​​​22nd Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium

School of Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry

​Analysis of CBD and THC Metabolites Using Differential Pulse Voltammetry
​Analysis of CBD and THC Metabolites Using Differential Pulse Voltammetry Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Amber Kirchhoff
Faculty Sponsors: Shannon Riha
As the legality of cannabis consumables increases across the country, there is an ever-demanding need for a field deployable, rapid analysis sobriety test. Cannabis consumables contain the psychoactive cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), among other cannabinoids. On the other hand, hemp-based consumables and oils are based on cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, which is structurally similar to THC. Therefore, it is also important that the analysis method differentiate between THC and CBD. The project goals of this research are to determine a cheaper and portable method of detection for the analysis of CBD and THC metabolites. An electrochemical method, differential pulse voltammetry, was chosen due to the use of disposable electrodes, instrument portability, and rapid analysis times. Standard solutions containing known amounts of CBD or THC metabolites were used to develop the electrochemical method. With this, it was determined that CBD solutions have two peaks in the data, while THC metabolite solutions show only one peak. By using a peak ratio between the two, it may be possible to determine the amounts of both THC and CBD in a mixed solution.

Analysis of Nitrogenous Materials in Particulate Air Pollution
​Analysis of Nitrogenous Materials in Particulate Air Pollution Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Kalena Clauer
Faculty Sponsor: Dave Snyder
Exposure to nitrogen-containing organic compounds in air pollution is known to contribute to problems with the lungs and the heart and decreased resistance to infection. Nitrogen-containing compounds in particulate air pollution are generally classified as inorganic nitrogen (mainly ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite) or organic nitrogen. Little is known about the role of nitrogen-containing organic compounds in air pollution, so collecting data is an important first step. For this project, samples of particulate air pollution were collected on the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point campus during the winter of 2020 – 2021 and analyzed for their nitrogen content. Sample extracts were analyzed for inorganic nitrogen using ion chromatography (IC) and water-soluble organic nitrogen using a total nitrogen analyzer (TN). The results were compared with measurements of fine particulate air pollution concentrations to better understand the relative contribution of inorganic and organic nitrogen to episodic air pollution events observed in Central Wisconsin this winter.

Can Permangante Oxidizable Carbon Differentiate Ecological Sites in Wisconsin?

​Can Permangante Oxidizable Carbon Differentiate Ecological Sites in Wisconsin? Poster | Discuss via Zoom
Chemistry
By: Mark Cook, Adam Laehn
Faculty Sponsors: Dave Snyder, Bryant Scharenbroch
Ecological site descriptions (ESD) are based on soil properties and distinctive types of vegetation. These ESDs relate ecosystem dynamics of natural succession and/or human management. Soil organic matter may be an optimal property to understand ESD dynamics. However, much of SOM is recalcitrant and a labile portion of the total SOM pool may better indicate ESD dynamics. Permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) is a labile portion of SOM indicative of soil quality and responsive to disturbance and management. This study will focus on three ESDs in the Central Sands region of Wisconsin. Sandy floodplains occur near streams and lakes and are subjected to frequent flooding periods. Sandy outwash uplands has a broad range of soil characteristics but is characterized by very deep, well drained soils. Acidic poor fen is characterized by very poorly drained soils that have formed in moderate to deep organic materials of herbaceous origin. Total SOM and POXC will be determined on all horizons from five soil pedons in each of these three ESDs. An analysis of variance will be conducted to test whether total SOM and/or POXC differs in these ESDs. We hypothesize that differences in POXC among these ESDs will be greater than differences in total SOM. If this hypothesis is supported, our study will suggest that POXC might be a more indicative soil property to related ESD dynamics. 

Comparison of Extraction Methods for Water-Soluble Organic Carbon in Particulate Air Pollution
​Comparison of Extraction Methods for Water-Soluble Organic Carbon in Particulate Air Pollution Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Amanda Stickney
Faculty Sponsor: Dave Snyder
Monitoring water-soluble atmospheric organic carbon (WSOC) is important for both human and environmental health. Analysis of WSOC is typically done using a Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOC), but there are various methods of extracting WSOC from a collection filter. The purpose of this research project is to compare 3 methods of sample extraction, sonication, shaking, and Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE). Blanks, spikes, and field samples were prepared using the three methods and analyzed using the TOC for comparison. The results of this experiment will be used to optimize WSOC extraction and analysis for future air quality monitoring projects.


Comparison of the Extraction Capabilities of MOFs to Remove PFAS from Water
​Comparison of the Extraction Capabilities of MOFs to Remove PFAS from Water Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Madison Snyder
Faculty Sponsors: Joe Mondloch, Shannon Riha
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are harmful environmental pollutants. These chemicals are used in industrial settings, including uses in fire suppressants, electronics, packaging, and commercial household products. PFAS contaminate water and do not degrade; current efforts to clean PFAS from water are slow and inefficient. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline materials with pores that can trap small molecules like PFAS. A zirconium MOF, UiO-66, has been shown to remove PFAS from water quickly and in large amounts, but making it requires toxic solvents. In search for a greener way to remove these pollutants, a similar MOF (MOF-801) was made from safer chemicals. We tested the ability of MOF-801 to extract PFAS from water and compared it to UiO-66. 19F NMR was used to quantify how much PFAS each MOF was able to remove from solution. To ensure that both MOFs were constructed properly, instruments such as powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), nitrogen adsorption analysis, and simultaneous differential thermal analyzer (SDT) were used to examine the crystal structure and pore size.

​Correlating Heavy Metal Uptake to Cannabinoid Levels in Hemp Plants
​Correlating Heavy Metal Uptake to Cannabinoid Levels in Hemp Plants Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Tala Allan
Faculty Sponsors: Shannon Riha, Brian Barringer
Hemp is a fast-growing crop with many industrial applications, ranging from textiles to edibles, and is also known for its phytoremediation properties. Specifically, hemp has the ability to uptake toxins, such as heavy metals, from the soil and store them in the roots, stems, and flowering part of the plant. The concentration of heavy metals in hemp has become a health concern recently, however, due to the increasing popularity of CBD (cannabidiol) based products, which hemp plants are harvested for. The aim of this project is to determine the effect of heavy metals uptake on cannabinoid levels in the flower material of hemp plants. Hemp plants were grown in different soil conditions, some of which contain trace levels of lead and arsenic. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine CBD levels and Inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) was used to determine the amount of heavy metals in hemp plants.

​Designing an Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment on Organic Electrocatalysis
​Designing an Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment on Organic Electrocatalysis Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Tyler Rowe
Faculty Sponsor: Shannon Riha
Undergraduate students taking chemistry courses at UWSP often learn about electron transfer reactions, called redox reactions, and electrode processes. These topics, however, are often left to theoretical discussion and not developed further in the laboratory classroom setting. The goal of this project is to come up with an interdisciplinary chemistry lab or a set of labs for undergraduate students that help them develop an understanding for the kinetics and mechanism of electro-organic redox chemistry and electrocatalysis. Specifically, the design of this laboratory experiment introduces students to two electrochemical methods, cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry, to analyze organo-catalyzed alcohol oxidation reactions. Students gain mechanistic insights about the catalysis of alcohol oxidation through cyclic voltammetry, while chronoamperometry provides kinetic detail about the catalyzed organic redox reaction.

Developing a Rapid Synthesis Method for Novel Solar Energy Absorber Materials: The Case of Strontium Tin Sulfide
​Developing a Rapid Synthesis Method for Novel Solar Energy Absorber Materials: The Case of Strontium Tin Sulfide Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Aaron Donovan
Faculty Sponsor: Shannon Riha
Solar technology is an area of science with great potential, but it is crucial to make the technology cost effective and easy to build before it can be mass produced. The focus of this project was to explore a promising material that may function in solar panels, as well as develop methods to produce it safely and efficiently. The challenges this project aimed to avoid were the use of extreme temperatures, high pressures, and steps that could not be performed in open air. The reason, of course, is that these all add to the time and cost of production. The target material was a thin film made of strontium, tin, and sulfur. Strontium tin sulfide (STS) is a promising, yet mostly unexplored material. Better still, it is made of relatively inexpensive and nontoxic materials. The proposed method in this project allowed a solution containing strontium, tin, and sulfur to be quickly deposited onto a surface, which was subsequently heated in a nitrogen-filled furnace to form a thin film of STS crystals. Structural and compositional characterization was done to support the formation of STS. These techniques can provide useful insight into the production many solar materials and help such technologies be economically viable.


​Developing an Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment for the Exploration of Electrochromic Materials
​Developing an Undergraduate Laboratory Experiment for the Exploration of Electrochromic Materials Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Anastasia Wolff
Faculty Sponsor: Shannon Riha
As undergraduates, chemistry students at UWSP are taught to synthesize, identify, and analyze many kinds of materials. However, electrochromic materials, which change color when zapped with electricity, and nanoparticles, which have interesting properties compared to larger particles, are often absent from laboratory exercises. Due to their interdisciplinary applications, these materials would be valuable for many students to examine. Therefore, this research was conducted to develop an undergraduate laboratory experiment that allows students to synthesize and characterize nanoparticle thin films that exhibit electrochromic properties. The electrochromic material selected for this research was a thin layer, or film, of tungsten oxide nanoparticles. Three sets of nanoparticles were produced with different ratios of ingredients to determine the allowable amounts of reagents, and then cast into thin films for characterization. The crystal structure of each set was then identified to support the formation of tungsten oxide. Finally, the nanoparticle films were zapped with electricity to impart a color change. These synthesis and characterization steps were timed to determine how students might complete the work in the laboratory classroom so that a schedule could be developed. Results were compiled into an instructor’s document and were used to create a student laboratory exercise.

​DNA-assisted identification of Carex section Ovales (Cyperaceae)
​DNA-assisted identification of Carex section Ovales (Cyperaceae) Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Trent Ress
Faculty Sponsor: Stephanie Lyon
DNA barcoding can be used as a tool to help correctly identify species and specimens of plants that are difficult to identify. Carex is the largest genus in Wisconsin flora, with twenty species in Carex section Ovales alone. This section, the most species rich within Carex subgenus Vignea, is notoriously challenging to identify. At the UW-Stevens Point herbarium, we have over 600 species of Carex section Ovales from Wisconsin. We expect that at least some portion of specimens in the collection are misidentified. The use of DNA barcoding could help to verify and correct identifications for these specimens. Among the regions used for DNA barcoding, the chloroplast maturase K gene (matK) is the most variable and best able to discriminate among species in genus Carex. We extracted DNA from 20 specimens in the Robert W. Freckmann herbarium, 10 from each of C. scoparia and C. crawfordii, two locally common and easily confused members of section Ovales. We successfully amplified and sequenced matK from about half of these specimens, including several that were 50+ years old. DNA sequences were assembled using Geneious Pro and compared to the matK barcoding sequences generated by the UW-Madison Dimensions of Biodiversity project. Of the 10 samples successfully sequenced, eight of them matched the barcoding sequence for the species as determined on the herbarium label, one matched a different Carex section Ovales species, and one matched a local species of grass (likely a mixed collection). Since Carex scoparia and Carex crawfordii differ by only 2 base pairs near the 5' end of the matK barcoding region, DNA-assisted identification at the species level requires accurate, high-quality sequence data. Nonetheless, our preliminary results suggest DNA barcodes can be successfully used to discriminate among closely related, morphologically similar plant taxa.


​Ester Concentrations in Beer Yeast Based on Fermentation Temperature
​Ester Concentrations in Beer Yeast Based on Fermentation Temperature Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Claire Weydt
Faculty Sponsors: Shannon Riha, Terese Barta
Esters are chemical compounds that give a distinct flavor profile to many foods and beverages. During the fermentation process of beer, many types of esters are synthesized from the yeast. Each type of ester varies in concentration and provides a different flavor and aroma to the beer. Determining the experimental ester concentrations at various brewing temperatures will result in a better understanding of how fermenting temperature affects the ester concentrations in a beer and thus the flavor. With this information, a brewer can select a yeast fermentation temperature to predictably achieve a specific ratio of esters and flavor profile. In this experiment, two 5.5 gallons batches of beer were brewed and portions of each batch were fermented at varying temperatures from 16-22 °C. Esters were extracted using a method called Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE), and subsequently analyzed by Gas Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). An internal standard analysis was used to determine the concentrations of each ester. By successfully understanding the correlation between brewing temperature and production of esters, this study will help brewers further customize the flavor profile of their beer in an efficient and systematic way.

Extraction of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Water Using Nanostructured Porous Solids
​Extraction of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances from Water Using Nanostructured Porous Solids Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Riley Bittner
Faculty Sponsors: Joe Mondloch, Shannon Riha
Polyfluoroalkyl substances are common industrial waste products and environmental pollutants that are harmful to human health. These substances are resistant to decomposition, so they must be extracted from water. One extraction method is the use of metal organic frameworks (MOFs), porous materials consisting of metals linked with organic molecules that can capture smaller molecules. MOFs that have been shown effective at absorbing polyfluoroalkyl substances have issues with toxicity, cost, and stability so the purpose of this research is to synthesize one that overcomes these issues. This project used a zirconium-based MOF that can be prepared with low-cost materials at room temperature and in water and it was compared to another MOF that had been previously shown to be effective. The frameworks were synthesized and had structural information determined using x-ray diffraction, nitrogen absorption, and thermogravimetric analysis. The absorption capabilities of the two frameworks were tested by placing them in water containing a known amount of a polyfluoroalkyl substance and then used 19F NMR spectroscopy was utilized to determine the amount remaining in water.

​Hemp Contains What?!
​Hemp Contains What?! Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Dayna Harris
Faculty Sponsors: Shannon Riha, Brian Barringer
As hemp and CBD use becomes more common, it is important to consider placing it’s production and consumption under FDA regulations. Hemp serves as natures vacuum, which is known as a bioaccumulator. It extracts a variety of toxins, one of which being heavy metals, and stores them in the flowering portion of this plant. This is the same portion of the plant that is harvested for the extraction of CBD. The amounts of heavy metal remaining in CBD oil, after extracting it from the hemp, could prove harmful to humans if present in high concentrations. This project explored the amount of arsenic and lead present, as well as the CBD content, in the oil extracted from thirty different plants grown with different soil conditions that mimic natural growing environments in Wisconsin. The analysis was carried out using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for the CBD content and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) for the metal concentrations.

Guts or Brains: How IBD might be affecting both
Guts or Brains: How IBD might be affecting both Oral Presentation | Discuss via Zoom
By: Ruth Philips
Faculty Sponsor: Michael Steury
Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis are autoimmune diseases that are together classified as an Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). People with IBD suffer from debilitating symptoms that severely reduce their quality of life. IBD disrupts the negative regulation of immune cells in the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue, causing them to become hyperactive and release inflammatory cytokines. During preceding experiments conducted in our lab, it was observed that Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis affected wild-type mice, and mice overexpressing the CCL2 cytokine (in the neuronal glial cells) differently. Interestingly, we also observed altered brain morphology in both treatment groups. This led us to hypothesize that the over expressed cytokines from the colon were being transported to the brain, through the blood, where it altered its morphology. The purpose of this experiment was to identify which cytokine genes were being dysregulated in colitis affected mice, and to quantify the extent of devascularization in the brain.  Two experiment groups, WT mice (n= 7) and CCL2 overexpressing transgenic mice (n= 6), were set up. Control groups were set up for each experiment group using water treatment (WT, n=5; CCL2, n= 4). Both groups were treated with 3% DSS for 9 days to induce colitis. qPCR was done on the colon tissue collected from the organ harvest to quantify the levels of inflammatory and regulatory genes. In addition to this, vascular imaging was done on the brains of the WT group. The vascular imaging showed that colitis affected mice had less brain vasculature than those of unaffected mice. Early statistical analysis of the qPCR data showed that various inflammatory cytokines like GMCSF, and MIP2 are being over expressed while other genes that regulate immune cell differentiation, like RoRgT and TbetR, are being under expressed in the affected mice. These results provide a starting point to further study how colitis affects the brain.

​Influence of edaphic and nutrient environments on biomass and cannabinoid production in hemp (Cannabis sativa)
​Influence of edaphic and nutrient environments on biomass and cannabinoid production in hemp (Cannabis sativa) Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Francesca Hamilton, Michaela Meehl, Sydney Polich, Owen Rice, Sophia Risch
Faculty Sponsors: Brian Barringer, Shannon Riha
Wisconsin farmers struggle with decreased revenue resulting from globalization, technological advancements, and climate change, and diversifying agriculture can increase economic potential and help build more sustainable agricultural systems in our state. Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is an alternative crop that can be used to diversify Wisconsin agriculture; however, a lack of institutional research over the past 70 years has left hemp farmers with relatively little foundational agronomic knowledge. In Fall 2020, 100 plants of the Colorado Cherry Wine cultivar (chosen specifically for cannabidiol, CBD, production) of hemp were grown to explore basic questions related to edaphic and nutrient conditions and how they affect plant size and phytochemistry. Plants were grown in two different volumes of soil and supplemented with a number of different fertilizer treatments. When the plants were mature, vegetative and flower biomass were quantified. Cannabinoids were solvent-extracted from the flower tissue, and the extracts analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Soil volume and nutrient treatment influenced both biomass and cannabinoid production in these plants, though not always in the ways we expected. Our results have implications for both traditional and nontraditional farming practices and will inform future research directions.

​Nitrogen fluctuations alter diatom species richness in Lake Lilla Ulvattnet, Southern Sweden over the last 150 years
​Nitrogen fluctuations alter diatom species richness in Lake Lilla Ulvattnet, Southern Sweden over the last 150 years Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Megan Jansen
Faculty Sponsor: Krista Slemmons
Globally, nitrogen deposition to aquatic ecosystems has increased substantially since 1860 to current levels of ~150 Tg N yr–1. Typically, an increase in available nutrients alters primary productivity and biotic community structure of lakes. In particular diatoms, which are sensitive to changes in lake chemistry, serve as indicator species as nitrogen is often the limiting or co-limiting nutrient for phytoplankton productivity in high latitude ecosystems. I observed fossil diatoms from a Swedish lake in a relatively high nitrogen deposition region to determine the effect of nitrogen on diatom species richness over the last 150 years. I quantified species diversity, percent organic material, and nitrogen isotope concentrations to determine if diatom communities have shifted with over time with changing chemical parameters. Preliminary findings suggest that species richness has decreased over the years with increasing nitrogen deposition.  Future research will analyze additional sediment samples and provide higher resolution insight into gradual changes of the diatom communities or the presence of dominant species over time. These results may provide a historical comparison to modern ecosystems and predict the future trajectory of diatom species as nitrogen deposition rates continue to increase.


​Parasite Communities in Populations of Greater and Lesser Scaup in Green Bay, WI

​Parasite Communities in Populations of Greater and Lesser Scaup in Green Bay, WI Oral | Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Allison Luebke, Nicole Lueck, Gina Magro
Faculty Sponsor: Sarah Orlofske
In Wisconsin, major die offs of Greater and Lesser Scaup along the Mississippi River have been linked to non-native trematode (flatworm) parasites. Our research goal is to survey parasites of scaup, including potentially pathogenic trematodes, in the Green Bay, WI area. We obtained waterfowl carcasses donated from hunters during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Birds were dissected, separating their major organs and each was inspected for parasites using standardized protocols. Any parasites we found were separated by major taxonomic group, counted, and identified to the lowest taxonomic level possible using morphological traits. We found a diverse parasite community with cestodes (tapeworms) being the most abundant endoparasites. Arthropods including lice and mites were detected on feathers. Specimens from the Phyla Acanthocephala and Nematoda were also identified. In our focal parasite group of trematodes, we found all three of the pathogenic introduced trematodes: Leyogonimus sp., Cyathocotyle sp. and Sphaeridotrema sp. Our future goals include comparing our parasite inventory to published data for scaup from other regions. Monitoring parasites in scaup is important for waterfowl management to better describe the distribution of pathogenic species as well as understand the species interactions with the native parasite community.  

​Photodissociation of the N2-NO Complex between 225.8 and 224.0 nm
​Photodissociation of the N2-NO Complex between 225.8 and 224.0 nm Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Mark Cook
Faculty Sponsor: Dave Szpunar
The focus of these experiments was determining the dissociation energy of the NO-N2 van der Waal cluster through photodissociation between 225.8 and 224.0 nm. NO should be monitored in our atmosphere because of its role in consuming ozone (O­3) via the following reaction: NO + O3 ⟶ O2 + NO2. The importance of this work lies in the use of laser induced fluorescence to detect NO (A, v=1), which can be complicated due to quenching of NO (A, v=1) with N2.  To better understand N2 quenching of NO it is important to understand the well depth and dissociation energy of the complex. We determined these values using velocity map ion imaging to examine NO (A) photofragments. There are two photons required for this process: the first is used to dissociate the cluster through N2(X)‑NO (A) ⟵ N2 (X)-NO (X) and then a second photon is used to ionize any NO (A) photofragments.  At a wavelength of 225.8 nm there was not enough energy to instigate photodissociation, although as the wavelength was decreased (energy increased) we began to observe photodissociation.  This enabled us to determine the appearance energy of the NO (A) photoproduct to be 44284.7 ± 2.8 cm-1. Using that value along with the required energy for the NO (A) ⟵ NO (X) transition, the ground state dissociation energy of the complex was calculated to be 85.8 ± 2.8 cm-1. Our value is in good agreement with other experimental studies. 

​Pollen production, ploidy, mating systems, and adaptation to stressful environments in Clarkia (Onagraceae)
​Pollen production, ploidy, mating systems, and adaptation to stressful environments in Clarkia (Onagraceae) Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Leah Gastonguay, Hannah Milakovich
Faculty Sponsor: Brian Barringer
This project focuses on comparing pollen production among different species of Clarkia, a genus of annual plants native to the western U.S. with many species endemic to the state of California. The work is part of a larger, ongoing study exploring how plant mating systems might play a role in helping plants adapt to stressful environments. The genus Clarkia is an ideal study system for such questions, as congeners vary enormously in terms of a number of important and relevant traits, including mating system, ploidy, range size, and a variety of important habitat characteristics. In addition, not unlike most species in the Onagraceae (the evening primrose family), Clarkia pollen contains viscin threads, which are sticky, lipid-based biopolymers that allow individual pollen grains to clump together and attach more efficiently to the hair-like bristles found on the abdomens of bees (the primary pollinators of Clarkia). We grew five species of Clarkia and quantified and compared the amount of pollen they produce in order to determine whether there are correlations between pollen production, ploidy, mating system, and range size/habitat. Our next step will be to quantify and compare viscin thread production in each species using scanning electron microscopy.

Reproductive Parameters of Female Mice Transgenic for Over-expresssion of CCL2
​
Reproductive Parameters of Female Mice Transgenic for Over-expresssion of CCL2 Poster with Audio | Discuss via Zoom
Biology
By: Cora Thompson
Faculty Sponsor: Karin Bodensteiner
Chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) is an inflammatory chemokine involved in non-viral immune responses. Mice transgenic for CCL2 under control of human glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) overexpress CCL2 in astrocytes as well as the hypothalamus and ovaries. Ovarian expression of CCL2 is greatest during ovulation, the time of greatest inflammation. CCL2 has also been implicated in human ovarian pathophysiology. Thus, mice transgenic for overexpression of CCL2 may serve as a model system for understanding how CCL2 impacts ovulatory processes and ovulatory pathophysiology. To investigate differences in pregnancy rates, offspring number, and pup survivability between wild-type and transgenic females (n=12 per group), adult females 55-67 days of age were caged with wild-type males for 14 days. Number of pregnancies, total number of offspring, and number of surviving pups did not differ between groups. However, pup weight change (as a measure of lactation performance) did differ between groups on postnatal days 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, time to sexual maturation was delayed in transgenic female offspring (p = 0.004), but proportion of time dams spent in diestrus, proestrus, estrus, and metestrus did not differ between groups. To measure ovulatory capacity, ovaries were removed on diestrus, fixed in neutral buffered formalin, embedded in paraffin, serially sectioned at 8µm, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. Data analysis on number of corpora lutea is ongoing, but as we did not observe a difference in number of offspring, we do not expect number corpora lutea to differ.  

Small lakes as indicators: Lake Brian tracks larger ecosystem change in Lake Superior, Canada, as inferred from paleo records
​Small lakes as indicators: Lake Brian tracks larger ecosystem change in Lake Superior, Canada, as inferred from paleo records Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Allie Waite
Faculty Sponsor: Krista Slemmons
Lake Superior has experienced unprecedented change in surface water temperatures and chemistry over the past few decades.  These climate-driven physical and chemical changes are expected to alter lake thermal structure and biotic communities. The known, long-term temporal effects of changes in thermal stratification are limited. While large lake ecosystems often respond differently to climate forcing compared to smaller lakes, island lakes may be earlier indicators of broader ecosystem fluctuations occurring across the Great Lakes Basin and surrounding landscape. To determine if recent physical and chemical changes in Lake Superior are reflected in smaller island lakes, I examined ecosystem change inferred from sediment profiles from a small island lake, Lake Brian, in eastern Lake Superior. Analysis of diatoms and the implementation of a diatom fossil-based inference model for lake mixing depth were implemented. This data was used to identify changes in biotic community structure and physical characteristics of the lake over the last 150 years to determine if these changes reflect similar fluctuations to that of the surrounding Lake Superior watershed. Preliminary findings indicate that this island lake is experiencing synchronous ecosystem change similar to those observed in lakes on Isle Royale in Lake Superior. Examining lake sediments over longer temporal scales warrants greater depth in understanding of the ecological interactions at play in the past and may be useful as a forecasting tool for examining ecological shifts under future climate regimes.


​Synthesis and Characterization of Alkyl Methacrylate Polymers
​Synthesis and Characterization of Alkyl Methacrylate Polymers Poster | Oral Presentation | Discuss via Zoom
By: Ethan Kowalczyk
Faculty Sponsor: Robin Tanke
Alkyl Methacrylate Polymers were prepared to see if their preparation and characterization was a viable lab for a new chemistry course. The lab began with the synthesis of three different polymers; poly(methyl methacrylate): PMMA, poly(butyl methacrylate): PBMA and a random block copolymer poly(methyl methacrylate)-ran-poly(butyl methacrylate). The polymers were synthesized using Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP). The polymers were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.  The tensile strength of the different polymers was ascertained from cold-drawn fibers. This lab was determined to be useful to introduce chemistry students to working with air sensitive compounds. The lab also illustrates how the physical properties of the polymer are manipulated by choice of monomer.

​The Formation and Functionalization of Heterocycles Through Copper Catalysis
​The Formation and Functionalization of Heterocycles Through Copper Catalysis Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Sydney Richetto
Faculty Sponsor: Katie McGarry
Many pharmaceuticals and bioactive compounds contain heterocycle subunits that can be activated through functionalization. The heterocycles form several different regioisomers which are selectively used in various pharmaceuticals. The current method of formation for these compounds can be costly both financially and environmentally. The formation reaction also requires a substantial amount of time. Copper is a cost effective and environmentally friendly catalyst that can be used to synthesize heterocycles. It also has the potential to greatly reduce the time required for reaction; however, it has proven difficult to selectively form regioisomers. The research conducted attempted to use a copper catalyst in order to functionalize and selectively form either five-carbon or six-carbon rings through a one-step procedure and column separation. The work presented will highlight the synthesis of starting materials and the outcome of their reactions with different functionalities (amine or amide, mono-substituted or disubstituted alkene).

The Removal of an Industrial Environmental Contaminant from Water using Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs)
​The Removal of an Industrial Environmental Contaminant from Water using Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Brian Vanderwaal
Faculty Sponsors: Joe Mondloch, Shannon Riha
Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in manufactured products and processes. PFAS are persistent within the environment and can cause adverse health effects. One effective way of removing PFAS from water is with the metal organic framework (MOF) UiO-66. UiO-66 provides a more capable filter than activated charcoal and faster removal than current resin methods. The synthesis of UiO-66 requires heating and the use of dimethylformamide, a toxic organic solvent. MOF-801, which may be able to remove PFAS from water, can be synthesized in water and only requires stirring to be made. These two differences make MOF-801 a cheaper, safer, and more sustainable option than UiO-66 for the removal of PFAS. This research tests the ability of MOF-801 and UiO-66 to remove PFAS from water. Both MOFs were characterized using X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and nitrogen adsorption. Each MOF was then added to a PFAS solution of known concentration and allowed time to absorb the PFAS from water. The resulting PFAS concentration in solution was measured using 19F nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to determine how effective each MOF was for PFAS removal.


Transcriptional Comparisons of Diverse Cancer Cell Types With Metastatic and Non-Metastatic Pairings
​Transcriptional Comparisons of Diverse Cancer Cell Types With Metastatic and Non-Metastatic Pairings Poster with audio | Discuss via Zoom
By: Kirby Kuehn
Faculty Sponsor: Lindsay Dresang
Hundreds of different cancer types exist because there are as many differentiated cells in the human body.  Regardless of cancer type, liver metastasis often results in a poor prognosis given its myriad of essential functions.  Six human cancer cell lines were grown: 2 each of Merkel cell, colorectal, and pancreatic carcinoma origin.  Each pair was previously shown to either metastasize to the liver or not in a NOD-SCID-Gamma  mouse xenotransplant model.  RNA was isolated from these cells and a normal control (fibroblasts) for NovaSeq transcriptome analysis.  Comparisons are available for transcripts differentially-expressed from: 1) colorectal, 2) Merkel cell, and 3) pancreatic carcinomas, along with the normal control.  Each cell line was assessed in triplicate.  Nearly 4,000 transcripts were significantly up- or down-regulated by 2-fold or more in the cancer cells which metastasized to the liver in the mouse model, relative to their non-metastatic counterparts.  These transcripts were further assessed for pathways of significance in metastasis using gene ontology.

Understanding the Contribution of Carbonaceous Material to Fine Particulate Matter during Rural/Suburban Air Pollution Episodes
​Understanding the Contribution of Carbonaceous Material to Fine Particulate Matter during Rural/Suburban Air Pollution Episodes Poster | Discuss via Zoom
By: Elise Manning
Faculty Sponsor: Dave Snyder
During this project the amount of carbonaceous material in particulate air pollution observed on the UWSP campus was measured. By looking at different types of carbon compounds in samples, the origins of particulate air pollution can be better understood. An Organic Carbon/Elemental Carbon analyzer (OCEC) was used to determine total carbon and a Total Organic Carbon analyzer (TOC) was used to determine the amount of water-soluble fraction of organic carbon (WSOC) in the samples. The relative amounts of OC, EC, and WSOC were compared during air pollution episodes observed during the winter of 2020 – 2021. This project is important because while there is lots of research on particle pollution, such research is rarely done in smaller cities such as Stevens Point.

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