RP5 Plant and Animal Interactions
Created and conducted a research study in order to study a particular interaction between plants and animals along with a research proposal and oral defense of the methods and results from the study. Our study system consisted of looking at how Myzus persicae (aphids) interacted with Arabidopsis thaliana. In particular, my group decided to analyze how the different pH levels of the environment had an effect on the plant by observing factors such as height, width and aphid population.
Used 3-way ANOVA was used in order to further understand the significance of the results obtained and allowed us to formulate conclusions.
Conducted experiments based on the lab protocol designed in order to answer the research question
Coauthored the report and co-created the PowerPoint Presentation for the defense
RP6 Neuroscience
Studied several neurological concepts in order to design a course targeted towards high school students understanding a particular topic in the field of neuroscience. As a group, we researched the neurological concepts behind how neural prosthetics work and are designing a module to teach as 7-hour lectures followed with 3 hours designated towards a project deliverable demonstrating an understanding of the concepts being taught. A scientific poster presentation was held in order to convey our plan to potential teachers theoretically teaching the module being proposed.
RP7 Drug Discovery
As a group, we mimicked the process of drug discovery by researching a potential drug that could be used in order to help a particular disease by targeting a specific therapeutic area. We decided to look at how antibody-drug conjugates can be used in order to inhibit cytokines which would allow the reduction of expression induced by UV light evident in the disease Polymorphic Light Eruption (PMLE). The findings of our research was conveyed through a proposal presentation demonstrating the background information of the disease, therapeutic area, target, mechanism of action and the significance of the drug discovery in society.
FEB 2018 - APRIL 2018
EP Sound Localization Model
The mechanism of sound localization allows organisms to locate the exact origin of a source to an incredible degree of accuracy. Errors in this mechanism would reduce its accuracy, and thus would reduce the fitness of an individual. This has led to our investigation of the factors responsible for maintaining sound localization accuracy and possible consequences of malfunctions. The Jeffress model (1948) along with a study conducted by Drapal and Marsalek (2011) concluded sound localization heavily relied on timing delays measured by the specialized nucleus, medial superior olive (MSO). These results inspired questions regarding the effects of variations in the parameters such as timing or intensity of auditory nerve signal conduction, caused by either localized ion concentration imbalance or channel impairment. To investigate auditory processing, a computational model in NEURON was used to simulate an MSO neuron and the effect of variations in ion concentration and altered channel properties. Preliminary research has uncovered models for the natural process of cochlear transduction and determination of sound waves source direction (Zylbertal, 2017). The software will be modified in order to manipulate ion concentrations, action potential frequency, and intensity in cochlear neurons. Analysis of the results revealed that small changes in the mentioned parameters can have a considerable effect on action potential spike intervals and coincident input detection. Outcomes from this model will allow for a deeper understanding of how the auditory system functions and which variables are responsible for its precision.