Honors College
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Item Restricted Islet Target Genes Required for Niche Assembly and Formation in Drosophila melanogaster(2024-12-04) Ledbetter, Sophie IA particular cell type, known as stem cells, possess a unique capability to self-renew and have the capacity to differentiate into mature cell types. To maintain stem cells, they require signals from a cellular microenvironment called the “niche. The stem cell niche regulates stem cell fate and has the ability to house and regulate a population of stem cells through intricate signaling pathways. Signals transmitted from the niche are important for stem cell self-renewal and cell differentiation signals, and proper signaling requires niche placement in a specific tissue location to polarize the tissue and get regenerated by new cells. Our lab currently studies the Drosophila testis stem cell niche in the male gonads of embryos. Distinct placement of the stem cell niche at apex (tip) of the testis tube organizes stem cells near the apex; cells undergoing differentiation will reside further down the testis tube. The niche forms during late stages of embryogenesis when pro-niche cells begin to migrate to the anterior region of the gonad and assemble the stem cell niche. The gonad niche tilts toward the visceral mesoderm (Vm), which sends Slit and FGF signals. In response to Vm signals, niche cells express the transcription factor islet, which is required for niche cytoskeletal polarization and anterior niche assembly (Anllo and DiNardo, 2022; Anllo et al., 2019). Recent single cell RNA sequencing data predicted Islet target genes that are expressed in the adult niche, and I prioritized testing three of these candidates: btk29A, kon-tiki, and scribble. My goals are to (1) identify if candidate Islet target genes are expressed in the embryonic gonad niche and (2) reveal whether these niche-expressed genes mediate niche assembly and function. My data revealed expressed of all three of these candidates in the niche, show that btk29A is required for niche assembly, and suggest potential roles for scribble, and kon-tiki in niche cells. Future experiments will confirm whether Kon-tiki and Scribble are required for niche assembly. Our understanding of the mechanisms that initially create a compartmentalized stem cell niche during development, in addition to anterior cell movement, will give us a more comprehensive grasp of how the niche is properly formed. These principles will help to clarify concepts about tissue function and development, including the activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathway for stem cell self-renewal, which is translatable to other systems (Leatherman and Di Nardo, 2008).Item Restricted Assessing The Role of the Endocaanbinoid System in Arsenic-Induced Neurotoxicity(2024-12-04) Cross, Monica NicoleThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important brain pathway that plays a major role in early brain development and neural circuitry. The ECS has been found to regulate stress and emotional behavior during development. It modulates neural and behavioral stress and has also been found to be affected by stress exposure. The endocannabinoid system is a biological system that includes endocannabinoids and cannabinoid receptor proteins. Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) has been found to control excitatory and inhibitory synaptic strength. The balance of these strengths is important and an imbalance in the strengths can contribute to autism spectrum disorder, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. Arsenic is a natural found heavy metal in air, water, and soil. It can disrupt the ECS by second- hand smoke, water contaminations, and industrial processes. Studies on arsenic's effects on the ECS are limited, but it is important to know the correlation between developmental defects and arsenic toxicities. iPSC in vitro 40 days neural organoid differentiation model mimics early brain development especially the 1st trimester during pregnancy.Item Restricted HLTH 4901 & HLTH 4902 Shadowing Experience(2024-12-04) Vann, Grace AFrom a young age, I aspired to enter the healthcare field, with my focus gradually shifting to becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) due to their unique role in patient care. The journey to PA school required not only academic excellence but also substantial hands-on experience. To gain a deeper understanding of the medical field and fulfill the shadowing hours necessary for PA school applications, I completed over 150 hours in two distinct areas: pediatrics and diagnostic radiology. These experiences provided a well-rounded view of healthcare, highlighting the importance of compassionate, family-centered care in pediatrics and the highly technical, procedure-focused realm of diagnostic radiology.Item Restricted This Shelf Life Has Expired; A Movement Perspective on Physical Trauma(2024-12-06) Dayton, ChanningIn this project, I navigated the way in which physical trauma, specifically sexual violence, impacts one’s psyche and new social norms. I will be investigating this idea through the victim’s perspective, diving into how stories are often misinterpreted and told without a full view of a larger situation. I find this topic to be prevalent in today’s day and time, and especially significant on college campuses. This topic is also one that is important to me on a personal level, and has altered the course of my life. After I experienced this physical trauma, I was left with many questions that have influenced my interest in this course of study. Physical trauma impacts the body and perception of one’s body, which directly intersects with the physicality of dance.Item Embargo Eternal Light by Jack Meltsner(2024-12-05) Meltsner, Jack"Eternal Light” tells the powerful and inspiring stories of two Holocaust survivors, Suly Chenkin and Irving Bienstock. Their testimonies provide a firsthand account of the horrors they endured during one of humanity's darkest periods. They persevered to positively impact the world leaving a legacy behind as an American Military veteran and Holocaust educators. The documentary weaves together music, archival materials, graphics and interviews to create a compelling narrative capturing the essence of their resilience and determination to not only survive, but to thrive and leave a lasting impact on the world. The Documentary preserves the stories of Holocaust survivors and analyzes the persistence of antisemitism. It promotes tolerance, empathy and acts as an educational tool to combat antisemitism and discrimination today.Item Restricted Psychological Distress and Adverse Childhood Experiences among US Women with Concurrent Reproductive Trauma and Infertility(2024-12-06) Schroeder, Anna RuthBackground: Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are traumatic events that occur during childhood, including forms of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction (i.e. divorce, parental incarceration, substance use). Previous evidence suggests that pregnancy loss may be associated with ACEs and mental health disorders; however, to our knowledge, no studies have considered the associations between ACEs and psychological distress in women with concurrent reproductive trauma (CRT), defined as pregnancy loss during infertility. Purpose: To compare relationships between ACEs, stress, anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms among women with concurrent reproductive trauma and women with infertility only. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design with follow-up was used to recruit 99 U.S. women aged 18-49 with infertility through convenience and snowball sampling. Participants were recruited on infertility-related support groups on Facebook, Instagram influencers sharing the study information with followers, and at healthcare and fertility care clinics with administrator approval. A REDCap survey included demographics, an ACEs questionnaire, and measures of infertility-related stress (COMPI-FPSS), perceived stress (PSS-4), anxiety (GAD-7) depression (PHQ-8), and PTSD (PC-PTSD-5). Statistical analysis using SPSS 28 included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and chi-square test for independence. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in psychological distress mean scores between CRT and infertility-only groups. Four of the 10 ACE items were statistically higher in the CRT group than the infertility-only group. Women with CRT were more likely to experience 2+ ACEs than women with infertility-only (p = .001). Infertility-only group with 2+ ACEs had significantly higher levels of stress, PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with clinically significant higher depression and PTSD symptoms, compared to those with 0-1 ACEs. CRT group with 2+ ACEs had significantly higher anxiety and depression, with clinically significant higher moderate or severe depression. Discussion: Women with CRT and infertility-only experience similar levels of psychological distress; however psychological distress varies with the addition of an ACE history. Women with CRT were more likely to experience 2+ ACEs compared to women with infertility-only; however, women with infertility with 2+ ACE were more likely to experience clinically significant psychological distress. ACE history may be an important epigenetic factor with reproductive trauma.Item Restricted Resiliency of Adverse Childhood Experiences in North Carolina(2024-12-04) Lowe, BrynnResiliency of adverse childhood experiences in the North Carolina community aims to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. Many decisions, outcomes, and experiences in life come from childhood events and can have long-term effects through one’s time. These traumatic events can include, but are not limited to, violence, abuse, deaths, mental issues, and substance use within households. From these events, many may find adulthood can be more challenging. Understanding collective impact and the different interventions such as community programs, resilience building, and trauma-informed care are significant. The goal of this project is to work with the community through research, local agencies and specialized departments to create a stronger and more resilient municipal through an accessible community resource guide and continuation of collaboration.Item Restricted Evaluation of Flood Control and Treatment of Total Suspended Solids by Dry Detention Basins in Greenville, NC(2024-12-04) Brown, PaigeUrban development has increased the total impervious area in human settlements, which has disrupted natural hydrology resulting in increased nuisance flooding and water quality degradation from storms. Over the past several decades, stormwater management has become an integral component of urban planning to mitigate damage through use of stormwater control measures (SCMs). Dry detention basins (DDBs) are a commonly used SCM designed to mitigate peak flow volumes by capturing and storing runoff that is slowly released into the existing stormwater infrastructure. The goal of this study was to characterize functionality and evaluate flood control and treatment of total suspended solids (TSS) by 4 DDBs located in Greenville, NC. Of the 4 DDBs, 2 are within potentially underserved communities according to NC DEQ designation. Onset HOBO pressure transducers were installed in the Winter of 2023 to measure water levels during storms. Water level data will be used to evaluate storm hydrology to assess flood control by DDBs. Additionally, samples were collected from the inlet and outlet of DDBs for a total of three storms to assess the reduction of TSS concentration. Discharge entering and exiting were also measured during the storms to estimate mass inputs and exports of TSS.Item Restricted Evaluation of Flood Control and Treatment of Total Suspended Solids by Dry Detention Basins in Greenville, NC(2024-12-04) Landreth, CamrynUrban development has increased the total impervious area in human settlements, which has disrupted natural hydrology resulting in increased nuisance flooding and water quality degradation from storms. Over the past several decades, stormwater management has become an integral component of urban planning to mitigate damage through use of stormwater control measures (SCMs). Dry detention basins (DDBs) are a commonly used SCM designed to mitigate peak flow volumes by capturing and storing runoff that is slowly released into the existing stormwater infrastructure. The goal of this study was to characterize functionality and evaluate flood control and treatment of total suspended solids (TSS) by 4 DDBs located in Greenville, NC. Of the 4 DDBs, 2 are within potentially underserved communities according to NC DEQ designation. Onset HOBO pressure transducers were installed in the Winter of 2023 to measure water levels during storms. Water level data will be used to evaluate storm hydrology to assess flood control by DDBs. Additionally, samples were collected from the inlet and outlet of DDBs for a total of three storms to assess the reduction of TSS concentration. Discharge entering and exiting were also measured during the storms to estimate mass inputs and exports of TSS.Item Restricted Betting on the NCAA Tournament(2024-12-04) Smith, Robert EthanThis paper examines the profitability of betting on the first round of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, due to the fact that upsets are more common in the first round. Betting on specific combinations of tournament seeds were examined using historical odds from every tournament from 2010 to 2023, By simulating combinations of seed bets and calculating returns, the research aims to identify the most profitable strategies. The findings reveal that while betting on lower seeds like #11 and #15 can be profitable, the overall success varies significantly by year, with 2012 being an extreme outlier due to a high number of upsets.Item Restricted Force Production of Diverse Populations(2024-12-04) Sanderson, MacyThis study examines how physical activity levels influence hand grip strength and accuracy. Sixteen participants split into active and inactive groups (both male and female), completed tests to measure their maximum grip strength and their ability to reproduce submaximal forces (50% and 35% of their maximum). The findings revealed that active individuals consistently demonstrated stronger grip strength, better coordination between hands, and greater accuracy in hitting target force levels. In contrast, inactive participants showed weaker grip strength, larger imbalances between hands, and less precise control during submaximal tasks. These differences highlight how regular physical activity supports better muscle balance, coordination, and motor precision. Active males showed more symmetrical hand strength, while active females outperformed their inactive peers in overall grip strength. Meanwhile, inactive participants struggled with accuracy and consistency, reflecting the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on motor skills. This study highlights the importance of staying active—not just for physical strength but also for improving everyday functional abilities. These insights could inform exercise programs and rehabilitation strategies, helping people of all backgrounds stay independent and thrive.Item Restricted Determining the Usability of a Web-Based Intervention for Bereaved Parents(2024-12-05) Mitchell, MikaylaThe death of a child is a traumatic experience that can put parents at risk for adverse mental and physical health effects such as cardiac illnesses, prolonged grief disorder, anxiety, and depression. This research project aims to determine the overall feasibility, usability and acceptability of a virtual bereavement intervention called ADAPT. ADAPT is a fully online bereavement tool that provides parents and siblings with personalized resources, professional contacts, and health assessments. This tool was evaluated by collecting research with both healthcare providers and bereaved parents. Interviews with providers and bereaved parents were conducted, in addition to surveys that allowed for analysis of ADAPT and its acceptability and benefit. The goal of ADAPT is to provide a personalized approach to address parental bereavement with a potential to mitigate negative health outcomes. The results of this study indicated that ADAPT is a needed, accessible, and acceptable intervention for bereaved parents.Item Restricted Cooperation vs. Competition in Teams in the Business Environment(2024-12-04) Snipes, Ellen MarieBalancing cooperation and competition in the business environments is essential to fostering productive team dynamics and high performance. This research study examines how various factors including demographics (age, gender), employment status, personal styles, educational background field of study/industry, trust, monetary rewards, online environments, in-person environments, time working with an individual, and relationships relate with an individual’s inclination to either cooperate or compete in team environments. Many factors relate to understanding if an individual is cooperative or competitive but there also are mixed-motive situations (Levi, 2017). By analyzing data from a survey, classroom activity, interviews, and secondary research I concluded findings of cooperation vs. competition in business environments relating to students and business professionals.Item Restricted The Pirate Swap Playbook(2024-12-04) Fadelici, AmyPirate Swap’s purpose is to maximize sustainability in the Greenville area and on East Carolina University's Campus. We address many aspects of sustainability, the first and most prominent being clothing waste. As ECU students we see firsthand the clothing waste that happens on our campus. Many students do not have access to transportation and therefore end up throwing away clothes instead of donating them. The fast-growing fashion industry contributes highly to this. Students can buy cheap clothing to wear for one season and then discard them months later. This is just one aspect of fast fashion that is harmful to the environment: today fast fashion accounts for 10% of the global carbon dioxide emissions, more than international flights and shipping combined. While fast fashion is a new phenomenon it is quickly damaging our environment. Our Pop-Up Thrift Shop addresses both of these problems. We give students a place to safely donate their clothing to be repurposed and not put in landfills, while also giving students a place to buy cheap and free clothing. Lastly, we donate some of our profits to other sustainability clubs to extend the reach of our efforts. Our project is about helping East Carolina and the Greenville community to create more sustainable habits.Item Restricted Empowerment Through Patient Education(2024-11-25) Hughes, CarsonThis project analyzes the effectiveness of a mnemonic tool designed to enhance healthcare providers' ability to deliver health education while establishing trusting patient-provider relationships to improve patient education.Item Restricted Analysis of Ca(II) and Cd(II) Binding to the C-Domain of Human Cardiac Troponin C using Intrinsic Fluorescence Spectroscopy(2024-11-22) Sengelmann, Rudy A.Heavy metal toxicity has been a health concern for many years; however, the mechanisms that these metals use to impart their toxicity remain unclear. Cadmium (Cd), a toxic metal, has been discovered to mimic calcium (Ca), an essential metal, due to the similarity in ionic radii and charge. This research focuses on understanding the impact of cadmium binding to human cardiac troponin C, a cardiac muscle protein that binds calcium to promote heart muscle contraction. This protein contains an EF-hand motif, which the helix-loop-helix structure can characterize. It is composed of the N terminal domain (NTD), which contains two EF-hand motifs where only one binds a divalent calcium ion, Ca(II), and the C terminal domain (CTD), which contains two EF-hands, each binding a Ca(II) ion. The overarching goal of this project is to express and purify the CTD so that the interactions of Ca(II) and Cd(II) in this domain can be studied. To do this, the protein was optimized in pLysS cells with an N-terminus His-tag for easy purification. Through earlier research, the full-length protein was purified using a Phenyl Sepharose column and cleaved into the NTD and CTD at the TEV cleavage site between the two domains. This was then purified using a nickel column, binding to the His-tagged NTD and uncleaved full-length protein, further purifying and isolating the CTD. Once isolated, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy was used to study the interactions and mimicry of cadmium to the C terminal domain of calcium-binding human cardiac troponin C. Through further research, there may be a more fundamental understanding of how this mimicry may influence cardiovascular disease and cognitive development concerns.Item Restricted Proposal for Patient Education Program: Navigating Pregnancy Complications Does Not Have To Be Complicated(2024-12-05) Ronzheimer, Mikaya FaithFor this patient education rationale, the health issue is pregnancy complications, and the target population is pregnant women or women seeking to become pregnant. This topic is a cause for concern because pregnancy complications affect the health of both the baby and the mother. It can cause congenital disabilities, delayed fetal growth, preterm delivery, miscarriages, stillbirths, infections, organ damage, long-term health problems, and even death (NIH Office of Research on Women’s Health, 2018). Many of these problems will stay with the baby or mother for life and may cause further health problems in the future. So, in order to protect the future health of mothers and their babies, current pregnancy complications must be dealt with.Item Restricted What Makes a Happy Couple? The Impact of Body Image, Attachment Style, and Mating Motives on Relationship Satisfaction(2024-11-19) Yao, MacieFor young adults, romantic relationships are essential sources of emotional and social support. As the happiness experienced in these relationships is tied to individual wellbeing, it’s important to examine the elements that contribute to overall relationship satisfaction. Previous research has indicated the importance of body image, attachment style, and mating motives on individual happiness; the present study explores the impact of these factors on relationship satisfaction utilizing a within-couples study design. Three hypotheses are tested: 1) Individuals with higher body image ratings will report greater relationship satisfaction; 2) Individuals with a secure attachment style will report greater relationship satisfaction; and 3) Higher relationship satisfaction will correlate with stronger mate retention motives and weaker mate seeking motives. 15 college-aged couples in long-term relationships are administered questionnaires assessing each of the above factors. Two-way and one-way MANOVAs are employed to analyze the hypotheses. Exploratory results found that mate retention motives and affiliation motives explained some of the variance in one’s relationship satisfaction.Item Restricted From Classrooms to Comfort: Transforming Schools into Sanctuaries for Those Experiencing Homelessness(2024-12-11) Giedosh, ElizabethAs I am a couple of months out from graduating, I feel privileged to be able to receive my education at East Carolina University in the Honors College. These past three and a half years have taught me about patience, broadened my knowledge, and given me a passion for Interior Design through the struggles and achievements that I have faced. This past semester in Spring 2024 has challenged me to bring to life an idea that I have had since I was thirteen years old. Through research and my knowledge of Interior Design, I can proudly say that I am excited to share my signature honors project with you. For my signature honors project, From Classrooms to Comfort: Transforming Schools into Sanctuaries for Those Experiencing Homelessness, I redesigned an existing school building into a shelter for those experiencing homelessness. This shelter offers a range of amenities that allow those in the shelter to change the outcome of their lives. What once were classrooms are now bedrooms, counseling spaces, and medical rooms. Along with these areas, there is a main office, cafeteria, gymnasium, communal lounge area, library, classrooms, nursery rooms, laundry room, and a staff lounge. The reason behind designing a school building was to keep some of the existing floor plan such as the cafeteria, gymnasium, library, and classrooms. When creating the floor plan, each room was thought out to ensure comfortability and functionality. An issue faced within homeless shelters is that women do not feel safe sleeping in the same areas as men due to past trauma in shelters and in their lives. To solve this issue in the shelter, the women’s rooms are separated from the men’s and located in the front of the building where there is more security. Each men's and women’s rooms are dorm styled meaning that there are three beds to a room with a private bathroom. The family rooms are placed on the second floor to give privacy to each family and offer a community. In these family rooms, there is a kitchenette, bathroom, closet, living area, and a queen size trundle bed. Through research, it was discovered that green elicits the strongest positive emotions of peace, happiness, and calmness and that the color blue represents a sense of inner reflection. In the shelter, green and blue are seen in just about every room to not only evoke these positive emotions but to add color to the space and make it feel modern. Too much green and blue would have been overwhelming, so these colors have been toned down with a neutral color palette such as whites, tans, and woods. A neutral color palette allows the space to bring in lots of natural light and helps create a peaceful space. Color, lighting, and space planning were the most important aspects of this project to produce a shelter for those experiencing homelessness a place to feel at home and at peace. Although the reality of homelessness is that it is a problem that will always exist, creating a homeless shelter that offers a wide variety of services along with ample room for sleeping arrangements, bathrooms, lounge areas, and laundry facilities while making the space feel safe and peaceful through the use of colors, openness, and lighting will overall decrease homelessness and improve guests well-being. This shelter offers more than just a one-night stay, like most homeless shelters. This shelter inspires change and provides those experiencing homelessness with a sense of dignity.Item Restricted Force of Production of Diverse(2024-12-04) Vanstaalduinen, Hannah ElizabethThis study examines how physical activity levels influence hand grip strength and accuracy. Sixteen participants split into active and inactive groups (both male and female), completed tests to measure their maximum grip strength and their ability to reproduce submaximal forces (50% and 35% of their maximum). The findings revealed that active individuals consistently demonstrated stronger grip strength, better coordination between hands, and greater accuracy in hitting target force levels. In contrast, inactive participants showed weaker grip strength, larger imbalances between hands, and less precise control during submaximal tasks. These differences highlight how regular physical activity supports better muscle balance, coordination, and motor precision. Active males showed more symmetrical hand strength, while active females outperformed their inactive peers in overall grip strength. Meanwhile, inactive participants struggled with accuracy and consistency, reflecting the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on motor skills. This study highlights the importance of staying active—not just for physical strength but also for improving everyday functional abilities. These insights could inform exercise programs and rehabilitation strategies, helping people of all backgrounds stay independent and thrive.