, Mathematics Department

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Blast-Related Traumatic Brain Injury in Military Personnel

Olivia K. McNeill

Abstract: Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a violent blow or jolt to the head. They are characterized by neurological dysfunction and cognitive impairment. There are several mechanisms that can inflict a traumatic brain injury, blast is one of these mechanisms. Blast-related TBIs occur as a result of explosive blasts, where no direct blow to the head occurs yet damage is inflicted to the brain. Primary blast waves cause the brain to shift in the skull due to overpressure leading to contact inside the skull causing lacerations to the brain. The most obvious population that blast related traumatic brain injuries effect is the military. Increased use of explosive devices in modern combat has made blast exposure a far greater threat to soldiers than it once was. Blast related brain injury occurring among soldiers is strongly associated with PTSD, cognitive decline, and physical health problems after soldiers return home. Understanding the blast-related traumatic brain injury is important for protecting combat troops' cognitive health. This literature review outlines the key research concerning the topic of blast related traumatic brain injury, brings the findings into discussion and proposes future directions for the field of neuroscience research.
Presented by: Olivia McNeil
Institution: Fordham University

What's It Like Being Korean in Japan? The Complex Identity of Zainichi (在日)

Kia Fatahi Faz Abad

Abstract: This research article examines the origins and impacts of diasporas and underrepresented ethnic groups through a multi-layered study of 'Zainichi Koreans' — Koreans who migrated to Japan during the Japanese occupation of Korea and lived there since the early 1920s, as well as their descendants who are born and raised in Japan. By examining this historically important case, I clarify the process by examining the factors that gave significance to Zainichi identity while illustrating its complicated, fragmented, and even (in-)visible presence in a country viewed as a homogenous nation-state. The analysis was conducted through ethnographic research of the experiences and challenges of second-and third-generation Zainichi Koreans, alongside a variety of news articles, newspapers, and published reports. and scholarly articles. The case studies studied highlight four significant aspects of this community: the complex identity of "Zainichi" bound to nationality and political association, the perseverance of Korean identity through education, significant factors of integration in mainstream Japanese society, and experiences of discrimination as a Korean This paper contributes to understanding the political behavior of transnational ethnic diasporas in Japan by explaining how Zainichi remain unrepresented and irrelevant in Japanese society despite working to preserve their Korean identity.
Presented by: Kia Fatahi Faz Abad
Institution: Fordham University, Department of International Studies

Effects of Training Data Ordering on Low-resolution Object Recognition Performance

William P Witek, Damian M Lyons, Daniel D Leeds

Abstract: Visual recognition of distant objects is a challenging problem within computer vision, as objects can be recorded at very low resolution and vision models typically train on more proximal, higher resolution object images. Current methods for classifying low resolution images with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) rely on super- resolution of these images at processing time, but this technique is computationally intensive and relies on potentially poorly-constructed synthetic data. We explore a method for improving the accuracy for classification of low-resolution objects using the AlexNet CNN model by utilizing a training regimen with a sequence of varying image sizes. We find training on multiple image sizes improves object classification accuracy at each image size on average over training on a single size, but find accuracy is highest for images with the size used at the end of training.
Presented by: William Witek
Institution: Fordham University

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Phagosome Analysis in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium of MerTK Knockout Mice

Grayce Porretto, Gavin Gyimesi, Silvia Finnemann

Abstract: In a healthy mammalian eye, at the onset of light, a process called photoreceptor outer segment (POS) renewal takes place where rod photoreceptors are shed and make their way to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). In the RPE, diurnal phagocytosis takes place to clear out the photoreceptor debris. Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a rare progressive disease caused by the loss of rod photoreceptors and then cone photoreceptors. An early-onset form of RP, marked by blindness in patients as early as their teenage years, is caused by mutations in the Mer Tyrosine Kinase (MerTK) gene. This gene encodes for a transmembrane Receptor Tyrosine Kinase, that assists in the phagocytosis-receptor facilitated POS renewal. With mutated MerTK-associated RP, the phagocytosis does not occur in the RPE and the photoreceptor debris builds up as a result. We sought to examine MerTK’s role in phagosomal ingestion by performing an RPE phagosome analysis of three MerTK mutant models in mice (V1, V2, and V3). RPE cells were stained with opsin and imaged using a confocal microscope, allowing us to quantify RPE phagocytosis of the POS. Our analysis suggests that V1 and V3 MerTK mutant RPE cells lack the molecular machinery to phagocytose POS outer segments. However, V2 MerTK mutant RPE cells possess the ability to at least partially phagocytose POS outer segments. More research will be targeted toward this strain and identifying the conserved amino acids in the MerTK protein.
Presented by: Grayce Porretto
Institution: Fordham University

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Justice for Green Space: Comparing Public Park Access and Racial Makeup of the New York City Boroughs

Elizabeth Demacopoulos and Maxanne Millerhaller

Abstract: According to the World Health Organization, public greenspaces encourage both mental and physical health and help to reduce mortality and morbidity in urban residents (WHO, 2017). Studies have shown, however, that greenspaces are not equitably accessible to everyone. Often low-income communities and communities of color face barriers in accessing greenspaces (Urofsky & Parks 2022). This project aims to investigate the relationship between New York City’s racial makeup and its residents' access to greenspace. Specifically, this project compares the average park acreage per capita with the racial makeup in each of the five New York City boroughs. Park acreage was taken from the Official Website of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and data on the demographics of each borough was taken from the NYU Furman Center database. We hypothesize that if racial makeup is compared with the greenspace access of each borough then the boroughs with greater minority populations will have less average acreage of greenspace per capita because redlining has been prevalent in New York City development.
Presented by: Maxanne Millerhaller
Institution: Fordham College Rose Hill, Foundations in Research Engagement

The Effect of Ovarian Hormones on the Expression of Thyroid Signaling-related Genes in the Hypothalamus and Ventral Hippocampus

Sonola Burrja

Abstract: Estrogen plays an important role in the regulation of metabolism and the thyroid gland function, and women are at higher risk of developing thyroid dysregulation after menopause. A previous study in Dr. Kundakovic’s lab showed that ovariectomized mice were heavier and less active than naturally cycling female mice indicating that the lack of circulating ovarian hormones negatively affects metabolism. Other studies also show a link between the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, ovarian hormones, and depression. Recent data from Dr. Kundakovic’s lab is consistent with this connection, showing changes in the expression of thyroid pathway-related genes, such as Thyroid Releasing Hormone Degrading Ectoenzyme (Trhde), across the ovarian cycle associated with changes in anxiety-related behavior. Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone Receptor Type 1 gene (Trhr1) and Type 2 gene (Trhr2) encode receptors for Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH), a metabolic protein secreted by the hypothalamus which interacts with the anterior pituitary gland to stimulate the thyroid gland. To better understand the molecular mechanisms through which ovarian hormones affect the regulation of the thyroid hormone-related signaling, we will assess gene expression of three candidate genes, Trhde, Trhr1, and Trhr2, using qRT-PCR in naturally cycling and ovariectomized female mice. Gene expression analysis will be performed in the hypothalamus, a brain region directly involved in metabolism and thyroid regulation; and the ventral hippocampus, responsible for controlling emotions and depression-like behavior. Results from this project will provide a better understanding of the mechanisms through which ovarian hormones affect the thyroid pathway of relevance to metabolic function and emotion regulation.
Presented by: Sonola Burrja
Institution: Fordham University, Department of Biological Sciences

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A Comparison of Bacterial Presence on Hands after Utilizing two Different Drying Techniques

Stefania Bonanni, Grace Fitzgerald, Lorena Mandarano, Yomna Abdelaal

Abstract: Airborne microbes have the potential to act as biological contaminants and may be transferred among hosts and surfaces. Washing with soap and water can be used to remove microbes from hands, but researchers debate whether certain drying methods can lead to contamination. The purpose of this study was to compare the amount of bacteria present on hands before and after washing with antibacterial soap while using two different drying methods: air drying and drying with paper towels. We hypothesized there would be less microbial contamination when drying with paper towels than when allowing hands to air dry. We sampled hands with cotton swabs before washing and after drying. All samples were inoculated on nutrient agar plates and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. When using the paper towel method, percent cover of bacterial colonies on the plates was consistently lower than their respective controls. In contrast, one of the tests with the air drying method yielded higher percent cover of bacterial colonies after washing, suggesting that the airborne bacteria may have colonized the wet hands. This work could be significant in improving hand hygiene in a multitude of settings, from public spaces to healthcare facilities. Airborne microbes have the potential to quickly contaminate wet surfaces, so effective hand drying methods are necessary to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Presented by: Stefania Bonanni
Institution: Fordham University, Department of Biological Sciences

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Predicting Future Student Performance using Data Mining

Ruby Iannone

Abstract: Educational data mining uses data mining to improve different aspects of the education sector. This study uses a regression model to improve accuracy in predicting instructor effectiveness, which we define as the impact of an instructor on future student performance. These predictions are based on applying the regression model to data associated with a group of students enrolled in certain courses at Fordham, then analyzing their grades in a future course. Past work on instructor effectiveness has normalized the data for certain factors such as course sections with too similar grades or instructors using different grading scales, but this model seeks to understand the roles of other factors including class size, student GPA, final grade and whether a student is majoring in the department. The model measures the weights of these factors on future student performance. The study also focused on using courses from different departments, to understand how courses in different subjects may be linked. Data from one course is used to predict grades in a future course, as well as multiple courses to predict one future course. The results showed a great amount of variation in both cases. Within this variability, student GPA stood out as the factor that had the biggest impact on grade prediction.
Presented by: Ruby Iannone
Institution: Fordham University, Computer Science Department

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A 21st Century Education: On the Strategic Implementation of DEI Frameworks into University Course Design

Arianna Chen

Abstract: In the Strategic Plan, the University outlines its vision for cultivating “global citizens and transformative leaders for justice,” as well as the crucial role pedagogical innovation plays in such a community. Allocations to faculty development and resources are critical to the fulfillment of this strategic promise. Not only do faculty serve as the gateway to academic development for students in the Fordham community, but they hold a particular capacity to frame the personhood of each student. Especially as several departments reimagine success through an anti-racist action plan, this report proposes a direction and framework for viewing DEI pedagogical development at Fordham in these upcoming transformational years.

Informed by the practices of faculty across the University; pedagogical development at peer and aspirant institutions; and scholarly literature, the aim of this research is to analyze the following questions: how do we create an environment that simultaneously affirms diversity and foregrounds it within holistic learning opportunities? How do we shape an education of kinship, between students and faculty, that truly “belong[s] to them” and reflects the “real meaning” of diversity in our city? This research argues that through the meaningful implementation of DEI pedagogy into the core curricula and departmental requirements of the University, students can maintain values of kinship and remain critical of existing hegemonies that shape everyday life.
Presented by: Arianna Chen
Institution: Fordham College at Rose Hill

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The Role of Ventral Pallidum Cholinergic Projection Neurons in Addictive Behavior

Daphne Baker, Jenna Yeisley, Eduardo Gallo

Abstract: Drug addiction is a disorder which negatively impacts the lives of millions. Yet, despite decades of research, treatment options are limited. Developing new treatment options will require a better understanding of the brain including the brain regions and neurobiological pathways involved in processing of drug rewards. One brain region suspected to play a role in drug addiction is the ventral pallidum (VP). Previous lesion studies have implicated the VP in the formation of drug-context associations. However, currently, very little is known about the different cell types in the VP and whether they contribute to addiction. In order to better understand the role of VP in drug addiction, I tested the hypothesis that one VP cell population, the VP cholinergic projection neurons (VP-CPNs), are key mediators of the VP’s involvement in the formation of drug-related associations. To do this, we first lesioned VP-CPNs using the diphtheria toxin receptor (DTR)/diphtheria toxin (DT) system;DTR is injected into the VP of ChAT-Cre mice, where the DTR will be expressed only in VP-CPNs, prior to CPP. All mice are then injected with diphtheria toxin, which kills any cells expressing DTR by binding to it; thus only the VP-CPNs of the experimental group were lesioned, while the VP-CPNs of the control group remain intact. Then mice were then tested using Conditioned Place Preference (CPP) to cocaine in mice, a classic behavioral model which measures associations formed between the rewarding effects of a drug stimulus and the environment in which those effects were experienced. Following the experiment, I confirmed that VP-CPNs were lesioned only in the experimental group using immunofluorescence labeling and microscopy of ChAT, a marker specific to cholinergic neurons. Additionally, data from CPP showed that both groups exhibited normal CPP behavior on conditioning and testing days; however, the experimental group showed expedited extinction of CPP behavior on consecutive extinction days. These data suggest that VP-CPNs do not play a key role in the acquisition of drug-related associations in CPP behavior. However, these findings suggest that they may instead contribute to the persistence of these conditioned associations. This indicates that VP-CPNs are involved in the long-term, potentially maladaptive learning related to cocaine, and may represent a valuable neurobiological target for the treatment of drug addiction.
Presented by: Daphne Baker <dbaker17@fordham.edu>
Institution: Fordham University, Department of Biological Sciences

The Future of NYC Mandarin Chinese Bilingual Education

Samantha Wong

Abstract: Over the past few years, NYC has greatly expanded their dual language bilingual education program for their English Language Learner (ELL) students. This project is a qualitative analysis of NYC’s recent development of their Chinese dual language bilingual education program. Delving into important ideas such as multiculturalism and bilingualism, this project evaluates both the program’s effectiveness and their implications. I will interview and survey 10 students and teachers in these programs on their sense of belonging. A higher sense of belonging has been linked to higher intrinsic learning and academic achievement, something important for ELL students. The aim of this project is that if positive results are found, it will influence the NYC Department of Education to continue to develop and fund the Chinese dual language bilingual education program.
Presented by: Samantha Wong
Institution: Fordham University Rose Hill

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The Power of Protest The Role of Women in Belarusian Protests 2020

Yustina Hryciw

Abstract: Protests following the Belarusian election of 2020 vocalized the dissent of the people of Belarus. Widespread women’s marches, which made up a significant amount of the protest activity in 2020 Belarus, elevated the voices of many women in the face of sexist sentiment expressed by dictator Alexander Lukashenka. These marches, which consisted of gatherings like in women’s marches around the world, are nonetheless characterized by issues faced by women specifically in Belarus. This study highlights the voices of Belorussian women as mothers/daughters, citizens, homemakers, and political activists. To document and preserve images of protestors, this study has constructed an original dataset of protest signs and analyzed their content. This research makes an empirical contribution to the literature concerning this movement as it assesses the narratives that were upheld by these protestors. This was done through the collection and creation of a dataset of images of women’s marches from seven Belarusian news sources: TUT.BY, naviny.online, nasha niva, Citydog, gazetaby.com, Charter ‘97, and belapan.by; primarily from the summer and fall of 2020. An issue with the preservation of these messages arises with their rapid disappearance from the internet as a result of Belarusian media censorship. The images were collected either before the sources were shut down and removed, or afterwards using a wayback machine. All of the legible signs were transcribed and organized into a spreadsheet by date, protest, and source. Containing everything from satirical images and witty callouts to pleas for help, the protest signs reveal a state of dissent and political involvement that indicates a common dissatisfaction with Lukashenka and his regime. The analysis of these protest signs illuminates the political and social issues that are raised by Belarusian women, such as media censorship, lack of gender equality, and the need of democratic elections.
Presented by: Yustina Hryciw
Institution: Fordham University, IPE Department (Interdisciplinary Research)

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College Student Perceptions of the Ukrainian Invasion

FCRH Foundations of Research Engagement

Abstract: Based on a review of the literature, no recent published studies have explored young adult perceptions of global conflict. In fact, the literature is sparse when it comes to young adults’ viewpoints on global issues with the exception of climate change (Besel, Burke, and Christos, 2017). For today’s young adults, the Ukrainian invasion may be the first time they have consistently witnessed global conflict in the media as well as the implications of such a powerful threat to a sovereign state. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine college students' perception of the Ukrainian invasion. Specifically, we designed a short survey, administered on Qualtrics, to undergraduate students at a Northeastern Jesuit university located in an urban setting. Preliminary results (N=46) suggest that 57% of the sample feel well-informed about the invasion, mainly via social media outlets which is consistent with other work (Antunovic, Parsons & Cooke, 2018). Students (57%) reported increased anxiety related to the invasion with even percentages describing that their attention to the crisis is decreasing (61%) or staying the same (27%). Data collection is ongoing. The implications of this study are to gain a better understanding of how young adults view humanitarian crises, what their main sources of information are for guiding this decision making, and identifying factors related to the saliency of such current events.
Presented by: Foundations in Research Engagement
Institution: Fordham College at Rose Hill

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An Isoperimetric Inequality for Surfaces Formed from Spherical Lunes

Farhan Azad, Karolina Lokaj, and Dr. Thomas Beck

Abstract: We prove an isoperimetric inequality for a surface of revolution with two non-smooth tips, which is formed from gluing two spherical lunes together along their common boundary. The isoperimetric inequality is an inequality which relates the length of a curve on a surface with the area that curve encloses. We will provide some examples of classical isoperimetric inequalities, which are for the plane, and for the sphere of radius 1. We will then define our surfaces of revolution and describe some relevant properties including the curvature of the surfaces. Finally, we will provide a sketch of the proof of the isoperimetric inequality for our surfaces.
Presented by: Farhan Azad and Karolina Lokaj
Institution: Fordham University, Department of Mathematics

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Building and Validating a Single-Molecule Fluorescence Microscope for Translesion Synthesis Study

McKayla Marrin, Elizabeth Thrall

Abstract: DNA replication is an essential process for cell development and growth. When cells are exposed to DNA-damaging agents such as UV radiation and antibiotics, DNA can become chemically damaged, leading to lesions that can stall the replication process. To cope with damage and prevent stalling, a DNA damage tolerance mechanism called translesion synthesis (TLS) can take place. TLS is carried out by error-prone TLS polymerases, which have been found to be upregulated in human cancers as well as to facilitate antibiotic resistance in bacteria. Bacterial TLS has primarily been studied in the gram-negative model bacterium Escherichia coli, although the pathway appears to differ in other bacteria including the gram-positive Bacillus subtilis. This project aims to use in vivo single-molecule fluorescence imaging to characterize the regulation and mechanisms of TLS polymerases in B. subtilis. Overcoming the current research gap may also provide insights to carcinogenesis and the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria. As the first part of this project, a single-molecule fluorescence microscope suited for total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy and photoactivatable localization microscopy (PALM) imaging is built and validated using previously studied strains.
Presented by: McKayla Marrin
Institution: Fordham University, Department of Chemistry

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A Spatial Competition Study of Food Trucks in New York City

Eliana Sladek Nowlis

Abstract: I conducted a spatial competition study on food trucks in New York City to contribute an empirical analysis to the highly theoretical field of spatial competition. Where a food truck owner chooses to locate can dramatically affect their profits. To study which factors affect this decision, I collected data on the location of food trucks in three different areas of New York City: the Upper West Side, Midtown, and the Financial District. The demand for food trucks, which I approximated by using MTA turnstile data, is the primary factor I looked at to explain the location choices of food truck owners. However, the price of surrounding buildings, main building use in the area, weather, and crime statistics were also considered. I used both a regression and a random distribution model to analyze my data. Crime was the only factor that had an effect across all three areas, and foot traffic had a significant impact in Midtown alone.
Presented by: Eliana Sladek Nowlis
Institution: Fordham College Rose Hill, Department of Mathematics and Economics

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BLASTWatch: A Device to Detect, Monitor, and Reduce Hand Tremors

Grace Pluemacher

Abstract: A tremor is a neurological disease which causes unintentional movement of a body part, typically in the hands or arms. Tremors are known to affect over 10 million people per year, and are frequent in cerebral disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease, affecting fine motor skills. Aids have been made to assist in daily activities, but they fail in terms of individual use and customizability. Bilateral Alternating Stimulation Technology (BLAST), commonly used for reprocessing therapy (PTSD), inputs tactile external stimuli occurring in a rhythmic side-to-side pattern. Coin-cell vibrating motors coupled with a BLAST sensation provides a vibrating sensation to the patient’s wrist without restricting their daily actions. The principle behind this is to create white noise in the brain, causing a distraction to mitigate the involuntary hand tremors. Using this system, a wearable, watch-like device is being developed that will allow for full control of detecting the magnitude of the tremor using accelerometer data taken from the participant’s wrist to determine the strength of the vibrations needed by the counteraction technology. A custom bluetooth app was developed to allow the customization of the strength of the vibrations from the motors and the timing between the alterations. In the future, the watch will be further developed to automatically toggle the strength of the vibrations depending on the magnitude of the tremors as calculated by the built-in accelerometer. The watch combines BLAST Technology along with custom usability to help patients combat a daily struggle. Its non-invasive technology makes the device suitable for everyone.
Presented by: Grace Pluemacher
Institution: Fordham University, Department of Physics/Engineering Physics

Statistical analysis of employment recovery post covid

Ghaith Khmeydan

Abstract: As college seniors look to find a job after graduation, its important to understand the health of the labor market. The United States had high unemployment rates at the early stages of COVID- 19; In the current epidemic recovery period, the unemployment rate has been bouncing back but not all states have had the equal recovery. In this paper we analyze the unemployment rates trend and compare them with historical levels to understand where each states stands compared to its past performances and the performance of the united states as a whole. Finally, the paper looks to project the upcoming employment trends using machine learning and statistical techniques.
Presented by: Ghaith Khmeydan
Institution: Fordham

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Analysis of the cardiac-specific effect of HCM-linked variant of RNaseZ in Drosophila melanogaster

Megan Kurz, Ekaterina Migunova, Edward Dubrovsky, PhD

Abstract: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart disease characterized by thickened heart walls. The severity of HCM symptoms vary, as some individuals are unaffected while others might experience a range of symptoms including palpitations, arrhythmia, or sudden cardiac death. In 2013, a study intimated an association between severe cases of HCM and mutations in the ELAC2/RNaseZ gene. This gene encodes RNaseZ protein, a vital aspect of the tRNA maturation process. High homology of fly and human RNaseZ allowed us to study this protein in Drosophila. Once the pathological mutation of ELAC2/RNaseZ is introduced, flies exhibit the same heart hypertrophy as HCM patients. To determine whether HCM is caused by processes within the heart or influence from other organs, the next step was to study the effect of heart cell-autonomous mutations. My goal was to study if having mutant RNaseZ only in the heart is sufficient to cause fly heart hypertrophy. I used a histological method to study heart morphology in flies. I fixed and placed the flies in paraffin before slicing them with a microtome and placing them on microscope slides. After taking photos of the fly heart cross-sections, I measured the heart wall thickness to analyze the effect of heart-autonomous RNaseZ mutations on heart morphology. Being able to understand whether or not the heart is the only organ influencing the development of HCM will contribute to the search for targeted HCM treatments by enabling us to direct future research on the underlying mechanism of this disease.
Presented by: Megan Kurz
Institution: Fordham College at Rose Hill, Department of Biology

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Regulation of Kr-h1 by JHR Gce in the absence of JHR Met in Drosophila

Huang Chen, Saathvika Rajamani, Dr. Edward Dubrovsky

Abstract: Juvenile Hormone (JH) is an important hormone that coordinates developmental timing and many physiological events in insects. JH signaling pathway is regulated by the products of two paralogous genes, Met and gce, which belong to the bHLH-PAS family of transcription factors, in Drosophila. During metamorphosis, Met forms a heterodimer with a partner in the presence of JH, after which the hormone-receptor complex binds to the response region (JHRR) present in the promoter of a primary target, Kruppel-homolog 1 (Kr-h1). Given that the receptors are redundant during the initial stages of development, we hypothesized that JHR Gce must also induce Kr-h1 expression in the same way as Met. We thus generated a model wherein epitope tagged Gce was expressed in the absence of Met, and used it to study the regulation of Kr-h1. Our results showed that Gce did bind to the JHRR and hence is capable of transducing JH signaling via this interaction. This finding is not only crucial to further our understanding of the mechanism underlying JH action, but also useful in developing alternative approaches to pest control.
Presented by: Huang Chen
Institution: Fordham College Rose Hill, Department of Biological Sciences

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Bacterial Growth Before and After Common Disinfectant Use on Public Surfaces

Manal Isa, Tijana Belja, Avery Orrall, Saudiya Ally, and Marly Katz.

Abstract: Now more than ever, health and safety are a top priority, especially when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting the home. Various disinfectants claim to be the best product, and we aimed to test four common disinfectants to see which was the most effective against commonly touched surfaces. We sampled handrails and doorknobs at Fordham University before and after disinfecting with Clorox, Lysol, Fantastik, and Pine-Sol. Each sample was plated on nutrient agar and incubated for 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius. We counted the bacterial colonies and calculated the percentage decrease between the before and after samples in order to determine the effectiveness of the disinfectants. According to our results, the most effective cleaning reagent was Lysol, which demonstrated an average of 100% reduction in bacterial growth, followed by Clorox (99.8%), Fantastik (89.5%), and Pine-Sol (73.7%). The results for the least effective cleaner, Pine-Sol, may have been complicated by unexpected fungal growth. All products tested resulted in the reduction of bacterial growth, but further experimentation could allow us to better understand their effectiveness.
Presented by: Manal Isa
Institution: Fordham University

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Sex Differences and Disparities Within Paraphilia Research

Diana Paradise

Abstract: While paraphilias and other forms of deviant sexuality have become a less stigmatized and more thoroughly studied topic in recent years, there is an overwhelming male focus in the available literature. The sexuality of women in general is another understudied topic, and though it is becoming more researched the amount of literature still does not compare to the wealth of research on male sexuality and does not encapsulate every facet of women’s experiences with sexuality, with a particularly glaring absence of data regarding paraphilias in women. My goal is to gain a further understanding of the nature of female sexuality, and how the variety of paraphilias found in women differs from the variety found in men, as well as to help dispel the common notion that paraphilias and sexual deviance are exclusively male phenomena. An exhaustive search of several online psychology databases yielded ten results, which were then synthesized to create a holistic model of the information produced by female paraphilia research. Through this, I found that although paraphilias generally present more frequently in men, there are a significant number of women with paraphilias; additionally, there are some paraphilias that were repeatedly found to be more common in women, namely masochism and exhibitionism. Rates of comorbidity of paraphilias between the sexes were found to be statistically similar in multiple studies, suggesting that despite other sex differences in the wider paraphilic population, the experience of having paraphilic interests is the same for both men and women.
Presented by: Diana Paradise
Institution: Fordham University, Department of Psychology

A Study of the Antimicrobial Effects of Common Household Foods on Bacterial Growth

Megan Brzozowski, Saaya Hori, Bridget McGonagle, Arabella Urena, Marly Katz

Abstract: Antimicrobial agents have different mechanisms that contribute to their ability to kill or inhibit the growth of various bacterial strains. Understanding these mechanisms and how they aid in the control of microorganisms has great potential for human use. Various studies have implicated the potential for cayenne pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, and vinegar to kill or inhibit bacterial growth. In order to test the effectiveness of these common household foods on inhibiting bacterial growth we conducted a modified Kirby-Bauer test against three species, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. We inoculated these bacteria on nutrient agar plates, introduced our food products and incubated them at 37ºC for 24 hours. We predicted these common household foods would inhibit bacterial growth, but our results did not support our hypothesis. None of the products tested resulted in any zones of inhibition for any of the bacterial species and therefore we cannot recommend the use of these products as effective antimicrobial agents. Our results contradicted findings in other studies. In order to better understand the potential antimicrobial effects of these food products, more studies should be conducted using different techniques.
Presented by: Arabella Urena
Institution: Fordham University Rose Hill

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