Honors College
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Item Open Access Characterizing background-dependent effects of zfl1;zfl2 double mutants in maize development(2025-05-02) Pakulniewicz, Emma LouiseReproduction in flowering plants is reliant on the correct function of the genes that regulate meristems, which are stem cell populations that give rise to specific tissues. Maize is a monoecious grass species that develops two inflorescences: the tassel, producing male flowers, and the ear, producing female flowers. In early development, tassel and ear primordia follow similar growth patterns that rely on shared regulators, but their meristems differentiate into their respective floral organs based on transcription factors (Thompson, 2014). Redundant genes zfl1 and zfl2 are upstream regulators of floral organ identity genes, and individuals with transposon insertion mutations in both zfls have defective floral meristems and severely altered phenotypes (Bomblies et al., 2003). However, these genes have only been studied in one inbred line (W22). Due to the highly diverse genetic background of maize, there is an abundance of family lines, each possessing a variable genetic makeup that manifests in a distinct presentation of mutations. The Thompson Lab has introgressed zfl1 and zfl2 mutations into the A619 background and has observed some enhanced phenotypic effects. We are characterizing the double mutant zfl1;zfl2 phenotype of maize with an A619 background by rearing individuals with varying numbers of mutated zfl alleles in a greenhouse, extracting DNA from their leaf tissues, identifying presence of zfl mutations through PCR and gel electrophoresis, and imaging early tassels and ears with scanning electron microscopy. In our investigation we have observed that zfl gene mutations have a dosage effect of severity, causing non-double mutants to exhibit mild floral defects. Evidence shows that zfl1;zfl2 double mutants demonstrate derepressed bracts, indeterminate floral meristems, and reduced tassel branching. These SEM micrographs have provided modern imagery of maize with zfl mutant defects and may aid in establishing the functions of zfl1 and zfl2, increasing understanding of maize development, and exploring the function of zfl homologs in other cereal crops.Item Restricted Social Medias Affect on Emotional Intelligence(2025-05-01) Casey, Caitlyn SavannahExamining the relationship between social media use and emotional intelligence (EQ), this study investigates the warning signs of addiction and the psychological consequences it may produce. Specifically, it explores how varying patterns of social media use, from moderate to excessive, impact well-being, self-control, and in-person sociability. Drawing on previous research surrounding behavioral addiction and emotional intelligence, the study introduces four hypotheses: (1) excessive social media use may lead to a decrease in in-person sociability; (2) excessive use will be negatively associated with self-control; (3) excessive social media use will have a negative relationship with emotionality; and (4) there will be an inverted U relationship between social media use and well-being. Prior studies suggest that while moderate engagement with social platforms may yield neutral or even beneficial mood effects, excessive usage often results in emotional dysregulation. To test these hypotheses, participants from a diverse online sample recruited via Prolific will complete the Bergan Social Media Scale, the Social Media Addiction Scale, and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue). Previous findings link compulsive social media behavior to reduced emotional self-awareness, diminished self-control, heightened stress, and lower levels of face-to-face interaction. By analyzing these patterns, the present study aims to deepen understanding of how digital behaviors influence emotional functioning in everyday life. This study compares previous research, and showcases our plan to continue the research through survey comparison to contribute to the field.Item Restricted A Comparative Case Study on the United States Government and Military Response: 2010 Haitian Earthquake and Hurricane Maria in 2017(2025-05-01) D'Rozario, MelinaThis study examines the responses of the United States government and military to natural disasters, with a focus on comparing their approaches to disasters occurring in foreign nations versus those in U.S. territories. The central research question explores how these responses differ based on geographic context, while sub-questions look into the influence of recent disasters on current U.S. disaster response policies. By analyzing past responses, the research aims to highlight lessons that can enhance future disaster management strategies, particularly regarding the speed and efficiency of aid delivery in domestic versus international contexts. The research utilizes a comparative case study methodology, focusing on two significant events: the 2010 earthquake in Haiti and Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico in 2017. These cases provide insights into U.S. disaster management practices and the role of military aid in both domestic and international settings. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding effective and ineffective responses to improve future strategies, especially in light of climate change's increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters. The expected outcomes include identifying how territorial status influences military disaster response strategies and assessing the implications of aid delivery speed and efficiency. By comparing these cases, the research seeks to highlight effective practices that can inform policymakers and enhance disaster management approaches for both U.S. territories and foreign nations.Item Restricted AI AND THE DETECTION OF DECEPTIVE SPEECH AND FACIAL EXPRESSIONS IN FRAUDULENT BEHAVIOR(2025-05-08) Carte, HannahDeception is a critical element in fraudulent activities, which often leads to psychological stress known as cognitive dissonance. This research explores the connection between deception and cognitive dissonance, examining how the mental discomfort associated with deceit presents itself in vocal irregularities. By reviewing psychological studies on cognitive dissonance and its impact on facial expressions and speech patterns, such as pitch variations, speech hesitations, and changes in vocal tone, this study aims to establish a link between deception and measurable vocal cues and expressions. It also examines the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to detect these irregularities and identify deception. By reviewing AI-driven speech analysis tools and their ability to recognize deceptive speech patterns, this research aims to assess their effectiveness in fraud detection. The findings will contribute to the development of more advanced AI-driven fraud prevention systems by demonstrating how vocal changes linked to deception can serve as reliable indicators of fraudulent behavior.Item Embargo Snapping Hip Syndrome and Muscle Stiffness(2025-05-07) Job, TaylorMuscle stiffness may contribute to tendon stiffness and increase injury risk, specifically in the case of external snapping hip syndrome (ESHS). The objectives of this research are to determine if there is a correlation between iliotibial band (ITB) stiffness and tensor fascia latae (TFL) or gluteus maximus (GM) stiffness, to compare the ITB stiffness between dancers and controls, to compare the stiffness of the ITB in the dominant and non-dominant legs, and to compare the interaction between dance participation and symmetry of ITB stiffness from limb-to-limb. It is hypothesized that a stiffer TFL/GM will be correlated with a stiffer ITB, dancers will have a stiffer ITB than the control group, the dominant legs will have stiffer ITBs, and dancers will have greater differences in ITB stiffness between limbs. Shear wave elastography (SWE) will be used to determine how muscle stiffness correlates with ESHS. Participants were recruited through flyers and a university's science and dance club. There were 13 participants total, 8 dancers and 5 controls, none of them dropped out and no data had to be excluded. Images were taken of participants TFL, GM, and ITB. The data was analyzed by taking the average of the three images at each location and performing linear regressions to determine correlations between ITB and muscle stiffness. A series of independent samples and dependent samples paired t-tests were run to determine if there were any differences between the dancer and control group’s ITB, or between limbs within the dancer and control groups. TFL was found to have no correlation to the ITB while GM had a correlation. ITB stiffness between dancers and controls was not found to be statistically significant but there was a moderate effect size found. Control ITB from dominant to nondominant was found to be statistically significant while dancers were not, suggesting dancers have more limb-to-limb symmetry than controls.Item Embargo Dopamine Receptor Control of Collagen Transcription and Secretion: Relevance to Fibrosis, Health and Disease(2025-05-09) Vishwakarma, NandiniDopamine receptors (DRs) play critical roles beyond the central nervous system, influencing cardiovascular function and fibrosis. However, the impact of DR signaling on collagen regulation in cardiac fibroblasts remains poorly understood, specifically the direct and indirect effects on collagen transcription factors. SP1, SMAD3, and TCF21 are all important transcription factors, previously determined in Endothelin-1 (ET1), Angiotensin II (Ang II), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFb-1) pathways for collagen synthesis and accumulation. This study aims to investigate the effects of dopamine receptor 1 (D1R) and dopamine receptor 3 (D3R) signaling on transcription factors mediated by these established collagen synthesis pathways in regulation of human fibroblasts, that are heavily involved in health and disease across the human body, especially the cardiovascular system. By elucidating the role of dopamine receptor signaling in regulating collagen transcription and secretion, this study will provide insights into novel cellular and nuclear mechanisms underlying fibrosis in cardiovascular disease. Moreover, since collagen regulation is critical for tissue remodeling, wound healing, and fibrotic disorders beyond the cardiovascular system, these findings may have broader implications for human health and disease.Item Restricted "Our Marks are Our Stories"(2025-05-05) McWilliams, Tracy AnnIn an evocative new contemporary work, “Our Marks are Our Stories”, choreographer Tracy McWilliams presents a dance piece that explores the powerful tension between nature and nurture – the innate purity we are born with and the life experiences that shape, challenge, and often distort that essence. Featuring a cast of 9 dancers, this piece uses stark contrasts in movement, lighting, and costume to investigate identity, influence, and the journey toward self-acceptance. With dynamic choreography, symbolic visuals, and an emotional narrative, this work invites viewers to reflect on how we navigate the forces that mold us – and how, through acceptance, we can emerge as truer versions of ourselves.Item Restricted Faculty Perspectives of Utilizing Graduate Research Assistants within a College of Nursing(2025-05-01) Sadlowski, Matthew OThe nursing profession currently faces an ongoing workforce shortage, particularly within the nurse educator and nurse researcher roles. Many institutions have implemented Graduate Research Assistant programs with the goals of exposing students to data collection, analysis, and scholarly collaboration to better prepare students for their academic and professional careers, as well as to serve as resources of support for nursing faculty and scientists. Little research has been done to examine the perceived experiences of faculty members engaged with these programs. Without this kind of research, there is not a reliable way to know what aspects and factors of these programs were appreciated, ineffective, or denounced by faculty members. Knowing these elements can lead to efforts for program improvement that is based on empirical insights. This qualitative study, guided by the research question “What are the faculty perspectives of utilizing graduate research assistants (GRA) within a college of nursing?”, used a mini focus group of faculty nurse researchers at the East Carolina University College of Nursing to identify the participants’ perceived benefits and barriers of the utilization of GRAs through thematic analysis. The findings suggest that increasing the duration in which GRAs are assigned to work with faculty researchers and an increase in institutional support for GRAs could make GRAs more effective in their role. Further research with a larger and more diverse sample is required to validate these insights.Item Restricted An Immobilized Enzyme Approach to Anti-Microbial Peptide Production(2025-05-01) Kirkendoll, Josephine AThe rise in resistance to common antifungal agents has highlighted the need for alternative therapeutic options. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties and low toxicity. Among these, Histatin-5 has shown potent activity against Candida albicans, including strains resistant to standard treatments. This research focuses on synthesizing and isolating bioactive Histatin peptides via protein overexpression in E. coli. Rather than using the full-length peptide, P113 was employed, a 12-amino acid fragment of Histatin-5 that retains strong antifungal activity due to its increased stability and ease of production. Our immobilized protease method has proven effective in expressing and isolating small quantities of P113. Current efforts, in collaboration with East Carolina University’s School of Dental Medicine, are aimed at scaling up Histatin-5 production and exploring the antimicrobial properties of recombinant P113 peptides. Future work will characterize the antimicrobial activity of these peptides and investigate gel-based formulations for oral delivery, potentially establishing a novel approach to oral health treatments.Item Embargo The Impact of the ASCM Student Organization on Engagement and Enrollment in the IDIS Program(2025-05-01) Pleasant, Jacob HeathThe Distribution and Logistics (IDIS) program has suffered from low enrollment and engagement of students over the past decade. The COVID-19 pandemic only led to a greater distance being driven between the IDIS program and the student body. Between Fall 2020 and Spring 2025, enrollment in the program dropped by 24%. To combat declining enrollment and decreasing engagement rates, the ECU ASCM Student Chapter was formed. Inside Higher Ed states [that] “…involvement in campus life beyond the classroom is linked to increased academic achievement, retention, belonging and interest from potential employers.” Consequently, this new student organization has planned several events, including plant tours, social activities, community service opportunities, networking events, and monthly guest speaker meetings to increase student interest in the IDIS program. To date, one goal of our project has been successfully achieved; however, the second goal is still in progress. If these goals are not met, and enrollment and engagement in the IDIS program continue to decline, it is possible that the program could be reorganized or even discontinued. The ECU ASCM Student chapter hopes to engage and enroll students in the IDIS program, while providing the opportunity for students to network and form lasting connections with peers and companies.Item Restricted ONE-SESSION MINDFULNESS MEDITATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON ACADEMIC STRESS(2025-05-08) Joseforsky, VictoriaThis study explores one-session mindfulness and its effects on academic stress. Studies mindfulness meditation practices look to improve mental health, reduce stress, and improve cognitive and emotional regulation across diverse populations. The purpose of this study was to find out if a singular session of mindfulness helped reduce academic stress in the present moment. Using guided audio recordings, the Sham Mindfulness group was presented with a generic meditation script while the Mindfulness Meditation group was presented the an in-depth mindfulness practice. They were then measured in the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale- State (MAAS-State), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Perceived Academic Stress (PAS). Results indicated that there was a significant effect in reducing perceived stress, but not a significant effect in improving state mindfulness or reducing academic stress. These findings suggest that a singular session of mindfulness meditation practices can lower general stress. Regarding state mindfulness and academic stress, there needs to be further research done on the effects of one-session mindfulness.Item Restricted Enhancing Hispanic Health Equity: Perceptions, Experience, and Impact of ECU’s FreshStart Program with Rural, Hispanic/Latinx Participants with Type 2 Diabetes(2025-05-01) Hernandez, GabrielaAbstract Hispanic populations in rural North Carolina face disproportionately high rates of type 2 diabetes, resulting from by systemic barriers such a limited access to healthcare, language challenges, and socioeconomic disparities. To combat this, East Carolina University developed the program FreshStart, an innovative, bilingual, community-based diabetes self-management education and support intervention tailored for underinsured Hispanic adults. This program evaluation is aimed to assess the perceptions, experiences, and impact of FreshStart among Spanish-speaking participants, which account for one-third of all members. The intervention integrated group classes, culturally relevant “food is medicine,” produce prescriptions, and personalized telephone-based health coaching. Quantitative outcomes included attendance, pre/post hemoglobin A1C changes, and survey data, while qualitative insights were gathered via semi-structured interviews. Findings indicated high levels of program satisfaction, improved dietary behaviors, and increased motivation for self-management. Participants cited the program’s cultural relevance, hands-on learning approach, and practical support (e.g., fresh produce, bilingual coaches) as key to its success. This study underscores the importance of culturally tailored, holistic interventions in advancing health equity for Hispanic individuals living with diabetes in underserved rural communities.Item Restricted Investigation of Student Knowledge and Access to Professional Clothing(2025-05-01) Lee, RachelThis pilot classroom project explores how college students navigate the challenge of acquiring professional clothing using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework. TPB provides a framework for understanding these behaviors by examining students' attitudes towards professional attire, their perceived social norms, and their perceived control over accessing professional clothing (Ajzen, 1991). Specifically, the study will explore how these factors shape students' intentions and behaviors toward professional dress, providing insights into potential interventions that may improve access to professional attire (Fishbein & Ajzen, 2010). Using a quantitative research design, this study will use an anonymous survey to collect data from a convenience sample of university students for classroom learning purposes. The survey will measure students' attitudes, perceived social norms, perceived behavioral control, and intentions regarding professional clothing, based on the constructs of TPB. Descriptive and inferential statistics analysis will identify relationships among these variables and determine factors that influence students’ decisions regarding professional attire. The results of the study will inform potential strategies to reduce obstacles and improve access to professional clothing on campuses, ensuring that all students are prepared for professional success. Key findings indicate that students often face barriers related to affordability, availability, and cultural perceptions of professionalism. These findings suggest that creating awareness and addressing these TPB components related to professional dress may improve students' readiness for professional environments.Item Restricted Investigating the role of miR-100a in nicotine-dependent behaviors and transgenerational mechanisms in Caenorhabditis elegans(2025-05-07) Dutta, Neesha KishoreNicotine, a psychoactive alkaloid found in tobacco, drives addiction by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), altering cholinergic signaling, and promoting receptor overexpression. The overexpression of nAChRs has been linked to drug dependence, making nicotine addiction a leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, largely due to tobacco use and secondhand smoke exposure. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, with its conserved nAChR subunits and well-characterized nervous system, exhibits behavioral responses to nicotine similar to those in mammals, including tolerance, acute stimulation, withdrawal, and sensitization. These traits allow for it to be an ideal model for studying the molecular and genetic mechanisms of nicotine addiction. The role of miRNAs in regulating nAChRs, nicotine-dependent behaviors, and the epigenetic effects involved in transgenerational inheritance will be explored in this study, with a focus on miRNA inhibition of cel-miR-100a to knock down miR-100a implicated in addiction pathways. Behavioral assays demonstrate nicotine dependence, withdrawal-like effects, and transgenerational inheritance, with F2-generation worms, which are never directly exposed to nicotine, but exhibit increased locomotion on nicotine-free plates. Experimental protocols begin with the cultivation of synchronized C. elegans populations (F0 generation) and chronic (24-hour) exposure to 61.7µM nicotine in K-medium. Behavioral assessments are performed using the WormLab software, revealing changes in addiction-related behaviors and suggesting miRNA regulation of nAChRs as a key molecular mechanism. Statistical analyses, such as ANOVA and regression modeling, are further used to evaluate gene expression and behavioral data. These findings provide novel insights into the molecular and genetic basis of nicotine addiction, including its transgenerational risks, and could inform the development of miRNA-based therapeutic methods to combat nicotine dependence and its long-term risks.Item Restricted Pathways to Health Professions(2025-04-29) Snead , HannahBackground Interprofessional Education (IPE) is essential for fostering collaboration and communication among healthcare professionals to improve patient outcomes. Early IPE training for pre-health undergraduate students has been shown to enhance teamwork, dismantle stereotypes, and build self-efficacy in healthcare settings. Self-efficacy is the belief that one can achieve their goals and succeed at tasks. These outcomes contribute to creating a cohesive and equitable healthcare environment focused on patient-centered care. Despite evidence supporting the benefits of IPE training, there is a lack of consistent implementation at the undergraduate level across institutions. Objective Programs that have adopted IPE have demonstrated improved student preparedness, better interprofessional collaboration, and enhanced patient care outcomes. Our study addresses this gap in undergraduate IPE by examining the impact of a structured IPE training program, Pathway to Health Professions, designed for pre-health ECU undergraduate students who are members of ‘Buff in Scrubs’, an ECU organization. Methods Our study employs a mixed-methods approach, including retrospective surveys and open-ended questions, to assess changes in participants' attitudes, skills, and competencies pre-and post-trainings. Data will be collected from January 2025 to April 2025. Results We hypothesize that early and structured exposure to IPE training will significantly enhance pre-health undergraduate students' confidence, understanding of interprofessional roles, and ability to collaborate effectively. By focusing on self-efficacy-based skills, we hope to equip pre-health students with critical collaboration and communication skills early in their education. We expect improvements in participants’ perceived preparedness for advanced healthcare education and patient-centered care. By improving perceived preparedness, we aim to also increase students’ self-efficacy and preparedness for graduate school applications. Our undergraduate IPE program, Pathway to Health Professions, seeks to bridge the gap in IPE implementation at the undergraduate level. We aim to prepare future healthcare professionals to contribute to cohesive teams and improve patient outcomes. This work underscores the need for broader adoption of IPE training in undergraduate education to enhance healthcare collaboration and equity.Item Restricted “EVERYDAY LEADERS ARE EVERYWHERE AND ANYONE”: A PHOTOVOICE EXPLORATION OF LEADERSHIP IDENTITY AT EAST CAROLINA UNIVERSITY(2025-04-29) Humann, Lauren EThis study explores how members of the East Carolina University (ECU) community define leadership and whether these definitions align with institutional frameworks or reflect more individualized interpretations. Using Photovoice, a visual research methodology that empowers participants to share experiences through images and reflection, the project invited students, faculty, staff, and alumni to submit a photo representing the phrase “Everyday leaders are everywhere and anyone”, along with their personal definition of leadership and brief demographic information. A total of 193 participants responded. The data revealed strong themes of service, empathy, inspiration, and leading by example, with many respondents emphasizing the importance of relational leadership over positional authority. Word frequency analysis and photo reflections highlighted leadership as an everyday act rooted in ECU’s motto, Servire—“to serve.” While the project did not reach the scale required to produce a large-scale mural as initially envisioned, the findings offer a meaningful insight into Pirate leadership identity. The study contributes to ongoing conversations about leadership development in higher education and demonstrates the power of storytelling, visual expression, and inclusive research design. It also lays the groundwork for future student-led projects aimed at continuing this work and visually celebrating the diverse leaders who shape the ECU community.Item Restricted Perceptions of AI-Generated Content: How College Students Feel about AI-created Content in the Field of Marketing(2025-05-01) Adams, Kelly E.Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a tool that has become heavily integrated into the lives of many individuals and businesses. Due to AI’s popularity, its impact on marketing, specifically digital content creation, has become a topic of significant interest. The rapid advancement of AI technologies has enabled the creation of sophisticated graphics and content that can sometimes be indistinguishable from content produced by a human. This technological advancement presents a question in the field of marketing: Do consumers care to know if the marketing content they engage with is AI-designed? This study aims to investigate consumer perceptions and preferences regarding AI-designed marketing content, particularly whether consumers are interested in knowing, if the content they engage with is AI-created. Through one-on-one interviews with 11 East Carolina University students, this research will assess their awareness, trust, and preferences regarding AI-generated content in marketing. By examining consumer attitudes toward AI disclosure, this study will provide insights for marketers to maintain transparency and ethical responsibility as it relates to AI content creation.Item Restricted Exploring High School Athletics Through An Accounting Perspective(2025-04-29) Boyd, KeiferHigh school athletics play an important role for students, encouraging teamwork, physical and mental development, and community involvement with the school. Nevertheless, there can be challenges with the accounting and internal controls of high school system athletics. This project examines several financial settings of importance in the high school athletic environment through an accounting lens, including funding for high school athletics, budgeting, the profitability in athletics, assets, and internal controls. The project will investigate how these high schools get the funding (internal and external), the allocation of the funding, and sustainability of the program. Drawing on personal experience, secondary research, and other sources, this project seeks to study the application of accounting principles and funding strategies that ensure success and accessibility of high school athletic programs. The findings from this study will help with an overall understanding of how accounting concepts work in high school athletics and provide suggestions for improvements.Item Restricted INVESTIGATING MITOCHONDRIAL METABOLISM IN HIGH-FAT DIET INDUCED FATTY LIVER DISEASE USING WESTERN BLOT ANALYSIS(2025-05-04) Adala, SarayuFatty liver disease (FLD) is the most prevalent liver disorder in industrialized nations. Although FLD is becoming more common as time goes on, there are no approved pharmaceutical treatments currently for the disease. The lack of approved pharmaceutical treatments makes it critical to understand the underlying metabolic defects contributing to disease progression. This study looks at how the disruption of mitochondrial fatty acid transport, through liver-specific knockouts of carnitine acylcarnitine translocase (CACT) impairs mitochondrial and peroxisomal metabolism, leading to liver toxicity. Mice were fed a high-fat, choline-deficient diet (CDAHFD) to induce fatty liver disease, and were treated with fenofibrate, which is a PPAR-α agonist that is known to enhance fatty acid oxidation. Western blot analysis was used to quantify the expression of proteins involved in mitochondrial function, fatty acid transport, and lipid storage. The western blot results are critical because they show how the CACT deficiency impairs mitochondrial fatty acid transport, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, lipid accumulation, and energy stress. After analysis of the western blots, results do not provide insight indicating that CACT knockout mice show decreased mitochondrial function, leading to the progression of fatty liver disease.Item Restricted The Role of ADAP/Centaurin-A1 In Hippocampal-Based Trace Eyeblink Classical Conditioning(2025-05-02) Krause, KayleeThe synaptic protein ADAP1/Centaurin-a1 (CentA1) is found in high concentrations within the brain. It is known to regulate dendritic differentiation and their structural plasticity. Research has shown that it may mediate Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, leading to behavioral and cognitive impairments in mice. CentA1 is upregulated by amyloid β (Aβ), which correlates with Aβ-dependent spine loss and deficits in spine plasticity in mice. In turn, plaques comprised of Aβ are highly associated with AD progression. Indeed, phosphorylation of CentA1 is prominently expressed in hippocampal tissues of AD patients. In this study we investigated whether suppression of CentA1 would be an ideal method to reverse cognitive dysfunction using trace eyeblink classical conditioning (TECC), a well-studied form of learning mediated by cortical-hippocampal interactions. A learning task that assesses this neural circuit is used because it is highly susceptible to AD neuropathogenesis. AD is characterized by progressive loss of many cognitive functions. Looking at CentA1 overexpression is a novel approach to understanding neuropathology of AD, as current treatments have yielded very little in terms of long-term efficacy. Elevated CentA1 may enhance AD progression and pathology, leading to cognitive impairments and its reduction is a potential target for experimental therapeutics. Adult male and female wild-type (WT) and CentA1 knockout (KO) mice were surgically implanted with recording electrodes and a stimulating electrode. After recovery, they received six days of TECC. Each day consisted of 100 trials in which a 380-ms, 80 dB tone conditioned stimulus (CS) was paired with a 100-ms, 1.6 mA current (unconditioned stimulus, US) delivered to the periorbital muscle to elicit an eyeblink unconditioned response (UR). A trace period of 500 ms in between the tone CS and shock US was imposed. The learning measure is the conditioned response (CR), an anticipatory eyeblink that is elicited by the tone CS and is emitted prior to the US. The trace period taxes the ability to time events properly and requires the integrity of cortical-hippocampal circuits. We compared whether the learning curves expressed by each group differed significantly. Results from this study will provide novel insight on whether CentA1 plays a role in mediating adverse learning outcomes in AD.