Undergraduate Scholars Program

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The Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP) is one of the largest multidisciplinary undergraduate research programs at MSU. We are here to help undergraduate students in all disciplines pursue research, scholarship, and creative projects.

The Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP) facilitates, supports, and promotes undergraduate research and scholarship by providing funding and logistical support directly to students.

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Stop Interfering! Understanding how Stereotype Threat reduces Working Memory Capacity by using the Dual Processes Model.
(2013-03) Ferris, Amber C; Smith, Jessi l.
Consensus is building that stereotype threat interferes with working memory, but how so? We examined error monitoring and goal maintenance as possible mediating mechanisms triggered by stereotype threat. Grounded in the dual process model (Kane & Engle, 2005) 187 MSU men were first given the OSPAN to assess working memory capacity (WMC), then engaged in a mostly incongruent or mostly congruent Stroop task which was presented as a measure of verbal processing skills (stereotype threat condition) or not (neutral condition). Stroop errors and reaction times were assessed. The regression model was significant for Stroop errors R2 = .65, F(7, 174) = 18.41, p < .001, indicating a significant three way interaction between stereotype threat, list(congruent), and WMC (ï•¢ = -.12). Only main effects of WMC and list were observed for reaction time. Results suggest that for people lower in WMC, stereotype threat primarily interferes with maintaining task goals.
Human Brain Proteomics in the Systems Biology of Epilepsy Project (SBEP)
(2013-03) Keren-Aviram, Gal; Dratz, Edward
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that manifests as recurrent seizures. Many cases are resistant to antiepileptic drugs and may benefit from surgical procedures to identify and remove the epileptic foci. The project takes advantage of unique human surgical specimens, removed from electrophysiologically mapped brains to compare electrically active brain to adjacent quieter normal regions of the same individuals. We present a pilot proteomic study and initial integration with the project’s database of clinical, histological, genomic and metabolomic information. We used Differential in Gel Electrophoresis (DiGE) to compare protein abundances in three fractionated cellular compartments of six patients. About 4400 protein isoform spots were resolved for each patient and the identities of a subset of 400 significantly changing spots was determined by LC-MS/MS. Hierarchical clustering of the spot expression patterns was used to group changing proteins, followed by gene ontology enrichment analysis. Combination of the two analysis tools allowed for enhanced interpretation of the changes in cellular processes taking place in the tissues that trigger seizures. Changes in cell populations and increased vascularity, predicted from the proteome, were validated by histology. Integrating the findings to develop human epilepsy models seeks to deepen understanding of the disorder and suggest new drug targets.
When a Traffic Light Turns Green, a Study of Traffic Flow Using Partial Differential Equations
(2013-03) Dupree, William; Davis, Lisa
Partial differential equations, PDEs, are used in many applied mathematical models. In the summer research performed, PDEs were used to model traffic flow and the theoretical behavior of cars on simple roadways. As with ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations have many different forms of a variety of orders. The PDE used for traffic flow, and the focus of the current research, was the homogeneous advection equation involving the traffic density as the spacial and time varying function. Methods to solve this equation, and how it related to traffic flow, were studied out of Richard Haberman's text titled Mathematical Models. Only solutions to the linear advection equation were sought, leading to one of the most fundamental wave function solutions to PDEs.
Determining Nutrient Availabilty in Gallatin Valley Organic Systems Through Comprehensive Soil Testing
(2013-03) Lynn, Hamilton; Zabinski, Catherine
Our projects investigated the effects of different forms of organic matter and the effects of production intensity on plant available nitrogen in two separate agricultural operations in the Gallatin Valley; a research experiment located in Townes Harvest Garden and a commercially operative organic vegetable farm, Field Day Farm. In order to determine plant available nitrogen levels among different soil treatment plots and cropping areas on these farms, we cultivated annual ryegrass in greenhouse pots using soil composites collected from different treatments. The ryegrass pots were maintained for 8 weeks, at which time cuttings of biomass from each composite were taken and analyzed to determine nitrogen content within plant tissues. We compared our bioassay results to traditional laboratory analyses for KCl-extracted nitrate. The methods being performed were modeled after Liu, et al. (2011). The results from soil analysis show that the hay mulch provided the most plant available nitrogen, followed by the nitrogen mineral fertilizer treatment, the control, and the barley straw mulch. We will compare tissue nitrogen levels from the greenhouse assay to our soil results. Overall, understanding nitrogen uptake could provide information useful to farmers who are trying to maximize crop yield while lowering soil inputs.
Biofuel Production Using an Acidophilic Fungus
(2013-03) Moran, Maxwell; Macur, Rich
Novel strain MK7, an acidophilic fungus isolated from a geothermal spring in Yellowstone National Park, shows significant potential for use in the biofuels industry. Experiments, funded through the USP program, have shown that it can produce biofuels and biofuel precursors from lignocellulosic materials, glycerol and waste algal biomass. Under aerobic conditions, MK7 produces intercellular lipids that can be converted into biodiesel. Under microaerophilic or anoxic conditions, ethanol and hydrogen can be produced. One of the most notable features of MK7 is its ability to grow under extremely acidic conditions (pH range: 0.6 - 6.5). Consequently, strain MK7 can grow on acid pretreated substrates such as wheat straw without the need for pH neutralization. Cellulose is the primary molecule targeted for biofuels production and acid pretreatment is commonly used to degrade lignin and hemicellulose and release cellulose from lignocellulosic materials. Strain MK7 neutralizes the pH during growth on acidified substrates. This ability to neutralize pH makes strain MK7 valuable to the biofuels industry since the addition of pH buffering salts is costly and creates significant downstream water quality problems. These attributes suggest that the extremely acidophilic fungal strain MK7 has the potential to become an important player in the biofuel industry.
Metabolic analysis of lipid accumulation in a microalga
(2013-03) Toussaint, Jean-Paul; Carlson, Ross; Mus, Florence
As concern grows about the supply of fossil fuels, new alternative energy sources are being investigated including renewable biofuels. Microalgae represent a competitive biofuel strategy when compare with “traditional” agricultural crops. Green algae and diatoms are of considerable interest as a biodiesel source because they accumulate significant amounts of energy-rich compounds, such as triacylglycerol (TAG) that can be used to synthesize biodiesel. My research project investigates factors that control TAG accumulation in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum using physiological and molecular approaches. The first phase of the project identified optimal growth conditions that promote TAG accumulation in P. tricornutum. It has been found that nitrogen limitation, pH stress and the addition of bicarbonate or acetate stimulate lipids accumulation in P. tricornutum cells by 5 to 10 fold as compared to controls. Fundamental physiological data including photosynthetic pigment content, protein levels and carbohydrate content have been collected and correlated to TAG synthesis. A transcriptomic analysis is currently in progress to identify and characterize essential genes involved in TAG accumulation. Information on the abundance of specific transcripts under lipids accumulation conditions will permit description of bioenergetic and metabolic processes involved in TAG accumulation and to identify associated regulatory factors. This project advances algal biofuels research by elucidating both the physiological and transcriptomic basis of TAG accumulation in the marine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum providing a rational basis for TAG synthesis control.
Mechanical Properties of Portland Cement Concrete with Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Aggregate
(2013-03) Hansen, Eric; Berry, Mike
This analysis of the mechanical properties of Portland cement concrete with reclaimed asphalt pavement as aggregate was completed to determine if a mix design could be achieved that would be suitable for use as a rigid pavement. It was found that it is possible to design a mix that meets the necessary compressive strength and handling characteristics needed for rigid pavement. This analysis contains the results of ASTM C39/C39M-11a Standard Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens, ASTM C78/C78-10 Standard Test Method for Flexural Strength in Concrete, ASTM C496/C496M-11 Standard Test Method for Splitting Tensile Strength of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens, and ASTM C469/C469M-10 Standard Test Method for Static Modulus of Elasticity and Poisson’s Ratio of Concrete in Compression.
A Mouse Model for Familial Dysautonomia
(2013-03) Wolfe, Lindsey; Lefcort, Frances
Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is a genetic disorder of the autonomic nervous system caused by a mutation in the gene IKBKAP on chromosome 9. This mutation leads to a decrease in expression of the IkB kinase complex associated protein (IKAP) and has detrimental effects on the development and function of autonomic and sensory neurons. FD is an autosomal recessive trait found mostly in Ashkenazi Jews, with approximately 1 in 27 being carriers of the trait. There is currently no cure for FD and half of all affected individuals die before they reach 40 years of age. To explore the disorder we have engineered a line of mice that express a conditional knockout of the IKBKAP gene in cells containing alpha-tubulin, a component of neurons. We are interested in analyzing the effect of this mutation on the nervous tissues as well as organ systems. Our methodology involves cryosectioning mutant and control mice tissues and using immunohistochemistry to stain for cells of interest. By examining the microanatomy displayed in this disease, we are able to further understand how this genetic mutation leads to the symptoms of FD and gain insight on which preventative measures and medications will have the best results in increasing the quality and length of life of FD patients.
Identifying the Relationship Between Feed Intake and Bull Health: A Data-driven Analysis
(2013-03) Wittmayer, Alix; Bekkerman, Anton
How soon can we predict sickness in bulls before clinical signs appear? This study seeks to answer this question by identifying changes in bulls' feeding behaviors and understanding whether these changes can be used as early signals of oncoming sickness. Using a database of bull characteristics from Midland Bull Test, we empirically examine the relationship between sickness and daily feed intake, which is collected using the GrowSafe System. Preliminary results indicate that in 2010, 35% of bulls showed symptoms of illness. Among these bulls, animals with lower feed intake were more likely to be sick. Furthermore, bulls with a higher birth weight (which could be a signal of complications during birth) were more likely to get sicker sooner than bulls with lower birth weight. Conversely, bulls with higher weaning weight are more likely to be sick later in life, when a more developed immune system can help overcome the illness. Ongoing research seeks to determine whether there is a relationship between a bull's birth location and its likelihood of sickness, and whether vaccination programs and/or sires can be used to predict the likelihood of sickness. With further research we hope to find answers that will benefit livestock producers in Montana.
Modeling the validity and transfer of eye-scanning patterns for hazard perception from virtual reality training environments to reality
(2013-03) Sharma, Jyoti; Stanley, Laura
Visual search skills for hazard perception are critical in many domains. They are used by pilots to maintain situation awareness, by doctors reviewing screen images to diagnose health disorders, and by security screeners inspecting for hazardous materials. They are also critical to a teen driver’s ability to detect roadway hazards. For teen drivers, poor visual search skills can increase the risk for traffic crashes, which are the leading cause of death for teenagers nationwide. Training visual search skills depends, in part, on the representative nature of the hazardous scenarios. Many training programs use scenarios derived from sometimes decades-old analyses of police accident reports, police driving instructors’ interviews and driving instructor questionnaires. The purpose of this research was to use crash databases -- the General Estimates System and the Fatality Accident Reporting System -- to determine whether the hazardous scenarios in recent research studies remain the most problematic, in terms of teen driver crashes. Crash data show the scenarios used for teen drivers generally reflect the estimated crashes in the United States but not fatal crashes. Modified scenarios that include speed limits of 35 mph and 55 mph, single-vehicle and two-vehicle crashes, and creating a fatal-crash scenario would address currently unrepresented teen crashes.
Sandstone diagenesis as a proxy indicator of pore fluid geochemistry: implications for fossilization of vertebrate skeletal material in the Hell Creek Formation (Upper Cretaceous), Eastern Montana
(2013-03) Yamamura, Daigo; Schmitt, James
Enclosing sandstone matrix is often invoked as an entombing medium facilitating preservation of vertebrate skeletal material by isolation from contact with pore fluids. We employed optical petrography, x-ray diffractometry, and scanning electron microscopy analysis of a fossil-bearing sandstone in the Hell Creek Formation to document pore fluid geochemistry during diagenesis. Presence of fine-grained massive muddy sandstone (Sm), abundant coal stringers, and overlying and underlying floodplain mudrocks indicate a crevasse-splay origin. The channel sandstone shows evidence of secondary porosity development through acidic pore fluid migration including feldspar grain skeletonization and complete dissolution, suspended exploded-grain fabrics in biotite indicating dissolution of early calcite cement. The bone-bearing sandstone contains skeletonized and altered feldspar grains also indicating migration of acidic pore-fluids. Enclosed bones show minimal evidence of alteration; they are surrounded by a concretionary zone of calcite and iron oxide cement characterized by isopachous calcite-rims on detrital grains indicating meteoric phreatic calcite precipitation. Presence of well-preserved bone in sandstone extensively altered by acidic fluids suggests that early precipitation of surrounding concretion growth enhanced bone preservation, chemically buffering it from the later corrosive effects of acidic pore waters. This indicates that early concretionary entombment is an important factor in vertebrate skeletal preservation in sandstones.
Treatment of Foot Disease in Captive Asian Elephants in Northern Thailand
(2013-03) Zellar, Amanda; Mattix, Rebecca
Foot disease is a major concern in captive elephants in the United States and a significant cause of disability and death. It is estimated that half of all captive elephants in North America and Europe have had foot disease at some time in their lives (Csuti 9). The causes of many foot ailments are not well understood, but the most common etiologies cited for foot disease include lack of exercise, improper nutrition, inadequate trimming and grooming of feet or hard, rough or damp enclosure substrates (Csuti 1). Though many traditional Western medical and surgical treatments are used to manage different forms of foot disease, mahouts in Thailand and other native range countries, have used traditional Eastern medicine consisting local plants for centuries (Csuti 81-4). There has been a lack of detailed published information on current elephant foot veterinary medicine treatments in Thailand or other countries in the region (Fowler 447). The aim of this study was to document methods of preventing and treating foot disease in captive Asian elephants currently being employed in northern Thailand to inform future research. A qualitative approach was taken using the standpoint of descriptive phenomenology and direct observation to examine current methods of prevention and treatment of foot disease in captive Asian elephants in Northern Thailand. Three veterinarians experienced in elephant health care were interviewed to determine current standards of elephant foot disease management in Northern Thailand. Direct observation of elephant care by veterinarians, mahouts, and keepers was carried out at two elephant facilities in Chiang Mai province, and focused on specific quantitative and qualitative variables implicated in elephant foot health including: diet nutritional composition, total housing area, and housing substrate. From the responses of veterinarians in this study, foot disease is not a major health concern, there appears to be a difference in the prevalence of foot disease in captive Asian elephants in northern Thailand and those previously reported in the United States and Europe (Csuti 9), there is not an emphasis on prevention of foot disease, and when foot diseases are seen by veterinarians, there is a strong presence of both traditional and herbal medicine in elephant health care.
Studying Abroad In South America: Ethnographic Images and Short Films
(2013-03) Gall, Edward; Schmalzbauer, Leah
In returning from my adventure to South America, my research did not go as smoothly as I had anticipated. Culture and language shock and the lack of a formal institution to support me led to produce far less media than I initially anticipated. Producing non-fiction documentaries is hard enough in and of itself, let alone attempting to produce them alone in a foreign country or large metropolis such as Buenos Aires. In the end I found myself capturing more still images than moving images, and although my results do not 100% reflect my hypothesis, I am confident that my still images and select short films do. I have learned a great deal from my time in Argentina and Chile and I now understand that some sort of institution, partner or mentor is necessary if I seek to create a large media project again in the near future.
Alginate Epimerization by AlgG
(2013-03) Smith, Erin; Franklin, Michael
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a bacterium found in the respiratory tract of cystic fibrosis patients. This opportunistic pathogen thrives in the thick mucus layer formed in the lungs of people with chronic pulmonary infections. Under these conditions the mucoid strain of this bacterium, FRD1, is able to form a protective extracellular matrix making it resistant to antimicrobial treatments. The major component of this matrix is alginate, a secreted extracellular polysaccharide; in this strain alginate is composed of D-mannuronic acid residues and L-guluronic acid residues. Initially alginate is produced by the cell in a poly-mannuronic acid form. The protein AlgG epimerizes some of the mannuronic acid residues into guluronic acid residues. The entire structure of AlgG has been proposed and is the model used as the foundation for this research. The focus of this current project has been to characterize the functional region of AlgG. During this project single amino acid mutations have been made in regions of algG with a hypothesized function. These constructs have then been expressed in a strain of P. aeruginosa with and algG deletion to determine the effect of the mutation on alginate production. Assays of these different mutants will give a better understanding of which regions of AlgG play a role in this proteins function.
Towards standardized methods for the analysis of algal lipids: Total lipid content
(2013-03) Bogen, Thomas; Macur, Rich
The use of microalgae for biodiesel production has attracted significant interest in recent years. Lipids are precursors for biodiesel and accurately evaluating the potential of algae to produce lipids is critical if a algal-based biodiesel market is to be created. However, there are currently no standardized methods for evaluating lipids in algae and laboratories currently use a wide variety of methods to extract and quantify lipids. It is well known that different methods provide different values for lipid content and quality, and consequently, the use of diverse methods has created a situation where direct comparison of data generated by different laboratories is often challenging, if not impossible. We examined four different direct transesterification methods to determine which was the most effective for algae. The methods studied were the Griffiths method, Johnson method, American Oil Chemists Society (AOCS) method, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) method. The results indicate that the most effective method for evaluating total “fuel potential” of algae was the Griffiths method. Consequently, we recommend that the Griffiths method be considered for further evaluation as a standard method for quantifying total algal lipids.
English Teaching Program in Mali
(2013-03) Rolph, Bronwyn; Giusti, Ada
Our team’s research responds to the requests of an elementary school in Sanambele, a village in rural Mali. The English instructor of the school has requested tools to help him teach English, especially pronunciation and oral comprehension, which my USP addresses. Our team has done a lot of research on the Malian society in order to create projects that work well for the school and community. For teaching English, I needed to make tools with content that students who have never left their village could still identify with and enjoy. After examining the rich history of oral storytelling and Malian mythology, I decided to use early American myths and recorded them by multiple speakers in order to give oral examples that students in Sanambele can enjoy. The stories were also written and illustrated with many pictures in order to facilitate comprehension and catch their interest. To teach pronunciation, I evaluated several existing phonetics educational programs, and chose sections of these lessons that seem particularly pertinent to French-speakers. Workshops that explain how to use these projects have also been developed in order to give the instructor the ability to use these programs long after the implementers have left.
Mechanism of Antibacterial Guanides Specifically Against MRSA USA300
(2013-03) Wright, Thomas; Teintze, Martin
New methods of treating bacterial infection are constantly needed as bacteria develop resistance to the present treatment options. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an example of a pathogen that has become resistant to antibiotics such as penicillins, cephalosporins, and monolactams. The Teintze lab has synthesized many guanide, biguanide and phenylguanide compounds designed to block the CXCR4 chemokine receptor necessary for HIV to bind to mammalian cells. Some of these compounds also turned out to be active against various bacteria. Along with Staph, the lab has tested the compounds against Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Burkholderia cepacia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The compounds have some structural similarity to known bis-biguanides used as antibacterials (chlorhexidine and alexidine), but may inhibit bacterial growth by different mechanisms. The goal of this project has been to detemine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of THAM trisguanide and THAM trisphenylguanide on MRSA and investigate the changes in the proteome of treated cells to help elucidate the mechanism of action. The MIC allows reasonable comparison between the compounds and known antibacterial drugs. The proteins of treated and untreated bacteria are studied by 2D gel analysis, which separates proteins based on isoelectric point and size. The treated and untreated 2D gels were then compared and many differences were found.
Rescuing NFPC defects in Xenopus Embryos
(2013-03) Ruggles, Rachel; Bradley, Roger
Neural Fold protocadherin (NFPC) is a type of cadherin required for cell adhesion and is required for ectodermal differentiation during embryonic development. One method to study the function of NFPC is to inhibit translation of it, thereby making a functional knockout. Morpholinos are often used in this process due to their ability to bind to mRNA and prevent protein translation. When NF-protocadherin is inhibited in Xenopus laevis embryos using anti-NF-protocadherin morpholino, defects in the neural tube are observed. To test the specificity of these defects, we plan to rescue these defects by ectopically expressing full length NFPC. Embryos will be injected with the morpholino together with an altered NF-protocadherin mRNA that the morpholino will not bind to. In one approach, the region of mRNA the morpholino binds to is modified by changing enough nucleotides to maintain the same protein sequence while introducing enough mismatch to prevent the morpholino from binding. In the second approach, a primer is engineered to begin translation of the mRNA downstream of the normal start site thereby eliminating he morpholino binding site. If we can successfully rescue the neural tube defects, we can prove the defects are specific to knocking down NFPC.
Microstructural Analysis of Quartz Samples from Bald Butte Porphyry
(2013-03) Stansfield, Nathan; Shaw, Colin
Dikes, veins, and a silica cap associated with the ca. 40 Ma Bald Butte Porphyry system in the Marysville mining district can be genetically correlated with an economic Molybdenum deposit. This study employs Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) and Computer Integrated Polarization Microscopy (CIP) to study microstructures that record processes that produced the ~200-m-diameter dense silica cap overlying the subsurface Bald Butte stock. Samples collected from the silica cap contain quartz stockwork veins that crosscut each other and almost completely replace the country rock. The Cap is primarily quartz in composition with minor phyllosilicates, feldspar (?), and flourite (?). Isolated relicts of country rock can still be identified. Textures surrounding major grains may indicate conditions present after emplacement of the system. We are working to define the relationship between subgrain recrystalization textures and secondary crystal growth in voids within several samples. We also hope to employ Energy Dispersive Spectrometry (EDS) to acquire a chemical profile along a transect across these textures in order to document changes in fluid chemistry recorded by the growing crystals. This study has implications for understanding processes of silica replacement in epithermal mineral systems.
Optogenetic Circuit Mapping In Drosophila Larvae
(2013-03) McWilliams, Taisha; Kozeluh, Craig; Stowers, Steven
Understanding how neural circuits process and transform sensory information to produce behavioral responses has been an ongoing endeavor in the field of neuroscience. Using optogenetic and circuit mapping technology, our research has aimed to map the fly larval mechanosensory and thermosensory neural circuits. Drosophila larva was used because of its outstanding molecular genetic toolbox, relatively simple nervous system, and nearly transparent body. The initial goal of our research was to spatially restrict the expression of transgenes to one or a small number of segments in the larva to make the responses to optogenetic stimulation as natural as possible. By trying to use regulatory regions from the homeotic gene AbdA and by examining existing lines of flies using regulatory regions from the other homeotic genes Ubx and AbdB, our lab has been experimenting on determining transgenes that will express in a small segment of the ventral nerve cord in the abdominal region. Overall, by seeking to map Drosophila mechanosensory and thermosensory circuits, an insight into neural circuitry analysis of more advanced organisms, where this degree of manipulation and understanding is not possible at this time, will be gained.