Chris Bassett and Brandon Fenn collaborated on a project in the laboratory of Dr. David Thomas at the University of Minnesota. Their project was designed to test the mutant Phospholamban L37A, using fluorescence energy transfer, to determine whether or not it could be used as a treatment for heart disease. Phospholamban (PLB) is a 52 amino acid protein, which regulates heart function by binding and inhibiting the cardiac calcium pump. Chris and Brandon have discovered that fluorescent dye Alexa-350 binds to the calcium pump. This enabled them to run fluorescence energy transfer experiments on mutant PLB in a lipid bilayer with the calcium pump. Both Brandon and Chris are very interested in the research they continue to conduct, especially the medical applications of their research, since mutant non-functional PLB could possibly be used as a treatment for heart disease. They are eager to determine the final results of their project. Chris' paper can be accessed here.
Brandon Fenn and Chris Bassett and collaborated on a project in the laboratory of Dr. David Thomas at the University of Minnesota. Their project was designed to test the mutant Phospholamban L37A, using fluorescence energy transfer, to determine whether or not it could be used as a treatment for heart disease. Phospholamban (PLB) is a 52 amino acid protein, which regulates heart function by binding and inhibiting the cardiac calcium pump. Chris and Brandon have discovered that fluorescent dye Alexa-350 binds to the calcium pump. This enabled them to run fluorescence energy transfer experiments on mutant PLB in a lipid bilayer with the calcium pump. Both Brandon and Chris are very interested in the research they continue to conduct, especially the medical applications of their research, since mutant non-functional PLB could possibly be used as a treatment for heart disease. They are eager to determine the final results of their project. Brandon's paper can be accessed here.
Javier Cabrera worked under the guidance of Dr. Martin Johnston and undergraduate seniors Jessica Klaers and Gregory Ogin in the Center for Applied Mathematics at University of St. Thomas. Javier work with a Duffing oscillator created by Dr. Johnston (affectionately called "the chaos engine") to determine if the system in the oscillator was chaotic. He used LabVIEW programming language to determine position, velocity, and phase of the system. He then organized these variables into a Poincare section in order to control the chaos engine and then collected data to analyze the mathematics of the system. Javier reports that he not only participated in an intensive summer-long project, but also developed a strong interest in calculus and physics, learned how to deal with a real-world engineering problem, and had an incredible intellectual experience overall. Javi was born in Cuba, is a returning international student at Breck, and plans to major in electrical engineering and physics in college. Javier's paper can be accessed here.
Brendan Doms worked in the Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics at the University of Minnesota under the guidance of Dr. Ian Armitage. Brendan studied the levels of the protein metallothionein-3 (MT-3) and the metals zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in tissue of mice that exhibited Alzheimer’s Disease. Earlier studies had shown inconclusive results for the relationship between MT-3 and Zn/Cu levels in Alzhemier’s. Brendan identified the presence of MT-3 and Zn/Cu levels in the mouse tissue, but his data did not show a significant correlation to Alzhemier’s. Brendan indicates that he learned many valuable skills while working in a research laboratory environment, especially pouring and running gels and Western blots and operating an atomic absorption spectrometer. Brendan reports that working on this project has been a very rewarding experience. Brendan's work was accepted for publication in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry. The title of his paper is "Metallothionein-3 and Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase Levels in Brains from the Tg2576 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.” The authorship is listed in the following order: Bruce L. Martin, Abigail M. Tokheim, Patrick T. McCarthy, Brendan S. Doms, Andrew A. Davis, and Ian M. Armitage. Brendan's paper can be accessed here.
Trisha Dwivedi worked under the guidance of Dr. Karen Oberhauser and Michelle Solensky in the Ecology Department at the University of Minnesota. Trisha studied the effects of pesticide residue on the development and growth time of monarch butterfly larvae. Trisha sprayed pesticide on milkweed plants, then introduced monarch larvae to the plants on different days after spraying. She sprayed some of the plants at given intervals to simulate rain. She discovered that the growth rate and development of the larvae was slowed when larvae were introduced to freshly-sprayed leaves. However, she found that spraying did not affect mortality rate. Trisha’s study may enable farmers to use alternative methods of applying pesticides to their fields that will be less harmful to monarchs. Trisha reports that she learned a great deal about monarch butterflies and values being able to apply the scientific process to a real-life situation. Trisha's paper can be accessed here.
Lindsey Hugstad-Vaa worked in the Horticulture Department at the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus under the guidance of Dr. Cindy Tong. Lindsey investigated ways to bioengineer redder potatoes, since potatoes fade while in storage, and the redness of the potatoes affects sales. First, Lindsey investigated the effects of phosphate on potato plants. Then she used PCR to amplify and clone the UF3GT gene of red potatoes to determine the role of the gene in the anthocynin process—a process that results in the reddish color of potatoes. Lindsey reports that she feels extremely fortunate to work on a project that incorporated so much cutting-edge biology. Lindey's paper can be accessed here.
Vik Kanodia worked at the Fisheries and Wildlife Department at the University of Minnesota under the guidance of Mark Hove. Vik artificially cultured freshwater mussels. Over 100 freshwater mussel species are at risk of extinction due to factors such as habitat degradation, pollution, illegal poaching (e.g. button manufacturing), and the introduction of exotic mussels such as zebra mussels. Freshwater mussels play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem, because they are highly sensitive to water conditions. Vik discovered the best sediment/water combination for culturing. He then analyzed algae types found under those specific conditions and compared them to other less successful sediment/water combinations to determine the best food source for juveniles. Vik also dissected the guts of juveniles to determine what they eat, something that was not previously known. Vik’s study will prove helpful in the re-introduction of endangered species. Vik was named as a co-author on a paper titled "Channel Catfish is a Suitable Host Species for Mapleleaf Glochida." The paper was published in Ellipsaria a publication of the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society. Vik's paper can be accessed here.
William Mitchell worked in the Chemistry Department at Hamline University under the direction of Dr. John Matachek. Bill wrote and tested new techniques to synthesize thiophene monomers capped with ferrocene. Thiophene is an organic molecule that readily polymerizes and has semi-conductive properties when in long chains. Bill developed techniques for adding variable groups to the ferrocene cap that either attract or repel electrons on the thiophene in an attempt to match the energy levels of a thiophene chain. Bill’s work is significant in furthering understanding about the mechanism by which the thiophene chain conducts electricity. He reports that he especially enjoyed learning to use a NMR spectrometer, which is an important skill in the field of organic chemistry. Bill's paper can be accessed here.
Lauren Nazarian worked under the guidance of Dr. Susan Evarts at the Biology Department of the University of St. Thomas. Lauren researched the effect of melatonin on the growth and development of Mongolian gerbils. Melatonin is a hormone secreted from the pineal gland that plays a major part in regulating biological and circadian rhythms. Lauren administered melatonin through drinking water to five litters, each with six pups, holding five litters as controls. She recorded weight gain, food intake, stages of development, and activity levels as the pups grew. Lauren predicted that when given melatonin the gerbils would gain weight more slowly, experience reduced food intake, have delayed development, and exhibit a lowered activity rate. Lauren continues her research this year and looks forward to results that may shed light on Seasonal Affective Disorder, which results from a buildup of melatonin. Lauren's paper can be accessed here.
John Shaeffer worked under the guidance of Dr. Neil Anderson in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. John investigated the propagation and crossbreeding of selected genotypes of chrysanthemums with the ultimate goal of developing offspring that are more tolerable to harsh winter conditions. John crossed genotypes that were durable in winter conditions with ones that were weaker in winter. John also cloned selected genotypes of gaura from cuttings with the purpose to genetically engineer a more appealing plant. John reports that he gained knowledge and new skills during his experience in horticulture and indicates that he greatly appreciates the opportunity to participate in a project that is so important to the residents of Minnesota. John's paper can be accessed here.
Meg Teckman worked in the Astronomy Department at the University of Minnesota under the guidance Dr. Terry Jay Jones. Meg prepared digital images of a blowout in galaxy NGC 3628 in the Leo Triplet that were taken in infrared by Dr. Jones at the Mauna Kea Observatory. The purpose of her project was to determine if photos of the galaxy showed evidence of a blowout—a dusty region deep in a galaxy where massive star formation has been taking place for millions of years. To prepare the images, Meg used the astronomy software Image Reduction Analysis Facility. After manipulating the images by methods that included sky subtraction, flat fielding, and smoothing, Meg transferred her data to an analysis program called Axum. Meg reports that her research was not only a hands-on way to explore more deeply a subject that she has been fascinated with since childhood, it was important to her in her career goal of being an astronaut. Meg's paper can be accessed here. Her PowerPoint can be seen here.
James Thomas worked under the guidance of Dr. Loren Miller at the Fisheries and Wildlife Department of the University of Minnesota. James worked with black and white crappie DNA samples to find new primers to show genetic differences between the two species of crappie. After successfully identifying three new crappie specie-specific primers, James tested the primers with two previously known primers on two populations of crappies, finding the new primers worked well. He also discovered that all the black crappies in the second population were first-generation hybrids, while the white crappies were from the second population were advanced-generation hybrids. James also found that the largest black crappies were generally first-generation hybrids, whereas the largest white crappies were usually pure. James found his experience to be very enriching and is considering genetics as a major. James was named as a co-author on a paper titled "Channel Catfish is a Suitable Host Species for Mapleleaf Glochida." The paper was published in Ellipsaria a publication of the Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society. In addition, James was named as a co-author on a presentation his advisor gave at the Minnesota Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. James' paper can be accessed here.
Melanie Thomas worked in the Psychiatry Department at the University of Minnesota with Dr. Dorothy Hatsukami, Director of the Tobacco Research Program. Melanie studied differences between adult and adolescent smokers to assist in the development of more effective smoking-cessation programs for adolescents. She analyzed data from clinical studies to identify differences, such as relative levels of addictiveness, motivation, and number of cigarettes smoked per day. Melanie also examined the differences in levels of cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, and its relationship to both adult and adolescent cigarette use. She found that the relationship between cotinine levels and cigarette use was not significantly different between adolescents and adults, even though adults had been smoking longer. Since biochemical response to nicotine is established early in a smoker’s history, Melanie’s study may help explain the low success rate of smoking cessation among adolescents. Melanie's paper can be accessed here.
