August 2, 2016 Dear Undergraduate Researchers, Mentors ...

Division of Academic and Student Affairs Office of Undergraduate Research undergradresearch.dasa.ncsu.edu

Campus Box 7576 NC State University Raleigh, NC 27695-7301 P: 919.513.0095

August 2, 2016 Dear Undergraduate Researchers, Mentors, University Community and Guests: NC State's faculty and students strive to solve problems and create opportunities that impact the economic development of North Carolinians, the nation and the world. One hallmark of how our land grant, research extensive university contributes to the greater good of North Carolina and beyond is through the mentored research conducted by our undergraduate students. This high-impact educational benefit will be showcased at the 2016 NC State University Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the Talley Student Center. Symposium participants will see first-hand how undergraduate students have created knowledge within their discipline and how, as young scholars, they have positioned themselves for advanced degrees and excellent employment opportunities. We value the support of citizens (through tax dollars), corporate and government partners (through grants) and the support of donors which helps make possible our academic, research and extension initiatives that have made NC State a national research power. That faculty embrace the importance of motivating young researchers in scholarly, independent work is part of the mission we embrace and applaud. We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the mentors (both faculty and off-campus scholars within government agencies and industry) for the leadership and guidance they provide our students each year. Research at NC State is defined as discovery-, inquiry- and creativity-based learning. So, scholarship can and does occur in the laboratory, field, library, studio, and other settings that promote exploration. Whether creating knowledge, investigating controversy, seeking truths, or expressing new visual or performing art forms, our mentors are challenging undergraduate students in promising intellectual work. The results of their labor can be seen first-hand at this hallmark symposium. This year the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium has grown to more than 300 participants from more than 85 different national and international institutions. Join me in applauding these students' achievements and the mentors who have guided them so well. As in the past, the quality of the students' work and the experiences of having done it are likely to change their lives forever. We are, indeed, delighted to showcase their work in the 2016 Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium. Sincerely, Dr. Chris M. Ashwell Director, Office of Undergraduate Research Division of Academic and Student Affairs

2016 15th Annual

NC State University Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium

Agenda

Tuesday, August 02, 2016

11:45 am to 12:45pm Doors Open – All Presenters Check In (Session 1 & 2)

12:30 pm to 12:50 pm Poster Set Up - Session 1 (Odds)

12:50 pm to 1:00 pm Welcome: Mike Mullen, Vice Chancellor and Dean (DASA)

1:00 pm to 2:15 pm Poster Session 1 (Odds)

2:15 pm to 2:40 pm Poster Take Down – Session 1 &

Poster Set Up - Session 2 (Evens)

2:45 pm to 4:00 pm Poster Session 2 (Evens)

4:00 pm to 4:10 pm Close: Dr. Chris M. Ashwell, Director of Under graduate Research

4:10 pm to 4:20 pm Poster Take Down - Session 2 (Evens)

4:00 pm to 5:00 pm Light Reception

Event Sponsored by: Division of Academic and Student Affairs, Office of Undergraduate Research and the Undergraduate Research Student Advisory Council (URSAC)

Table of Contents

LISTING OF STUDENTS AND ABSTRACTS (alpha order by student’s last name) 1 ABSTRACTS BY PROGRAM 61

ACS Project SEED 61

ASSIST -‐ NSF Advanced Self-‐Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors & Technologies REU

63

BESST -‐ Basic & Environmental Soil Science Training REU 67

Biotechnology Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BIT SURE) 73

CASL Education Research Program 78

Food Science Summer Scholar Program 79

GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research 81

IMSD -‐ Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity 94

Independent Researchers at NC State University 99

Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU (IMPS) 126

Kelman Scholars in Plant Pathology 131

MEAS-‐Wake Tech Program 135

Modeling & Industrial Applied Mathematics NSF REU 142

NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee 144

NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU 156

REU at the Interface of Computations and Experiments -‐ Chemistry 166

REU Composites in Extreme Environments 150

REU: Science of Software in CSC 170

RISE – Civil and Environmental Engineering 174

RT MRSEC REU Program 183 OVERALL SUMMARY OF PARTICIPANTS & PRESENTATIONS 187

2016 NC State University Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium 1

Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramAbrams, Joshua Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina

State UniversityUniversity of Arizona, Mathematics

Adiwijaya, Zenia Christopher Daubert Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University

Iowa State University, Food Science and Technology

Agosto, Amanda Jose Alonso Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University

University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras, Biology

Alie, Falastein Mette Olufsen Mathematics, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Math

Franz Hamilton Statistics, North Carolina State University

Amu, Emmanuel Tyler Allen CVM Dean's Office , North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineering

Anand, Asha Artiom Gruzdev Reproductive and Developmental Biology , NIEHS

North Carolina State University, Genetics

(Alpha Listing by Last Name)Student Presenter Listing

46 Machine Learning for the Classification of Toxicological Effects

Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics NSF REU

38 The Comparison of Flavoring Oil Compounds Solubility in Water as the Impact of the Addition of Weighting Agent

Food Science Summer Scholar Program

77 A look into how the inhibition of membrane proteins on cancer and white blood cells affects their interactions.

IMSD -‐ Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity

222 Utilizing CRISPR/CAS9 to Disrupt Galectin-‐3 and Protein Kinase C Delta to Study Their Role in LC3 -‐Associated Phagocytosis

Independent Researchers at NC State University

18 Gene Specific Regulation of Protein Translation in Response to Ethylene

Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU (IMPS)

99 Estimation and Prediction in Neuronal Networks: The Hidden Node Problem



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors Program

Anderson, Leah Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Materials Science and Engineering

Armada-‐Rodríguez, Paola Mohammad Pour-‐Ghaz Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Civil engineering

Arnold, Alexander Christopher Osburn Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Geology

Asad, Dana Tyler Allen CVM Dean's Office , North Carolina State University


Ashley, Avery Sathya Jali Plant Biology, North Carolina State University


212 Characterization of Toxin-‐Antitoxin Systems in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius via Targeted Mutagenesis


22 Printed Electrical Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring

RISE -‐ Civil and Environmental Engineering

236 Establishing a Protocol for the Generation of Stable Plants from Mature Leaf Disk Explants of C. sativa

Biotechnology Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BIT SURE)

19 CDOM Photodegradation from North Carolina Freshwaters

MEAS-‐Wake Tech Program

213 A Comparison Between the Inhibition of PECAM-‐1 and ICAM-‐1 and its Effect on the Interaction between HeLa Cells and Endothelial Cells



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramAtkinson, Davis Andrew Cooper Mathematics, North

Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State University, Applied Mathematics

Bai, Ruoxi Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

Bajwa, Annie Sophia Kathariou Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University

North Dakota State University, Food Science and Biochemistry

Barcomb, Heather Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University

SUNY Geneseo, Applied Mathematics

Barrett, Thomas Ning Lu Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Electrical Engineering

41 War-‐Gaming Applications for Achieving Optimum Acquisition of Future Space Systems


203 Cost Benefit Analysis of Residential Photovoltaic Generation and Energy Storage

NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU

195 Analysis of Characteristics of Data Breaches GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research

69 Study of Adaptive responses in multi-‐drug resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni.


230 Using Curve-‐Shortening Flow to Solve Dido’s Problem



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramBate, Michaela Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and

Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Civil Engineering

Benavente, Anthony Nicholas Kraft , ABB CorporationWestern Carolina University, Computer Science and Mathematics

Benson, Adam Hsiao-‐Ying Shadow Huang Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Mechanichal

Black, William Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Lehigh University, Mathematics and Economics

Blalock, Ethan Matthew Green Physics, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Physics

Bone, Rebecca Paul Maggard Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Iona College, chemistry Brandon Zoellner Chemistry, North Carolina State University

144 Simulating the Effect of Alpha Decays on the Majorana Demonstrator Background

NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee

30 Photocatalytic water splitting with a dimeric manganese and titanium oxide nanosheet complex

REU at the Interface of Computations and Experiments -‐ Chemistry

224 Mechanical Testing and the Cellular Microstructure of the Jugular Venous Valve Leaflet




133 Breakdown of Fat, Oil, and Grease with Commercial Bio-‐Additives


243 Excel-‐ent Research: Understanding Spreadsheet Use, Creation, and Maintenance at ABB

REU: Science of Software in CSC



Borrell, Stanford Aziz Amoozegar Soil Science, North Carolina State University

Stetson University, Physics

Bostrom, Andrea Zvezdana Pesic-‐Van Esbroeck Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Bryan College, Biology William Foote Crop Science, North Carolina State University

Bourara, Zakariya Sami Rizkalla Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Civil Engineering

Omar Khalaf Alla Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Bowman, Austin Eugene Bressler Design, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Environmental Sciences

Bozarth, Philip Marina Evans Pharmokinetics, US EPAUniversity of Georgia, Mathematics

Brannock, Jason Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Chemistry

Sriparna Mukherjee Chemistry, North Carolina State University

51 Mathematical Modeling of Dermal Absorption and Metabolism for Consumer Products


94 Improving the light harvesting capability of Ru(II)-‐polypyridine dyes for dye-‐sensitized solar cells


183 Durability and Behavior Mechanisms of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Strands for prestressing of Concrete Bridges


151 Context Matters: A Study on the Role of Urban Form in Park Use


33 Assessment of Soil Strength Using Cone Penetrometer

BESST -‐ Basic and Environmental Soil Science Training REU

71 Evaluating the Effect of Light Quality and Activated Charcoal on Sweetpotato Tissue Culture

Kelman Scholars in Plant Pathology

30 Photocatalytic water splitting with a dimeric manganese and titanium oxide nanosheet complex



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors Program Chang Liu Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Brooks, Evan Nanette Nascone-‐Yoder CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biological Sciences -‐ Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Concentration

Martha Alonzo-‐Johnsen CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University

Bryan, Hadley Christina Valerie Garcia Plant Biology, North Carolina State University


Buddin, Kelly Trudy MacKay Genetics, North Carolina State University


Bullis, Grant Gufeng Wang Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Connecticut College, Chemistry

Burns, Dylan Heike Sederoff Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Research Triangle High School, Plant Biology

126 Effects of Various Nitrogen Sources on the Growth of Industrial Enzyme Producing Cyanobacteria


137 The Roles of Hypoxia Inducible Factors 1a and 2a in the Response to Oxidative Injury in the Canine Retina


152 Synthesis of Up-‐Converting and Down-‐Converting NaREF4(RE: rare-‐earth elements) Microrods


5 The molecular mechanisms establishing left-‐right asymmetry in the developing heart


83 Comparison of H3K27me3 Presence in Undifferentiated, Differentiated, and Atrophying C2C12 Cells


94 Improving the light harvesting capability of Ru(II)-‐polypyridine dyes for dye-‐sensitized solar cells




Burton, Caleb Alper Bozkurt Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Northwestern University, Biomedical Engineering

Carberry, Emily Jesse Jur Textiles, North Carolina State University


Carrell, Ana Stacy Nelson Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Agriculture and Environmental Systems

Cavalcante, Hanan Sarah Heckman Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Information Systems

Cetkovic, Goran Patricia Estes Genetics, North Carolina State University


200 The role of single minded gene on lifespan in Drosophila


251 Multilayer Screen Printed Dry Electrode Design

ASSIST -‐ NSF Advanced Self-‐Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies REU

245 The increase and decrease of passing and failing test cases over time


233 A Wearable Electronic Stethoscope for Detecting Asthmatic Wheezes


260 Development of a Water Stress Model Comparing Multiple Forested Sites

Independent Researcher at NC State University


Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramChan, Siu Kei Sandra Yuter Marine Earth And

Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Physics & Computer Science

Chapman, Ian Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biology -‐ IPN

Christina Valerie Garcia Plant Biology, North Carolina State University; Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University; Thomas Lentz Plant Biology, North Carolina State University; Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University

Chavez, Amaryllis Douglas Call Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Environmental Engineering

Chavez, Sergio Mette Olufsen Mathematics, North Carolina State University





223 Teaching Molecular Biology Techniques with CaMPARI


228 Conversion of Pickle Wastewater into Electrical Current using Exoelectrogenic Bacteria


254 Determining Snowflake Characteristics and Geometries using Computer Vision



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramChen, Jinze Zhilin Li Mathematics, North Carolina State

UniversityZhejiang University, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

Cherayil, Jessica Titus Barik Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Wellesley College, Computer Science and French

Chowdhury, Afsana Aranya Chakrabortty Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Christodoulides, Alexander Philip Bradford Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science, North Carolina State University

University of Miami, Mechanical Engineering

Cockson, Paul Christopher Osburn Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Plant and Soil Science

23 Charateristic Properties of Multi-‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Surface Mounted onto Fiberglass Pre-‐Impregnated Fabric

REU Composites in Extreme Environments

17 Biodegradation of Dissolved Organic Matter in North Carolina Freshwaters


118 Automating Dynamic AOI Tagging in Eye Tracking Video Data


191 Visualization of ExoGENI-‐WAMS using Matlab


178 Analysis and numerical methods for differential equations in financial mathematics

GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research


Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramCollazos, Lance Wei-‐Chen Chang Chemistry, North Carolina

State UniversityUniversity of Louisiana at Lafayette, Chemical Engineering

Collins, Andrew Megan Cherry History, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, History

Conroy, Shannon Colleen Doherty Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biochemistry

Cosgrove, Zackary John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University


Coutant, Zachary Daryoosh Vashaee Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University


Elena Veety Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Croat, Samantha Dean Hesterberg Soil Science, North Carolina State University

229 Development of Thin Film Silicon Thermoelectric Generators


39 The Effectiveness of AVAIL® Co-‐polymer in Increasing Phosphorus Availability to Corn


84 Structural characterization of heat activated transcriptional coactivator MBF1c


24 Microplastic Pollution in Local Surface Waters


156 Analysis of the PvcB Catalyzed Desaturation Mechanism


199 Loyalism of the Scottish Highlander settlement in early North Carolina



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramSouth Dakota State University, Agronomy

Crouse, Brittany James Martin Chemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Chemistry-‐ BS

Cruz Paschoeto, Helen Joshua Heitman Crop Science, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Agronomy

Dali, Safaa Reza Ghiladi Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Meredith College, Biology, Chemistry

Davidson, Justin Liara Gonzalez CVM-‐Comp Animal, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biology (concen. IPN)

Davis, Crystal John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

Wake Tech Community College, Applied Science



29 Reactivity Studies of Haloguaiacols a Potential Substrates for Dehaloperoxidase-‐hemoglobin


78 The effects of induced ischemia-‐reperfusion injury on intestinal stem cells in a large animal model.


26 Investigation of the Intermolecular Forces Which Determine Solubility in a Zinc Chloride Hydrate System


157 Influence of Biofuel Crop’s Canopy on Rainfall Interception


39 The Effectiveness of AVAIL® Co-‐polymer in Increasing Phosphorus Availability to Corn



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramDe La Torre, Patricia Felix Castellano Chemistry, North Carolina

State UniversitySonoma State University, Biochemistry

James Yarnell Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Delgado, Patrick Jan Genzer Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State

Texas State University, Biochemistry

Dinwiddie, Alexandra Tarek Aziz Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University


Farkas, Dipatrimarki Stacy Nelson Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Environmental Health Science

Duetsch, Julie Melissa Pasquinelli Textiles, North Carolina State University

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Aerospace Engineering

Dunay, Jonathan Andrew Cooper Mathematics, North Carolina State University

15 Computational Design of Polymer Nanocomposites for UAV Materials




129 Novel Functionalization of Poly(hydromethyl-‐co-‐dimethylsiloxane) with Allyl Succinic Anhydride to Create a Reactive Polymer Network

RT MRSEC REU Program

81 Examination of Light Attenuation and the Photodegradation Capacity of Constructed Wetlands for Removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern


260 Development of a Water Stress Model Comparing Multiple Forested Sites

Independent Researcher at NC State University

74 Synthesis, Structural, and Photophysical Studies of Perinone Based Iridium(III) Chromophores



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Mathematics

Duncan, Andrew Thomas Lentz Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biology-‐ Human

Durden, Shelby John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University

Indian River State College, Biology

Dustin, Elizabeth John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biological Sciences

Dwyer, Matt Mark Pankow Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

University of Kansas, Aerospace Engineering

Tyler Goode Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Dye, Anna Imara Perera Plant Biology, North Carolina State UniversityPacific Lutheran University,

Biology

Farnan, James Michael Hyman Microbiology, North Carolina State University

4 Investigating Inositol Pyrophosphates as Regulators of Phosphate Sensing and Homeostasis


32 Quantification of Aerobic Ammonia-‐Oxidizing Bacteria in Soil using Activity-‐Based Fluorescence Labeling of Ammonia Monooxygenase


227 Expression of Isotocin in the Thalassoma bifasciatum (Bluehead Wrasse) Teleost Brain


14 Survivability of Fiber Bragg Gratings Exposed to High Rate Impacts


88 Elucidating Function of ORF95R in FV3 DNA Replication


250 GnIH's role in the daily spawnings of the Bluehead Wrasse





Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramSaint Vincent College, Engineering Science

Kristen Bennett Graduate School, North Carolina State University

Filpi, Benjamin Landon Mackey Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, ECE

Fitton, Alexandra Ronald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Animal Science

Keena Mullen Animal Science, North Carolina State University

Fleming, Nyles Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina

Morehouse College, Applied Physics/ Environmental Engineering

Frank, Mark Marcela Rojas-‐Pierce Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Saint Francis University, Chemistry and Biology

Fuchs, Joelle Heather Patisaul Biology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biology: Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology

116 Assessing morphological changes in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the hypothalamus due to perinatal BPA exposure in juvenile Sprague-‐Dawley rats


141 Exploring Reconstructing of the large micro channel emulsification device. Purposed for mass production of uniform oil droplets


11 : The Role of Vacuolar Protein Sorting 41 (VPS41) in Root Development and Stomatal Opening of Arabidopsis thaliana


198 Modular Electric Generator (MEG) NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU

115 Preliminary assessment of thymol and carvacrol partitioning in bovine cream and skim milk fractions


32 Quantification of Aerobic Ammonia-‐Oxidizing Bacteria in Soil using Activity-‐Based Fluorescence Labeling of Ammonia Monooxygenase




Galanter, Nina Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Grinnell College, Mathematics

Gao, Jing Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University

Jilin University, Mathematics and applied mathematics

Georgiou, Aramys Trudy MacKay Genetics, North Carolina State University


Gipson, Emily Mark Pankow Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Aerospace

Golinski, Julianne Rosangela Sozzani Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Washington College, Biology Adam Fisher Plant & Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University

Gonzales, R. Matthew Rich McLaughlin Soil Science, North Carolina State University

57 Comparing Low-‐Cost Methods for Stabilizing Diversions and Ditches


218 Out of Plane Displacement Calibration Through Ballistic Gelatin


12 Identification of Key Factors for Cortex/Endodermal Stem Cell Function in the Arabidopsis thaliana


196 Game -‐Theoretic Framework of Transactive Energy Distribution System


96 Genetic Variance for Fitness in Drosophila simulans





Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNew Mexico State University, Environmental Science

Goyal, Fiza Maria Gallardo-‐Williams Chemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, High School Student

Gray, Annette Xiaoning Jiang Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State UniversityTaeyang Kim Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University; Pelin Berik Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University;

Gregg, Crista Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

Dane Grismer Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University;

Griffin, Samuel Maria Reyes Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University


Guo, Zixuan Jingyan Dong E.P.Fitts-‐Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Mechanical Engineering

216 Arabidopsis thaliana Pla-‐1 accession resistance to Geminivirus


160 Chemical additives in ink design for EHD-‐jet printing process


21 Flexible Ultrasonic Composite Transducer and Electrode for Nondestructive Evaluation


207 Investigation of the Effect of Cell Debris on Foam Stability and Bioreactor Performance


57 Comparing Low-‐Cost Methods for Stabilizing Diversions and Ditches


189 Student-‐Generated Instructional Video in the Organic Chemistry Laboratory: Evaluation using Eye Tracking



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramJilin University, chemistry

Hagopian, Victoria Mohamed Bourham Nuclear Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Nuclear Engineering

Hardison, Ryan Michael Flickinger Biomanufacturing Training and, North Carolina State University


Christopher Duran Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Harness, Denise Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University

East Tennessee State University, Mathematics

Harries, Lukas Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Vassar College, Biochemistry Thomas Deaton Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Hart, William Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

140 Investigation of the Lignocellulosic Biomass Attachment via Caldicellulosiruptor Species




235 Understanding the Role of Rigidity in Solution Ionic Strength Required for Copolymer Phase Separation


3 Computational Study of Plasma Generation from Carbides and Nitrides using an Electrothermal Capillary Plasma Source


153 Optimizing viability of bacteria upon drying and rehydration for methane assimilation


160 Chemical additives in ink design for EHD-‐jet printing process



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering

Laura Lee Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Heath, Christian Owen Duckworth Soil Science, North Carolina State University

Bowdoin College, Earth and Oceanographic Science

Henson, Joshua Owen Duckworth Soil Science, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Environmental Technology and Management

Benjamin Uster Soil Science, North Carolina State University

Hernandez, Jessica Elizabeth Nichols Environmental Technology, North Carolina State University

Earlham College, Geology

Hipp, John Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Chemical Engineering/Biological Sciences

Hoffmann, William Jan Genzer Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

148 Survey of Biocidal Effectiveness of Contact Lens Solutions against Delftia Spp.


65 Self-‐Assembled Monolayers of Silanes and Surface Properties


85 Oxidative Degredation of Pyrethroid Insecticides by Manganese Oxide Minerals


108 Does Fertilization Improve Short Rotation Woody Crop Production?


140 Investigation of the Lignocellulosic Biomass Attachment via Caldicellulosiruptor Species


42 Adsorption of arsenic and antimony oxyanions onto synthetic and mycogenic manganese oxides



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Hollister, Megan Marina Evans Pharmokinetics, US EPABaylor University, B.S. in Mathematics

Hsain, Hanan Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Materials Engineering

Hu, Yaokun Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Tsinghua University, Electrical Engineering

Hurtado Reyes, Shannon Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

Benedict College, Environmental Engineering

Ibrahim, Dina Anthony Blikslager Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Animal Science/English Literature

Younggeon Jin CVM-‐Comp Animal, North Carolina State University

259 Chloride Channel ClC-‐2 Regulates Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis and Tumorigenicity in Colitis -‐Associated Colorectal Cancer


181 High Efficiency AC Distributed Energy Storage Device (DESD)


70 Developing different anaerobic microbial communities by selective enrichment.




217 Reverse Electrowetting for Micro-‐scale Energy Harvesting


65 Self-‐Assembled Monolayers of Silanes and Surface Properties




Idrees, Karam Elon Ison Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Millersville University, Chemistry

Jacob, Mathew Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

Research Triangle High School, Environmental Engineering

Jeffries, Rachel Driss Elhanafi Biomanufacturing Training and, North Carolina State University


Johnson, John Walter Weare Chemistry, North Carolina State University


Jones, Jasmine Laurie Williams Computer Science-‐Engineering, North Carolina State University

Elon University, Computer Science

93 Optimization of BODIPY-‐based dye for biological application


237 Understanding the Coverage of Security Policies Against Misuse Cases


127 Changing the Concentrations of Sodium Bicarbonate in the Media for Growing Micro Algae


89 Expression of Functionalized Single-‐Chain Variable Fragment scFvUV in Pichia Pastoris


55 The Effects of Rhenium Lewis Acid/Base Adducts on Olefin Hydrogenation



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramJordan, Aamenah Alan Tonelli Textile Engineering Chemistry

and Science, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, TECS

Joshi, Gauri Sathya Jali Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Biology

Kausche, Hannah Michael McKnight Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University


Alper Bozkurt Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Kawell, Jack Kara Peters Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University

Samford University, Engineering Physics

Kayani, Joshua Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Computer Science

Kathryn Stolee Computer Science, North Carolina State University

120 Why is searching so darn hard? REU: Science of Software in CSC

194 Wetness Sensing Using Soft Silicone Fiber Sensors


27 Fiber Optic Shape-‐sensing for Ballistic Testing


104 Attempting the Preparation of a Poly(methyl methacrylate)-‐Urea Complex

ACS Project SEED

246 Genotyping Gene-‐Editing Effects in Camelina Sativa



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramKennedy, Keegan Michael Flickinger Biomanufacturing

Training and, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Killebrew, Martha Adam Lee Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, undecided

King, Raleigh John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

Wake Tech, Geology

King, Shane Ming Liu Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Helen Huang Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University

Kinney, Adrienne Marina Evans Pharmokinetics, US EPACentre College, Mathematics

Kirkland, Caroline Divine Kumah Physics, North Carolina State University

112 Preparation of Atomically Flat STO through Thermal and Chemical Treatment


201 Design of a 2D LIDAR Terrain Reconstruction System for the Detection of Obstacles for Lower Limb Amputees




6 Preliminary investigation of North American Beavers (Castor Canadensis) Impact on Urban Stream Water Quality


8 Investigating Nitrogen Contamination in Jordan Lake


215 Development of a Falling Film Bioreactor Independent Researchers at NC State University


Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Mechanical Engineering

Knight, Tierra Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State


Brittany Mertens Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Kreier, Freda Linda Hanley-‐Bowdoin Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

Colorado College, Molecular Biology

Krupa, Rebekah Leslie Sombers Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Saint Francis University, Chemistry

Kuhn, Justin Alper Bozkurt Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Electrical Engineering/Art Studies

Laboy, Valeria Colleen Doherty Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biology

255 Application of Electronic Stethoscope to Detect Wheezing and Panting Levels


10 Cloning of potential temperature cycle responsive promoters and measurement of luciferase activity


2 Investigating the role of SEGS-‐2 on the cell cycle during Geminivirus infection in Arabidopsis


28 Theoretical Analysis of Standard Reduction Potentials for the Irreversible Redox Processes of Methionine and Tyrosine




58 Characterizing Norovirus Deactivation by Surfactants, Catechin and Understanding the Origins of Its Strain-‐Specific Resistance



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramLagaly, Chris Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular

Engineering, North Carolina State University


Piyum Khatibi Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Lalloo, Naish Joshua Pierce Chemistry, North Carolina State University


LaMaire, Christina David Aylor College of Sciences, North Carolina State University


Lamb, Harold Christina Valerie Garcia Plant Biology, North Carolina State University


Larkin, Maximo David Shew Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Plant Biology

Lee, Giju Mervyn Kowalsky Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

205 Dynamics of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Stevia Production


154 Role of Transverse Reinforcement in Stability of Ductile Structural Wall Prisms


102 Allele-‐Specific Gene Expression in Hybrid Mammals


91 DNA Methylation Profile of Senescing Medicago truncatula


143 Evaluating tractable strains of Caldicellulosiruptor bescii for their ability to degrade plant biomass


146 Synthesis of Pentacyclic Guanidinium Alkaloids: Ptilomycalin A and Analogues



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Civil Engineering

Ana Haro Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Lee, Nathan Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State

North Carolina State University, Biological Sciences: Molecular, Cellular, Developmental

Jonathan Conway Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University

Lesher, Nathaniel Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, Associates in Engineering

Ewan Pritchard Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Lewis, Kevin Marina Evans Pharmokinetics, US EPARose-‐Holman Institute of Technology, Mathematics

Li, Defang Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Tsinghua University, Electrical Engineering

Li, Qiaochu Linyou Cao Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Matierial Science and Engineering

162 Engineering Interfacial Thermal Conductivity of monolayer MoS2






111 Expression and Characterization of Multi-‐domain enzyme Wai35_2053 from Caldicellulosiruptor species strain Wai35.B1


192 Transactive Energy NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU

154 Role of Transverse Reinforcement in Stability of Ductile Structural Wall Prisms




Li, Shanshan Alan Tonelli Textile Engineering Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Fiber and Polymer Science

Li, Xindi Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Beijing Institute of Technology, Software Engineering

Lin, Chi-‐Chen Jingyan Dong E.P.Fitts-‐Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University

National Taiwan University, Physics

Lin, Wei Cheng Erik Santiso Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

National Taiwan University, Chemical Engineering

Liu, Deyi Zhilin Li Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Mathematics and Applied Mathematics

Liu, Jiawen Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina

105 Evaluating the impact of mixing speed on the light distribution within a photobioreactor using novel microsensors


158 Validating solubility of SAFT-‐ gamma Mie models for polymer solutions






163 Design and Fabrication of Flexible Capacitive Sensor Using Electrohydrodynamic Inkjet Printing


104 Attempting the Preparation of a Poly(methyl methacrylate)-‐Urea Complex

ACS Project SEED


Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Environmental Engineering

Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University ; Yi-‐Chun Lai Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University; Amanda Karam Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University;

Loftin, Kylah Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University,

Daniel Ashley Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Long, Gina Dave Eggleston Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

North Carolina state university, Geology

Lovell, Levi Sandra Yuter Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Meteorology

Mahmood, Atif Atul Kotnis Chemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Human Biology

98 A Novel Approach to Non-‐Steroidal Anti-‐Inflammatory Drugs, Application to the Synthesis of Aleve and Ibuprofen


241 Testing the role of predation on a marine fouling community


240 Snowfall within Winter Storms in the Coastal Northeast United States


105 Evaluating the impact of mixing speed on the light distribution within a photobioreactor using novel microsensors


202 Evaluation of Organic Dyes as Light-‐Absorbing Molecules for Solar Energy Capture

ACS Project SEED


Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramMaldonado-‐Rosario, Armando

George List Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, Civil Engineering

Maloney, Madison Scott Ferguson Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Aerospace Engineering

Mancao, Jonathan Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University

Southern Adventist University, Biochemistry

Stephanie Mathews Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Mann, Michael Shuang Fang Lim Physics, North Carolina State University


Marshall, Karel Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Andrews University, Mathematics

Marshburn, Richard Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State University

35 Calculations of UV-‐Vis Spectra of Organic Dyes with Time-‐Dependent Density Functional Theory


257 Nanoplasmonic biosensors for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy




138 How Lessons Learned From the Evolution of the International Space Station Can Help Us Design for the Unknown


1 Characterization of the Secretome from Two Lignocellulose-‐Degrading Strains of Paenibacillus glucanolyticus


40 Travel Time Reliability: Developing Reliability Assessment on Highways of North Carolina



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Computer Science

Chang Liu Chemistry, North Carolina State University;

Daniel Ashley Chemistry, North Carolina State University;

Marshburn, Richard Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State University

NCSU, Computer Science Daniel Ashley Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Martin, Matthew Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Colby College, Computer Science and Government

Tim Menzies Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Marx, Emma Freya Mowat CVM-‐Comp Animal, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Genetics and English

Matthew Breen Department Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University

Mason, Catherine Leslie Sombers Chemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Neurobiology

Mathers, Cara Travis Gannon Crop Science, North Carolina State University

Villanova University, Comprehensive Science

155 Real-‐Time Striatal Measurements of Oxidative Stress and Dopamine in the Dyskinetic Rat During Chronic L-‐DOPA Treatment for Parkinsons's Disease


43 Adsorption of chlorantraniliprole: which soil factors affect sorbent affinity?


124 Exploring the Importance of Context When Predicting Issue Lifetime


75 Clinical & Genetic Characterization of Retinal Degeneration in Red Wolves


35 Calculations of UV-‐Vis Spectra of Organic Dyes with Time-‐Dependent Density Functional Theory


202 Evaluation of Organic Dyes as Light-‐Absorbing Molecules for Solar Energy Capture

ACS Project SEED


Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramMauthe, Jacob Divine Kumah Physics, North Carolina State

UniversityNorth Carolina State University, Mechanical Engineering

McArthur, Chanelle Nathan Lyons Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Geology; Science, Technology, and Society

McCaskey, Melanie Jennifer Dixon Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, Science

David McConnell Marine Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

McDaniel, Casey Steven Frank Entomology, North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State

University, ZoologyKristi Backe Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Melton, Sierra Robert Austin Soil Science, North Carolina State University

Colorado College, Geology Rich McLaughlin Soil Science, North Carolina State University

54 Comparing methods of quantifying rapid topographic changes


149 Commucating Geoscience Concepts in the Classroom and Beyond Using Short Video-‐Based Resources


79 Comparison of scale insect abundance on native and exotic trees in urban Raleigh, NC




63 Stream Channel Geometry as a Control on Stream Water Temperature



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramMickle, McKayla Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular




Mills, Thomas Mohammed Zikry Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University

University of Miami, Aerospace Engineering

Miranda, Adam Thomas Lentz Plant Biology, North Carolina State University


Mirhosseini Ghamsari, Seyedsamim

Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Computer Science

Murphy, Andrew Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State UniversityCharles Shields Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Bhuvnesh Bharti Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University;


125 Why is your software so old REU: Science of Software in CSC

61 ‘Microbots’ from Self-‐Assembled Microcubes as Tools for Studying Membrane Rigidity


9 Finite Element Analysis of Nanocrystalline Grains based on Statistical Distributed Grain Sizes


97 Investigation of the Role of Frog Virus 3 Gene ORF60R in First-‐Stage Viral DNA Replication


109 Characterization of Athe_0594, a Multidomain Enzyme in Caldicellulosiruptor bescii



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramKoohee Han Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University;

Musante, Michelle Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Microbiology

Ndukwe, Samuel Melissa Pasquinelli Textiles, North Carolina State University


Erol Yildirim Textiles, North Carolina State University

Nguyen, Y-‐Van Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University

Research Triangle High School, Microbiology

Ni, Weite Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Automation

Noll, Ashley Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Georgia Institute of Technology, Computer Science

122 Gender Prediction by Name REU: Science of Software in CSC

119 Analysis of a mutated cytochrome P450 fatty acid peroxygenase enzyme from thermotolerant Bacillus methanolicus to be used for decarboxylation of fatty acids during the algal biofuel conversion process


169 Intrusion Detection Games with Imperfect Monitoring


90 Uncovering the Function of Delftia's Putative Blue Light Detection Gene


188 Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Determine the Stability of Polymers When Exposed to Alkaline Environments

ACS Project SEED

61 ‘Microbots’ from Self-‐Assembled Microcubes as Tools for Studying Membrane Rigidity



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNowinski, Alexander Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering,

North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State University, Electrical

Nowinski, Alexander Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University


Nwakuche, Chidubem James Yarnell Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Rolesville High School and NCSSM online, none

Felix Castellano Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Odom, James Terrie Litzenberger Forestry&Environmental Resourc, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Environmental Technology and Management

Melissa McHale Forestry&Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University

Oduor, Allan Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, Associates in Engineering

Ewan Pritchard Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

80 Water Quality and Perceived Water Quality; Hamakuya, South Africa Study Abroad Experience.


192 Transactive Energy NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU

209 Modular Fan Controller for FREEDM Resistor Bank


206 Synthesis of Naphthalimide Based Chromophores

ACS Project SEED




Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramOlaya, Christopher Joshua Pierce Chemistry, North Carolina

State UniversityKennesaw State University, Systems and Industrial Engineering

Jonathan Mills Chemistry, North Carolina State University;

Ou, Rihui Zhilin Li Mathematics, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Statistics

Ouyang, Yubo Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Polymer Material and Engineering

Owens, Kennon Mark Pankow Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University


Owiti, Dessy Terrence Gardner Soil Science, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Soil Science

Owiti, Dessy Terrence Gardner Soil Science, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Soil Science

101 Surface Soil Microbial Community Structure and Enzymatic Activity along the East-‐West Transects of North Carolina


64 The Effect of Greenways/Trails on Soil Microbial Ecosystem in Lake Johnson Park of Central North Carolina


159 Fabrication of gallium-‐based liquid metals with complex geometries at room temperature


49 Polymer Composite Testing by split Hopkinson pressure bar


180 Synthesis of Electrophilic Phosphate Derivatives






Palacio, Dakota Michael Reiskind Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University


Palekar, Alisha John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University


Panda, Sambit Leslie Sombers Chemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineering and Biology

Parcells, Kayci Edgar Lobaton Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Truman State University, Physics

Parker, Channing Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University

James Madison University, Mathematics/Statistics

Paschal, Jamell Joseph Doster Nuclear Engineering, North Carolina State University



214 Advancing Thermal-‐Hydraulic Modelling of BWR Fuel Assemblies

CASL Education Research Program

220 Multiple Sources Contribute to Extracellular H2O2 Dynamics in the Striatum


248 Multi-‐sensor Aggregation App for Wearable Devices


132 Examining Seasonal Co-‐Occurence of Tick Species in Raleigh, North Carolina with a focus on the encroachment of the Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum)


62 Aggression and Stress Coping Style Variation Independently Derived Zebrafish



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramSouth Carolina State University, Nuclear Engineering

Patel, Pritash Michael Flickinger Biomanufacturing Training and, North Carolina State UniversityAdam Wallace Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Paul, Sydney Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Clemson University, Computer Science

Kathryn Stolee Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Peterson, Ben Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Materials Science Engineering

Peterson, Ben Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Materials Science Engineering


86 Using MRI to Evaluate Norepinephrine’s Role in the Development of Brain Structure


87 Exploring the role of norepinephrine neurons in embryonic brain development


225 Enhancing convective sedimentation assembly methods to engineer an artificial leaf capable of harvesting solar energy


120 Why is searching so darn hard? REU: Science of Software in CSC

214 Advancing Thermal-‐Hydraulic Modelling of BWR Fuel Assemblies

CASL Education Research Program


Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramPetruso, Megan Laurie Williams Computer Science-‐


Appalachian State University, Computer Science

Phillips, Katherine Terrence Gardner Soil Science, North Carolina State University

Liberty University, Environmental Biology

Phillips, Kathy Terrence Gardner Soil Science, North Carolina State University

Liberty University, Environmental Biology

Picariello, Lisa DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, Associate in Engineering

Picariello, Lisa DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, Associate in Engineering

113 Using Geo-‐archaeological Methods to Inventory Marked and Unmarked Gravesites within the Historic African-‐American Oberlin Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina


101 Surface Soil Microbial Community Structure and Enzymatic Activity along the East-‐West Transects of North Carolina


52 A Spatially Enabled Relational Database of Marked & Unmarked Gravesites within the Historic African-‐American Oberlin Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina


239 Designing Realistic Security Games to Create Better Attack-‐Defense Trees


64 The Effect of Greenways/Trails on Soil Microbial Ecosystem in Lake Johnson Park of Central North Carolina



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramPinnamaraju, Sriharsha Jacqueline Cole-‐Husseini Biomedical


North Carolina State University, Biomedical Engineeing

Polak, Samantha Mette Olufsen Mathematics, North Carolina State University



Potter, Ainsley Detlef Knappe Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University


Price, Benjamin William Showers Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, Geology

Puckett, Brian Mark Pankow Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Hastings College, Physics Matthew Bryant Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

47 Nutrient flux from the bottom sediments in Falls Lake


31 Flow-‐Stimulated Energy Harvester using Dual-‐Matrix Composites




44 Will Perfluoroethercarboxylic Acids Break Down to Perfluorocarboxylic Acids When Oxidized?


187 The Effect of Obesity-‐Induced Vascular Changes on Bone Health



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramPujianto, Christy Ronald Baynes Department of Population

Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University


Pymento, Sharon John Gadsby Department Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University


Ramirez, Gustavo Karen Daniels Physics, North Carolina State University

Hunter College, Physics Jonathan Kollmer Physics, North Carolina State University

Rao, Deepthi Leslie Sombers Chemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, undecided

Rateb, Catrina Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

Laura Lee Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

134 Expression of Novel Cellulose Binding Proteins from Caldicellulosiruptor species in Escherichia coli


45 Fluidization of Granular Materials by Active Particles


234 Monitoring Brain Metabolism IMSD -‐ Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity

56 Chemical Analysis of Plant Based Mastitis Treatment for Organic Dairy Cows


244 Inhibitory Effects of Progesterone on Luteal Macrophage Chemotaxis



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramRaza, Maryam Maria Reyes Plant and Microbial Biology,

North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State University, Biochemistry

Resco, Kyle Walter Weare Chemistry, North Carolina State University


Reynolds, Katlyn John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

Western Carolina University, Business Administration and Law

Ricca, Henry Kumar Mahinthakumar Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University


Jason Patskoski Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Rich, Charles Marc Cubeta Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

Queens University of Charlotte, Biochemistry

Riley, Isabella Lisa Dean Food Science, North Carolina State University

20 Effect of lactic acid fermentation on fatty acid, amino acid, and protein composition of cashew nut and cucumber


37 Reducing Error in Water Distribution Network Simulations by Modeling Isolated Network Sections with Field Derived Boundary Conditions


7 Effect of Urea on Hyphal Growth and Spore Production by the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.


103 Impact of Axial Ligands on Oxygen Atom Transfer




216 Arabidopsis thaliana Pla-‐1 accession resistance to Geminivirus



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramCornell University, Food Science

Ring, Lynde Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Food Science

Ring, Lynde Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Food Science

Ruddiman, Claire Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Biochemistry

Ruddiman, Claire Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State

University, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Biochemistry

Rudock, Kyrsten Jesse Jur Textiles, North Carolina State University

86 Using MRI to Evaluate Norepinephrine’s Role in the Development of Brain Structure


252 Ergonomic and Noise-‐Eliminating Electronics Enclosure for Textile Integration


106 Detection of airborne Pseudoperonospora cubensis sporangia using spore trapping and quantitative PCR


87 Exploring the role of norepinephrine neurons in embryonic brain development


20 Effect of lactic acid fermentation on fatty acid, amino acid, and protein composition of cashew nut and cucumber


135 Evaluating the Efficacy of Fungicides and Sanitizers for Control of Black Rot of Sweetpotato



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Textile Engineering

Saleh, Nadeen Nicholas Kraft , ABB CorporationFlorida Atlantic University, Computer Science

Schacht, Lily Matthew Polizzotto Soil Science, North Carolina State University

Washington University in St. Louis, Chemical Engineering

Schleif, Nicholas Jesse Jur Textiles, North Carolina State University

University of Minnesota -‐ Twin Cities, Electrical Engineering

Schupp, Sierra Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University


Joseph Weaver Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Schwarz, Tanner Peter Ojiambo Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biology

Anna Thomas Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

66 Host Association of Opposite Mating Types of Pseudoperonospora cubensis


73 Self-‐Powered Operation of Environmental Sensors


16 Does variable shear influence the formation of aerobic granules?


243 Excel-‐ent Research: Understanding Spreadsheet Use, Creation, and Maintenance at ABB


48 Investigating the Relationship between Manganese Reactivity and Arsenic Adsorption Capacity of Pleistocene Sediments from Southeast Asia


252 Ergonomic and Noise-‐Eliminating Electronics Enclosure for Textile Integration




Scott, Alexander Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State UniversityBhuvnesh Bharti Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State UniversityCharles Shields Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State UniversityKoohee Han Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University

Seals, Nathaniel Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Microbiology


Setzer, Beverly Mette Olufsen Mathematics, North Carolina State University



Shah, Parth Patricia Estes Genetics, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State Univerisity, Biochemistry

Shands, Aidan Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

California State University, Monterey Bay, Biology

University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Mechanical Engineering

82 Role of Single-‐minded in the development of the fly brain


107 Detection of fungicide-‐resistant Pseudoperonospora cubensis isolates using molecular techniques


110 Examining sugar utilization in a glucokinase knockout strain of the extremely thermophilic plant biomass degrading Caldicellulosiruptor bescii




53 Microscale Manipulation and Characterization of Liquid Crystals Using Field-‐Powered Microcube Devices




Shannon, Leslie Mary Carbone Genetics, North Carolina State University


Robert Anholt Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University

Shapiro, Hannah Jenny Campbell Biology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology

Shapiro, Morgan Jenny Campbell Biology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Zoology

Sheikhnureldin, Abdulrahim Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University

George Washington University, Computer Science

Tim Menzies Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Slaydon, Joshua Mary Carbone Genetics, North Carolina State University


Trudy MacKay Genetics, North Carolina State University

Slehria, Trisha Melanie Kaelberer Division of Gastroenterology , Duke University

185 Cardiac Expression Patterns Associated with Feline Cardiomyopathy Mutations


139 Enteroendocrine Cell Activity in Mini-‐Guts Independent Researchers at NC State University

114 Behavioral Responses of Three Lemur Species to Different Food Enrichment Devices


121 The Effect of Dependencies on Software Engineering -‐ Data Mining in the Real World


190 Molecular Genetics of Glaucoma in a Canine Model


114 Behavioral Responses of Three Lemur Species to Different Food Enrichment Devices



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Carolina State University, Biochemistry

Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State UniversityDiego Bohórquez Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University

Smith, Adam Sarah Heckman Computer Science, North Carolina State University

Coastal Carolina University, Computer Science

Smith, Skylare William Flowers Animal Science, North Carolina State University


Sonnenberg, Matthew Richard Beddingfield Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Sonnenberg, Tim Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University


Sonnenberg, Timothy Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University



204 Smart Grid Programmable Load NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU



253 Frequency and Patterns of Git Commits: an Examination of Students’ Work Habits in Computer Science


231 Impact of Human Socialization of Low Birth Weight AI Boars at Different Stages of Management and the Effects on Reproductive Performance


139 Enteroendocrine Cell Activity in Mini-‐Guts Independent Researchers at NC State University


Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramNorth Caroline State University, Electrical Engineering

Spells, Bryon Clint Steele Mechanical Engineering, EVX/Swinburne University of Technology


Spurlin, Racheal Colleen Doherty Biochemistry, North Carolina State University


Stanley, Sarah Scott Magness Cell Biology and Physiology, UNC Chapel Hill

North Carolina State University, Chemistry BS

Michael Daniele Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Storelli, David Subhashish Bhattacharya Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Caolina State University, ECE

Govind Chavan Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Sudweeks, Jaye Alun Lloyd Mathematics, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Applied Mathematics

193 Flexible AC Transmission Systems Devices NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU

142 Gene Drives for the Suppression of Mosquito Populations


182 Using CRISPR/Cas9 System to Knockout Circadian Clock Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana


147 2D Intestinal Stem Cell Cultures for Organ-‐on-‐a-‐Chip Applications




145 Street Legal Solar Car Design: Powertrain NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee



Sullivan, Jessica John Blondin Physics, North Carolina State University


Stephen Reynolds Physics, North Carolina State University Kazik Borkowski Physics, North Carolina State University

Summers, Brooke Zvezdana Pesic-‐Van Esbroeck Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Bioprocessing Science

Sun, Dongming Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Optical Science and Engineering

Sun, Dongming Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University


Sun, Yangting Hong Luo Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Beijing Institute of Technology, Aerocraft Design & Engineering

256 Reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for 1D Diffusion equation based on FOHS Formulation


197 Miniature Photo Pumped Laser System GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research

176 Near Field Optical Characterization of VCSEL GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research

219 Modeling Kepler’s Supernova Remnant with VH-‐1


72 Screening of sweetpotato clones for viruses and their elimination by meristem-‐tip culture




Sun, Yiqun Amy Halberstadt Psychology, North Carolina State University


Sutter, Leo Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Rochester Institute of Technology, Physics

Thomas Deaton Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Swafford, Callan Adam Lee Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, geology

Swepson, Candace James Levis Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Research Triangle Highschool, Environmental Engineering

Ranji Ranjithan Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

Tang, Zhiyuan Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Electronic and Information Engineering

128 Assessing hydrothermal liquefaction as an alternative fuel conversion process in marine algae-‐based biofuel production


169 Intrusion Detection Games with Imperfect Monitoring


117 The Role of Chain Stiffness on the Morphology of Polyelectrolyte Diblock Copolymers




258 Sapphire Caricature: the misperception of African American women and their ability to express sadness




Tavares, Aline Sarah Heckman Computer Science, North Carolina State University

University of Tennessee, Computer Science

Teague, Mariah Julie Horvath Biology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences


Thomas, Brittany Erin Hestir Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University


Nazanin Chaichitehrani College of Sciences, North Carolina State University

Thompson, Kelly John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, IPN

Tomkins, Laura Sandra Yuter Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Meteorology

Torres, David Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State

University, High SchoolChang Liu Chemistry, North Carolina State University

221 Convergence of snow bands in Northeast US storms


59 Effect of pi-‐conjugated donors on the electronic structure of Fe(II)-‐bisterpyrine complex


60 Do Hurricanes Cause Phytoplankton Blooms? Using Satellites to Investigate Sea Surface Temperature and Chlorophyll-‐a in the Gulf of California.


227 Expression of Isotocin in the Thalassoma bifasciatum (Bluehead Wrasse) Teleost Brain


123 Measuring Quality of Students’ Git Messages REU: Science of Software in CSC

242 Evaluating Antibiotic Resistance in Dog Skin Bacteria



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramSriparna Mukherjee Chemistry, North Carolina State University

Townsend, Anna Rodolphe Barrangou Food Science and Nutrition, North Carolina State University

University of Kentucky, Biology

Alexandra Briner Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Travels, Dustin Adam Lee Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

Wake Technical Community College, geology

Turner, Johnathan Harald Ade Physics, North Carolina State University


Udiani, Omokuyani Ronald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University


Vásquez, Neyanel Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

Columbia University in the City of New York, Chemistry

Yiliang Lin Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University

25 Liquid Metal Patterning via Vacuum Filling RT MRSEC REU Program

186 Dependence of Hole Mobility on Thickness in Diodes Comprising of Organic Semiconductors


34 Automation and Applications of the Tolerance Limit Method in Meat and Milk


13 Bioinformatic Analysis of Degenerating CRISPR Arrays in E. coli




59 Effect of pi-‐conjugated donors on the electronic structure of Fe(II)-‐bisterpyrine complex



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramVienhage, Paul Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina

State UniversityEmory University, Mathematics

Wagner, Catherine Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University


Walker, Abel Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Horticultural Science and Plant Biology

Walker, Abel Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Horticultural Science and Plant Biology

Walker, Brianne Daniel Obenour Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University


Michelle Moorman Forestry & Environmental Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services

107 Detection of fungicide-‐resistant Pseudoperonospora cubensis isolates using molecular techniques


36 Hydrologic Modeling to Improve Management Practices at Lake Mattamuskeet


130 Creating programmable 3D curved structures utilizing self-‐folding capabilities of 2D shape memory polymers


238 Phylogenetic relationships of Pseudoperonospora cubensis isolates causing downy mildew of cucurbit crops in the U.S





Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramWaller, Simone John Fountain Marine Earth And

Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University

Wake Tech, Geology

Wang, Di Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Economics

Wang, Jiayi Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University


Wang, Wendy Hong Wang Physics, North Carolina State University


Wang, Xuechun Hong Wang Physics, North Carolina State University


Wang, Xuefei Jingyan Dong E.P.Fitts-‐Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University


95 Fluorescent labeling of telomere binding proteins TIN2 for single-‐molecule studies


161 Time-‐optimal Trajectory Planning With High-‐order Constraints


195 Analysis of Characteristics of Data Breaches GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research

131 Mitochondria Protein Binding Activity Revealed with Atomic Force Microscopy


8 Investigating Nitrogen Contamination in Jordan Lake


172 Comparison of Methods to Reduce Illegal Dumping of Fecal Sludge in Tanzania and Ghana




Wang, Yingting Hong Luo Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Computer Science and Technology

Weis, Jeffrey DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University


Whited, Morgan DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State

Wake Technical Community College, Associate of Science

Whited, Morgan DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University


Widney, Karl Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University


136 Sulfur Oxidation in Extreme Thermoacidophiles






173 The real-‐time display of a flow field system based on FLTK


68 The Burgeoning Adventures of the Wolfpack Sea Robot



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramWilkins, Michael Michael Daniele Elec & Comp Engineering,

North Carolina State UniversityNorth Carolina State University, Electrical Engineering

Wilkinson, Michael Jing Feng Psychology, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Psychology

Williams, Olivia Jose Ascencio-‐Ibanez Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biological Sciences: Integrative Physiology & Neurobiology

Mary Dallas Biochemistry, North Carolina State University

Winter, Danielle Bryan Maxwell Bio & Agri Engineering, North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University, Biological Engineering

Francois Birgand Bio & Agri Engineering, North Carolina State University

Terrence Gardner Soil Science, North Carolina State University

Womack, Natalia DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University

150 Microbial Community Analysis of Floating Island Systems in Stormwater Wet Detention Basins




247 Slow Motion is Not Just for the Movies: Time Dilation in Weightlifting


50 Immunolocalization of the Rep protein (AL1) from Tomato Golden Mosaic Virus (TGMV) or Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) driven by an estradiol inducible promoter in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana.


226 Bacterial Nanocellulose Dry EMG Electrodes for Long Term Use



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramWake Technical Community College, Associate in Science

Womack, Natalia DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University


Womble, Carrisa Kevin Anderson Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University


Keena Mullen Animal Science, North Carolina State UniversityRonald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University

Wood, Malika Terri Long Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Saint Augustine's University, Biology

Rosangela Sozzani Plant Biology, North Carolina State University

Wright, Ali John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University

Indian River State College, Biology

Wu, Chenxi Mo-‐Yuen Chow Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

177 Enhancement of Virtual Power System Platform


67 Understanding the effects of –Fe on phloem development


249 The role of kisspeptin in a sex changing fish Independent Researchers at NC State University



76 Evaluation of milk cellular response to phytoceuticals in cows with mastitis





Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramTsinghua University, Electrical Engineering

Wu, Haiyue Hong Luo Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Mechanical Engineering

Wu, Jing Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University


Yi-‐Chun Lai Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Amanda Karam Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

Wu, Yuezi Mo-‐Yuen Chow Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Energy and Environment System Engineering

Xiang, Tingyan Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University


196 Game -‐Theoretic Framework of Transactive Energy Distribution System


100 Effects of nitrogen deficiency on lipid production in microalgae Dunaliella viridis


168 A scalable 3-‐D Model for Room Temperature Distribution to Improve the Home Energy and Thermal (HEAT) Simulator


177 Enhancement of Virtual Power System Platform


174 Development of a Riemann Solver of the Unsteady Compressible Euler Equations for the Shock Tube Problem




Xie, Kenny Hamid Krim Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

UNC Chapel Hill, Statistics

Xu, Wei Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Computer Science & Technology

Yamagata, Jesse Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University

California State University, Monterey Bay, Biology

Yang, Chao-‐Han Brendan O'Connor Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University

National Taiwan University, Engineering Science and Nano-‐Technology Program

Yao, Chengxi Mo-‐Yuen Chow Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University


184 Interfacial mechanics of transfer printed polymer thin films


210 An Optimized Control System for the UAVs GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research

211 Deep Belief Network for Better Link Prediction


106 Detection of airborne Pseudoperonospora cubensis sporangia using spore trapping and quantitative PCR


232 Mapping neurons through causal interaction and clique topology



Student Presenter Poster # Project Title Mentors/Co-‐Mentors ProgramYu, Monong Albert Young Physics, North Carolina State

UniversityBeijing Institute of Technology, Physics

Zhang, Jianfu Yingjiao Xu Textiles, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Information Management and Information Systems

Zhang, Nianlei Brendan O'Connor Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State

Jilin University, Mechanical Engineering

Zhang, Xinyu Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University

Tsinghua University, EE

Zhang, Yuelin Albert Young Physics, North Carolina State University

Beijing Institute of Technology, Electronic Engineering

Zhang, Yunchang Min Liu Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University

Jilin University, Traffic Engineering

170 Optical fiber-‐Coupled Electron Accelerator GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research

165 A Review of Collaborative Scheduling Approaches for Construction Project


175 Exploration of improvement in the power factor of PEDOT:PSS films by aligning the conjugated polymer backbone.


166 Adopting Dynamic Pricing Strategy for Cloud Computation Market


171 The assembly of multilayer surface ultracold neutron detector


167 Predicting stock market through the Stock Discussion Community on Sina Microblog (SDCSM)




Zhao, Wenyi Edgar Lobaton Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University

Beijing Institute of Technology, Automation

Zhou, Le Richard Spontak Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University

Zhejiang University, Polymer science

Zhu, Yuanyuan Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University


Zhu, Yuanyuan Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University


Zurlo, Daniel Ming Liu Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University


92 Determining the ability of diabetic amputees to monitor socket fit


176 Near Field Optical Characterization of VCSEL GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research

197 Miniature Photo Pumped Laser System GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research

179 Real Time Human Action Recognition (HAR) based on Off-‐The-‐Shelf Wearable Devices


164 Nanocellulose-‐Reinforced PAM/PEO Films GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research


ACS Project SEED 104 Attempting the Preparation of a Poly(methyl methacrylate)-‐Urea Complex Aamenah Jamelah Jordan TECS, North Carolina State University Shanshan Li Fiber and Polymer Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Alan Tonelli Textile Engineering Chemistry and Science, North Carolina State University Urea (U) has been found to form non-‐covalent host-‐guest complexes (ICs) with not only certain small molecule guests but also several semi-‐crystalline polymers. The guest polymer chains are isolated and extended in the channel structure crystalline lattice formed by the host U. The bulk behaviors of guest polymers coalesced from their U-‐ICs were significantly improved after the removal of U. However, because of limitations caused by the crystalline urea channel diameters (~5-‐6Ã¥), only a few semi-‐crystalline polymers with no side or relatively small side chains have been found to be included in the host U crystalline channels. In this study, formation of the complex between guest poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), an amorphous polymer with relatively large side chains, and host U was attempted by using a co-‐precipitation method. The attempted PMMA-‐U complexes were examined using FTIR, DSC, XRD and solution H1 NMR. The solid PMMA-‐U complex sample formed when a large excess of U was used, was found not to contain guest PMMA, but instead a waxy impurity, which is likely a solid higher alkane. PMMA-‐U-‐IC samples made using 3-‐10 times more PMMA evidenced some complexation/interaction between PMMA and U, but not the traditional channel IC, with guest PMMA included in the host crystalline U matrix. After the removal of urea from these complexes, the coalesced PMMAs showed a significant increase in glass transition temperature, which increased as the U/PMMA ratio used decreased.

202 Evaluation of Organic Dyes as Light-‐Absorbing Molecules for Solar Energy Capture Kylah Ajala Loftin , North Carolina State University Richard Marshburn Computer Science, NCSU Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State University Daniel Ashley Chemistry, North Carolina State University Currently, silicon-‐based technology is efficient for solar energy capture, but expensive. An alternative approach is to use dye-‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), which can be significantly less expensive. An ongoing project in the Jakubikova lab is screening various organic dyes from the Max A. Weaver dye library for their potential as sensitizers in DSSCs. A combined experimental and computational approach was utilized to this end. A set of dye molecules was chosen and each dye was characterized with density functional theory (DFT) to determine their relevant structures. Time-‐dependent DFT (TD-‐DFT) was then applied to calculate their electronic spectra. All of these calculations were performed with the B3LYP-‐D2 functional and a 6-‐311G* basis set. Experimentally the dyes were characterized by UV-‐vis spectroscopy to determine their molar extinction coefficients, and the wavelengths of their electronic transitions. Specific attention was paid to an aniline dye functionalized with 1,1-‐dicyanoethylene. Several unique structures were located for this molecule, and it was found that the planarity of the amine functional group was directly related to the energy of the molecules, with increased planarity being associated with the lowest energy structure. Despite these structural and energetic differences, all of these minima were still thermally accessible. Given that these geometrical features will have a significant impact on the

62 2016 NC State University Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium

electronic structure, due to their connection to pi-‐conjugation, TD-‐DFT calculations were used to assess whether all of these structures were necessary to interpret the experimental UV-‐vis data.

188 Molecular Dynamics Simulations to Determine the Stability of Polymers When Exposed to Alkaline Environments Samuel Okebe Ndukwe Chemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Melissa Pasquinelli Textiles, North Carolina State University Erol Yildirim Textiles, North Carolina State University Polymers are utilized in products we come in contact with on daily basis, such as shirts, sneakers, and plastic containers. Detergents, bleach, and other aggressive cleaning materials are used to clean these products. Unfortunately, overtime the cleaning materials begin to break these products down and ruin their quality. The alkaline solution within the cleaning material breaks the polymer chains apart. Certain polymers are more reliable when exposed to an alkaline environment (setting where pH is greater than 7.0), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide an excellent approach to investigate such circumstances. In this investigation, we performed MD simulations of several polymer chains placed within a model of a hydroxide cell. We visually analyzed how alkaline hydrolysis broke the polymer chains apart and at what temperatures. The stability of the polymers was compared directly in mixed cell simulations. The results indicate that the presence of hydroxide in alkaline environments can impact the stability of polymers.

206 Synthesis of Naphthalimide Based Chromophores Chidubem Naomi Nwakuche, Rolesville High School and NCSSM online Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: James Yarnell Chemistry, North Carolina State University Felix Castellano Chemistry, North Carolina State University The need for renewable energy is imperative in our modern world. Solar energy is the most abundant form of energy available to mankind and currently under utilized by our society. Therefore, the development of new chromophores to efficiently utilize this energy is paramount. To this aim, the synthesis of a series of 1,8-‐naphthalimide based chromophores with modified substituents, is presented. By changing the electron donating/withdrawing nature of the functional group in the 4 position of the aromatic ring, the energy of the excited state can be tuned, thus changing the color of absorption and emission. These chromophores show promise with the combination of exceptional visible light-‐harvesting capability along with high luminescent quantum yields, necessary for efficient energy transfer and usefulness in solar energy applications.


ASSIST -‐ NSF Advanced Self-‐Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies REU 233 A Wearable Electronic Stethoscope for Detecting Asthmatic Wheezes Caleb Charles Burton Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Alper Bozkurt Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University A primary goal of the National Science Foundation's Advanced Self-‐powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies (ASSIST) center is the unification of various technologies into one of two wearable testbeds. The first of these testbeds, the Health and Environmental Tracker (HET), will include a chest patch capable of physiological measurements that will allow for the correlation of environmental exposures to changes in patient health. The work described below involves an attempt to develop one such sensory system for future implementation in the HET: the Wheeze Patch. The Wheeze Patch measures physiological sounds via a contact microphone that wirelessly transmits filtered and amplified digital audio via Bluetooth to a nearby cellular phone. The phone then uploads this audio to a remote server on IBM's Bluemix platform for a topological signal analysis to detect patterns characteristic of an asthmatic wheeze. Critical requirements of the system include (1) transmission of high-‐quality audio and filtering of ambient noise to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of the sensor, (2) low energy consumption to enable self-‐powered operation, (3) near real-‐time diagnosis, and (4) resilience to patient motion to allow natural movement while worn. Various techniques were tested for maximizing the Wheeze Patch's performance in these areas, including voltage, charge, and inductance mode amplification of the piezo element's vibration response. Charge mode amplification provided the most favorable results, eliminating the artifacts due to body capacitance and grounding that were seen in other amplification modes.

251 Multilayer Screen Printed Dry Electrode Design Emily Elizabeth Carberry Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jesse Jur Textiles, North Carolina State University Dry electrodes are an enabling solution to long term biopotential measurements from the human body. In comparison to wet electrodes (or hydrogel electrodes), they offer improved breath-‐ability and do not dry out over time. However, a dry electrode designs suffer from higher impedance due to a poor skin electrode interface, producing an biopotential measurements with too much noise to determine a health metric. In this study, different dry electrode designs are compared to the traditional wet electrode design to evaluate performance. The effects of varying electrode surface areas in contact with the skin on the impedance of the design is tested as well as the application of a conductive silicone to improve skin-‐electrode contact.

229 Development of Thin Film Silicon Thermoelectric Generators Zachary Alan Coutant Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Daryoosh Vashaee Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University Elena Veety Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University The purpose of this research project was to develop a body heat energy harvester that can be used


effectively to power the wearable sensors and electronic circuits. Such a device will enable the highly desired battery-‐less wearables. The generator is a solid state device based on thermoelectric effect, which converts heat directly into electric power. In particular, the process flow for the fabrication of a thin film thermoelectric generator (TEG) was developed. This TEG is silicon, the process is compatible with the existing CMOS fabrication process at industry making it more attractive for commercial applications. To fabricate this device, a layer of polysilicon and a layer of silicon nitride is grown on a wafer using Low Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition.The thin film is subsequently patterned using photoresist and a wet chemical etch. Titanium/nickel contacts are then deposited on each generator using e-‐beam evaporation. To measure the output power of each generator, the TEG is placed inside a temperature controlled environment. The probes are connected to contacts using a micro positioner, and the output current and voltage are recorded versus the temperature difference across the device.

255 Application of Electronic Stethoscope to Detect Wheezing and Panting Levels Justin Tyler Kuhn Electrical Engineering/Art Studies, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Alper Bozkurt Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University Electronic stethoscopes, while a relatively new technology, have an incredible potential as wearable devices to monitor and report the respiratory health of humans and animals over extended periods of time. Currently, there is no such device that is integrated into clothing so as to monitor respiratory health outside the doctor€™s office. Furthermore, there is little to no notification to pet owners of their pet€™s respiratory health. Through two distinct projects we set out to tackle these problems. One project set out to measure the anxiety of dogs as they arrive to a veterinary clinic, and to measure whether a veterinary procedure improves the animals€™ stress levels. Our long-‐term goal is to develop a smartphone app that can identify whether a dog is anxious. Using a ThinkLabs electronic stethoscope and an ECG harness, we collected data from dogs using BeagleBone Black microcontrollers and measured heart rate and panting levels over three minute intervals. We used Matlab for signal processing and Audacity for audio playback. In another project we are in the process of building an electronic stethoscope that has the ability to send data wirelessly in real-‐time from the patient to a smartphone app. We are integrating a wheeze-‐detection algorithm on an IBM BlueMix server to notify the patient they are at risk for an asthma attack. The smartphone app sends recorded audio files to the IBM BlueMix server and receives the patient€™s information from it. With this technology we wish to aid those who suffer from chronic respiratory illnesses.

248 Multi-‐sensor Aggregation App for Wearable Devices Kayci Kerr Parcells Physics, Truman State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Edgar Lobaton Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University The focus of this project is to provide a non-‐invasive method of continuous health monitoring for preventative healthcare (i.e., to predict issues before they happen). Exploiting the many sensors that are provided in today’s wearable devices and doing an analysis on the plethora of information retrieved allows for a complete characterization of a person’s lifestyle and health. For this project, we performed a comparison between existing off-‐the-‐shelf wearable health monitoring devices and developed an App that is capable of gathering and displaying the information from multiple wearable sensors in real-‐time. The logging of the user’s data into files allows the information to be processed at a later time or reviewed and compared with data that was previously gathered. The direct access to the raw data from the sensors not


only allows for the app to relay information back to the user in real-‐time, but also provides the possibility of doing real-‐time data processing. These beneficial characteristics make it possible for this app to be integrated into a larger system of components that create a pipeline of information processing and data analytics.

252 Ergonomic and Noise-‐Eliminating Electronics Enclosure for Textile Integration Kyrsten Rudock Textile Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jesse Jur Textiles, North Carolina State University The design of textile electronics for personalized wellness application is predicated on the ability to achieve a low-‐noise data that allows for the determination of health conditions. In this project, a customized shirt which tracks an electrocardiogram (ECG) signal is analyzed for the evolution of noise. The shirt is designed with flexible interconnects in specific formation to the user’s body in order to read ECG from sensors on one end. The other end attaches to a printed circuit board (PCB) powered by a battery that allows the user to receive data via bluetooth that can be analyzed for real-‐time heart monitoring. In order to connect the PCB to the interconnects, an ergonomic and noise-‐eliminating enclosure was designed to place on and off the shirt. The box unites the interconnects on the fabric to wires attached to the PCB which allows it to track heart rate. The signal-‐to-‐noise ratio of the ECG signal was analyzed as a function of the ability to securely attach the electronics enclosure when worn during resting, walking, and running.

73 Self-‐Powered Operation of Environmental Sensors Nicholas Edward Schleif Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota -‐ Twin Cities Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jesse Jur Textiles, North Carolina State University This research explores the integration of thermal energy harvesting technologies into a body worn, textile patch for realization of a gas-‐sensing self-‐powered wearable electronic system. The wearable gas sensor is based on a custom low-‐power electronics board that is capable of measuring ozone, carbon monoxide, and other potentially harmful gasses in a user€™s environment. The continuous environmental monitoring desired is interrupted by traditional power methods, i.e. batteries. The goal of this project is to use thermoelectric energy generating (TEG) devices in a textile armband to convert body heat into electric power to sustain the gas sensor and enable continuous sensing. Commercially available TEGs were integrated into a textile patch through two distinct manufacturing processes. One process is formed to maximize the textile performance of the patch (namely, flexibility and stretchability), while the other process seeks to maximize the electrical power production. By testing a prototype of each process, a use case scenario is developed for the typical power production. This use case informs how future prototypes of self-‐powered sensors can be created, and how these devices can help improve health and wellness monitoring. This project is sponsored by the NSF Nanosystems Engineering Research Center on Advanced Self-‐Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technology (ASSIST) in conjunction with KWJ Engineering.

226 Bacterial Nanocellulose Dry EMG Electrodes for Long Term Use Michael David Wilkins Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


Michael Daniele Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University Most readily available electromyogram (EMG) electrodes are either invasive, such as needle electrodes, ill-‐suited for long term skin contact, such as hydrogel or €œwet€� electrodes, or too bulky for continuous use like metal myoelectrodes in prosthetics. This study utilizes bacterial nanocellulose as a suitable replacement substrate for fabricating EMG electrodes that are breathable, water permeable, inexpensive, and stay in place without adhesives. Electrodes were patterned onto ~10-‐40 microns thick nanocellulose sheet through both screen printing and microplotting. Carbon based ink and reactive silver ink based electrodes were both characterized through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and modeled as a first order circuit to find their effective resistance and capacitance. Electrodes were then placed strategically on the arm next to hydrogel control electrodes, and EMG was measured simultaneously to compare the accuracy of the novel electrodes to industry standard surface EMG electrodes. While the novel electrodes exhibited slightly higher impedance than hydrogel based versions, this was not an insurmountable hindrance to accurate signal acquisition.

232 Mapping neurons through causal interaction and clique topology Kenny Xie Statistics, UNC Chapel Hill Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hamid Krim Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University The representation of interactivity in neural data is frequently computationally intense and difficult to interpret. This study attempts to examine neural interactions in the visual cortex of a mouse from a topological approach that reveals an ensemble of structures. We utilize a causality measure based on the dimensionality of point clouds of delay embedded neural signals to generate a connectivity map of the network. To obtain a higher level perspective, we then generalize the network to a filtered sequence of complexities and study the topological and geometrical features.


BESST -‐ Basic and Environmental Soil Science Training REU 33 Assessment of Soil Strength Using Cone Penetrometer Stanford James Borrell Physics, Stetson University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Aziz Amoozegar Soil Science, North Carolina State University Dynamic cone penetrometer (DCP) testing, a popular method for determining soil strength in the geotechnical engineering field, is physically taxing, requires an additional operator to determine and record penetration depth, and is noisy. A newly developed push-‐type static cone penetrometer (SCP), on the other hand, requires one person to operate, is quiet, simultaneously measures soil strength and penetration depth continuously, and records the data electronically in real time. The main objective of this study is to develop a direct relationship between the applied force and the strength of the tested soil using a DCP and SCP. A theoretical model will be developed to evaluate the applied force acting on both penetrometers, and the soil strength will be determined to a depth of 90 cm at two sites with different soils.

39 The Effectiveness of AVAIL® Co-‐polymer in Increasing Phosphorus Availability to Corn Samantha Jo Croat Agronomy, South Dakota State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Dean Hesterberg Soil Science, North Carolina State University Phosphorus is an essential plant macronutrient, but only a fraction of phosphate applied to soils is available to plants. Our objective was to determine the application rate of a polycarboxylic acid co-‐polymer (AVAIL®) for optimal P uptake and corn growth at a reduced input of P fertilizer. In a greenhouse experiment, corn was grown in a P-‐deficient Goldsboro soil that was amended with phosphate fertilizer at 50% of the recommended rate, with AVAIL® treatments of 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200% of the soil€™s estimated polymer sorption capacity. A complementary soil-‐incubation experiment measured dissolved P for the same P and AVAIL® treatments at pH 5.6. The corn grew for 21 days to a height of 32 ± 3 cm, with all plants showing P deficiency (purpling) after 15 days and no apparent growth trends across AVAIL® treatments. However, the soil incubation experiment revealed a positive linear relationship (r2=0.97) between AVAIL® inputs and dissolved P. The average P concentration increased from 0.03 to 0.06 mg/L, which is greater than the soil solution P concentration considered adequate for corn growth (0.025 mg/L). Additional crop measurements included biomass and tissue concentrations of P and other nutrients. Although AVAIL® increased dissolved P concentrations in the soil alone, a lack of corn growth response in the greenhouse indicates that the AVAIL® rates need to be optimized at a higher P fertilization rate.

157 Influence of Biofuel Crop€™s Canopy on Rainfall Interception Helen Karolyne Cruz Paschoeto Agronomy, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Joshua Heitman Crop Science, North Carolina State University Waning fossil fuel supplies have led to an increasing interest in biofuel production and the crops utilized for it. With rapid world population growth, more land is needed for food production, leaving marginal lands for growing biofuel crops. In these environments plant production systems must use the available natural resources with maximum efficiency. This creates a need for better understanding of rainfall and water


usage in biofuel crops. This study was conducted with two crops, Giant Miscanthus and Sorghum, with four plots each. Miscanthus has a very dense canopy with plants reaching 300 cm height, possibly impeding water from reaching the soil, whereas sorghum has canopy structure consistent with common row crops. Rain gauges were installed under the canopy in each crop to capture through canopy rainfall and compare it with above canopy rainfall to determine plant interception and possible loss of rainfall as direct evaporation. Four moisture sensors were also installed in each plot, two near the plant and two far from the plant, to assess stem flow into the soil and differences in moisture storage of both species. Data were evaluated for several periods of time considered as separate rainfall events. Data analysis is on-‐going.

32 Quantification of Aerobic Ammonia-‐Oxidizing Bacteria in Soil using Activity-‐Based Fluorescence Labeling of Ammonia Monooxygenase James David Farnan Engineering Science, Saint Vincent College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Hyman Microbiology, North Carolina State University Kristen Bennett Graduate School, North Carolina State University Nitrification is a key step in the biological nitrogen cycle and has a large effect on the fate of nitrogen species in both wastewater treatment systems and agricultural soils. Aerobic ammonia-‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB) initiate nitrification by converting ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2

-‐) and are therefore pivotal to the process. AOB are ubiquitous in the environment but are difficult to quantify as they grow poorly on solid media. Other quantification methods like iquid most-‐probable number techniques are slow and error-‐prone, while modern molecular approaches involving polymerase chain reaction amplification are faster and more accurate but do not differentiate between active and inactive AOB. In this study, we explored using activity-‐based fluorescent mechanisms for rapidly quantifying metabolically active forms of AOB in soils. Initial experiments using Nitrosomonas europaea aimed to establish a relationship between NH3-‐dependent nitrite production and bacterial cell numbers. Active AMO was treated cells with 1,7-‐octadiyne (17OD) to inactivate the enzyme and a subsequent copper-‐dependent "click" reaction attached a fluor. The labeled protein was quantified by SDS-‐PAGE and IR scanning. In future experiments, AOB will be stimulated in soil microcosms by adding NH4Cl. AMO will again be inactivated by adding 17OD, and total bacteria will be separated from the soil samples using gradient centrifugation. After "click" conjugation with AlexaFluor 647 azide, the abundance of AMO will be determined with SDS-‐PAGE and IR analysis while metabolically active AOB will be measured via fluorescence-‐activating cell sorting.

57 Comparing Low-‐Cost Methods for Stabilizing Diversions and Ditches R. Matthew Gonzales Environmental Science, New Mexico State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Rich McLaughlin Soil Science, North Carolina State University Construction projects are historically a major source of sediment loss and highly turbid surface runoff. Regulations and current best management practices require the use of diversion ditches and sedimentation ponds to reduce environmental impacts of construction projects. Recent research has indicated that these diversion ditches are a major source of sediment loss. Preliminary studies have shown that lining these ditches reduces sediment loss. This study examined the erosion reduction potential of four different liners: jute, jute combined with granular polyacrylamide, excelsior, excelsior combined with granular polyacrylamide and a spray-‐on concrete product (Posishell). The latter was considered to have two advantages over rolled erosion control products: better conforming to variations in ditch contours and much faster to install. Tests were conducted in a flume packed with a local soil at three different flow rates


and three different slopes. Preliminary results suggested that the concrete product was the most effective while jute was the least effective in preventing erosion. The estimated costs associated with the concrete product were comparable to the standard products. The effects of slope and flow rate will also be presented.

42 Adsorption of arsenic and antimony oxyanions onto synthetic and mycogenic manganese oxides Christian Eliot Heath Earth and Oceanographic Science, Bowdoin College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Owen Duckworth Soil Science, North Carolina State University Arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) are potentially toxic metalloids that may contaminate groundwater from natural sources or human activities. Cost effective and efficient treatment strategies are necessary to ensure viable sources of clean drinking water for populations using threatened or contaminated groundwater. Adsorption of As and Sb to manganese oxide minerals (e.g., MnO2) presents a favorable remediation technique due to its simplicity of operation, cost-‐effectiveness, and minimal sludge production. In particular, Mn oxides produced by organisms may be useful because they can be renewed on site in bioreactors. The sorption of As and Sb oxyanions to synthetic ?-‐MnO2 and mycogenic (fungally produced) MnO2 will be compared. Mycogenic Mn oxides will be obtained from Mn oxidizing species of fungi isolated from the Lot 86 Superfund Site in Raleigh, NC. As and Sb adsorption isotherms of the synthetic and mycogenic Mn oxides will be determined and concentrations analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). If time permits, x-‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) will be used to analyze the structure of the mycogenic Mn oxides and the binding site and mechanism of the As and Sb oxyanions onto the Mn oxide minerals.

85 Oxidative Degredation of Pyrethroid Insecticides by Manganese Oxide Minerals Joshua Austin Henson Environmental Technology and Management, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Owen Duckworth Soil Science, North Carolina State University Benjamin Uster Soil Science, North Carolina State University The CDC’s recent recommendations for Zika virus vector-‐control in the Continental United States indicate that large scale use of pyrethroid insecticides can be expected in the near future. However, pyrethroids have been found to possess moderate to severe toxicity to aquatic life and bees. Therefore, research that focuses on the breakdown of residual pyrethroids is crucial to environmental and ecological health. Manganese oxides, ubiquitous minerals in natural soil systems, are strong oxidizing agents that are known to react with many organic contaminants. Organisms such as bacteria and fungi produce these minerals under environmentally relevant conditions, and it is accepted that most of the MnO2 present in natural environments originally was produced via biotic processes. Although the reactivity of synthetic MnO2 with organic contaminants has been extensively studied, there have been few studies that have explored the reactivity of biogenic manganese oxide minerals with organic contaminants, none of which studied fungally produced (mycogenic) minerals. The mineralogical discrepancies between mycogenic and synthetic MnO2 suggest the mycogenic minerals may be more reactive with organic contaminants. In this study, the interaction of synthetic and mycogenic MnO2 in the presence of pyrethroids will be hosted via batch reactions. The redox reactivity of these compounds with MnO2 will be quantified by analyzing the concentration of dissolved Mn(II) and pyrethroid oxidation products in solution. The results of this study will provide preliminary knowledge of the potential of MnO2 as an active agent in remediation systems where pyrethroids are of concern.


108 Does Fertilization Improve Short Rotation Woody Crop Production? Jessica R. M. Hernandez Geology, Earlham College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Elizabeth Nichols Environmental Technology, North Carolina State University Biomass is one renewable resource that has global potential to replace fossil fuel consumption as an alternative energy source. In North Carolina, the demand for bioenergy, particularly wood pellets, is expected to exceed forest resource capacity in the near future, thus creating the need for managed plantations that produce woody biomass quickly within 5 to 10 years. These woody crops would ideally be cultivated in areas with marginal soils on lands not used for food crops. Marginal lands are difficult to cultivate for high productivity. This study evaluated if fertilization improved woody crop plantation growth at two sites in Wallace and Clinton, NC. Wallace soils are productive agricultural soils while Clinton soils are marginal soils. Each site was planted using a randomized block design for 3 blocks of 3 treatments (no fertilization, 100 lbs CaNO3/acre, and 200 lbs CaNo3/acre) with 16 trees per plot at 2 different planting densities. Trees were fertilized in 2015, and calcium nitrate was used because site soils contained adequate phosphorus levels. Four clones of Populus (n=4 per clone) were planted in each plot using two different planting densities. Composite foliar samples were collected for each clonal group in each treatment to evaluate if there was a relationship between fertilization, tree clone, and %N. The leaf area index (LAI) was also determined as a measure of tree productivity in the middle of the second growing season to understand if fertilization improves tree productivity after two years of tree growth.

43 Adsorption of chlorantraniliprole: which soil factors affect sorbent affinity? Cara Anne Mathers Comprehensive Science, Villanova University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Travis Gannon Crop Science, North Carolina State University Structural termite damage and control costs average $5 billion USD yr-‐1 in the United States, which is in part due to labor-‐intensive control practices currently employed such as soil-‐injection or trenching. Surface termiticide application on soil surrounding structures could offer a simpler, cost-‐efficient alternative to injecting/trenching. Previous research has shown that downward soil distribution of the termiticide, chlorantraniliprole, can be improved via increasing application carrier volume and the use of soil surfactants; however, results varied across soils of varying textures (clay or sand) and organic matter contents (low [1-‐2% w w-‐1] and moderate [3-‐5%]). Laboratory research was initiated to determine the degree to which certain soil texture and organic matter concentration affect chlorantraniliprole-‐soil sorption. Four soil textures (clay, clay loam, sand, or silt loam) were evaluated at two soil organic matter contents (native amount or native + 2.5% w w-‐1). Chlorantraniprole was spiked at 0, 5, 10, 20, 40, or 60 mg kg-‐1, and the parent compound was quantified 24 h later using high performance liquid chromatograph-‐diode array detector-‐mass spectroscopy methodology to develop chlorantraniliprole-‐soil sorption isotherms.

54 Comparing methods of quantifying rapid topographic changes Sierra Michelle Melton Geology, Colorado College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Austin Soil Science, North Carolina State University


Rich McLaughlin Soil Science, North Carolina State University Land disturbance at construction sites exposes bare soil to erosive agents, so erosion rates in construction areas are 2-‐40,000 times greater than pre-‐construction and agricultural rates. Eroded sediments and associated nutrients impact water quality and alter stream ecosystems by blanketing streambeds, contributing to algal blooms, limiting photosynthesis due to increased turbidity, and abrading aquatic organisms. Much of the erosion at construction sites occurs in the temporary diversion ditches designed to direct runoff into catchment basins while construction is in progress. Current methods to quantify sediment loss from temporary diversion ditches involve measuring the turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), and total sediment of the water flowing out of the ditches. Physical changes in the ditches are described using incremental measurements of ditch cross-‐sectional profile, which are used to calculate the area eroded. These methods are time-‐consuming, tedious, and limited in describing the spatial extent of sediment loss. Using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and point clouds derived from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and ground-‐based imagery, erosion in artificial ditches as well as ditches at an active construction site was quantified by calculating changes in ditch volumes. Runoff flow paths at the construction site were computed using ArcGIS to determine the effectiveness of ditch placement. Comparisons of remote sensing results with those obtained by traditional methods will help identify the most valuable methods to measure sediment loss from ditches. Remote sensing may be useful both when measuring small-‐scale erosion and when determining the effectiveness and best placement of sediment control practices.

64 The Effect of Greenways/Trails on Soil Microbial Ecosystem in Lake Johnson Park of Central North Carolina Katherine Carmelina Phillips Environmental Biology, Liberty University Dessy Owiti Soil Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Terrence Gardner Soil Science, North Carolina State University Modern greenways and trails are attractive areas used for recreation in many urban settings. Anthropogenic activities at these sites may lead to soil compaction, which leaves soil vulnerable to erosion of organic matter and to leaching of nutrients. In this study, we use a multifaceted approach of spectroscopy, microscopy and molecular techniques to assess differences in soil microbial community structure as effected by use of unpaved and paved trails at Lake Johnson Park in Raleigh, North Carolina. Soil microbial communities and their activities are sensitive indicators of changes in soil health and ecosystem quality, therefore the goal of this study is to elucidate the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on soil microbial community composition and functionalities at the Lake. Shifts in soil microbial functionality will be characterized by assaying the soil enzyme activities that are essential to the biogeochemical cycling of C, N, P and S. Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and Biolog methods will be used to evaluate microbial community structure. Moisture, pH, total carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in the soils will also be assayed to characterize the physiochemical properties of the soil that may be affected by use and management of paths. The combination of enzyme activity and fatty acid profiling data is expected to aid in the evaluation of the soil microbial community responses to disturbances caused by use of the established trails. We expect to find soils nearest paved greenways to have different microbial community structure and enzymatic activities compared to soils in the adjacent natural ecosystem.

101 Surface Soil Microbial Community Structure and Enzymatic Activity along the East-‐West Transects of North Carolina Kathy C Phillips Environmental Biology, Liberty University Dessy Owiti Soil Science, North Carolina State University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Terrence Gardner Soil Science, North Carolina State University North Carolina is home to a multitude of distinct soil types. These soils allow for diverse microbiomes; each with a unique environment supportive of specific communities of bacterial and fungal assemblages. Microbial communities are sensitive indicators of soil health and ecosystem quality, therefore annual monitoring of these soils is important. As a part of a larger temporal project, this study aims to gain a better understanding of the natural state of soils across NC, and to note any changes that occur as indicated by shifts in microbial communities and their functionalities. Samples were collected from 12 locations ranging from the eastern Outer Banks through the central Piedmont and into the Appalachian Blue Ridge Mountains of western NC. Soil physiochemical, biochemical, and microbiological properties (pH, organic matter and enzyme activities) were assayed. The lowest pH (3.48) was revealed in central Piedmont samples; the most alkaline soil (pH 5.86) in the mountains. Enzymes essential to biogeochemical cycling, B-‐Glucosidase (C cycling), and B-‐glucosamindase (C & N cycling) were highest in NC State Mountain Research Center soil (215.9 and 252.8 µmol p-‐nitrophenol kg-‐1soil hr-‐1, respectively). Microbial community structure and composition was assayed using Ester-‐linked Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (EL-‐FAME) methods. EL-‐FAME showed Tar River with the highest % bacterial indicators; Nags Head Woods soils had low abundance of Gram+ bacterial indicators overall. FAMEs for saprophytic fungi (18: 1w9c) predominated Breeze Farm soils. The use of microbial community analyses to describe the differences between ecosystem changes in soils from eastern to western NC is established.

48 Investigating the Relationship between Manganese Reactivity and Arsenic Adsorption Capacity of Pleistocene Sediments from Southeast Asia Lily R. Schacht Chemical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Matthew Polizzotto Soil Science, North Carolina State University Arsenic (As) contamination of well water is a major threat to human health across the globe. In Southeast Asia specifically, increased withdrawals of As-‐contaminated groundwater have prompted a search for signals showing that an aquifer is at risk of dangerous concentrations of As. Allogenic As refers to the As in groundwater pulled from an area with a high concentration to a previously uncontaminated well. This study seeks to develop an indicator of aquifer vulnerability to future As contamination by determining the relationship between reactive manganese (Mn) concentrations and the allogenic As sorption potential of aquifer sediments. A variety of sediment samples from a Pleistocene aquifer in Cambodia have been put through a set of extractions to quantify the fractions, solubilities, and reactivities of Mn present within solid phases. Additionally, As adsorption isotherms were created using the same samples. The resulting extraction data was compared to modeled isotherm parameters for each sample to determine relationships between the sediment concentration and/or speciation of manganese and the adsorption potential of As. Quantitative analysis is ongoing, and it is expected that sediments with higher concentrations of reactive Mn oxides will yield a higher sorption capacity for As, due to the oxidation of As(III) to As(V) by Mn. Practically, this would mean lower risk of future arsenic contamination in an aquifer following the input of allogenic As.


Biotechnology Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BIT SURE) 236 Establishing a Protocol for the Generation of Stable Plants from Mature Leaf Disk Explants of C. sativa Avery Robert Ashley Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sathya Jali Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Camelina sativa is an oilseed crop that is currently being investigated as a possible source of renewable biofuels due to its high oil content and ability to grow on marginal soils. Our research seeks to establish a protocol whereby C. sativa plants can be generated from mature leaf disk explants through tissue culturing methods. The primary goal of this research is to establish a protocol encompassing the generation of callus tissue from mature leaf explants as well as the establishment of shoot and root systems, eventually leading to the generation of a stable plant. The ability to regenerate plants from leaf tissue would enable the use of transformation technologies like the “gene-‐gun”, and thereby avoid the use of Agrobacterium or other plant pathogens in this process.

83 Comparison of H3K27me3 Presence in Undifferentiated, Differentiated, and Atrophying C2C12 Cells Hadley Joyce Bryan Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christina Valerie Garcia Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Myogenesis, the development of muscle cells, is regulated by many interconnected systems. One such system involves epigenetic modification of histone proteins. This results in alteration of expression patterns by remodeling chromatin structure without changing the DNA sequence. The histone modification studied in this experiment, trimethylation of histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27me3), is a repressing mark made by the Polycomb complex. Multiple proteins act to create a compact chromatin structure preventing binding of RNA polymerase and subsequent gene expression. While this histone modification’s ability to repress expression during muscle cell differentiation is well-‐studied, its role during muscle atrophy is not. We compare the histone modifications present in undifferentiated, differentiated, and atrophying muscle cells as this could lead to therapies that alter gene expression in patients with cachexia. In order to model atrophy, we used C2C12 cells, a myoblast cell line that can be differentiated in vitro. Differentiated C2C12 cells were treated with the steroid dexamethasone, which causes drastic changes in cell protein catabolism and upregulation of MuRF1, indicating the breakdown of major sarcomeric proteins. For each condition, cells were crosslinked to preserve protein-‐DNA interactions prior to harvest. Following sample collection, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) with qPCR was used to determine presence of H3K27me3 at gene targets myogenin, myostatin, and MuRF1. Since MuRF1 is highly expressed during atrophy, we did not expect for H3K27me3 to be present. Epigenetic-‐based therapies could taget MuRF1 and other associated genes to decrease expression and prolong muscle stability.

223 Teaching Molecular Biology Techniques with CaMPARI Ian Fraser Chapman Biology -‐ IPN, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University Christina Valerie Garcia Plant Biology, North Carolina State University; Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University; Thomas Lentz Plant Biology, North Carolina State University;


Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University Application of molecular biology techniques span a variety of scientific fields, creating a need for adequate courses to prepare students for future careers by offering hands-‐on experience with these techniques. At N.C. State, students can experience these techniques through the Biotechnology (BIT) Program€™s 410/510 course, Manipulation of Recombinant DNA: Core Technologies in Molecular Biology. Here we detail the new inquiry based design of BIT 410/510 and the new techniques and skills that students enrolled in the course will gain. Following completion of the course, students will be able to: (1) Use both PCR-‐based and GatewayTM cloning methods to express and purify a gene in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic systems (2) Assess expression and induction of their gene with quantitative methods (3) Practice aseptic technique and animal cell culture (4) Formulate and test a hypothesis (5) Troubleshoot failed experiments. Central to this re-‐design is the incorporation of the novel fluorescent protein CaMPARI, which naturally fluoresces green, but upon binding of calcium ions to the calmodulin domain of the protein and simultaneous exposure to UV light, is irreversibly photoconverted to fluoresce red. CaMPARI's calcium sensitivity contributes to the inquiry based approach of the course by allowing students to design experiments to manipulate and quantitate changes in calcium in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Ultimately, students will gain hands-‐on experience with molecular biology techniques including: PCR, restriction digest, ligation, transformation, clonase reactions, transfection, fluorescence microscopy, affinity chromatography, Western Blotting, and protein quantitation.

88 Elucidating Function of ORF95R in FV3 DNA Replication Andrew Scott Duncan Biology-‐ Human, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Thomas Lentz Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Ranavirus is a genus of double-‐stranded DNA viruses that infect cold-‐blooded vertebrates. These viruses use a unique method of DNA replication involving concatamerization of genomic monomers in the cytoplasm. Frog Virus 3 (FV3) is the prototypical member of the species Ranavirus. This virus contains many open reading frames, however it has not been determined which of these ORFs represent genes and contribute functional proteins. We are interested in ORFs predicted to play a role in FV3 DNA replication. Using nucleotide alignment and comparison to known sequences, ORF95R is predicted to be a RAD2 DNA repair homolog. We believe that the gene product of ORF95R is active in the concatamerization stage of DNA replication. To determine function, we have cloned of this gene from an isolate of the FV3 genome. This clone was sequenced and compared to reference ORF95R sequences. Discrepancies were identified between the two sequences and analyzed for potential impact on functionality. Further experiments will involve inserting ORF95R into an expression vector and transfecting into cells to determine the effect on cell viability and its role in viral DNA replication.

148 Survey of Biocidal Effectiveness of Contact Lens Solutions against Delftia Spp. John Stephen Hipp Chemical Engineering/Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University The use of contact lenses has been shown to increase the risk of microbial keratitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea that causes impaired eyesight. The most common cause of this condition is bacterial colonization of contact lens cases. Of paramount interest are the bacterial species that form biofilms. Biofilms inhibit contact lens solutions’ biocidal effectiveness and can be formed by certain species of bacteria within contact lens cases. The biofilm forming bacteria, Delftia spp., have an important emerging


role in microbial keratitis cases as they are ubiquitous in public water supplies and can have a different antibiotic resistance pattern than other bacterial species. This project surveyed five different commercial contact lens solutions to determine their biocidal effectiveness against Delftia acidovorans SPH-‐1, D. acidovorans CS1-‐4, and D. tsuruhatensis. Bacterial growth was observed in the contact lens solutions under varying starting doses of bacteria, nutrient broth supplementation, and incubation time. Growth was determined by kinetic absorbance measurements (A600) and viability was tested by spotting samples onto tryptic soy agar (TSA). Only one solution was found to be effective in preventing the growth of all three species in all cases. In the future, I will test the biocidal effectiveness of each compound within the functioning solution to determine the best antibacterial additive to resist Delftia spp.. This information will be helpful in the development of formulas to combat this new concern.

91 DNA Methylation Profile of Senescing Medicago truncatula Harold Evan Lamb Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christina Valerie Garcia Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Iron is an essential nutrient and one of the most common deficiencies in the world affecting people in developing and industrialized countries. This elevates the demand for iron-‐rich food crops. In developing countries legumes are heavily depended on as an iron and protein source due to limited access to animal products. Many legumes are naturally iron-‐rich, but the seed content can be improved. One approach is to optimize the duration and timing of senescence -‐ the final developmental stage where photosynthetic activity decreases and nutrients are recycled and remobilized to other parts of the plant. Manipulating senescence could maximize the amount of iron remobilized to seeds. Previous experiments have shown that iron deficiency in Medicago truncatula, a model legume, decreases dry matter partitioning to seeds and may suppress leaf senescence. To further investigate iron deficiency in M. truncatula, we measured protease activity in iron-‐deficient and sufficient leaves. Protease activity is a characteristic of senescence, and we found that iron-‐deficient leaves had less protease activity which suggests that iron-‐deficient M. truncatula suppress senescence. Because senescence causes a massive, irreversible overhaul of gene expression and because methylation of promoter regions has been shown to suppress gene expression, we hypothesized that this process is controlled by DNA methylation. To test this hypothesis, we will compare methylation profiles of M. truncatula (ecotype A17) grown in iron-‐deficient solution. We expect promoter regions of senescence-‐associated genes in iron-‐deficient plants to be more methylated than iron-‐sufficient plants, supporting our hypothesis that senescence is controlled by DNA methylation.

97 Investigation of the Role of Frog Virus 3 Gene ORF60R in First-‐Stage Viral DNA Replication Adam Xavier Miranda Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Thomas Lentz Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Ranavirus is a genus of DNA viruses that infects cold-‐blooded vertebrates, such as reptiles and amphibians. The Ranavirus Frog Virus 3 (FV3) has been linked to die-‐offs of amphibians across the world, yet not much is known about its molecular biology. This virus has a double-‐stranded DNA genome and replicates via a unique two-‐stage strategy. In the first stage of replication, the viral genome is replicated in the nucleus then sent to the cytoplasm where these genomic monomers are then concatemerized and packaged into newly formed virus particles. The goal of this project was to identify genes of FV3 that have function pertaining to this unique method of DNA replication. ORF60R is an open reading frame in the FV3 genome that bears strong sequence similarity to the B DNA polymerase family. B DNA polymerases replicate DNA during cell division. We hypothesize the gene product of ORF60R is active in the first stage of FV3 DNA


replication when viral DNA is synthesized. The ORF60R region was cloned from a viral isolate and sequenced. Alignment revealed variations between the cloned isolate and published version of ORF60R. Further studies will clone ORF60R into an expression vector to determine whether this gene functions in the first stage of viral replication.

90 Uncovering the Function of Delftia's Putative Blue Light Detection Gene Michelle Marie Musante Microbiology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Carlos Goller Biotechnology Program, North Carolina State University Many organisms, including bacteria and algae, have genes that encode blue light detection domains. These genes could play a role in cell-‐to-‐cell communication, biofilm production, and other cellular processes. DNA sequencing revealed putative blue light detection genes in the bacterium Delftia acidovorans, but the function of these genes remains a mystery. We hypothesized that Delftia spp., which are commonly found in aquatic environments and can cause line-‐related nosocomial infections, use blue light detection as a way to regulate biofilm production and coordinate swimming and swarming motility. Motility and biofilm assays were performed under blue light (460 nm) and compared to assays incubated under red light (630 nm) and a combination of red and blue light and in darkness. Blue light appeared to have a small negative effect on biofilm formation and coordinated motility of Delftia spp. Ten-‐fold dilutions of Delftia spp. showed less growth under blue light than in darkness or red light. Next, chemotaxis assays will be performed to further assess the effects of blue light on Delftia spp. motility. If blue light consistently hinders the viability and coordinated activity of these bacteria, it could be used to prevent Delftia infections while causing less damage to animal cells than UV light.

86 Using MRI to Evaluate Norepinephrine’s Role in the Development of Brain Structure Ben Edward Peterson Materials Science Engineering, North Carolina State University Claire Ruddiman Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University Release of norepinephrine (NE) is essential for the maintenance of critical behaviors such as attention, mood, memory, and arousal. NE neuron disruption in adults has been linked to disorders including anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease. However, it is unclear if NE neuron dysfunction during development contributes directly to these disorders. Our genetic-‐based approach utilizes a mouse model with a hM3Dq DREADD (Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by a Designer Drug) receptor targeted to a genetically-‐defined subpopulation of NE neurons (LC-‐En1 neurons) in vivo. To enable in vivo manipulation of LC-‐En1 neurons, mice were treated with a pharmacologically inert drug-‐CNO, from embryonic day 12 thru post-‐natal day 10, resulting in aberrant NE release in the DREADD mutants. We hypothesize that this NE neuron stimulation throughout critical developmental timeframes will impact the brains development, structure, and function. To test this hypothesis, DREADD expressing mice and their controls were tested in the light-‐dark anxiety-‐related paradigm at post-‐natal day 29. DREADD mice spent significantly less time on the light side of the chamber compared to littermate controls. These behavior deficits led us to explore the impact of LC-‐En1 NE neuron over activation on embryonic brain development utilizing MR contrast imaging. Here we outline our MRI analysis pipeline utilizing freeware, such as ITK-‐Snap and 3D Slicer, to measure cortical thickness and other key regions of the brain involved in anxiety-‐related behaviors. DREADD animals will be compared to controls to determine if activation of a subset of NE neurons throughout embryonic development impacts brain structure.


87 Exploring the role of norepinephrine neurons in embryonic brain development Claire Adoreé Elaine Ruddiman Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering & Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Ben Peterson Materials Science Engineering, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University Release of norepinephrine (NE) is essential for the maintenance of critical behaviors such as attention, mood, and appetite. NE neuron dysfunction in adults has been linked to several disorders, including anxiety; however, it is unclear if dysfunction during development contributes directly to these disorders. Our unique genetic-‐based approach utilizes a mouse model with an hM3Dq DREADD (Designer Receptor Exclusively Activated by a Designer Drug) specifically targeted to a small, genetically-‐defined subpopulation of NE neurons (LC-‐En1) in vivo. To enable in vivo manipulation of LC-‐En1 neurons, mice were treated with an otherwise pharmacologically inert drug, CNO, from embryonic day 12 (E12) to E15, resulting in aberrant NE release in the DREADD mutants.We hypothesize that excessive LC-‐En1 NE neuron stimulation throughout critical periods of brain maturation will impact neuronal development and ultimately behavior. To test this hypothesis, DREADD mutants and their littermate controls were tested in the light-‐dark anxiety-‐related paradigm at post-‐natal day 29. DREADD mutants spent significantly less time on the light side of the chamber compared to littermate controls, which led us to explore the impact of LC-‐En1 NE neuron overactivation on embryonic brain development. We are performing immunohistochemistry assays on E15.5 brain sections (14-‐20 µm) from both mutant and control animals to (1) confirm the expression of the hM3Dq DREADD at this early embryonic age and validate our animal model, and (2) compare brain structure and development of dopamine and NE neurons. Future work includes performing cell counts to follow up on the results of our immunohistochemistry assays.


CASL Education Research Program 214 Advancing Thermal-‐Hydraulic Modelling of BWR Fuel Assemblies jamell walls Paschal Nuclear Engineering, South Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Joseph Doster Nuclear Engineering, North Carolina State University The purpose of this research is to use quality experimental data, provided by the Nuclear Power Engineering Corporation (NUPEC) of Japan, to refine the modelling of two-‐phase flow behavior in boiling water reactor (BWR) fuel bundles. Doing so will improve the prediction of core behavior and allow more reliable operation of a BWR. To accomplish this, the COBRA-‐EN code was used to simulate the thermal-‐hydraulic properties of a reactor core based on user input of outlet pressure, inlet temperature, flow rate, total power and thermal-‐hydraulic correlations. These results are compared to the NUPEC BWR Full-‐size Fine-‐mesh Bundle Test (BFBT) benchmark and the level of accuracy achieved by COBRA-‐EN is assessed.


Food Science Summer Scholar Program 38 The Comparison of Flavoring Oil Compounds Solubility in Water as the Impact of the Addition of Weighting Agent Zenia Adiwijaya Food Science and Technology, Iowa State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christopher Daubert Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University In the beverage industry, weighting agents are widely used to adjust the density of flavor oils in beverage formulations, but are not intended to modify flavor profile or other physical properties. The solubility of oil-‐based flavoring compounds in water is another essential physical property in modeling flavor release in select beverages. The objectives of this study were to compare the solubility of flavor compounds into water when formulated with the combinations of select weighting agent [sucrose acetylated isobutyrate (SAIB), esther gum (EG), and brominated vegetable oil (BVO)] and flavor oil (lemon, lime, and orange). Mixtures of flavor oils and weighting agents were equilibrated with distilled water for 24 hours under controlled environmental conditions in the 1.5 ml centrifuge vial. The water phase was subsequently extracted by piercing the bottom part of the vial with a needle connected to a syringe. The absorbance value, which reflects the flavoring compounds solubility, then measured using UV spectrophotometry. At typical usage ratio of weighting agents to flavor oil, BVO aqueous phase showed a significant difference (p< 0.05) in absorbance values compare to EG and SAIB aqueous phase. However, at equal molality (0.52 m) of weighting agent usages, there is no substantial difference in absorbance values of aqueous phase of BVO, EG, and SAIB weighted oils. This finding suggests that weighting agent concentration, which is predetermined by its molecular weight, appears to impact the solubility of flavor compounds. Different weighting agents require varying concentrations to stabilize a beverage system.

69 Study of Adaptive responses in multi-‐drug resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni. Annie Bajwa Food Science and Biochemistry, North Dakota State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sophia Kathariou Food, Bioprocessing & Nutrition Sciences, North Carolina State University Campylobacter is a motile, microaerophilic, gram negative bacterium. It is one of the leading causes of food-‐borne illnesses in the world. The symptoms of campylobacteriosis may include vomiting, nausea and body aches. Guillain–Barré syndrome, an acute immune disorder, is the most serious secondary complication of campylobacteriosis. Campylobacter is transmitted through improperly washed poultry, meat, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. Aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and tetracyclines are major classes of antibiotics towards which Campylobacter has shown resistance. Erythromycin is usually the drug of choice for bacterial gastroenteritis, but in recent years growing trends of erythromycin resistance in Campylobacter spp. have been noticed in many parts of the world. Erythromycin resistance in Campylobacter can occur because of point mutation in the 23s rRNA gene, enhanced efflux mechanisms, or enzyme-‐mediated methylation. Previous studies have shown that most types of antibiotic resistance impose a biological cost on bacterial fitness. The objective of this project is to characterize erythromycin-‐resistant strains of Campylobacter jejuni in terms of their ability to adapt to environmental conditions. To assess that, we evaluated differences in motility, osmotic and oxidative stress tolerance, and biofilm formation for 10 strains of C. jejuni. We observed no significant difference in motility among the strains tested; however, we noticed that two pan sensitive strains, showed better tolerance to oxidative stress conditions induced by hydrogen peroxide.

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Effect of lactic acid fermentation on fatty acid, amino acid, and protein composition of cashew nut and cucumber Isabella Maria Riley Food Science, Cornell University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Lisa Dean Food Science, North Carolina State University Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are used in industrial fermentations to induce biochemical changes to foods. This research focused on developing a model system to evaluate LAB changes to plant proteins during fermentation that may reduce allergenicity of cashew nut proteins. Pure culture fermentations with LAB of known and unknown proteolytic activity, Streptococcus thermophilus (ATCC BAA-‐491) and a cocktail of Lactobacillus plantarum, respectively, were inoculated into sterile media model systems composed of defatted cashew nut flour (CNF) extract (10 % wt/vol) or cucumber juice (60% wt/vol) and phosphate buffered saline modified to contain 2% NaCl and adjusted to pH 5.4. Fermentations were conducted at 30°C under static, aerobic conditions for 14 days. pH, sugar composition, and organic acid content were determined to monitor fermentation progress. In both CNF media inoculated with L. plantarum and S. thermophilus, pH decreased by 2.1 units and LAB count was maintained ~108 CFU/ml. Hydrolytic activity of sugars by LAB was indicated by rapid decline in sucrose, glucose, and fructose concentrations, which was not observed in the negative control. Presence of cashew nut allergens in CNF, the ability to sustain LAB growth, metabolism of sugars into lactic acid, and the corresponding decrease in pH indicate the creation of a suitable model system. SDS-‐PAGE analysis will be conducted to evaluate hydrolysis of allergenic proteins in cashew nut and overall proteolysis in cucumber. These findings will enable future research on proteolytic systems of LAB in relationship to plant proteins.

13 Bioinformatic Analysis of Degenerating CRISPR Arrays in E. coli Anna Michelle Townsend Biology, University of Kentucky Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Rodolphe Barrangou Food Science and Nutrition, North Carolina State University Alexandra Briner Plant Biology, North Carolina State University CRISPR-‐Cas systems provide adaptive immunity against mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in bacteria and archaea. Immunization occurs through the integration of the foreign DNA into the CRISPR array as spacers, flanked by identical CRISPR repeats. Over time, inactive CRISPR-‐Cas systems can degenerate through mutation or loss of cas genes, spacers, and/or repeats. Given the paucity of long-‐term studies on the evolutionary patterns of CRISPR-‐Cas systems in the absence of selective pressure, we used genomic sequencing data from Richard Lenski€™s Long Term Evolution Experiment (LTEE) to analyze CRISPR sequences over time. We hypothesized that the CRISPR array is subjected to the canonical genome-‐wide mutation rate for E. coli, and that mutations would occur over time throughout the array. Overall, the ancestral sequence is observable at the consensus level, except in the ultimate generation, in which we observed the complete internal deletion of a single spacer. Within each generational time point, deletions and mutations were detected in both spacer and repeat sequences, at low frequencies, reflecting a heterogeneous population. Furthermore, DNA sequencing coverage was statistically higher in the shorter CRISPR array, perhaps indicating loss of genetic information in the longer array. Additionally, the DNA sequencing coverage of individual spacers within an array varied, illustrating that spacer deletions are common. In the future, next-‐generation technologies that provide longer and higher quality reads will more extensively characterize those evolutionary patterns.


GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research 178 Analysis and numerical methods for differential equations in financial mathematics Jinze Chen Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Zhejiang University Rihui Ou Statistics, Zhejiang University; Deyi Liu Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Zhilin Li Mathematics, North Carolina State University Stochastic differential equations are widely used to model stock market and other financial activities. However, analytic solutions are rarely available for those differential equations. The project is focused on numerical solutions of the related differential equations, particularly the Black-‐Scholes Equation (BSE) with unbounded and terminal bounded conditions. The goal of the project is to find an accurate and stable numerical solution to the BSE, while ensuring the efficiency of the numerical algorithm. At first, the derivation of the BSE by the finance method and the Martingale method will be reviewed. Later, the finite difference method (FDM) is applied to obtain numerical solutions of BSE with Dirichlet, Neumann and Robin conditions. Then, the truncation technique such as artificial boundary Condition technique (ABCT) will be used to approximate the unbounded condition. Furthermore, a transformation technique proposed by Z. Li et al. will be applied for the unbounded problem. The advantage of this approach is that no truncation error is introduced in the finite difference method. The convergence of these methods will be analyzed and the efficiency of these methods will be compared. If time allows, the research will be extended to two and three-‐dimensional problems or problems with irregular boundary conditions, which are related to several new types of options. The research will be applied to some real financial data to validate our methods and analysis.

160 Chemical additives in ink design for EHD-‐jet printing process Zixuan Guo Chemistry, Jilin University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jingyan Dong E.P.Fitts-‐Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) printing technology has attracted considerable attention because of its widely applications, such as solar cells, biomaterial patterning, interdigitated structure of sensors, etc. There are many factors including ink preparation, drop deposition and process conditions in EHD printing process, and ink preparation acts as a critical condition. Basically certain ink properties should be taken into consideration when it is used for printing, such as chemical stability, surface tension, volatility, viscosity, conductivity, etc. In most cases polymers with hydrophilic property have better printing performance because it can be dissolved in water-‐based solvents which can easily evaporate after polymer deposited on the substrate. In this project, we will utilize such polymer as the base of the ink and design a printable ink with the given chemical considerations. Various components and their function within an ink fluid, such as solvent, humectants, surfactants, etc. will be studied to formulate a more stable ink. We will try to find an optimized composition of these chemical additives so as to improve those aforementioned ink properties for better printability. To test the printing performance of the ink, we plan to validate the designed ink by printing experiments.

162 Engineering Interfacial Thermal Conductivity of monolayer MoS2 Qiaochu Li Matierial Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Linyou Cao Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) including monolayer and few layers has obtained great attention due to its excellent properties which enable construction of various of electronic and optoelectronic devices. As device dimensions decrease, thermal dissipation at the interface of 2D material and substrate plays a dominant role in degrading overall performance. Therefore, it is necessary for 2D MoS2 to be able to efficiently transport heat into the surrounding architecture. However, there is limited understanding on how substrate influences the heat transport across the interface of substrate and monolayer MoS2, and how thermal conductivity varies with its layer number. In this work, we use optothermal Raman technique to measure the lateral and interfacial thermal conducvity of monolayer MoS2 on different substrates. Our research contains observation of lateral and interlayer thermal conductivity of both suspended and substrated MoS2. In substrated MoS2, we studied how different kinds and different dimensions (2D or 3D) of substrates affect the thermal conductivity. So far we have found out that the lateral thermal conductivity for as grown MoS2 on different substrates is much larger than that of transferred MoS2, which is attributed to stronger bond interaction between MoS2 and substrate. We also found that samples on 2D substrate have higher thermal conductivity(both lateral and interfacial) than on 3D substrate because of the shorter distance between layered MoS2 and 2D substrate. Next, we will observe how layer number influence the thermal conductivity of MoS2. Based on those studies, we brought up the mechanism of how thermal conductivity varies, which is related to anharmonic scattering of phonons, and is confirmed using the AFM measurement.

181 High Efficiency AC Distributed Energy Storage Device (DESD) Xindi Li Software Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology Yaokun Hu Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University; Defang Li Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University Energy storage has long been a key issue which can be beneficial to the efficiency, reliability and management of electricity power. Nowadays, since the wide deployment of intermittent solar and wind generation has decentralized the power generation system, distributed energy storage system may be preferred for the future distributed electrical system (Smart Grids). We are designing and deploying a High efficiency AC DESD which integrates the Toshiba LTO batteries as the energy storage system and can function as control, communication and protection using advanced power electronics. This new system employs a commercialized three-‐leg SiC MOSFET module, which can transform the battery nominal dc voltage to 120Vac and deliver it to the grid. In the new AC DESD implementation, we use standardized DESD communication and control platform. At the lowest level, a digital signal processor (DSP) implements the control loop of power electronics, which can do the real and reactive power actuation, measurement and protection. The DSP communicates via the MODBUS protocol to the local Beagle Bone Black ARM Board, which links to the distributed grid intelligence (DGI) via the MQTT protocol. The Toshiba battery modules have an integrated battery management system (BMS). The BMS measures the battery voltage, current, temperature; estimates the battery state-‐of-‐charge; and communicates this information to the local ARM board using CAN communication. With the information collected from the BMS and the DSP, the ARM board can implement higher-‐level applications, such as running the on-‐line battery degradation model.

163 Design and Fabrication of Flexible Capacitive Sensor Using Electrohydrodynamic Inkjet Printing Chi-‐Chen Lin Physics, National Taiwan University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jingyan Dong E.P.Fitts-‐Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University Flexible electronics has received significant attention in recent years, and it has great potential to become the next revolutionary technology in electronics. In current technology, capacitive sensors are widely used in cell phones and tablets as touch sensors. In this work, we use finite element analysis (FEA) software, ANSYS, to analyze the physics for these sensors. Moreover, we conduct experiments to test a flexible capacitive sensor, which is able to detect a finger touch, a droplet, or even a cell on the surface of the substrate. The capacitive sensor is composed of x-‐direction and y-‐direction electrodes on polymer films such as PET. Electrohydrodynamic inkjet printing (E-‐jet printing) is used for the fabrication of the sensor. In E-‐jet printing, a voltage between nozzle and substrates is applied. It can generate droplets smaller than the size of the nozzle, improving the resolution of printing. The electrodes are printed by E-‐jet printing using silver nanoink. RC oscillator circuit will be used in the measurement of the capacity difference to sense the desired physical phenomenon. We expect to develop a platform that implements highly-‐sensitive touch sensing for flexible electronics, which can be applied to new electronic technologies, such as flexible smart phones.

158 Validating solubility of SAFT-‐ gamma Mie models for polymer solutions Wei Cheng Lin Chemical Engineering, National Taiwan University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Erik Santiso Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University A description of chemical systems using an equation of state (EoS) is an important approach for modeling and predicting thermodynamic properties. The study of statistical associating fluid theory employing group contribution approach in Mie potential (SAFT-‐γ Mie) has shown to have the ability to accurately predict the behavior and properties of molecules. In our work, we attempt to connect the SAFT-‐γ Mie EoS with the Hildebrand solubility parameter so that with Mie parameters used to model the molecule, we can directly get the Hildebrand solubility parameter. It is helpful to predict thermodynamic properties not previously studied with SAFT-‐γ Mie EoS to validate Mie parameters. Obtaining thermodynamic properties from these theories is crucial in chemical process design and molecular simulation. The importance of our work is that we can study the solubility using the theory without conducting experiments. Preliminary results for the Hildebrand solubility parameters are in agreement with experimental data, which also advocates that SAFT-‐γ Mie EoS is an accurate predictive model. We started by testing simple molecules such as n-‐pentane and will continue to test more complicated molecules such as polymers for their solubility and see if it is in good agreement. Our vision is to expand this method to validate polymer simulation models and form a paradigm by which Mie parameters can be refined by solubility and other thermodynamic properties.

159 Fabrication of gallium-‐based liquid metals with complex geometries at room temperature Yubo Ouyang Polymer Material and Engineering, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University Gallium is a non-‐toxic, commercially available metal. It has a melting point of about 30 °C, but due to its supercooling property, gallium remains liquid at room temperature with low viscosity and high electrical conductivity. In addition, this metal also possesses a thin, passivating and mechanically strong oxide skin that forms on the surface instantaneously in presence of air or dissolved oxygen. Gallium has multiple applications like flexible electronics, microfluidic devices and soft robots, etc., however, traditional patterning methods like soft lithography restricts devices to only 2D/planar geometries, precluding us from


fabricating complex shapes. Here, we introduce a novel technique to construct three-‐dimensional (3D) metallic microstructures. Elastomers are utilized in the process, which serve as a sacrificial template so that we easily shape gallium into complex and arbitrary shapes. The resulting wires may have applications in stretchable electronic devices and microfluidics.

197 Miniature Photo Pumped Laser System Dongming Sun Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University Yuanyuan Zhu Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University The miniature low power diode based system is a great replacement of traditional laser pumping system, in aspects of size, manufacture cost and power consumption. This project is based on a has-‐been-‐designed miniature photo pumped laser system, which consists of a 555 timer, a one shot circuit, a line driver, a feedback operational amplifier and other essential electronic components. The 555 timer generates a specific frequency pulse, and the one shot circuit is in charge of controlling the pulse width. The line driver together with the op amplifier convert voltage to current and adjust the current flowing through the laser diode. The goal of this project is to improve the performance of the existing system. There are two aspects to for us to commence. First, we will shorten the rise time by choosing faster transistors, as well as re-‐designing the circuit layout. Second, a high bandwidth op amp and electrical and optical the power of the system will be increased. It is expected that this well-‐controlled high-‐speed high current circuit can drive a semiconductor diode laser and include the following features: 1) Generation of a high speed voltage pulse (pulse width 20-‐100ns, rising time 5-‐10ns); 2) conversion of the voltage pulse to a current pulse (>1Amp); 3) insertion of an adjustable direct current bias. This circuit will finally be used to drive a blue laser diode to produce peak optical power up to 1 Watt.

256 Reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin Methods for 1D Diffusion equation based on FOHS Formulation Yangting Sun Aerocraft Design & Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hong Luo Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin (rDG) methods are presented for solving diffusion equations based on a first-‐order hyperbolic system (FOHS) formulation in one dimension. The idea is to combine the advantages of the FOHS formulation and the rDG methods in an effort to develop a more reliable, accurate, efficient, and robust method for solving the diffusion equations. The aim of this project is to develop hyperbolic DG methods, which can be made to have the same number of degrees-‐of-‐freedom as the conventional DG methods. A number of test cases for different diffusion equations are presented to assess accuracy and performance of the newly developed hyperbolic rDG method. Meanwhile, stability analysis is carried out for the presented methods. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the hyperbolic rDG methods are able to achieve the designed optimal order of accuracy for both solutions and their derivatives, indicating that the developed hyperbolic rDG methods provide an attractive and probably an even superior alternative for solving the diffusion equations.

169 Intrusion Detection Games with Imperfect Monitoring Zhiyuan Tang Electronic and Information Engineering, Zhejiang University Weite Ni Automation, Zhejiang University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Along with the development of information technologies over the past decades, the security of information systems and networks has always been a big concern. To ensure security, intrusion detection systems (IDSs) have been serving as a vital line of defense. We model the interaction between attackers and IDSs as a stochastic game. When the IDSs cannot perfectly observe the attacker€™s actions, imperfect monitoring occurs. One solution adopted in the existing literature is to ignore the attacker€™s actions and convert the stochastic game into a Markov Decision Process (MDP). However, with this approach, we may fail to utilize the valuable information that can help the IDSs perform better. In this project, we plan to explore other heuristics to address this problem. For example, the IDSs can randomly guess the attacker's actions or hold its learning process when the attacker€™s actions cannot be observed. We will investigate and compare the performance of these strategies through numerical experiments.

172 Comparison of Methods to Reduce Illegal Dumping of Fecal Sludge in Tanzania and Ghana Di Wang Economics, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University The right to water and sanitation is a distinct human right recognized by the UN. On-‐site sanitation systems are widely used in developing countries, and can be analyzed through the framework of the fecal sludge (FS) management chain, which includes emptying, transportation, treatment and disposal/reuse. However, the chain of FS management may break if pit emptiers illegally discharge fecal sludge into the environment such as in rivers and fields, instead of managed dumping sites, transfer stations, and treatment plants. This results in negative impacts on the environment and the health of residents, incurring negative externality costs and causing inefficiency of the FS emptying market. This study will compare several methods to reduce illegal dumping in terms of costs and effectiveness, including discharge fees, incentives, licenses and increased number of treatment plants/transfer stations. The current situation in Tanzania and Ghana would also be explored. A literature review, calculation of costs (transportation, tax, willingness to pay, etc.) and cost-‐benefit analysis will be used to compare different methods to deal with illegal discharge. Future research will include building more accurate models to estimate costs using more accurate first-‐hand information.

173 The real-‐time display of a flow field system based on FLTK Yingting Wang Computer Science and Technology, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hong Luo Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University FLTK is a cross-‐platform lightweight C++ GUI toolkit for Unix/Linux, Microsoft windows, and MacOS X, which is designed to be small and modular enough to be statically linked, but works fine as a shared library. It integrates well with OpenGL in visualization of data and provides programmer with comfortable programming environment instead of traditional C code development. The aim of this project is to develop an online display capability for RDGFLO code: a legacy 2D CFD program in our lab. The code is written in Fortran, which simulates compressible flows using a high order reconstructed Discontinuous Galerkin method. The visualization capability will be able to display the density, velocity, Mach number, and many other outputs in real-‐time in split windows using C++ based on FLTK. The use of FLTK will grant us a simpler way to build GUI of the system. Also, by applying new features like triple-‐buffering, the result can be displayed in a faster and neater way. The development of the real-‐time display part will make the


simulation of a flow filed visual and intuitive, providing a convenient environment for researchers to detect error and make improvement for the system. Meanwhile, the fact that this project combines the GUI programming and library-‐based development in computer science with computational fluid dynamics in engineering field leads to a good chance for interdisciplinary learning.

161 Time-‐optimal Trajectory Planning With High-‐order Constraints Xuefei Wang Automation, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jingyan Dong E.P.Fitts-‐Industrl.& Sys Engr, North Carolina State University In a number of industrial facilities from manufacturing machines to robotics, it’s of great significance to generate a time-‐optimal trajectory to operate these machines for achieving the optimal productivity. Considering safety, stability and dynamic capability of the system, several constraints have to be taken into consideration in trajectory generation, including velocity, acceleration and even high-‐order constraints such as jerk, jounce and derivative of jounce, which makes the generation process quite challenging. This work proposes a heuristic algorithm to effectively solve this problem. The algorithm starts with choosing a specific parameter to represent the position of the trajectory and selecting knot points with equal parametric increment along it. Then, parametric velocities of those points are initialized with feasible values and a smooth curve can be interpolated by using piecewise fifth-‐order polynomial spline interpolation with continuous velocity, acceleration, jerk, jounce and derivative of jounce. Further, each knot point is scanned and increased to the maximum value without violating all the constraints by using binary search. This algorithm terminates when the difference of total path traversal time between the current scan and the previous scan is less than a given time tolerance. As a result, the time-‐optimal trajectory is achieved, which satisfies all the constraints. A typical tool path, circle, is used to demonstrate the effectiveness of this algorithm.

195 Analysis of Characteristics of Data Breaches Jiayi Wang Statistics, Zhejiang University Ruoxi Bai Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University Data breaches have aroused public attention in recent years. With personal information of millions of people exposed intentionally or unintentionally, data breaches have contributed significant damages to business reputation and personal privacy. By analyzing the data published by the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse (PRC), we expect to depict the characteristics of data breaches including size and frequency. The tools of time series are applied to analyze the trends of data breaches frequency between 2005 and 2015. We plan to build a model to analyze the frequency of data breaches and test it using the data in 2016. As for the size of data breaches, B. Edwards et al (2015) developed Bayesian Generalized Linear Models (BGLM) based on time-‐independent distributions to investigate probabilities in size. We introduce time variables to determine distributions in the first place as a modification of the previous work. Combining BLGM with maximum likelihood and Kolomogorov-‐Smirnov (KS) test, the relationship between the parameters of distributions and time is disclosed. We can use this model to estimate the probability of a data breach of a given size (for example, one million records). The graphs and statistics shown as the results of our models can serve as a practical approach to determine the magnitude of data breaches. This may motivate further study in incorporating additional data on the nature of the breaches and also help policy makers make better decisions to prevent data breaches.


168 A scalable 3-‐D Model for Room Temperature Distribution to Improve the Home Energy and Thermal (HEAT) Simulator Yuezi Wu Energy and Environment System Engineering, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mo-‐Yuen Chow Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Advanced Diagnosis Automation and Control (ADAC) Lab has created the Home Energy and Thermal (HEAT) Simulator, which allows to calculate the electric power consumption of individual home based on connected appliances. Furthermore, it also allows to compute the variation of temperature of each room based on adjacent rooms’ temperature as well as heat sources/sinks. And now the purpose of this study is to develop the model into three dimensions instead of two, to show more specific temperature distribution and variation in the house considering appliances locations. Toward this goal, we separate the room and the house into many cubes which can be named as control volumes. And the main work is to set up each boundary condition with adjacent control volume. The study utilizes the knowledge of heat transfer and fluid flow to get different heat transfer equation of each control surface. Then we get differential equation with boundary conditions and heat sources/sinks caused by appliances and HV/AC. So, a point model is established and it can be reproduced as many times as user wants. After that, MATLAB is used to implement the model, and visualize the distribution and variation of temperature across the house.

177 Enhancement of Virtual Power System Platform Chenxi Wu Electrical Engineering, Tsinghua University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mo-‐Yuen Chow Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University In a world with continuously increasing demand of electric energy and power, managing those resources has become an important issue. Technology advancements have made renewable resources such as photovoltaic (PV) panels and wind turbines affordable for buildings or small households. Accompanied with energy storage devices, it is possible to build micro-‐grids for cost-‐effective operation by scheduling charging and discharging of the batteries properly. Some researchers have proposed different types of scheduling algorithms: * Centralized: control-‐center performs the calculations and sends charging and discharging commands to batteries. * Distributed: each battery has its own controller. The optimal scheduling commands are calculated in an iterative cooperative process. ADAC Laboratory at NCSU have developed an innovative Cooperative Distributed Energy Scheduling (CoDES) algorithm that solves the problem of minimizing the total system€™s operating costs (electricity bill, battery degradation, etc.) for a set of nodes (buildings or houses) connected to the grid. This project aims at improving ADAC€™s Virtual Power System Testbed, specially designed to run Hardware-‐in-‐the-‐Loop simulations as well as to fast-‐prototype future versions. The goal is to enhance the data visualization on a PC and on Android apps, and fast-‐prototype new CoDES algorithm versions on BeagleBone Black (BBB) processors The main contributions are: enhancing MATLAB GUI, implementing Python-‐based BBB code and enhancing Android app. The result is a complete demonstrative system, including real-‐time data visualization on PC, implementation of computing algorithms for batteries€™ scheduling, and user apps on Android.


174 Development of a Riemann Solver of the Unsteady Compressible Euler Equations for the Shock Tube Problem Haiyue Wu Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hong Luo Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University A shock tube problem, also known as a Riemann Problem, consists of an initial value problem composed of the unsteady compressible Euler equations with piecewise constant data having a single discontinuity as their initial conditions. The shock tube problem is very useful for the understanding of the compressible Euler equations because all properties, such as shocks and rarefaction waves, appear as characteristics in the solution. The aim of this project is to find the exact solutions of the unsteady compressible Euler equations for the shock tube problem. The exact solutions, which serve as reference solution, can then be used to compare with numerical solutions and to assess the accuracy of various numerical methods. The solution of the Riemann problem requires solving a non-‐linear equation, which can be extremely stiff and difficult to solve. Classical Newton method can fail with very high-‐pressure-‐ratio initial conditions. In this project, the location of singularity point is found to provide good initial guess for the exact solution and thus to increase the stability of the solver. Several benchmark shock tube test cases, with pressure ratio from 10 to 1012, have been used to verify the robustness of the developed Riemann solver. Meanwhile, the comparisons of the developed solver with other exact solvers as well as numerical solvers are carried out to examine the accuracy. This research provides an easy fix to overcome the difficulty of using exact Riemann solver when the pressure ratio is high, and can be utilized in the related fields.

196 Game -‐Theoretic Framework of Transactive Energy Distribution System Tingyan Xiang statistics, Zhejiang University Jing Gao Mathematics and applied mathematics, Jilin University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University Transactive energy refers to techniques for managing the generation, consumption, or flow of the electricity power through the use of economic or market-‐based constructs, which can bring many benefits including grid stability, energy saving and synergies. Our research focuses on economic operation of residential distribution system with high participation of distributed electricity prosumers. Wencong et al. in 2015 use game-‐theory-‐based methodologies and algorithms to determine the best strategy for each prosumer and the distribution locational marginal price (DLMP). They hypothesize that the goal of each prosumer and utility is to maximize its own profit, and then define net profit functions, payoff functions in game theory. Nash equilibrium point, in which state each player gains its most profit given a strategy space of others, is regarded as the optimal function solution, which can be found by using Nikaido-‐Isoda function and relaxation algorithm. The Loss Reduction Allocation (LRA) method is used to generate DLMP signals to reflect the temporal and spatial values of electricity. We make improvement on solving algorithms and payoff functions, and extend the framework to large-‐scale smart grid applications under various operating conditions and real-‐world scenarios. Furthermore, we produce visual results of power system simulation using MATLAB and based on a modified IEEE distribution node test feeder to validate the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed framework.

211 Deep Belief Network for Better Link Prediction Wei Xu Computer Science & Technology, Zhejiang University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Nowadays, with the prevalence of social networks, users are generating massive amount of interaction and information. Hence arises an interesting problem called "link prediction". The purpose of link prediction is to predictively estimate the unknown links with the known ones. Through link prediction, we can obtain effective and predictive information by taking advantage of social network data. In this study, the Deep Belief Network (DBN) method is used to examine link prediction. Deep Belief Network is a generative graphical model composed of multiple Restricted Boltzmann Machines (RBMs), where each RBM's hidden layer serves as the next RBM's visible layer. Remarkable features of the DBN include low computational complexity, no need for supervision, and the capability to escape from the local optimum. We plan to apply DBN to several specific datasets to extract features for better link prediction; then test the performance of DBN for link prediction with those features. We will compare our results with those of other analytical models or methods in terms of performance. Finally, we plan to propose some methods to improve the performance of DBN according to the actual application scenarios.

184 Interfacial mechanics of transfer printed polymer thin films Chao-‐Han Yang Engineering Science and Nano-‐Technology Program, National Taiwan University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Brendan O'Connor Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Flexible electronics has recently drawn scientific interest owing to its potential as wearable devices and bendable optoelectronics systems. These devices are typically composed of a heterogeneous stack on electrically conductive thin films. One approach to fabricate such devices is through transfer printing the individual layers. Here, transfer printing refers to transferring a thin film from a donor substrate to an elastomer stamp and finally to a receiving substrate. In this research, we analyze adhesive failure between these various substrates to explore the requirements for successful transfer printing. Our focus is on measuring critical failure energy (G-‐interface) between the elastomer stamp (PDMS) and various polymer semiconductor thin films. To figure out the interfacial crack phenomenon, double cantilever beam (DCB) method has been implemented using a micro-‐mechanical system (Delaminator Adhesion Test System). We then try to correlate measured adhesion energy with molecular structures of the polymer. Additionally, via a cohesive zone model (CZM) for structural mechanics€™ module on finite element analysis (FEA) software (COMSOL), we build a displacement-‐based cantilever beam model for predicting adhesive failure energy and weakness distribution on the bending interface of layers. The coupled experimental and numerical study will indicate some crucial factors that dictate the success of the transfer printing fabrication process.

210 An Optimized Control System for the UAVs Chengxi Yao Automation, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mo-‐Yuen Chow Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Cong-‐Sheng Huang Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones, refer to aircraft without human pilots aboard. The purpose of our project is to build a system that can capture the real-‐time coordinates of the drone and implement a close-‐loop control for tasks like cruising on a designated route or landing on the landing pads. In addition, an Android application with graphical user interfaces(GUI) will be designed to help users control the drone. Two major softwares are introduced to the system: (1) OptiTrack is a tracking system that uses small


reflective beads to identify the coordinates of the drone; (2) Android Studio IDE is the platform to develop the mobile flight control application. OptiTrack should first be investigated and calibrated for 3D tracking with verification of accuracy. It will stream the coordinates of our drone to the base station computer. The computer will run the controller to produce corresponding roll, pitch, and yaw values. The information will then be transmitted to the Android application, which acts as the user interface and sends control commands directly to the drone. The communication is established using Bluetooth Low Energy(BLE) and indoor wireless network. We expect further tasks to reduce the errors and response time of our system.

171 The assembly of multilayer surface ultracold neutron detector Monong Yu Physics, Beijing Institute of Technology Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Albert Young Physics, North Carolina State University A multilayer surface detector for ultracold neutrons (UCNs) is assembled which is used in a high precision measurement of the neutron lifetime (the UCN-‐tau experiment). The multilayer detector consists of a 100 nanometer thin B-‐10 top layer supported by a scintillating layer of ZnS:Ag which captures neutron and emits light. Photons from the ZnS layer are captured in scintillating fibers and guided to photomultilayer fiber outside the vacuum environment of the experiment. Our detectors utilize Hamamatsu micro PMTs to read out optical signal, where the very low dark rate is expected to make accidental background negligible. Implementing those PMTs may permit us to reduce or eliminate the need for a coincidence tag on real neutron detector events to discriminate from the “dark” background. We will test the detector response first using alpha sources to confirm light collection and uniform properties. As final step, we hope to use the PULSTAR reactor to test the response to thermal neutrons.

175 Exploration of improvement in the power factor of PEDOT:PSS films by aligning the conjugated polymer backbone. Nianlei Zhang Mechanical Engineering, Jilin University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Brendan O'Connor Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Compared with conventional heat engines, thermoelectric devices convert low-‐grade waste heat to electricity directly without emissions of greenhouse gas, in which thermoelectric materials play a crucial role. Conductive polymers and organic semiconductors (OSCs) have shown great advantages over inorganic semiconductors (ISCs) due to low cost, large-‐area deposition, high toughness, elasticity, material abundance and low weight. However, OSCs traditionally suffer from low thermoelectric power factor and hence have a big margin for improvement in ZT. Highly conductive organic polymer poly(3,4-‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly-‐(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) film has been the highest performing organic thermoelectric material to date. In this study, we explore the approach of aligning the conjugated polymer backbone in the plane of the film, along with doping with a solvent additive and acid treatment, as an approach to improve the power factor of PEDOT:PSS films. Here, we blend the PEDOT:PSS solution with ethylene glycol (EG) and FS-‐30, followed by straining as well as doping process with methanesulfonic acid (MSA). The ductility of PEDOT:PSS is greatly improved by adding commercial fluorosurfactant Capstone FS-‐30 served as plasticizer with the crack-‐onset strain reaching up to ~50%. The electrical conductivity along the strained direction is improved due to the fact that the polymer chain tends to be oriented along the strain direction. We then morphologically characterized the film anisotropy with optical spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry and atomic force microscopy.


170 Optical fiber-‐Coupled Electron Accelerator Yuelin Zhang Electronic Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Albert Young Physics, North Carolina State University We are developing components for optical fiber-‐coupled systems used in high precision Beta decay research. The first system we are working on is a pulsed electron source for a tunable time-‐tagged accelerator to calibrate Beta detectors for neutron decay experiments, covering an energy range from 0.1 to 1.0 MeV. The time stamp for the accelerator is established by producing the electrons using a fiber-‐coupled LED pulser (1.2ns FWHM). Pulsing permits studies of the Beta responses of the detector as a function of incident angle, since electrons with different pitch angles have different arrival times. The LED pulser is coupled to a LaB6 photocathode, incident at a 45 degree angle. We develop and test components of this system, including vacuum fiber feedthroughs and the optical system to couple light to the photocathode. The optical part of the system must be in vacuum to be compatible with the accelerator geometry. We also develop vacuum feedthroughs for scintillating fibers used in detectors, to measure neutron densities in neutron lifetime experiments.

165 A Review of Collaborative Scheduling Approaches for Construction Project Yunchang Zhang Traffic Engineering, Jilin University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Min Liu Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Critical Path Method (CPM) is a commonly used scheduling method for construction projects. However, in many projects, the schedule performance is usually less desirable than Lean techniques and collaborative scheduling approaches which have been utilized to decrease variability and increase productivity. This research aims to discuss the limitation of CPM and review recent applications of collaborative scheduling approaches in other industries, which have ever been proved to be efficacious. The proposed research includes following four steps: (1) investigating whether undesirable results derive from the problems in the CPM method or in its practice; (2) exploring supplementary collaborative scheduling approaches used in other industries; (3) researching the application of several tools throughout all project phases; and (4) providing information on how the industry can learn from and/or adopt these tools to improve collaborative scheduling. Consequently, based on the steps of this research, a comprehensive understanding of the matters needing attention when taking advantage of CPM that project participants should consider will be offered, moreover guidance on how might the recommendable methods be used with or as a replacement for the CPM method in construction practices will also be provided.

166 Adopting Dynamic Pricing Strategy for Cloud Computation Market Xinyu Zhang EE, Tsinghua University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Huaiyu Dai Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Recently, cloud computing has attracted a lot of attention as an efficient way to process massive amount of data. Although tremendous amount of work has been done in this area, there are no price and allocation strategies that can help achieve both the highest revenue and customers€™ satisfaction at the same time. Similar to the area of cloud computing, researchers in the area of power systems management try to


achieve the same goal. In this paper we try to adopt a pricing and allocation strategy that has been studied in the power system management area for the cloud computing market. We introduce a new model for cloud customers based on their priority. We run extensive simulations to evaluate our newly proposed model with different parameters such as cloud of cloud network manager’s revenue and customers’ payments. We also study the probability of rejection (dropping probability) for customers in our model and compare it to other models.

167 Predicting stock market through the Stock Discussion Community on Sina Microblog (SDCSM) Jianfu Zhang Information Management and Information Systems, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Yingjiao Xu Textiles, North Carolina State University Sina Microblog is one of the most influential social media in China. It has become an important platform where large groups of shareholders express investing attention and seize market information. Thus, it has grabbed the attention of both businesses and researchers seeking to extract value from enormous amount of relevant user generated contents(UGC) posted on the platform. One potential implication of the large volume of UGC on the Stock Discussion Community on Sina Microblog (SDCSM) is to serve as an indicator of the stock market. The purpose of this study is to conduct a preliminary examination of the UGC on SDCSM. Specifically, qualitative data analysis will be employed to 1) understand the general structure of a typical posting; 2) examine the interaction dynamics among the members; and 3) conduct sentiment analysis. The HTTP debugging proxy server application €“ Fiddler €“ will be used to grab posting data from SDCSM. Then the raw JSON format files will be parsed and fitted into semi-‐structured data. After cleaning and pre-‐preparation, the data will be analyzed using a qualitative data analysis tool Nvivo or an alternative tool. The results from this study will provide a foundation for further research on quantitative modeling in predicting stock market based on UGC obtained from SDCSM. Technically, this study also provides an opportunity to practice text scraping from SDCSM on mobile phones as well as text mining.

179 Real Time Human Action Recognition (HAR) based on Off-‐The-‐Shelf Wearable Devices Wenyi Zhao Automation, Beijing Institute of Technology Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Edgar Lobaton Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University The last decade has seen a booming of Human Action Recognition technologies and algorithms. Accurate recognition of human action would impact plenty of areas including medical, security and entertainment. In particular, for health monitoring, it is essential to make this identification in real-‐time on an embedded platform. In this project, we realize the HAR system on an Android smart phone using a simple wearable devices on the wrist. Features are extracted by windowing data with overlapping. An SVM based classification algorithm is used for activity recognition purposes. Off-‐line identification is performed using Matlab as a first stage, and then a real-‐time implementation is achieved using Java on the Android device. The program can tell the action that the person is executing (including waving, walking, sitting and so on) given the accelerometer data from the wearable devices.

164 Nanocellulose-‐Reinforced PAM/PEO Films Le Zhou Polymer science, Zhejiang University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Richard Spontak Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Polyethylene oxide (PEO) and polyacrylamide (PAM) are hydrophilic polymers with unique and potential applications in fields such as absorption, filtration and medical devices. However, films fashioned from these homopolymers usually possess deficiencies such as low tear strength, poor fatigue resistance and low extensibility for applications under many conditions. Nanocellulose fibrils have been proven to reduce the brittleness of polymeric materials at relatively low loading fractions. We intend to reinforce PAM/PEO films through the physical incorporation of nanocellulose fibrils. The films are also expected to exhibit special features related to changes in temperature and humidity since PEO possess lower critical solvent temperature (LCST) behavior. Films with an interpenetrating PAM/PEO network produced at different PAM/PEO ratios will be prepared. At each ratio, nanocellulose fibrils of various weight ratios will be added. Since the nanocellulose fibrils can be reasonably well dispersed in water, all the blends will be cast from water. Chemical effects induced by nanocellulose fibril addition will be evaluated using Fourier-‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The surface and cross-‐sectional morphological characteristics of films will be investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical property attributes such as tensile strength, elongation at break, elastic modulus and toughness will be measured from quasistatic uniaxial tensile tests. The blends will be subjected to differences in temperature and humidity to ascertain the influence of the PEO LCST on material response. Results will be correlated to establish structure-‐property relationships to elucidate the effects of blend and nanocellulose content on film properties fully.

176 Near Field Optical Characterization of VCSEL Yuanyuan Zhu Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University Dongming Sun Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kolbas Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University This is an experimental project to integrate an electrical characterization system (derivative machine) with optical imaging system. The imaging system will capture the near field optical emission patterns of a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) in a 10um spot size.

The existing VCSEL measurement system measures the electrical characteristics and captures the image of laser's near field light modes. However the system is quite cumbersome due to the software incompatibility between the electrical and optical systems.

Our approach is to use a Raspberry Pi (a microcomputer) to separate the image capturing process from a traditional computer, thus making the whole system more automatic and synchronous. The derivative machine will send a command signal to the Pi, which triggers a web camera to capture the image. Each state of the derivative machine will have corresponding image. In addition, we will build an optical imaging system so as to meet the varying requirements of both packaged and bare VCSELs. We will create a new system which will be more precise, effective and automated, making the subsequent data processing work less laborious.

This effort will facilitate a more advanced understanding of the underlying Physics and optimize VCSEL performance in applications ranging from fiber optic communication to the ubiquitous optical computer mouse. It will also make it more convenient for semiconductor laser manufacturers to test their product.


IMSD -‐ Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity 77 A look into how the inhibition of membrane proteins on cancer and white blood cells affects their interactions. Emmanuel Owusu Amu Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Tyler Allen CVM Dean's Office , North Carolina State University Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. About 1 in 4 deaths are caused by some form of cancer. The reason cancer is such a deadly and evasive disease is because of the ability of a cancerous cell to metastasize. Metastasis is when a cancerous cell dislodges from the initial tumor or primary site and migrates by way of the bloodstream to a new area of the body further spreading the cancer and possibly creating secondary tumors. Studies have shown that interactions between cancer and white blood cells have an impact on metastasis. In this study I observed the interaction between white blood cells and HELA cells (a cervical cancer cell line) in cell culture. I also observed these same cells after the inhibition of surface receptor proteins ICAM-‐1 (intercellular adhesion molecule 1) a cell adhesion molecule and CD11-‐Alpha. These proteins are responsible for cell to cell interactions. After the inhibition of the ICAM-‐1 protein there was a potential decrease in the interaction between cancer cells which was modeled by the decline of cancer cell aggregation. In the culture where CD11-‐Alpha was inhibited I noticed that the white blood cells were aggressively interacting with cancer cells as the amount of time in the cell culture increased. After the completion of this project the information gathered can be used to gain a better understanding when identifying the interaction between white blood cells and cancer cells.

213 A Comparison Between the Inhibition of PECAM-‐1 and ICAM-‐1 and its Effect on the Interaction between HeLa Cells and Endothelial Cells Dana Majdi Asad Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Tyler Allen CVM Dean's Office , North Carolina State University Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer related deaths. For metastasis to occur, primary tumor cells must travel through the blood stream where they interact with endothelial cells of blood vessel walls and crossover to form secondary tumors. The cancer cells achieve this through interaction with membrane proteins. Cell membrane proteins allow for communication between the cell and its surroundings. Two examples of such proteins include the Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule (PECAM-‐1) and the Intercellular Adhesion Molecule (ICAM-‐1). PECAM-‐1 and ICAM-‐1 are proteins encoded by their respective genes and are involved with the endothelial cellular interaction with one another and other cell types. In this study, we observed the effects of intercellular interaction between HeLa cervical cancer cells and human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVE) cells after the blocking of PECAM-‐1 and ICAM-‐1 proteins through antibody inhibition. The results showed a greater change in the interaction between the cells with the blocking of PECAM-‐1 than with ICAM-‐1. Both HeLa and HUVE cell types showed a significant change in interaction with one another. By understanding the influence these proteins have on the intercellular interaction between cancer cells and endothelial cells, there is a potential to reduce the metastasis of cancer cells in the body.


78 The effects of induced ischemia-‐reperfusion injury on intestinal stem cells in a large animal model. Justin Alexander Davidson Biology (concen. IPN), North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Liara Gonzalez CVM-‐Comp Animal, North Carolina State University Intestinal Stem Cells (ISCs) are critical to the maintenance of the intestinal lining and therefore everyday life. These cells are the source of cellular regeneration for the intestinal lining. Two populations of ISCs exist, active Intestinal Stem Cells (aISC) and reserve Intestinal Stem Cells (rISCs), have differences between their resistance to and contribution following severe injury is unknown. Our hypothesis is that ISCs are more resistant to severe injury than aISCs . 7-‐10 week old Yorkshire pigs were anesthetized for reversible mesenteric vascular occlusion of jejunum segments. Ischemia was created from 0-‐4 hours followed by 1 hour reperfusion. Jejunal segments were fixed, embedded and sectioned. Immunohistochemistry for the protein biomarker of proliferation (Ki67) was performed and positive cells were counted. Results from these experiments are currently being calculated. Results from these experiments will be used to help give a better understanding of how ISCs are affected during injury. Understanding ISC resistance and response to injury will contribute to further studies of transplant rejection, survival of short bowel syndrome and other intestinal injury.

116 Assessing morphological changes in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the hypothalamus due to perinatal BPA exposure in juvenile Sprague-‐Dawley rats Joelle Evelyn Fuchs Biology: Integrative Physiology and Neurobiology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Heather Patisaul Biology, North Carolina State University Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high volume production chemical found in a variety of commonly used products including plastics and epoxy resins. Because of its common use, human exposure is nearly unavoidable. Though the FDA considers BPA safe at current exposure levels, it continues to be debated in scientific and popular publications, resulting in conflicting messages to the public. To address these ambiguities and generate data for risk assessment, the current project was conducted as part of the CLARITY-‐BPA (Consortium Linking Academic and Regulatory Insights on BPA Toxicity) program and tests the hypothesis that perinatal BPA exposure induces morphological changes in the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the hypothalamus (an estrogen sensitive region of the brain critical to sexual behavior). NCTR Sprague-‐Dawley rats of both sexes were assessed through unbiased stereology; each in one of ten groups exposed to either BPA (2.5, 25, 2500 μg/kg bw/day), vehicle, or ethinyl estradiol (0.5 μg/kg bw/day). Exposure spanned from gestation through lactation, with dams gavaged from gestational day 6 until birth, and offspring gavaged directly through weaning (n = 12/sex/group). Though we remain blinded in this study, we hypothesize that BPA’s presence—due to its estrogen-‐mimicing properties—will result in enlarged SDNs in female rats, resembling a more masculine SDN. Future research assessing other sexually dimorphic areas in the hypothalamus is currently underway. Once all data is collected and sent back to the FDA, it will be decoded and used to ensure proper risk assessment.

96 Genetic Variance for Fitness in Drosophila simulans Aramys Christos Georgiou Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


Trudy MacKay Genetics, North Carolina State University Two fitness-‐related traits, productivity and sex ratio, were studied in 303 highly inbred lines of Drosophila simulans to determine if there was genetic variation in these traits. Productivity and sex ratio are important evolutionary traits needed for the continuation of a species. The better an organism is at reproducing, then the more likely an organism’s genes will continue to persist within its population , but if an organism is not very productive, then its genes will ultimately be eliminated from its population. Deviation form a 50:50 ratio of females:males can also lead to inbreeding, which is also deleterious. These traits were measured by counting the number of emerging females and the number of emerging males. For each line, productivity was calculated as the total number of emergent adults, and the sex ratio as the proportion of emergent females divided by the total number of flies. We performed analysis of variance of these data, and found significant variation in of total productivity between the lines (P < 0.0001) as well as significant variation in sex ratio between the lines (P < 0.0001). The 303 D. simulans lines are the D. simulans Genetics Reference Panel (DSRP), for which complete genome sequences are being obtained. We will use these data on productivity and sex ratio to perform a genome wide association analysis to discover molecular variants and genes affecting these important fitness traits.

58 Characterizing Norovirus Deactivation by Surfactants, Catechin and Understanding the Origins of Its Strain-‐Specific Resistance Tierra N Knight Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Brittany Mertens Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University The human Norovirus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis. Based on evidence that surfactants can remove Noroviruses from surfaces, our research is aimed at discovering the interactions between surfactants, Noroviruses, and different types of surfaces. Our goal is to learn which surfactant is most efficient at removing Noroviruses from surfaces. By using a silver enhancement surface immunoassay and testing surfactants such as SDS, CTAB, and Tween-‐20, we determined which surfactant has a greater ability to remove Virus Like Particles (VLPs) of Norovirus from glass and polystyrene surfaces. Of the surfactants studied, low and high concentrations of SDS removed the highest fraction of VLPs, and any concentration of CTAB removed the least VLPs. We believe that this is occurring because of the high effectiveness of SDS as as a cleaning agent. We are also trying to find a more stable substitute for ascorbate that is still highly effective in deactivating Norovirus. We have tried using environmentally benign particles and data has shown that ascorbate is still needed to generate long-‐term stability. We are currently using catechin as a part of a new composition for deactivating the Norovirus. Using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and VLPs we determined which strains of the Norovirus are susceptible to divalent copper ion binding and subsequent deactivation. At the lowest copper concentration that we detected aggregation with the DLS, we established that there was strong copper binding to the capsid, resulting in loss of virus infectivity. Our data showed that out of the five Norovirus strains studied, the Houston strain is the most susceptible to deactivation by copper. These results will be used in the making of novel formulations for Norovirus deactivation.

62 Aggression and Stress Coping Style Variation Independently Derived Zebrafish Alisha Ish Palekar Human Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University


Animals have various coping mechanisms that cause them to react differently when placed in stressful environments. This research is focused on characterizing aggression across lines of zebrafish selectively bred to exhibit differences in stress coping style (proactive and reactive coping respectively). Proactive zebrafish show a more active response to stressors including more active behavior in a novel environment. Reactive line zebrafish are less active and were tested in two independent selection experiments and show more freezing behavior in a novel environment. This study, males from independently derived proactive or reactive stress coping lines was tested in a paradigm termed €˜Social Defeat€™ that is increasingly used to model depression. In this paradigm, paired animals develop a dominant-‐subordinate relationship in which the subordinate individuals are aggressively dominated. Two size-‐matched male zebrafish from either the proactive or reactive lines (n=8 of each, 16 total) were placed together in a nine liter tank for seven days, and the development of dominant-‐subordinate relationships was observed. The results showed two key findings. First, clear dominant-‐subordinate relationships were formed even though the males were size matched. This study shows that dominant-‐subordinate relationships are established in male zebrafish and that aggressive behavior is correlated to stress coping style. This study examines whether proactive coping mechanisms become dominant in two independent replicate selection experiments. The results of this study also strengthen the idea that being dominant increases proactive coping and being subordinate increases reactive coping.

234 Monitoring Brain Metabolism Deepthi Gururaja Rao undecided, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Leslie Sombers Chemistry, North Carolina State University Drug abuse is a globally common societal problem; it is also difficult to treat as little is known about the neurochemical mechanisms which govern drug addiction. Cocaine and other drugs are known to elicit a well characterized dopamine release in the striatum. Medium spiny neurons in the vicinity of dopamine terminals respond to the dopamine (DA) that is released in the extracellular space. Neuronal activation of these cells in the striatum requires glucose; and glucose availability is governed by two opposing forces: cerebral blood flow (CBF), and glucose utilization. Glucose is likely to be spatially variable at the micro-‐scale, but extracellular glucose dynamics have yet to be elucidated, due largely to a lack of technology available for these measurements. The simultaneous detection of rapid fluctuations of both DA and glucose within spatially discrete recording locations in the striatum is imperative to understand brain energy utilization. Recently, our lab developed a glucose-‐oxidase enzyme-‐modified carbon-‐fiber microelectrode (GOx-‐EME) for use with fast-‐scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV): an electrochemical approach that enables selective, sub-‐second measurements from a discrete recording location. This work characterizes the GOx EME with FSCV for the simultaneous detection of DA and glucose signals in the DA-‐innervated striatum of anesthetized rats, and examines the stability of the sensor for longitudinal chemical recordings. Additionally, we are investigating spatial heterogeneity in these signals, in response to a brief mild electrical stimulation in awake and freely moving animals. These investigations will advance our understanding of basic brain neuroenergetics.

258 Sapphire Caricature: the misperception of African American women and their ability to express sadness Yiqun Sun Human Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Amy Halberstadt Psychology, North Carolina State University Negative stereotypes about the African American community have been a large part of the American


culture for many years. These stereotypes cause African American adults to be perceived as more aggressive and threatening than their European American peers (Coltrane & Messineo, 2000; Devine, 1989). Previous studies have shown that African Americans are often misperceived as expressing anger when they are not (Elfenbein & Ambady, 2002; Hatchings & Haddock, 2004). However, most of the literature that focuses on the prejudice and stereotypes towards African Americans are not gender-‐specific. In this study, we wanted to assess whether the race differences found with men’s expressions would also occur for women. We predicted that African American women are more likely to be mislabeled when they are expressing sadness than when European American women are expressing sadness. We studied 40 college-‐aged participants using the Increasingly Clear Emotions measure (Halberstadt, Lozada, Leary, Sibley, & Garrett-‐Peters, 2010). Participants viewed and identified the emotions depicted in the videos in the ICE Task. Results showed that there was a significant difference in participants’ accuracy in labeling expressions of sadness of African American targets versus those of European American targets. Participants were less accurate in interpreting facial expressions of sadness for African American women (18%) than European American women’s expression of sadness (44%) (t= -‐7.09, p < .001)

34 Automation and Applications of the Tolerance Limit Method in Meat and Milk Omokuyani Chibuzor Udiani Physics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Ronald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University Given the tedious and prolonged nature of the Tolerance Limit Method (TLM) required by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to determine a safe meat and milk withdrawal times, a code was written to calculate the drug withdrawal period for several datasets. The code called the Withdrawal Time Calculator (WTC) applies the method to both milk and meat samples. The program has been tested against the data provided by the FDA, in addition to tissue concentration data from the published studies. The code reproduced published results in all tests. With this WTC, withdrawal times using the TLM method can now be calculated without using a combination of excel and SAS programs. The code provides a platform to change parameters of a test; moreover the code can be used to calculate the withdrawal period for any drug and any class of animal provided that the collected data meets specific minimum requirements as outlined in the FDA TLM guidance document.


Independent Researchers at NC State University 222 Utilizing CRISPR/CAS9 to Disrupt Galectin-‐3 and Protein Kinase C Delta to Study Their Role in LC3 -‐Associated Phagocytosis Asha Female Anand Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Artiom Gruzdev Reproductive and Developmental Biology , NIEHS Cells undergo autophagy, in which they recycle components of the cytoplasm to maintain homeostasis to get rid of damaged organelles or to synthesize energy/metabolites during stress/starvation. Previously described to be linked solely to autophagy, the involvement of microtubule-‐associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3A (LC3) has recently been linked to phagocytosis in the form of LC3-‐associated phagocytosis (LAP), a distinct non-‐canonical autophagic pathway capable of shaping the pursuant immune response to engulfed cargo. Studies show that activation of various cell surface receptors can induce the LAP pathway. The direct signaling cascade between the cell surface receptors and the recruitment of the Class III PI3K complex remains unknown as LAP does not utilize the pre-‐initiation complex required of canonical autophagy. Current work by the lab of Jennifer Martinez, has identified several genes that may play a key role in the initial signaling cascade of LAP activation including Galectin-‐3 (Lgals) and Protein Kinase C Delta (Prkcd). In approximately 8 weeks, we generated Cas9 system delivery plasmids and transfected an immortalized Raw macrophage cell line followed by clonal expansion and screening. PCR sequencing identified clones with non-‐homologous end joining deletions resulting in nonsense mutations. Immediate future work includes the expansion of positively identified clones for western blot analysis to confirm the disruption of Galectin-‐3 and Prkcd at the protein level. Once disruption is confirmed, the Martinez lab will use the macrophage cell line to study LAP-‐activation in the absence of Lgals3 and Prkcd.

212 Characterization of Toxin-‐Antitoxin Systems in Sulfolobus acidocaldarius via Targeted Mutagenesis Leah Elizabeth Anderson Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Toxin-‐Antitoxin (TA) systems are fairly ubiquitous and prolific among prokaryotic organisms. The systems are characterized by a stable toxin and labile antitoxin, that behave similarly to a poison and its cognate antidote. In the past, TA systems have been implicated in plasmid maintenance, phage defense, nutrient starvation, and antibiotic toxicity. The Sulfolobales, an order of the kingdom Archaea, represent some of the most thermophilic (Topt > 70 C) and acidophilic (pHopt < 3.5) organisms identified to date. While many of these organisms do not carry plasmids, do not encounter lytic phages, and have little response to many traditional antibiotics, they often contain large numbers of TA loci. Their predominant form of TA pair is the type-‐II virulence-‐associated protein (Vap) which encodes a stable VapC protein containing a PilT N-‐terminus (PIN) domain with ribonucleolytic activity, and a labile VapB protein capable of binding and quenching VapC activity. In previous studies from our lab, these TA systems have been observed to impart biological fitness to organisms under heat and uranium stress via the selective degradation of RNA molecules, sometimes inducing a temporary state of cellular dormancy. Given the interesting habitats these organisms inhabit (high temperature, low pH, low carbon, high metal concentrations), we hypothesize that their TA systems have evolved as a way to respond to specific environmental stressors and fluctuations. One method, presented here, of investigating this hypothesis involves directed mutagenesis and screening of the extreme thermoacidophile Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, which contains 14 identifiable VapBC loci with no characterized function.


230 Using Curve-‐Shortening Flow to Solve Dido’s Problem Davis Pierce Atkinson Applied Mathematics, North Carolina State University Jonathan Dunay Mathematics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Andrew Cooper Mathematics, North Carolina State University Dido’s problem is to maximize the area enclosed by a specified length of curve, when part of the curve is fixed. We approach Dido€™s problem using a partial differential equation known as curve-‐shortening flow, which moves each point of the curve in the direction of curvature. Gage and Hamilton have shown that curve-‐shortening flow solves the related isoperimetric problem. We conjecture that curve-‐shortening flow will provide us with the optimal curve to solve Dido€™s problem as well.

5 The molecular mechanisms establishing left-‐right asymmetry in the developing heart Evan Cortez Brooks Biological Sciences -‐ Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology Concentration, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Nanette Nascone-‐Yoder CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University Martha Alonzo-‐Johnsen CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University The heart is a left-‐right asymmetric organ. It develops from a straight heart tube that undergoes rightward looping to form a four chambered structure situated left of the midline. Although heart function is dependent on the proper placement and formation of its left and right chambers, we understand very little about the molecular networks that underlie the development of cardiac left-‐right asymmetry. We hypothesized that the genes required for this process would be differentially expressed on the left versus right sides of the developing heart. RNA-‐sequencing was performed using left and right cardiac tissue dissected from the large embryos of the non-‐model frog, Lepidobatrachus laevis. Four genes (Fzd5, Gata1, Fgf8 and Gatm) with highly significant (p < .05) differential expression were selected for validation by in situ hybridization in the related laboratory frog Xenopus laevis. Although Fzd5 and Gata1 were not found to be asymmetrically expressed, Fgf8 and Gatm are indeed expressed in asymmetric patterns in the embryonic heart. Fgf8 has higher expression in the left myocardium than in the right, while Gatm is expressed only in the right pericardium. Future functional experimentation will reveal the roles of these molecules in the development of cardiac asymmetry. The results of this study are anticipated to lead to greater understanding of cardiac development and insight into genes involved in congenital heart defects.

137 The Roles of Hypoxia Inducible Factors 1a and 2a in the Response to Oxidative Injury in the Canine Retina Kelly Elizabeth Buddin Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Trudy MacKay Genetics, North Carolina State University Hypoxia Inducible Factors (HIFs) are key transcription factors regulating the response to hypoxia, and can be stimulated by reactive oxygen species during oxidative stress. Oxidative injury is important in the pathogenesis of conditions affecting the fovea of the human retina, and we hypothesize that HIFs are important in disease development. The Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), and Retinal Muller Glia (RMG) support the retinal photoreceptors, and may mediate damage to photoreceptors from oxidative injury. The canine retina has a region of cone enrichment similar to the human fovea, and was therefore chosen as our experimental model.


We used RNA interference in canine cells to suppress expression of two HIF-‐alpha isoform genes: HIF-‐1a and HIF-‐2a, initially in hypoxia to select the siRNA with most optimal knockdown. We will knock down HIF-‐1a and HIF-‐2a in cells undergoing oxidative injury induced by the presence of relative hyperoxia, deficiency in antioxidants and in the presence of an oxidant. Transcriptomics will be utilized to evaluate HIF-‐isoform specific downstream processes active in oxidative stress. We have confirmed that our siRNAs effectively knock down their respective HIF isoforms in RPE cells at the protein level. We have shown that HIF-‐1a protein is stabilized in RPE cells undergoing hypoxia, but HIF-‐2a is stabilized similarly in normoxia and hypoxia. Our results may indicate differing roles of HIF-‐1a and HIF-‐2a in the RPE. Future experiments will be performed to fully characterize the roles of HIF-‐1a and HIF-‐2a in RMG and RPE cells in oxidative injury.

126 Effects of Various Nitrogen Sources on the Growth of Industrial Enzyme Producing Cyanobacteria Dylan Alexander Burns Plant Biology, Research Triangle High School Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Heike Sederoff Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Photosynthetic cyanobacteria have the potential to mass produce biofuels suitable for human use which, if perfected, could be instrumental in the resolution of the world€™s energy crisis. However, the large nitrogen input required by this organism is one of the main factors hindering its development as a renewable energy source. To reduce the total cost of these industrial fertilizers, the possibility of growing cyanobacteria in recycled organic nitrogen from biomass was explored. In the experiment, the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus was grown in BG-‐11 medium containing various nitrogen sources. Sodium nitrate was used to represent the nitrogen from industrial fertilizers, and L-‐glutamic acid, urea, and ammonium chloride were used to simulate the nitrogen that could come from biomass. It was found that ammonium chloride at the 5 mmol nitrogen concentration allowed for reasonable S. elongatus growth, as this culture had the greatest cell density of the biomass nitrogen source cultures. Still, the urea and glutamic acid supported cultures fared much worse than the positive control, the sodium nitrate supported culture, when comparing cell density and chlorophyll count. Therefore, the data suggest that organic recycling of ammonium chloride compounds may be useful in industrial cyanobacterial biofuel production.

260 Development of a Water Stress Model Comparing Multiple Forested Sites Ana Carrell Agriculture and Environmental Systems, North Carolina State University Dipatrimarki Farkas, Environmental Health Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Stacy Nelson Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University Changes in climate will affect the hydrologic functioning of forest ecosystems, both managed and natural. It is therefore critical to have a better understanding of spatially explicit patterns of forest net primary production, evapotranspiration and stress response as influenced by regional climate, soils, species composition, and management. Further, developing a monitoring system based on automated tree physiology and climate data acquisition systems remotely accessed via satellite will provide land managers with real-‐time, regionally representative information at the relevant spatial scales needed to plan for, and to the extent possible, mitigate the negative effects of climatic stress. The Remote Assessment of Forest Ecosystem Stress (RAFES) network of sites, installed in nine representative forest ecosystem types across the eastern U.S. by the USDA Forest Service Center for Integrated Forest Science and Synthesis (CIFSS), uses a common system of measurements (e.g. identical sensor arrays, data loggers, power supplies, etc.) and


relies on cooperative agreements with universities and Forest Service labs to maintain the hardware at each of the sites. This project uses the RAFES remote sensor network to model relationships between sap flux density or transpiration in tree species occurring at each site and variable specific climate and environmental parameters, such as temperature, volumetric soil water content, relative humidity and precipitation.

99 Estimation and Prediction in Neuronal Networks: The Hidden Node Problem Sergio Chavez Physics, North Carolina State University Samantha Polak Math, North Carolina State University; Falastein Alie Math, North Carolina State University; Beverly Setzer Math, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mette Olufsen Mathematics, North Carolina State University Franz Hamilton Statistics, North Carolina State University The human brain is a complex system consisting of billions of interconnected neurons. The connectivity of these neurons can cause a variety of dynamical behaviors, and understanding it is crucial to describe the underlying evolution of the system. However, in our analysis of network connectivity we are often confronted with the problem of €œhidden nodes€�, or parts of the network that we are unable to observe, that are strongly influencing the network. Identifying these hidden nodes, and the parts of the network they are affecting, is key to understanding the network and making predictions of the future system state. We propose a least squares framework for the estimation of network connectivity using a generic spiking neuron model. Our hypothesis is that we can identify the presence of hidden nodes by detecting abnormalities in the estimated network connectivity. We investigated this problem in random networks of FitzHugh-‐Nagumo neurons.

250 GnIH's role in the daily spawnings of the Bluehead Wrasse Shelby Rae Durden Biology, Indian River State College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University Gonadotropin-‐Inhibitory Hormone (GnIH) is an evolutionarily conserved neuropeptide that influences reproduction in vertebrates. GnIH reduces the release of gonadotrophin resulting in impaired reproduction and this neuropeptide can also lower levels of aggression and sexual behavior in multiple species of birds and mammals, but its effect in fish is still uncertain. We investigated the levels of GnIH mRNA expression in the bluehead wrasse due to the species’ ability to undergo protogynous sequential hermaphroditism initiated by a social cue. Additionally, because bluehead wrasses spawn daily close to the daytime high tide, we compared GnIH expression in both terminal phase males and initial phase females collected during spawning periods ranging from morning and evening times close to and far from spawning. Because tidal cycles are associated with temperature variation, we sampled fish kept at 23.3 or 32.8 degrees Celsius in the laboratory to test the hypothesis that temperature variation affects GnIH mRNA levels. We performed qPCR to determine levels of GnIH mRNA expression across collection times, laboratory temperature conditions, and sex (female vs. terminal phase males). Previous limited research showed GnIH mRNA levels are lower in males than females and higher near daily spawn in females (males were not compared). I predict the terminal phase males will show lower GnIH mRNA and that both males and females will show higher GnIH mRNA close to spawning. Better understanding GnIH’s is a first step towards a greater understanding of how environmental and social cues are translated by the brain into reproductive


responses.

115 Preliminary assessment of thymol and carvacrol partitioning in bovine cream and skim milk fractions Alexandra Ann Fitton Animal Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Ronald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University Keena Mullen Animal Science, North Carolina State University Mastitis, or inflammation of the mammary tissue, is the leading cause of disease in lactating dairy cows and poses a severe threat to overall health of the cow as well as her ability to produce quality milk. Bacterial infections are responsible for the majority of clinical and subclinical cases of mastitis, however US regulations prohibit the use of antibiotics in certified organic dairy cattle forcing farmers to seek alternative therapies. Two alternative treatments, Phytomast and Uddersol, are intramammary and topical products which contain two distinctive ingredients: thyme and oregano essential oils, respectively. The key active ingredient of thyme essential oil is thymol and the key active ingredient of oregano essential oil is carvacrol. Thymol and carvacrol, isomers of one another, display strong lipophilic tendencies with LogKow(Thymol)=3.3 and LogKow(Carvacrol)=3.1. In this experiment, whole milk is spiked at 0.0005ppm, 0.001ppm, 0.005ppm, 0.01ppm, and 0.05ppm and separated into cream and skim fractions to determine the partitioning coefficient of thymol and carvacrol in both commercial and organic bovine milk. This preliminary data suggests thymol and carvacrol partition into the cream fraction of milk at twice the frequency of the skim fraction with LogP(Thymol)=1.9 and LogP(Carvacrol)=1.8 in commercial whole milk with 3.5% milk fat.

189 Student-‐Generated Instructional Video in the Organic Chemistry Laboratory: Evaluation using Eye Tracking Fiza F Goyal High School Student, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Maria Gallardo-‐Williams Chemistry, North Carolina State University Student-‐generated instructional videos have been a part of the organic chemistry classrooms for several years. A previous study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of using videos as a supplement to teaching assistant (TA) instruction. Results showed that students who viewed the video before starting their lab were more likely to be able to use instrumentation without any assistance. In this study we produced and tested a video for a new piece of equipment (infrared spectrometer). We were able to determine exactly which regions of the video the students would focus on to obtain their information, by using eye tracking hardware and software from GazePoint. Eye tracking collects information about eye movements, the position of the eye, pupil diameter, and the timestamp, and provides us with insight into the visual attention patterns of the participants. It is also able to track automatic and unconscious eye movements that would have been difficult for the participant to remember or report on. We evaluated the video by showing it to a variety of participants, including students, faculty, and TAs. In general, the participants tended to follow the movements of the arrows and hands, and focused on the titles when they appeared. A significant amount of time was also spent reading the on-‐screen captions.

207 Investigation of the Effect of Cell Debris on Foam Stability and Bioreactor Performance Crista Janay Gregg Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Dane Grismer Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University; During the course of commercial bioreactor operation, a detrimental foam head impacts cell viability and bioreactor performance. The characteristically €œdirty€� foam, called Pickering foam, contains particulate matter such as cells, cell debris, protein molecules, and deactivated antifoam particles that are hypothesized to contribute to increased foam stability and accumulation. The main scope of this project is to characterize the foam head from cell culture samples and to identify the factors that contribute to the foam stability. This will enable us to optimize bioreactors conditions in order to break down the foam head more rapidly, improving performance. Bioreactor and passaged cell samples are shaken to form foam heads in graduated cylinders to measure foam volume and stability over time and under different conditions. A sonication probe is used to create cell debris in the samples before shaking so that the effect that cell debris has on the foam stability can be observed. The hypothesis was challenged with the results from several foam column runs with different percentages of cell debris. The completely intact cells had, on average, the highest foam stability, while cells sonicated to 100% cell debris had the lowest foam stability. We now hypothesize that cell debris€™ contribution to foam stability is through synergistic interaction with intact cells, protein molecules, and other particulate matter. On its own, cell debris simply drains out of the foam, allowing it to thin and break down even more rapidly. Future work will elucidate the interaction of cell debris with protein molecules.

3 Computational Study of Plasma Generation from Carbides and Nitrides using an Electrothermal Capillary Plasma Source Victoria Elizabeth Hagopian Nuclear Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mohamed Bourham Nuclear Engineering, North Carolina State University Capillary discharges are useful devices to generate high-‐density plasmas from the ablation mechanism of the arc discharge in the capillary. These devices are high-‐current, high-‐voltage systems operating in the controlled confined arc regime. These sources have applications in pellet injectors in future fusion reactors, thrusters in space shuttles, light gas guns, defense applications and thermal spray coatings. This study focuses on the generation of high-‐density carbides and nitrides plasmas from capillary electrothermal discharge as means by which surface coating can be engineered via single or multiple discharges. The NCSU ETFLOW code has been used to model and predict the plasma parameters for a set of carbides and nitrides. The code predicts the ablated mass, plasma temperature and density, velocity and pressure at the source exit, and the total radiant heat flux responsible for the material ablation. The nitrides have the highest peak exit pressures while the carbides have the highest peak ion number density. The nitrides have the highest total ablated mass per unit of molar mass, and the highest exit plasma velocity. Due to the desirable high pressure and a high ion number density for surface coating hardening applications, the results suggest that nitrides and carbides would be useful source liners for deposition applications in single or multiple discharge techniques.

153 Optimizing viability of bacteria upon drying and rehydration for methane assimilation Ryan Alexander Hardison Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Flickinger Biomanufacturing Training and, North Carolina State University Christopher Duran Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University


The Flickinger Lab Group is designing a falling-‐film reactor (FFR) using non-‐growing Methylomicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z immobilized on paper to capture and convert methane gas emissions into useful products at low power input. Many methane sources are remote and distributed. Using non-‐growing cells immobilized on paper allows for growth of the bacteria in a reactor at a centralized location, coating onto a biocomposite material, drying, shipping to each gas well site, and then rehydration of the biocatalyst after installation into a FFR. The goal of this research is to determine optimum dry-‐stabilization parameters that yield maximum reactivity of the organism upon rehydration. It has been shown in industrially and academically relevant microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and E. coli that high temperatures and oxidative stress from O2 during drying negatively affect viability. It has also been found that carbohydrate excipients such as sucrose and trehalose increases survival after drying and rehydration. If M. alcaliphilum 20Z has similar physiological behavior to LAB or E. coli, then reactivity after drying and rehydration can be increased by optimizing drying conditions, minimizing oxidative stress, and excipient addition. We will test the hypothesis by studying the effect of storage temperature (freezer, refrigerator), drying and storage atmosphere (inert N2, Ar), and lyoprotective excipient addition (sucrose and trehalose) on reactivity after rehydration. Preliminary results include a fluorescence based viability assay developed to quickly determine the reactivity of cells in coatings following drying and rehydration. Experimentation with sucrose addition has indicated a minimal effect on reactivity.

235 Understanding the Role of Rigidity in Solution Ionic Strength Required for Copolymer Phase Separation Lukas Arnold Harries Biochemistry, Vassar College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University Thomas Deaton Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University Determining the fundamental properties of amphiphilic diblock copolymers (ADCs) and their impact on self-‐assembly is crucial in understanding the various morphologies that micelles can take and their potential applications. ADCs are composed of hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments making up the two blocks of the polymer chain. The role of hydrophobic block rigidity is significant in micelle assembly, but the reasons why remain poorly understood. The impact of hydrophobic rigidity on ADC phase separation can be quantified by understanding its influence in relation to the other interactions in an ADC-‐aqueous system. In order to model these interactions, the coarse-‐grained method of Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) was implemented. We used DPD to simulate the interactions between ADCs in water at varying repulsions of the hydrophobic beads to water. To impart rigidity, angular harmonic-‐bonds were added along the hydrophobic backbone. By keeping the remaining coarse-‐grained forces constant, it was possible to compare the rates of phase separation for flexible and stiff hydrophobic blocks. The two diblock segments ranged in length from three to ten coarse-‐grained beads, allowing for a more comprehensive view of how the properties affected their assembly. We observed that when rigidity was increased for shorter chain lengths, a reduced force between the hydrophobic beads and water was required to achieve phase separation as compared to when the hydrophobic end was flexible. This difference became gradually smaller as chain length increased revealing that the presence of rigidity reduces the required forces necessary for phase separation.

140 Investigation of the Lignocellulosic Biomass Attachment via Caldicellulosiruptor Species William Spencer Hart Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Laura Lee Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University


The genus Caldicellulosiruptor represents a group of extremely thermophilic bacteria with possible utility in consolidated bioprocessing of biofuels. Traditional methods of producing biofuels incorporate chemical and thermal pretreatment of plant biomass, followed by enzymatic degradation, to produce fermentable sugars. The use of Caldicellulosiruptor could consolidate these processes into a single step, requiring no biomass pretreatment. The ability of Caldicellulosiruptor to bind to cellulosic biomass is due in part to novel proteins known as t?pirins. Once bound, Caldicellulosiruptor can solubilize the recalcitrant cellulosic biomass, an important step in the degradation of sugars needed for processing. In order to study these unique proteins, the highly cellulolytic species Caldicellulosiruptor bescii underwent multiple genetic manipulations in order to delete the genes for two t?pirins. Through subsequent testing of this knockout strain, alongside its parent and wild type strain, the extent to which t?pirins play a role in binding and solubilizing cellulose, specifically Avicel, has been tentatively determined. Further testing is intended to yield more results on the extent to which t?pirins play a role in C. bescii€™s ability to bind and degrade cellulose. Understanding the ability of thermophiles to degrade cellulosic biomass is crucial to their utilization and optimization in consolidated bioprocessing of biofuels.

65 Self-‐Assembled Monolayers of Silanes and Surface Properties William Herbert Hoffmann Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jan Genzer Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Modification of surfaces has been heavily researched for applications where a bulk material has surface characteristics that are non-‐ideal. Self-‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of silanes can produce a wide range of surface properties while using a small amount of material (down to less than 1 nanometer of thickness). The present work specifies SAM processing conditions and results for a variety of silanes. Two types of surfaces have been modified: flat silica substrates and silica particles, with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) coming in the near future. Liquid silane deposition is employed for surface modification where the substrate is immersed in a solution of silane and the reactive silane head groups bond to the surface. The modification silanes were as follows: (heptadecafluoro-‐1,1,2,2-‐tetrahydrodecyl)trichlorosilane, (octadecyl)trichlorosilane, (3-‐aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, and (3-‐mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane. We have successfully produced SAMs with water contact angles ranging from 30° to 110° by varying modification procedure and silane type. Infrared spectroscopy is employed to ensure successful surface modification. Work also has been completed in developing methods for creating sinusoidal surface topographies. The inter-‐surface forces of the flat, topographical and particle SAM-‐modified substrates will be studied in the future.

217 Reverse Electrowetting for Micro-‐scale Energy Harvesting Hanan Alex Hsain Materials Engineering, NC State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University The wearable electronics and technology market is estimated to grow $31.27 billion by the end of 2020 as new advances are made in health monitoring devices, smart sensors, and implantable devices. As wearable devices increase in popularity and function, it has become apparent that an alternative to batteries is required to not only store, but generate power in a sustainable and low-‐maintenance manner. Here we describe a system that converts mechanical energy into electrical by modulating the wetting effects of micro-‐scale water droplets arranged between two metal sheets and a dielectric coating. We conduct a parametric study of dielectrics, coating surface chemistry, and increased charge carrier concentration in an


effort to optimize the energy harvesting device for small-‐scale applications. We have been able to demonstrate a baseline energy density up to 4 uW/cm2 without the application of an additional bias or ionic charge carriers. We have demonstrated scalability of our device by increasing effective surface area up to 120 mm2 and by utilizing an ionic liquid for modulation, yielding an energy density of 96 uW/cm2 with an instantaneous current of 60 uA. This method of energy harvesting addresses crucial considerations to the wearable electronics industry by is its ability to utilize a broad range of mechanical motion, its scalability to larger devices, and its potential to be made cost effectively with sustainable materials. By utilizing human movement, energy that would otherwise go to waste, our system provides a sustainable method of powering wearable electronics.

259 Chloride Channel ClC-‐2 Regulates Intestinal Epithelial Homeostasis and Tumorigenicity in Colitis -‐Associated Colorectal Cancer Dina Radwan Ibrahim Animal Science/English Literature, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Anthony Blikslager Department of Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University Younggeon Jin CVM-‐Comp Animal, North Carolina State University Tight Junction (TJ) proteins in intestinal epithelial cells play a significant roll in maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier as well as aiding in polarization of intestinal epithelial cells (IEC).1 When these proteins are compromised, such as when a subject is affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), IECs leak gut material past their barrier.2 In addition, disruption of TJ proteins of IECs leads to increased tumorigenicity and development of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) which causes the cells to assume an invasive mesenchymal cell phenotype.3 Recently, studies demonstrated that the TJ proteins have a critical role in progression of colorectal cancer (CRC)4. However, there are a lack of therapeutic targets to regulate TJs for patients with CRC. We have previously demonstrated that chloride channel-‐2 exerts control over TJ protein function and aids in the maintenance of their structure in the intestines5-‐9 and that ClC-‐2-‐/-‐ mice showed an increased incidence of tumor development in colitis-‐associated CRC model as compared to the ClC-‐2+/+ mice which was associated with abnormal TJ protein localization. Utilizing this unique model, we showed that a lack of ClC-‐2 in mice affected with IBD lead to migration of TJ proteins that serves to increase permeability of the gut.

127 Changing the Concentrations of Sodium Bicarbonate in the Media for Growing Micro Algae Mathew Joseph Jacob Environmental Engineering, Research Triangle High School Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University In media for algal growth, NaHCO3 is used as a buffering agent and carbon source. For the alga Dunaliella viridis, Wang media is typically used with a NaHCO3 concentration of 50mM. While this concentration works well in batch cultures where CO2 can be limiting, it is potentially wasteful to have this concentration in a bioreactor situation that has regular CO2 bubbling. CO2 is pumped into the bioreactor to maintain pH and is a much more accessible source of carbon for the algae than NaHCO3. Given that the concentration of NaHCO3 in the oceans where D. viridis is found is about 2.3 mM, it is hypothesized that a lower concentration of NaHCO3 can be used in the media, reducing the cost of media. For this project, we tested various concentrations of NaHCO3 in the media to understand how it affects algal growth and lipid production. Media were prepared with 0, 2.3, 10, 25, 40, and 50 mM of NaHCO3. The pH, lipid concentration, and algal cell counts were determined daily over seven days for each culture to establish which concentration supported the highest cell count and lipid yields. From these experiments, it was


determined that a lower concentration of 2.3 mM of NaHCO3 was optimal as it resulted in the best growth and lipid production and helped to save NaHCO3 resources. As a result of this research, it is recommended that media used for future bioreactor experiments and industrial applications of growing Dunaliella viridis contain 2.3 mM of NaHCO3.

89 Expression of Functionalized Single-‐Chain Variable Fragment scFvUV in Pichia pastoris Rachel Sheree Jeffries Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Driss Elhanafi Biomanufacturing Training and, North Carolina State University In order to produce necessary antibodies, enzymes, and other protein-‐based molecules in high demand, the biomanufacturing industry depends heavily on the use of recombinant microorganisms that have the ability to produce large amounts of protein. Recombinant protein production involves inserting a foreign DNA contained within an expression vector into an organism capable of producing that protein of interest. Pichia pastoris is an ideal yeast expression host that has the ability to secrete overexpressed recombinant proteins into the culture media. This project aimed to express the protein scFvUV, an antibody fragment that specifically binds to green fluorescence protein (GFPuv), into Pichia pastoris. The gene of interest, scFvUV, was cloned into the expression vector pPICZα A in the bacterium E. coli. The purified plasmid-‐ScFvUV construct was transformed into P. pastoris, and positive clones were selected under the selective pressure of zeocin. The presence of ScFvUV in P. pastoris was confirmed using PCR. Selected clones were grown and protein expression induced with methanol. Production and activity of ScFvUV protein was detected in the culture supernatant using SDS-‐PAGE and Western Blot.

246 Genotyping Gene-‐Editing Effects in Camelina sativa Gauri Krishna Joshi Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sathya Jali Plant Biology, North Carolina State University The aim of the project is to increase the seed production of Camelina sativa by genetic modification of specific target genes. Camelina sativa is an oilseed plant. Its high seed oil content with unsaturated fatty acids makes it suitable as a bioenergy crop with various industrial applications. We transformed camelina plants with Crispr-‐Cas9 constructs to edit genes involved in the regulation of seed yield or oil content of the Camelina plants. The seeds of the transformed plants were screened for antibiotic resistance and analyzed for the presence of the desired transgene. Following this, we amplified the region of interest in the genome through PCR and digested this region with a restriction enzyme. The undigested bands were purified and cloned into PGEMT-‐Easy vectors for sequencing. Once sequenced, we identified the edits in the target genes.

194 Wetness Sensing Using Soft Silicone Fiber Sensors Hannah Lea Maria Kausche Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael McKnight Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Alper Bozkurt Electrical and Computer Engineering The development of inexpensive, wearable biosensors requires the evaluation of novel materials and their sensing capabilities. Carbon-‐doped silicone fibers with a unique H-‐shaped cross section were incorporated


in an array based textile system for capacitance and impedance sensing. The perpendicular intersection of two fibers acts as a parallel plate capacitor which responds to changes in pressure, humidity or wetness. By using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and applying various concentrations of NaCl saline solution to the crossover points of the fibers, a RC model was developed to determine and predict the wetness sensing capability of the soft fiber sensors.

215 Development of a Falling Film Bioreactor Keegan Miles Kennedy Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Flickinger Biomanufacturing Training and, North Carolina State University True continuous processing, the holy grail of process optimization for chemical engineering, has been for the most part ignored in the multi-‐billion dollar industry of industrial biotechnology. This research project aims to demonstrate a novel continuous biomanufacturing method that could be adapted to many types of biotechnological processes. The use of immobilized and non-‐growing cells in a falling film reactor offer numerous advantages over traditional bioreactors such as elevated mass transfer at extremely low power input. The model organism, Methylmicrobium alcaliphilum 20Z, can consume methane as found at oil wells where it is often vented and flared as a waste gas. This organism is being engineered to secrete valuable organic acids such as lactate or muconic acid as products. 20Z will be concentrated and coated onto the surface of chromatography paper, a flexible and cheap porous substrate, in order to maintain the biocatalyst in the reactor and separate the organic acids from the gas. A new assay that measures cellular adhesion is being developed along with genetic modifications to increase cell-‐to-‐cellulose binding. A falling film falls over the paper absorbs methane and oxygen and delivers nutrients to the cells along the length of the cylindrical bioreactor. Current research studies these films to determine how volumetric flow and liquid film thickness affect gas-‐liquid-‐solid mass transfer. Finally, the geometry of the solid substrate and general design of the bioreactor are being optimized for high intensity gas absorption for production of commodity chemicals.

143 Evaluating tractable strains of Caldicellulosiruptor bescii for their ability to degrade plant biomass Chris Michael Lagaly Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Piyum Khatibi Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University The primary feedstock for biofuel production in the U.S is currently glucose from starch. However, to become energy independent and to meet future production demands, lignocellulosic substrates will need to be utilized. One of the challenges facing the biofuel industry is the lack of a robust microbial catalyst capable of degrading lignocellulosic feedstocks into biofuel. Caldicellulosiruptor species are extreme thermophiles that have the unique ability to degrade unpretreated plant biomass and ferment both C5 and C6 sugars. Considering that these bacteria require high temperatures (Topt 78ºC) and an anaerobic environment to grow, Caldicellulosiruptor species present multiple challenges in their growth and genetic manipulation for improving plant biomass degradation. With the development of genetically tractable strains (e.g JWCB005 and MACB1018) in C. bescii, genetic engineering is now possible. However, the degradation potential and physiology of these strains should be known before efforts to engineer an improved strain are undertaken. Thus, we evaluated (1) the ability of these strains to degrade crystalline cellulose (Avicel) and switchgrass over 7 days, (2) evaluated the effect of temperature (70 vs. 78ºC) on solubilization, and (3) probed the transcriptome to identify loci important to degradation. No differences in


solubilization were observed between the genetics strains and interestingly, solubilization at 78ºC resulted in higher solubilization levels than 70ºC albeit with slower growth. Exploring deeper into aspects of degradation, an analysis of the Caldicellulosiruptor transcriptome revealed an upregulation of chemotaxis and motility genes during growth on Avicel and switchgrass, suggesting the importance of these systems. When wild-‐type C. bescii, JWCB005, and MACB1018 were grown in soft agar plates, JWCB005 was unexpectedly impaired in motility and an analysis of the genome uncovered a mutation in the fliF gene. The results of this work highlight the need to evaluate tractable strains before proceeding with genetic engineering. Current efforts are focused on defining the role of chemotaxis and motility in the ability of Caldicellulosiruptor bescii to hydrolyze cellulose and degrade plant biomass.

205 Dynamics of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in Stevia Production Maximo Travis Larkin Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: David Shew Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is an herbaceous perennial crop new to NC that is grown for 3-‐5 years before rotating to other crops. White mold, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, was first observed on second year plants in spring 2013, and only occurs on plants that have overwintered. Symptoms include: wilting, flagging, stem bleaching, and stem necrosis. Black survival structures known as sclerotia form on stems and after overwintering germinate to produce apothecia that release ascospores to infect new plants. Since little is known about the disease cycle of S. sclerotiorum in stevia, spore trapping was conducted from 2014-‐2016 to determine when ascospores are present. Ascospores were trapped from March to early April, with first symptoms appearing in late April to early May. Infection often occured on frost damaged tissue of newly emerged plants. Ascospore infection resulted in death of individual stems, but secondary spread in this system has not been documented. Field sites in Harnett, Lenoir, and Edgecombe Counties were observed over a six-‐week period in 2016 for secondary spread following initial infection. Across all sites, there was a 47% average decrease in stems on plants infected by S. sclerotiorum, with 74% of stem death occurring within three weeks of initial symptom observation. No plants were killed by S. sclerotiorum and no secondary spread was observed. Due to the multistem nature of stevia and the lack of secondary spread by S. sclerotiorum, it is unlikely white mold will be a concern for NC stevia growers.

111 Expression and Characterization of Multi-‐domain enzyme Wai35_2053 from Caldicellulosiruptor species strain Wai35.B1 Nathan Lewis Lee Biological Sciences: Molecular, Cellular, Developmental, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Jonathan Conway Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University Caldicellulosiruptor are extremely thermophilic species of bacteria which grow at optimum temperatures of 70-‐75 degrees Celsius. These organisms are isolated from globally distributed terrestrial hot springs, and are the highest temperature cellulose degrading organisms currently known. This makes them important model organisms for degrading biomass for industrial biofuel production. Caldicellulosiruptor species use a variety of large multi-‐domain glycoside hydrolase (GH) and carbohydrate binding module (CBM) containing proteins to degrade the various polysaccharides in plant biomass. Caldicellulosiruptor sp. strain Wai35.B1 produces a unique enzyme with three GH domains including one GH12 (GH10-‐CBM3-‐GH12-‐GH48). This is the first example of an enzyme with three catalytic GH domains and the first GH12 found in a Caldicellulosiruptor genome. In order to study this unique enzyme (Wai35_2053), it was cloned into


genetically tractable C. bescii with a C-‐terminal histidine tag. This strain was grown in a 15 L pH controlled fermenter on media with glucose as the carbon source for 24 hours. The fermentation broth was harvested and the supernatant, which contains the enzyme, was concentrated with tangential flow filtration (TFF). After TFF, Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) was run to purify Wai35_2053 from the supernatant and 3.2 mg protein/L fermentation was obtained. The enzyme€™s activity was tested on a number of plant polysaccharide substrates and its optimum pH and specific activity were determined. Through understanding this unique multi-‐domain enzyme and the synergistic activity of its three catalytic domains, new enzymes and strains of Caldicellulosiruptor can be engineered to improve plant biomass degradation.

240 Snowfall within Winter Storms in the Coastal Northeast United States Levi Tanner Lovell Meteorology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sandra Yuter Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University Coastal extratropical cyclones during the winter affect high-‐population areas along the east coast of the United States each year. Heavy snow and ice can shut down major cities for extended periods of time. Snow accumulation is influenced by a number of characteristics including the number and sizes of snow particles, snow particle crystal habit, degree of riming, and density. Different regions of winter storms have differing characteristics. Previous work indicates that specific types of snow particles fall within different regions of the storm. For example, denser, more rimed snow is expected close to the cyclone center while less dense, less rimed snow occurs along the northwest outer edge of the storm. We have been collecting radar and snowflake data at Stony Brook University on Long Island in New York using a Micro Rain Radar and a Multi Angle Snowflake Camera. We analyze the tracks of winter storms to calculate the location of our observation site relative to the cyclone center. This information allows us to assess how detailed snowflake observations of habits and degree of riming compare among different regions of the storm.

138 How Lessons Learned From the Evolution of the International Space Station Can Help Us Design for the Unknown Madison Nicole Maloney Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Scott Ferguson Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University The objective of this research is to identify the lessons learned from the evolution of the International Space Station (ISS) so that they can be applied toward future mission development. As the focus of manned space exploration shifts to destinations further away from the Earth, there will be an increased need to handle mission requirements that were unknown -‐ or have changed -‐ after the spacecraft has been launched. Responding to such unforeseen changes while maintaining effective mission performance can be achieved through system evolvability, where changes to the spacecraft€™s design are possible while in use. Evolvability is particularly relevant to the development of prospective lunar and martian habitats because of the uncertainties associated with the operating environment, potential scientific objectives, and general inexperience with manned habitation of other planetary bodies. This study classifies design choices made throughout the evolution of the ISS and relates them to the triggers that impacted station development. By gaining a better understanding of the development of the ISS from its original plans to its current form, lessons about system evolution can be extracted and applied toward future manned space exploration missions.


75 Clinical & Genetic Characterization of Retinal Degeneration in Red Wolves Emma R Marx Genetics and English, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Freya Mowat CVM-‐Comp Animal, North Carolina State University Matthew Breen Department Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University Among a population of red wolves, a retinal disease has been identified that causes vision loss in affected male wolves. The disease is consistent with an X-‐linked inheritance pattern; however, no gene has been implicated in the disease thus far. The purpose of this study is to characterize the phenotype of this disease in red wolves and identify a gene mutation that is implicated in its onset and progression. We performed detailed phenotypic analysis on two affected male wolves and one unaffected female wolf using electroretinography (ERG; to test retinal function), optical coherence tomography (OCT; to examine retinal thickness) and retinal photography. By utilizing a whole genome/exome approach to sequence the unaffected carrier mother of the two affected male wolves, we identified genes that exhibited heterozygosity between the two X chromosomes. Currently, we are sequencing a subset of these candidate genes in two affected male wolves and an unrelated unaffected female wolf to find the causative gene. Clinical characterization showed a splitting within the layers of the retina that is phenotypically similar to human X-‐linked retinoschisis which is caused by mutations in the RS1 gene. We sequenced affected and unaffected wolf RS1 exons; no mutation in RS1 was identified. We are in process of sequencing candidate genes identified as heterozygous through whole genome sequencing. Further examination of whole genome/exome information from the carrier female is ongoing. Future exome analysis of other wolves will narrow down the list of candidate genes and help identify the gene mutation.

112 Preparation of Atomically Flat STO through Thermal and Chemical Treatment Jacob Paul Mauthe Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University Caroline Kirkland Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Divine Kumah Physics, North Carolina State University Oxide thin films grown on insulating strontium titanate (SrTiO3) single crystal substrates are of technological and scientific interest due to their novel electronic and magnetic properties. To enable reproducible thin film growth, the prerequisite step of creating oxide perovskite surfaces that have a uniform chemical termination and an epitaxial layer with uniform ridges ideal for growth has become increasingly important. In this study, atomic force microscopy is used to capture surface images of SrTiO3 following different treatments in order to determine the ideal method for producing substrates intended for growth. The treatment includes a combination of chemical etching and annealing that incorporates use of deionized water and buffered hydrofluoric acid and high temperature anneals to create said uniform termination. The DI water serves to react with Sr forming strontium hydroxide complexes that are then dissolved via the acid treatment. The annealing process helps facilitate uniform crystallization of the structure. Through testing it has been determined that both steps used in conjunction allow for reproducibly ideal substrates.

79 Comparison of scale insect abundance on native and exotic trees in urban Raleigh, NC Casey Lee McDaniel Zoology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Steven Frank Entomology, North Carolina State University


Kristi Backe Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Scale insects can contribute to a healthy ecosystem but are considered pests when present on trees in large numbers. Native tree species have been shown to support more arthropod biomass and biodiversity than exotic congeners, but it is unknown whether scale insect abundance follows a similar pattern. To test whether scale insect abundance is higher on native trees, we collected twig samples from native and exotic trees on the North Carolina State University campus in Raleigh, NC, and identified scale insects on the samples to family (and species when feasible). Native trees had a greater abundance of scale insects than exotic congeners. The most abundant scale insect species was the obscure scale (Melanaspis obscura), with 447 individuals overall. 377 of 447 obscure scales were found on white oak (Quercus alba)samples. Evaluating tree species based on their support of local fauna could be vital to preserving a healthy ecosystem in urban environments. On the other hand, some tree species may be susceptible to pest attack. The results of this study suggest that native tree species may be preferred by scale insects and/or support them in greater abundance. This information about scale abundance on native and exotic congeners could inform tree species selection.

109 Characterization of Athe_0594, a Multidomain Enzyme in Caldicellulosiruptor bescii McKayla Bridgette Mickle Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Jonathan Conway Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University The genus Caldicellulosiruptor contains species of extremely thermophilic bacteria that degrade plant biomass and grow at optimum temperatures between 70-‐75?. Caldicellulosiruptor species produce multi-‐domain enzymes, which contain carbohydrate binding module (CBM) and glycoside hydrolase (GH) domains, to break down plant biomass polysaccharides. Some of these enzymes are localized in the cell surface layer (S-‐layer) by surface layer homology (SLH) domains. One of these S-‐layer localized enzymes, conserved in all sequenced Caldicellulosiruptor species, is Csac_0678 from C. saccharolyticus. This enzyme consists of a GH (family 5) domain, a CBM (family 28) domain, and three consecutive SLH domains. Previously, Csac_0678 was characterized and the crystal structure of the GH5 and CBM28 were solved. The goal of this research is to examine the relationship between the structure and function of this enzyme by characterizing its close homolog from C. bescii, Athe_0594. The GH5 domain of Athe_0594 was cloned into pET46 for expression in E. coli and mutations were made by site directed mutagenesis to the putative active residues (Glu-‐189, Glu-‐286), predicted from the Csac_0678 structure. Three clones, in addition to the native GH5 clone, were constructed containing mutations: E189A, E286A, and both mutations together. Enzymatic activity assays were performed to analyze the effect of these active site mutations on the activity of the Athe_0594 GH5. These data in addition to continuing efforts to express and characterize GH5 -‐ CBM28 constructs will determine the relationship between the structure and function of this enzyme, and help show the significance of this conserved gene in Caldicellulosiruptor species.

61 “Microbots” from Self-‐Assembled Microcubes as Tools for Studying Membrane Rigidity Andrew Curtis Murphy Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Charles Shields Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University; Bhuvnesh Bharti Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University; Koohee Han Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University


The ability to accurately probe the physical characteristics of individual cells may hold enormous promise for single cell analysis, disease prognosis, and tracking responses to various therapeutic interventions. Previously, our group has shown that reconfigurable microbots assembled from patchy microcubes can function as calipers that can interact with, and compress, microscopic specimens through the controlled application and removal of a uniform magnetic field. Leveraging this new class of tools, we studied the deformation of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV), synthesized from phospholipids, and Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. GUVs containing cholesterol, a membrane-‐stiffening reagent, were tested and compared against those without cholesterol to determine the sensitivity of the microbot to differences in membrane rigidity. Building off of these results, CHO cells were examined to determine differences in viability and were verified with cell viability stains. The future goal of this research is to use microbots as a tool to transport and evaluate single cells for elucidating single cell viability, cell reproduction status, and cell type towards distinguishing between cancerous cells and noncancerous cells based on differences in membrane rigidity and other physical factors.

119 Analysis of a mutated cytochrome P450 fatty acid peroxygenase enzyme from thermotolerant Bacillus methanolicus to be used for decarboxylation of fatty acids during the algal biofuel conversion process Y-‐Van Lam Nguyen Microbiology, Research Triangle High School Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University In order to convert lipids in algae into usable fuel, industries use a thermochemical deoxygenation process that requires high temperatures, extreme pressure, and an expensive catalyst. These processes greatly increase the cost of algae fuel, making it an economically unviable alternative to petroleum. In this research, we are trying to develop a heat-‐stable decarboxylase that can withstand extreme temperatures used in industrial processes in order to bypass the expensive steps required in the chemical conversion process. A cytochrome P450 fatty acid decarboxylating enzyme from Jeotgallicocus sp. (OleTJE) has already been characterized, but the enzyme is only active at mesophilic temperatures. A structural homolog of this enzyme (MGA3) was found in the thermophile Bacillus methanolicus BMMGA3 and belongs in the same cytochrome P450 fatty acid peroxygenase family. Structural analysis, however, shows that this enzyme may favor the hydroxylation reaction more common to the enzyme family over the decarboxylation reaction due to the presence of a Glutamine residue proximal to the heme in the active site over the Histidine residue found in OleTJE . Using targeted PCR mutagenesis, we made a point mutation to change the sequence of the codon for Glutamine (CAG) at amino acid position 85 in MGA3 into a codon for Histidine (CAT). From there, the mutated enzyme was expressed in E. coli BL-‐21 (DE3) using IPTG induced expression, purified using affinity chromatography and biochemically characterized. The affinity of the enzyme for fatty acid substrate was tested using a tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) assay and reaction products were confirmed using GC/FID.

80 Water Quality and Perceived Water Quality; Hamakuya, South Africa Study Abroad Experience. James Calhoun Odom Environmental Technology and Management, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Terrie Litzenberger Forestry&Environmental Resourc, North Carolina State University Melissa McHale Forestry&Environmental Resourc, North Carolina State University A team of students and researchers from NC State collected water quality and social survey data in HaMakuya, Mutale Municipality, South Africa as part of the Water Woes, People, Parks, and Pollution study abroad program in the summer of 2016. This research is part of a long-‐term effort to work with


communities and government agencies as partners to understand water quality, reliability, and availability across villages in the region(see http://go.ncsu.edu/imagine). We analyzed water quality and perceptions data from over 5 years to test our hypothesis that people’s perceptions on water quality are and index of the actual water quality. We created a water quality perception index for 11 villages and compared the index to 6 different water quality parameters. Our results showed negative correlations between specific conductance, salinity, and chlorides, and perceived water quality, indicating people’s perceptions of water quality did decline as the quality of water decreased. However, we also found that there was a positive correlation associated with people’s perceptions when compared nitrates, dissolved oxygen, and E. Coli. Low R squared values for all plots indicate that these trends are weak. Although more research is needed, we suspect that these results indicate that people’s perceptions of water quality are highly influenced by taste.

225 Enhancing convective sedimentation assembly methods to engineer an artificial leaf capable of harvesting solar energy Pritash Tushar Patel Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Flickinger Biomanufacturing Training and, North Carolina State University Adam Wallace Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University; Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Solar energy has great potential as an alternative energy source to fossil fuels. Photosynthetic microorganisms provide a way of harvesting solar energy, but current photobioreactor technology is extremely inefficient. Engineering a device with layers of stationary, non-‐growing photosynthetic microorganisms may improve efficiency. This €œartificial leaf€� will be composed of multiple layers of sugars, latex spheres, waterborne binders, and single-‐cell algae such as Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Micro-‐channels will also be added to deliver and remove nutrients and products. An understanding of coating deposition methods is imperative to constructing this device. This study uses batch convective-‐sedimentation assembly (CSA) to develop methods for depositing a uniform and continuous film of sucrose and latex spheres on a flexible polyester (PE) substrate. This knowledge can then be used to adjust the properties of the film, such as thickness, so that algae can also be coated as monolayers. Multiple layers can be coated on top of a previously coated layer that has dried to fabricate a multilayered structure. Experiments have shown that increasing the wettability of the PE substrate is critical to forming a continuous film. This was achieved by pre-‐treating the substrate with NaOH solution and/or polyelectrolyte solutions of poly(sodium 4-‐styrenesulfonate) (PSS) and poly(allylamine hydrochloride) (PAH). Initial treatment of NaOH created a negative surface charge. While further alternating treatments with positively-‐charged PAH and negatively-‐charged PSS led to a strong positively-‐charged top layer which increased the wettability. Future work will focus on altering the coating methods and formulation to create more uniform multilayer coatings using CSA.

134 Expression of Novel Cellulose Binding Proteins from Caldicellulosiruptor species in Escherichia coli Catrina Botros Rateb Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Laura Lee Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University Caldicellulosiruptor is a genus of thermophilic, anaerobic, gram-‐positive, non-‐spore forming bacteria. These heat-‐loving bacteria contain unique proteins called t?pirins which allow the cells to attach to lignocellulose.


These binding proteins are thought to be crucial for the microbes’ ability to break down cellulose, thus facilitating the conversion to fermentable sugars and then biofuels. The conversion of cellulose to liquid biofuels, such as ethanol, is paramount to the use of renewable feedstocks. To begin examining the t?pirins in more detail, plasmids containing several t?pirin genes from different Caldicellulosiruptor species were isolated and confirmed by gene sequencing. Protein expression cultures were then made for the confirmed t?pirin expression vectors. In order to determine the t?pirins’ protein structures, the protein crystallography will be performed. Through protein crystallization, structural data can be gathered on the proteins and may shed light on the mechanism used by these proteins to adhere to the cellulose present in plant cell walls. Further examination and reporting of the structure and function of t?pirins can lead to the development of more efficient methods of converting plant matter into biofuels, as well as identify novel features in the lignocellulolytic capabilities of Caldicellulosiruptor species.

216 Arabidopsis thaliana Pla-‐1 accession resistance to Geminivirus Maryam Raza Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Samuel Griffin Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Maria Reyes Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University Geminiviridae is a family of single stranded DNA plant viruses that causes many agricultural problems worldwide. A geminivirus resistance screen of Arabidopsis thaliana accessions has shown susceptibility to geminivirus infection, with different accessions showing varying levels of susceptibility. Only the Pla-‐1 accession showed resistance to the geminivirus, Cabbage Leaf Curl Virus (CaLCuV) and Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV). No symptoms or viral DNA was detected in Pla-‐1, indicating that the resistance confers immunity to geminivirus. Pla-‐1 inoculated with the RNA virus, Tobacco rattle virus (TRV), demonstrated reduced symptoms and viral loads compared to the susceptible accession Col-‐0, demonstrating that the accession is also tolerant to RNA viruses. This is in contrast to the Arabidopsis accession, Col-‐0, which has shown susceptibility to CaLCuV and TRV. The Arabidopsis accession Cen-‐0 showed no BCTV symptoms; however, viral DNA was detected. A Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping study was conducted to map the geminivirus resistance locus in the accessions. The results of the QTL study of CaLCuV symptoms of the second generation of a cross between Pla-‐1 and Col-‐0 showed that the resistance gene(s) is located in chromosome 1.

110 Examining sugar utilization in a glucokinase knockout strain of the extremely thermophilic plant biomass degrading Caldicellulosiruptor bescii Nathaniel Lee Seals Microbiology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Jonathan Conway Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University Caldicellulosiruptor species are extremely thermophilic bacteria that grows at optimum temperatures of 70-‐75 degrees Celsius and have the ability to degrade plant biomass. The oligosaccharides liberated from plant biomass are metabolized by Caldicellulosiruptor species without observable carbon catabolite repression, making Caldicellulosiruptor species ideal hosts for engineering strains to produce biofuels and biochemicals from plant biomass. In order to better understand sugar metabolism in Caldicellulosiruptor species, knockouts of genes in metabolic pathways for sugar utilization are being constructed. One of these knockout targets is a putative glucokinase, which phosphorylate glucose to glucose-‐6-‐phosphate in the first step of glycolysis. A knockout vector for the glucokinase was constructed and transformed into


?pyre uracil auxotroph C. bescii strain MACB1018. Chromosomal integration of the knockout vector was selected based on complementation with pyrE and a high temperature kanamycin resistance gene (HTK). The second crossover was resolved using counter-‐selection on 5-‐FOA to select for plasmid loss. PCR was performed on the resulting knockout strains to verify the loss of the glucokinase gene. Growth of these strains were evaluated in defined media containing glucose, xylose, or no carbon source. The glucokinase knockout strains grow normally on xylose, but grow significantly slower than the parent strain on glucose. This phenotype suggests the glucokinase plays an important role in glucose utilization, but is not the only pathway for glucose into metabolism. Sugar kinase knockout strains will help to evaluate sugar utilization pathways in C. bescii with the goal of engineering strains for improved biofuel production.

82 Role of Single-‐minded in the development of the fly brain Parth Amit Shah Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Patricia Estes Genetics, North Carolina State University Single-‐minded (SIM) is a transcription factor needed for CNS development in insects and mammals. Homozygous SIM mutant mice lack certain neurons within the hypothalamus, whereas heterozygous SIM mutant mice exhibit hyperphagic obesity. In insects, the pars intercerebralis is functionally and developmentally analogous to the mammalian hypothalamus. Based on results in mice, we investigated the impact of sim mutations on the structure of the pars intercerebralis in Drosophila melanogaster. Brains of sim homozygous mutant fly embryos were compared with brains of wild type flies using immunohistochemistry. The results indicated that the crosses used to generate flies mutant for both copies of sim and a marker for the pars intercerebralis were compromised. Additional experiments are needed to determine if sim is needed for normal development of the pars intercerebralis in the fly brain.

190 Molecular Genetics of Glaucoma in a Canine Model Leslie MacKay Shannon Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mary Carbone Genetics, North Carolina State University Robert Anholt Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University Glaucoma is a leading cause of vision loss. It is an optic neuropathy characterized by progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells, degeneration of the optic nerve and visual field defects. The most common type of glaucoma is primary open-‐angle glaucoma (POAG), but angle-‐closure glaucoma (PACG) is common in Asian populations. Canines can serve as a model for glaucoma, since their eye morphology is similar to that of people, and as companion animals they share common environments. PACG is the most common form of glaucoma in canines and is typically caused by the collapse of the iridocorneal angle (the angle between the iris and the trabecular meshwork) resulting in blockage of fluid outflow and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Identification of candidate risk loci for PACG could allow early diagnosis and disease prevention. We propose to identify risk alleles using whole-‐genome DNA sequencing from canine blood samples. Regulatory pathways involved in the disease process will be assessed using RNA sequencing from trabecular meshwork samples. Myocilin, the first gene product associated with congenital glaucoma in humans, is often correlated with severity of disease or elevated IOP. We have quantified myocilin protein levels in the aqueous humor of affected and unaffected canines as a potential indicator of early diagnosis. Polymorphisms and regulatory pathways that will be uncovered by this study in canines can serve as a translational model for studies of therapeutics in human clinical trials.


114 Behavioral Responses of Three Lemur Species to Different Food Enrichment Devices Morgan Elizabeth Shapiro Zoology, North Carolina State University Hannah Shapiro Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jenny Campbell Biology, North Carolina State University Environmental enrichment is a tool used to improve the welfare and well-‐being of captive animals in zoos, aquariums, and other facilities. Despite a large captive lemur population, few studies have evaluated the effectiveness of enrichment devices with lemurs. To help address this knowledge gap, we observed three lemur species€™ (Lemur catta, Varecia rubra, and Propithecus coquereli) interaction with two unique food enrichment devices and a control. The first enrichment device was a bottle feeder, which required lemurs to turn bottles upside down in order to access the food. The second enrichment device was a hanger with clips, in which cups of food were attached. A food bowl served as the control to eliminate the effect of food on lemur behavior. For each trial, enrichment was administered to all lemurs in the group while all-‐occurrences sampling was used to observe one lemur for 20 minutes. In total, each group received each trial type (n*3) times, where n represents the number of members in a group. A comparison of activity budgets will indicate which device was most effective in promoting positive behaviors and/or decreasing negative behaviors for each species. We expect differences in the activity budgets of each species due to variances in anatomical features, locomotor patterns, and methods of diet acquisition. This study will illuminate species-‐specific differences in enrichment, which will serve to further improve the welfare and well-‐being of these species in captivity.

185 Cardiac Expression Patterns Associated with Feline Cardiomyopathy Mutations Joshua David Slaydon Genetics, NCSU Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mary Carbone Genetics, North Carolina State University Trudy MacKay Genetics, North Carolina State University Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is an inherited disease characterized by thickening of the left ventricular myocardium. Mutations in the gene MyBPC3 have been associated with HCM in people. The disease commonly affects young athletes and often goes unnoticed because its first symptom is usually congestive heart failure. In addition to affecting humans, HCM is the most common form of heart disease in cats. Two separate mutations in feline MyBPC3, A31P and R820W, have been identified in the Main Coon and Ragdoll breeds respectively. While HCM is a fairly common genetic disease it is difficult to obtain a large sample size of either cats or humans with this condition. A possible solution to this problem is to use Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study HCM. In this study, we have PCR-‐amplified the MyBPC3 coding sequence from feline cardiac tissue and will clone the gene into the pUASt-‐attb expression vector. Using site-‐directed mutagenesis we will generate the A319P and R820W mutated variants. Transgenic flies will be produced that overexpress the MyBPC3 genes using PhiC31 transformation. The cardiac tubes and heart-‐rates of flies that express the MyBPC3 gene and its variants will be compared. RNA-‐sequencing will be conducted to reveal expression patterns of transcripts affected by the overexpression of MyBPC3. Regulatory pathways that are uncovered by this study can serve as a translational model for studies of therapeutics in human and feline clinical trials.

139 Enteroendocrine Cell Activity in Mini-‐Guts Trisha -‐ Slehria Biochemistry, North Carolina State University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Melanie Kaelberer Division of Gastroenterology , Duke University Sabrina Robertson CVM-‐Molecular Biomedical Scien, North Carolina State University; Diego Bohórquez Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University

The gastrointestinal tract sends sensory signals to the brain through a class of sensory epithelial cells known as enteroendocrine cells. It has been thought that these cells communicate with the brain via endocrine signaling, however recent evidence suggests there is a direct connection from the enteroendocrine cells to a population of neurons in the main sensory ganglion of the vagus nerve, known as the nodose ganglia. To understand this connection I needed to develop a method to test enteroendocrine cell function. This is difficult to test in vivo, as enteroendocrine cells are located deep in the gut. Thus, manipulation of these cells is an invasive and complex procedure in live animals. Here, I used an in vitro system, in which I cultured intestinal crypts from a mouse, which grow to form “mini-‐guts.” These mini-‐guts contain many of cells types found in the mouse intestine, including enteroendocrine cells. Using this system, I can specifically target enteroendocrine cells by delivering specific stimulants to the mini-‐gut lumen and measuring a response. By understanding the gut activity, I can then go onto measure neuronal responses. The relationship between the gut and the brain can influence gut motility, eating patterns, mood, as well as gastrointestinal and behavioral disorders. An in vitro cell culture system can be used as a method to test drug therapies that target enteroendocrine cells and develop treatments for disorders, such as obesity, anxiety, depression, and anorexia nervosa.

231 Impact of Human Socialization of Low Birth Weight AI Boars at Different Stages of Management and the Effects on Reproductive Performance Skylare Alexandra Smith Animal Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: William Flowers Animal Science, North Carolina State University Modern sows typically average at least 14 pigs born alive, resulting in a decreased average birth weight of piglets. Low birth weight piglets often mature slowly and are more reluctant to interact with other pigs and their caretakers, presenting a unique challenge when fully grown. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increased human contact (socialization) on low birth weight boars during their pubertal development (from 4 to 22 weeks of age) on their libido, sperm production, and semen quality. Boars (n=32) that weighed less than 1.4 kg at birth were randomly assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments which involved socialization at different stages of production (nursery -‐4 to 9 weeks vs. grower-‐10 to 21 weeks). Boars in the socialization treatments were provided with an additional 90 minutes of contact per week (3 times for 30 minutes each) by having a human stand in front of their pen. Boars were trained for semen collection from a dummy sow at 5 months of age and once trained were collected weekly. There was an interaction (p < 0.05) between socialization and stage of production for training success. Boars socialized in the nursery had the highest training success (85.7%), and unsocialized boars had approximately 21 billion less sperm than those socialized in both the nursery and grower phase. In conclusion, socialization positively impacts sperm production in low birth weight boars and should be considered as a tool in selection replacement boars in the swine industry.

182 Using CRISPR/Cas9 System to Knockout Circadian Clock Genes in Arabidopsis thaliana Racheal Marie Spurlin Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Colleen Doherty Biochemistry, North Carolina State University


Plants must respond rapidly to environmental stresses for survival. The circadian clock regulates gene expression that allows the plant to adapt to specific environmental conditions. For years the circadian clock has been studied to determine the interaction between the genes and stress responses. In the past, the circadian clock could only be stopped from the knockout (KO) genotypes. With the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 system, we can now alter the plant’s genome and stop the clock. This allows for a differentiation between direct effects due to change in the clock gene and indirect pleiotropic effects within the plant. In an inducible manner, we can track the phenotypic effects on the plant as the plant will be observed during both normalcy and gene knockout time periods. Additionally, the transcriptional activity of the target gene can be tracked. In order to stop the transcription of the clock inducibly an entry vector was created that contains inactivated Cas9 with a KRAB domain, a known silencing marker, and two type II restriction cut sites, that allows for up to four guide RNAs (gRNAs) to be inserted into the vector. These gRNAs can be designed to target four different genes or the same gene at four different locations. The pANDA vector allows for versatility in the repression of different genes in order to create many vectors from the same entry plasmid. At this time, the pANDA vector is being used to insert gRNAs to target the ELF3 gene and LUX/NOX genes.

142 Gene Drives for the Suppression of Mosquito Populations Jaye C Sudweeks Applied Mathematics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Alun Lloyd Mathematics, North Carolina State University Gene drives—genetic constructs that lead to super-‐Mendelian inheritance and are hence able to spread a desirable trait through a population—present a unique opportunity to vastly improve human health. Modified organisms containing gene drives could be released to replace harmful native pest populations, or even to suppress pest populations. Recent developments in Crispr/Cas9 technology have facilitated the construction of gene drives. However, the risks and benefits of such systems must be tested before any engineered organisms are released. Here we modify the model presented in Huang et al. (2010) to assess the feasibility of using a recessive lethal gene drive to suppress an age-‐structured mosquito population. Our model estimates the impact of a variety of parameters upon the success of the suppression, including density-‐dependent mosquito survival, age of released mosquitoes, and the fitness cost of an engineered gene.

219 Modeling Kepler’s Supernova Remnant with VH-‐1 Jessica Gray Sullivan Physics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: John Blondin Physics, North Carolina State University Stephen Reynolds Physics, North Carolina State University ; Kazik Borkowski Physics, North Carolina State University Thermonuclear supernovae, exploding white dwarf stars, produce most of the iron in the Universe and play other essential roles as well. The most recent such supernova seen in our galaxy is Kepler's supernova from 1604. Its remains are observable today with radio and X-‐ray telescopes and may hold clues to the nature of this type of stellar explosion. We present a potential 3D model for the evolution and structure of Kepler’s supernova remnant using time-‐dependent hydrodynamic simulations. The progenitor system of Kepler appeared to emit an anisotropic wind of circumstellar material (CSM); as the system moved, the wind swept up surrounding interstellar material (ISM) into a bowshock. The subsequent supernova sent a blast wave into that bowshock. Separate versions of the code were developed to model the supernova blast


wave and the formation of the bowshock. The results of these two simulations were merged and evolved together to create the complete model. By manipulating conditions such as the density contrast between the poles of the bowshock, the asymmetry of the circumstellar medium, and the angle between that asymmetry and the flow of the ISM, we were able to produce models that contained regions similar to those we expect are present in Kepler and further refinement of the parameters and analysis of the model will allow us to improve our understanding of the progenitor system that gave rise to Kepler.

242 Evaluating Antibiotic Resistance in Dog Skin Bacteria Mariah Jean Teague Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Julie Horvath Biology, North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences One of the most common human nosocomial infections is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an antibiotic resistant organism. In dogs, the analogous offender is methicillin resistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius (MRSP). These organisms are typically resistant to beta-‐lactam and some cephalosporin antibiotics due to a mobile genetic element, which contains the resistance gene mecA. We hypothesize that patients receiving these antibiotics will harbor bacteria with higher levels of antibiotic resistance and also higher counts of the mecA gene compared to their pre-‐surgery levels. In this pilot study, we use dogs undergoing surgery and taking antibiotics at the NCSU College of Veterinary Medicine to test our hypothesis. We are utilizing two complementary methods to assess antibiotic resistant bacteria on dog skin samples. Quantitative PCR assesses the total number of mecA copies in each sample while culturing methods show the level of antibiotic resistance in particular isolates. We assessed 30 dog and human skin regions for culturable bacteria and identified 50 phenotypic isolates. These isolates are being characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify which organisms are found on skin and which harbor resistance genes. This study will shed light on the impact of antibiotic usage and allow us to further understand the transfer of resistance genes between pets and owners.

227 Expression of Isotocin in the Thalassoma bifasciatum (Bluehead Wrasse) Teleost Brain Kelly C Thompson IPN, North Carolina State University Elizabeth Dustin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University Despite the fact that isotocin(IT) is the teleost homologue of the well known mammalian oxytocin, there is a lack of current research on IT expression and its role in sexual and social behaviors. Past research suggests IT plays an important role in regulating social behaviors in fishes. Thalassoma bifasciatum(bluehead wrasse) is a saltwater fish that can change sex in response to social interactions, making it a valuable model for studying how gene expression and neural function are linked to behavioral and sexual phenotypes. Bluehead wrasse have three sexually dimorphic phenotypes: terminal phase(TP) male, initial phase(IP) male, and female. Although TP and IP males have the same gonadal sex, IP males show similar behavior to females. The within-‐sex alternate phenotype between TP and IP males provides beneficial comparisons of behavioral and physiological variation. Using in situ hybridization, we identified where IT is expressed in the brains of bluehead wrasses as a first step in comparing IT mRNA expression across sexual phenotypes. Based on findings in Porichthys notatus(plainfin midshipman) indicating similar effects of IT in type II males and females, we hypothesized that IT mRNA would be expressed at lower levels in females and IP males compared to TP males. Computerized image analysis and quantification of signal was used to compare expression. Our previous comparison found TP males had greater IT mRNA


expression than females, but IP males were not assessed. This research is important for advancing IT functions in this largest group of vertebrate animals and more generally of oxytocin-‐family peptides.

221 Convergence of snow bands in Northeast US storms Laura Mary Tomkins Meteorology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sandra Yuter Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University The coastal northeastern region of the United States experiences many snow storms during the winter months. These storms often develop elongated bands with locally higher snow rates. The intense snow fall can accumulate rapidly bringing a city to a standstill and yielding large gradients in snow fall over small distances. Weather forecasting models have difficulty predicting these enhanced snowfall bands since the processes governing band formation, growth and maintenance are poorly understood. Radar observations show that snow bands occur in two main modes. Snow bands that are > 250 km (155 miles) in length and usually only occur one at a time during a storm and are labeled single bands. Multi-‐bands are sets of bands, usually roughly parallel to each other that move as group. Individual winter storms in the Northeast can feature no bands, single bands, multi-‐bands, or both single and multi-‐bands at the same time. The interaction among concurrent multi-‐bands and single bands is an important research question as these conditions often yield heavy snow falls. Sometimes multi-‐bands will converge with a large single band, in effect fueling heavy snow within the single band. In other storms, multi-‐bands will move parallel to the storm motion and do not converge. Surface weather analysis data and weather radar data are used to assess band characteristics in the context of cyclone structure. In storms where the bands converge, the bands are generally located northward of the storm low pressure center. In storms where the bands move parallel to the storm motion, the bands are generally to the northwest and stationary with respect to the low.

130 Creating programmable 3D curved structures utilizing self-‐folding capabilities of 2D shape memory polymers Catherine Hope Wagner Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University This project develops and experimentally validates a model for producing complex curved three-‐dimensional shapes from two-‐dimensional sheets of polystyrene using an origami-‐like approach. One of the most common means of producing spatially varying curvature is to use Miura-‐ori tessellations; however, this method becomes increasingly laborious and time-‐consuming as the structure increases in size and complexity. We propose a form of self-‐folding origami which utilizes differential shrinkage of pre-‐strained polystyrene sheets to control curvature. The polymer shrinks when heated above a critical temperature. Spatial control and variation of this shrinking behavior produces curved shapes that are both programmable and predictable.

136 Sulfur Oxidation in Extreme Thermoacidophiles Karl Alexander Widney Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Robert Kelly Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University


Although it has been known for quite a while that many organisms are able to thrive in conditions of extreme heat, pH, and salt, they and their mechanisms remain largely unknown. These organisms, also known as extremophiles, offer a wealth of novel enzymes, mechanisms, and pathways containing the potential to be useful on an industrial production scale and to be useful in creating new ways to filter and treat waste. Other pathways of interest affect the metabolism of the organism, and allow growth on inorganic materials. One of these pathways is that of sulfur oxidation, and allows for growth on only elemental sulfur. An enzyme found in the extreme thermoacidophile Acidianus ambivalens believed to be key in obtaining energy from the sulfur oxidation pathway is thiosulfate quinone oxidoreductase (TQO). It is a multisubunit membrane associated enzyme known to catalyze the oxidation of thiosulfate to tetrathionate. Although TQO has been well studied in-‐vitro, it has not been studied in a way indicative of its role in sulfur oxidation as a whole. Previously, the key enzyme involved in sulfur oxidation, sulfur oxidoreductase (SOR), was cloned into Sulfolobus acidocaldarius, which is closely related to A.ambivalens, but naturally unable to oxidize sulfur, and the resulting strain was able to produce sulfuric acid from elemental sulfur. Here, we clone TQO into the strain of S.acidocaldarius containing SOR in an effort to elucidate its role in sulfur oxidation and what effect the combination of the two enzymes have on the organism as a whole.

247 Slow Motion is Not Just for the Movies: Time Dilation in Weightlifting Michael Seung Wilkinson Psychology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jing Feng Psychology, North Carolina State University Time dilation is a phenomenon in which an experiencer perceives time moving faster or slower relative to actual time. The subjective passage of time is not specific to any one activity or stimuli; instead, evidence suggests it is dependent on individual perceptions. Anecdotal evidence suggests that time dilation occurs in athletes during sports activities, artists in creative moments, and individuals during frightening events. However, there have been no studies to experimentally measure this phenomenon in sports. In this study, we examined time perception of competitive weightlifters during the snatch—a movement in which a weightlifter moves a barbell from the ground to overhead in one movement. We measured participants’ perceived time after each lift by self-‐report, and the actual time of each lift using video recording. This poster presents preliminary data based on ten competitive weightlifters during two local competitions. We found that the weightlifters perceived the duration of a snatch as significantly greater than the actual time it took to complete. Furthermore, this effect intensified as weightlifters performed heavier lifts. We discuss our findings in the light of the literature on time perception, expertise, and Flow theory.

50 Immunolocalization of the Rep protein (AL1) from Tomato Golden Mosaic Virus (TGMV) or Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) driven by an estradiol inducible promoter in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana. Olivia Anne Williams Biological Sciences: Integrative Physiology & Neurobiology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jose Ascencio-‐Ibanez Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mary Dallas Biochemistry, North Carolina State University The purpose of this study is to localize the Rep protein, or AL1, in the leaves of transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants expressing the protein from either Tomato Golden Mosaic Virus (TGMV) or Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Sardinia Virus (TYLCSV) after induction by beta-‐estradiol. We are interested in the localization of


Rep in transgenic leaf cells, as Rep is absolutely required for TGMV and TYLCSV replication. Rep is the initiation factor that signals origin recognition and DNA cleavage to start replication of the virus. Rep is also necessary for rolling circle replication (RCR) and helps to regulate gene expression. Therefore, understanding where Rep is located, offers further insight towards finding viral resistance. In the transgenic A. thaliana plants, an estradiol-‐responsive promoter is used to drive the expression of Rep from the two different viruses: TGMV and TYLCSV. Both of these viruses come from a very aggressive lineage of plant-‐infecting Geminiviruses that have devastated major food crops like the Tomato and the Cassava plants. Rep will be located using immunohistochemistry that identifies the protein based on specific antibodies: alpha Rep TYLCSV #35 and AL1 antibody r-‐1 (1994) for TYLCV and TGMV respectively. Once the location and distribution of Rep has been determined, then the levels of expression and the amount of protein production will be studied using western blotting. The ultimate goal of this project will be to identify host proteins that interact with Rep in the very initial steps of viral replication by using Mass Spectroscopy.

76 Evaluation of milk cellular response to phytoceuticals in cows with mastitis Carrisa Margaret Womble Animal Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Kevin Anderson Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University Keena Mullen Animal Science, North Carolina State University; Ronald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University Organic dairy producers have adopted the use of plant-‐derived products (phytoceuticals) to treat mastitis in their herds because they are prohibited from using conventional antibiotics. This study aimed to evaluate how two phytoceuticals, Phyto-‐Mast and Uddersol, affect the number and types of white blood cells present in the mammary glands of cows with mastitis infections. The number of cells present in milk increases during mastitis and can also increase when foreign materials such as phytoceuticals are introduced into the gland. The milk cellular response to these treatments has already been evaluated in healthy cows. However, it is still unknown if these treatments affect cows with mastitis in the same way. Six dairy cows with somatic cell counts over 400,000/ml were managed under organic conditions, milked twice daily, and randomly assigned to either the intramammary Phyto-‐Mast or topical Uddersol treatment. Individual quarter milk samples were collected 12h and 0h before intramammary or topical phytoceutical dosing, 12h after the first dose, and 12h, 24h, 48h, 72h, 96h, and 168h after the second (last) dose. Samples were analyzed using technology capable of determining total leukocyte count as well as neutrophil, macrophage, and lymphocyte levels. While Phyto-‐Mast caused marked cellular responses and Uddersol caused minimal cellular responses, these results were not remarkably different from the responses observed in healthy cows. These findings suggest that infection status does not alter the cellular response to these treatments for mastitis. The preliminary results will be used to design further studies of milk cellular response in mastitic cows.

249 The role of kisspeptin in a sex changing fish Ali M Wright Biology, Indian River State College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: John Godwin Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University The neuropeptide kisspeptin is of interest for sociosexual behavior in the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum). Although the effect is unknown in bluehead wrasses, other fish species show that the neurological pathway of the kiss1 gene helps regulate the secretion of Gonadotropin-‐Releasing Hormone (GnRH) through the kissr1 gene which in turn regulates gametogenesis in reproduction. To better


characterize the kiss1 pathway, we used qPCR to quantify expression levels of kiss1 mRNA in two different sexual phenotypes (females and terminal phase males) at different points in the daily tidal cycle and times relative to spawning. These samples were gathered from fish captured on reefs near Key Largo, Florida. As tidal cycles are also associated with water temperature variation, water temperatures across the tidal cycle may be an important factor driving the timing of spawning. Therefore, we also tested the effect of water temperature on kiss1 mRNA expression in a laboratory experiment where fish were held at either 23.3 or 32.8 degrees Celsius (high and low monthly average water temperatures for Key Largo respectively). Previous research led to the prediction that kiss1 mRNA should be more highly expressed in TP males than in IP females and expressed at higher levels immediately before spawning than when the daily spawn is 10-‐12 hours away. These findings will give a better understanding of the kiss1 pathway and how environmental cues influence reproductive function and behavior in fishes.


Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU (IMPS) 18 Gene Specific Regulation of Protein Translation in Response to Ethylene Amanda Agosto Biology, University of Puerto Rico, RÃo Piedras Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jose Alonso Plant and Microbial Biology, North Carolina State University The phytohormone ethylene plays a major role in plant growth and development. Understanding how it controls different aspects of the plant life cycle is essential and could facilitate the development of technologies that lead to improved agricultural traits, such as longer shelf life of fruits and vegetables due to delayed spoilage. The ethylene signaling pathway is well characterized, and transcriptional changes in gene expression in response to the hormone have been described in detail. Recent studies in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana uncovered a step of translational regulation that involves the 3€™ UTRs of EBF1 and EBF2, which encode key proteins of the ethylene signaling pathway. The goal of this work is to evaluate if this regulation also occurs in other plant species. Tomato was selected because it has a different evolutionary lineage from that of Arabidopsis. The constructs were generated by subcloning the 3€™UTRs of EBF1 and EBF2 from both species downstream of the GFP reporter driven by the constitutive 35S promoter. The constructs will be transformed into Arabidopsis and tomato. In Arabidopsis the 3€™UTR ofEBFs is known to repress translation of the upstream ORF. Thus, if the mechanism of translation regulation is conserved in both species, a decrease in GFP fluorescence is expected upon exposure of transgenic plants to ethylene. In the future, follow-‐up studies could be conducted to develop a technology that allows regulation of the ethylene response at will, for example, to minimize food spoilage.

4 Investigating Inositol Pyrophosphates as Regulators of Phosphate Sensing and Homeostasis Anna Elizabeth Dye Biology, Pacific Lutheran University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Imara Perera Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Phosphate is an essential nutrient; plants have evolved many strategies to cope with limiting phosphate. Current research suggests that inositol pyrophosphates are critical players in phosphate sensing and regulation in plants. The enzyme IPK1 phosphorylates InsP5 to create InsP6, the precursor of inositol pyrophosphates. The ipk1 mutant is defective in phosphate sensing; ipk1 mutants hyperaccumulate phosphate and have increased basal expression of phosphate starvation genes (PSR). Arabidopsis contains two VIP enzymes (AtVIP1 and AtVIP2) which are implicated in the synthesis of inositol pyrophosphates from InsP6. This study examined the response of vip double mutants to low phosphate environments. In long term experiments, WT, vip and ipk1 mutant lines were grown on either sufficient (1000uM Pi) or limiting (10uM Pi) media for fourteen days. Plates were imaged during this time course in order to monitor changes root morphology and growth. After 14 days, plants were harvested and RNA was isolated from shoot tissues. PSR gene expression was assayed by qPCR analysis. In short term experiments, WT, vip, and ipk1 mutants were grown on soft agar MS media for 9 days and then transferred to liquid media containing either sufficient or limiting phosphate for 24 hours. RNA was isolated from roots and shoots and gene expression measured by qPCR. We anticipate that these results will help characterize the role of inositol pyrophosphates in plant phosphate signaling. The long term goals of this work are to better understand phosphate uptake and regulation for more efficient use of phosphate in plants.

11 The Role of Vacuolar Protein Sorting 41 (VPS41) in Root Development and Stomatal Opening of


Arabidopsis thaliana Mark Allen Frank Chemistry and Biology, Saint Francis University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Marcela Rojas-‐Pierce Plant Biology, North Carolina State University The lytic vacuole of plant cells occupies a large fraction of the cell volume and has been shown to arise from vacuole fusion events. Stomata opening is reliant upon vacuole fusion, which is vital to plant health, as stomata regulate gas exchange for photosynthesis. HOPS (Homotypic fusion and vacuole protein sorting), a complex of six highly-‐conserved proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, has been shown to regulate vacuole fusion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by proofreading proteins in the SNARE (soluble N-‐ethylmaleimide-‐sensitive factor attachment Receptor) complex. Previous work has determined that loss of SNARE function compromises vacuole fusion, culminating in failure of stomatal opening. Two HOPS subunits, VPS33 and VPS41, are implicated in homotypic vacuole fusion in plants. Here we seek to determine if loss of VPS41 function disrupts vacuole fusion through the disruption of HOPS-‐mediated tethering. To elucidate the role of VPS41 in root development, we subjected zip2 mutants, mutants with an amino acid substitution in the VPS41 polypeptide, to 28°C to simulate temperature stress. Confocal microscopy in conjunction with specific intracellular fluorescent markers revealed a previously unreported root meristem phenotype of the zip2 mutant under heat stress. However, zip2 did not vary from the wild-‐type in terms of average root growth under normal temperature. Stomata assays showed reduced stomatal opening in zip2, but guard cell phenotype characterization revealed normal vacuole fusion in in both zip2 and wild-‐type Arabidopsis. These results suggest that VPS41 is necessary for normal root-‐tip development and stomatal opening.

12 Identification of Key Factors for Cortex/Endodermal Stem Cell Function in the Arabidopsis thaliana Julianne Elizabeth Golinski Biology, Washington College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Rosangela Sozzani Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Adam Fisher Plant & Microbial Biology , North Carolina State University

Stem cells produce the cells that compose all of the tissues in multicellular organisms. In plants, each stem cell population is maintained by the quiescent center (QC). WOX5 is a transcription factor that is expressed in the QC and was shown to maintain distal stem cells. However, it is unknown whether WOX5 is also involved in maintaining proximal stem cells. The cortex/endodermal initials (CEI) are a population of proximal root stem cells that produce the ground tissues. In order to determine if WOX5 has an effect on these stem cells, it was crossed with a known CEI identity gene, CYCD6. The resulting cross showed expression of CYCD6 in cells beyond the CEI, hereafter called CEI-‐like cells. Gene expression analysis between the CEI and CEI-‐like cells was completed to identify genes important for maintenance, identity, and differentiation. A total of 27 putative maintenance/identity genes and 12 differentiation genes were found. A collection of 107 transfer DNA (TDNA) inserts were identified that disrupt the function of those genes in the Arabidopsis thaliana. Currently, 68 TDNA lines have been genotyped. Of these lines, 51 are homozygous. These homozygous lines will be phenotyped to find the roles of the transcription factors based on observed changes in root formation. These transcription factors may provide a greater understanding of maintenance, identity, and differentiation of the CEI.

2 Investigating the role of SEGS-‐2 on the cell cycle during Geminivirus infection in Arabidopsis Freda Aullene Kreier Molecular Biology, Colorado College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


Linda Hanley-‐Bowdoin Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a staple crop for ca. 400 million Africans. Cassava Mosaic Disease (CMD) caused by a complex of one or more viral species belonging to the genus Begomoviridea, severely limits cassava production across Africa. Cassava Mosaic begomoviruses (CMBs) evolve rapidly leading to pandemics, emergence of new viruses, and altered virulence. During a recent pandemic, the discovery of novel episomal DNA sequences named SEGS-‐1 and SEGS-‐2 (sequences enchaining geminivirus symptoms) associated with CMBs were found to break CMD resistance and enhances viral symptoms, respectively. The emergence of SEGS and the severity of their impact on CMD is a cause for concern. To understand the mechanism of how SEGS-‐2 enhances viral symptoms, we examined SEGS-‐2 effects on cell cycle regulation in the presence of African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV) and Cabbage leaf curl virus (CaLCuV) in Arabidopsis thaliana. In situ and immunohistochemistry hybridization of infected Arabidopsis with a SEGS-‐2 transgene displayed greater proliferation of viral DNA in the vascular and mesophyll regions then wild-‐type plants, indicating that the presence of SEGS-‐2 increases virus accumulation. Flow cytometry demonstrated that the ploidy of transgenic SEGS-‐2 Arabidopsis infected with CaLCuV was elevated relative to infected wild-‐type plants. The opposite effect was observed with ACMV. These results indicated that SEGS-‐2 increases the number of plant cells undergoing endoreduplication during CaLCuV infection but not during ACMV infection.

10 Cloning of potential temperature cycle responsive promoters and measurement of luciferase activity Valeria Cristal Laboy Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Colleen Doherty Biochemistry, North Carolina State University The world in these modern times is facing a problem with temperature increase due to global climate change. The concern with this particular problem is that rising temperature can affect crop yield of globally sustaining crops. It is estimated that nighttime temperature will increase more than day time temperature. It is thought that this may cause the plant to spend more metabolic product to carry respiration rather than producing the valuable grains or biomass. The circadian clock is an important factor in understanding how the plant is affected by these temperature changes thus helping us optimize its conditions for production. The circadian clock maintains a daily biological cycle on a 24-‐hour period that regulates gene expression, metabolism and physiology at the correct time of day. The question that arises is how do plants sense this change in temperature. Does the clock sense the change in temperature? Is the internal clock affected by these changes in temperature. The promoters of temperature cycling genes in Arabidopsis thaliana can help us understand the link between the circadian clock and temperature. After computational data analysis of the cycling patterns, genes are selected and then the promoter region is amplified and cloned into an entry vector with luciferase. Luciferase would then catalyze a chemical reaction, which produces light thus enabling us to monitor the expression of these promoters. The same research is soon to be performed to Oryza sativa, which is one of the most consumed products worldwide. This will provide a scope of how this temperature cycle sensing mechanism varies across plant species.

1 Characterization of the Secretome from Two Lignocellulose-‐Degrading Strains of Paenibacillus glucanolyticus Jonathan Caleb Mancao Biochemistry, Southern Adventist University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Amy Grunden Microbiology, North Carolina State University Stephanie Mathews Plant Biology, North Carolina State University


Two strains of the bacterium Paenibacillus glucanolyticus (soil isolate 5162 and paper pulping waste isolate SLM1) have been shown to grow on and degrade the components of the major plant cell wall material, lignocellulose, which is comprised of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The genomic sequences of P. glucanolyticus SLM1 and P. glucanolyticus 5162 contain putative protein-‐encoding genes that may be involved in lignocellulose degradation. The lignocellulose-‐degrading proteins secreted by these bacteria may have valuable industrial applications. To determine which proteins are involved in this complex process, we used LC-‐MS/MS to identify the extracellular proteins (secretome) present after the bacteria were grown in minimal media supplemented with the carbon sources glucose, cellulose, hemicellulose, or lignin. The analysis resulted in the identification of 758 proteins for strain SLM1, and 727 proteins for strain 5162. Several of these proteins are predicted hydrolases known to be involved with the breakdown of cellulose and hemicellulose. Seven unique proteins were identified from SLM1 and one unique protein was identified from 5162 when grown on lignin as the carbon source. Using the proteins identified by LC-‐MS/MS, we have identified candidates for protein characterization. Of particular interest are the enzymes that may be involved in lignin degradation, because of its highly irregular and amorphous structure. These enzymes will be recombinantly expressed and characterized in future research.

7 Effect of Urea on Hyphal Growth and Spore Production by the Plant Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Charles Boyce Rich Biochemistry, Queens University of Charlotte Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Marc Cubeta Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Brianna Hoge Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Fungi in the Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Cg) species complex cause disease of apple leaves and fruit. The application of urea to apple leaves is used to suppress and reduce survival of Cg, but the influence of urea on the developmental biology of the fungus and leaf decomposition has not been investigated. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of urea on hyphal growth, spore production of Cg and leaf decomposition. The rate of radial hyphal growth of 22 monoconidial isolates of Cg was examined on Lima Bean Agar (LBA) amended with or without urea. Colony diameter was measured every 24 hours for 12 days during incubation at 23°C. Asexual spore production was quantified when each isolate reached 83 mm in diameter. The presence of urea increased growth of 14 isolates but was not significantly different (P=0.05) than the control. A significant reduction in asexual spore production was observed for 20 isolates when grown with urea. Apple leaves treated with a 5% urea solution or without urea (control) were sampled five times in 10-‐day increments. Leaves were dried at 65°C, pulverized in a mortar and subjected to carbon combustion analysis to determine decomposition. Carbon content of the control increased over time while carbon content in urea treated leaves decreased. The increase in carbon could be attributed to microbial influence or nutrient cycling during decomposition. Our results suggest that application of urea to LBA and apple leaves reduces asexual spore production of Cg and increases leaf decomposition, respectively.

67 Understanding the effects of -‐Fe on phloem development Malika Tierra Wood Biology, Saint Augustine's University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Terri Long Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Rosangela Sozzani Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Phloem is a vascular tissue responsible for the transport of sugars from source to sink. Although important


phloem regulators in Arabidopsis, such as Early Phloem Marker (EPM), have been found, little is known about if and how their ectopic expressions affect root growth, particularly under stress conditions, such as low iron. To understand this, we have studied the effects of the pEPM::EPM::GFP (translation fusion) on the root development under regular and stress conditions. We have germinated the EPM translational fusion lines on iron sufficient (+Fe) media, then transferred to iron deficient (-‐Fe) media and examined how this transition affects root growth rates and shoot growth and color. To find the iron deficiency symptoms, we used root growth assays, chlorophyll content assays, rhizosphere acidification assays, and iron reductase assays. We found that the iron stress effects on the translational fusion line were not statistically different from the effects on the control lines (Col-‐0 and the transcriptional line EPM::GFP), suggesting that the ectopic expression of the phloem regulator EPM does not affect the response of the root to iron deficiency conditions.


Kelman Scholars in Plant Pathology 71 Evaluating the Effect of Light Quality and Activated Charcoal on Sweet Potato Tissue Culture Andrea Ruth Bostrom Biology, Bryan College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Zvezdana Pesic-‐Van Esbroeck Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University William Foote Crop Science, North Carolina State University Sweet potatoes are a major commercial crop in North Carolina, contributing over $250,000,000 to the state economy annually. Since sweet potatoes are propagated vegetatively and readily accumulate yield-‐reducing viruses, production of virus-‐indexed stock to supply growers is essential. Accelerating stock production through tissue culture will assist in meeting increasing industry demand with virus-‐indexed planting stock. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of light quality and activated charcoal on the growth of sweet potatoes in tissue culture. Single node cuttings were placed in magenta boxes and evaluated for five weeks using three metrics: height, number of nodes, and node to height ratio. In the first experiment, using cultivars NC05-‐198 and B94-‐14, no difference in growth metrics was observed in plants grown under a mixture (RB) of red (R) (color temperature=3000 K) and blue (B) (color temperature=6000 K) light-‐emitting diodes (LED) versus those grown under R LED lights. The second experiment demonstrated extensive variation in growth metrics among the cultivars Covington, NC05-‐198, Bonita, O’ Henry, B94-‐14, and Bellevue, when grown under RB lights. The third experiment indicated that increasing photoperiod of RB from 16 to 24 h decreased height by >25% in Covington, but had no effect on NC05-‐198 or B94-‐14. The fourth experiment showed that in NC05-‐198 under 24 h photoperiod of RB the addition of 700mg/l of activated charcoal increased height by >293% and number of nodes by >106%. Thus, charcoal media and LED lighting show promise in accelerating production of virus-‐indexed sweet potatoes.

136 Evaluating the Efficacy of Fungicides and Sanitizers for Control of Black Rot of Sweet Potato Lynde Joy Ring Food Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Black rot of sweet potato, caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata, has recently reemerged as a significant threat to sweet potato production in North Carolina. The pathogen produces an abundance of sticky, microscopic conidia that adhere to the roots, develop a dark lesion on the storage root surface, and are readily dispersed throughout the washing and packing of sweet potatoes postharvest. Losses of sweet potato black rot postharvest in NC packinghouses have ranged from 5-‐60% loss. Black rot lesions make sweet potatoes unmarketable for the table market due to their appearance and the processing market due to the bittering of the tissue after infection. This project explores the postharvest application of various fungicides directly onto inoculated roots to determine the most effective product to prevent or minimize black rot infection postharvest. Healthy roots were submerged in a bath with infected roots for inoculation. Six treatments were applied to inoculated roots and were incubated for a three week storage period. Roots treated with thiabendazole had significantly less symptoms of black rot compared to untreated roots. Beyond the application of fungicides directly on the roots, sanitation of equipment may have an important role in the reduction of C. fimbriata contamination. Thus, ongoing research may establish how well the black rot pathogen adheres to different types of equipment surfaces (wood, metal, plastic), as well as the effectiveness of sanitizers at different concentrations in disinfecting those surfaces. Findings of this project have already identified products that growers can use to reduce losses due to black rot disease.


66 Host Association of Opposite Mating Types of Pseudoperonospora cubensis Tanner Reid Schwarz Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Peter Ojiambo Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Anna Thomas Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Pseudoperonospora cubensis is an obligate biotrophic pathogen that causes downy mildew, a detrimental foliar disease of cucurbits. Recently, opposite mating types of P. cubensis were characterized and formation of oospores under laboratory conditions was reported in several countries, including the United States. However, reports of oospore production under field conditions remain rare and have not been reported in the US. An association between host and mating type has been suspected where isolates of A1 mating type have been found to be associated primarily with cucumber and A2 with squash. The goal of this study was to examine proposed association of mating types with host types and to map the geographic distribution of mating types in the US. Ten isolates were collected from various cucurbits and were determined as either A1 or A2 through a pairing assay, where isolates of an unknown mating type were crossed with a known mating type tester by mixing sporangial suspension of both isolates at equal proportions. Detached cucumber and cantaloupe leaves were inoculated with the sporangial suspension and incubated at 21/18°C under 12 hour light/dark cycles. Abundant oospores were observed 7 to 9 DPI and the morphological characteristics of oospores (hyaline to golden yellow color, double wall, and an average diameter of 37µm) were consistent with previous reports. The viability of the oospores was determined using plasmolysis, with a calculated viability ranging from 20-‐26%. Preliminary results show an association between mating and host type, and its implications in the epidemiology of the disease will be discussed.

107 Detection of fungicide-‐resistant Pseudoperonospora cubensis isolates using molecular techniques Aidan Christopher Shands Biology, California State University, Monterey Bay Abel Walker Horticultural Science and Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Emma Wallace Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Timothy Miles Pseudoperonospora cubensis, the causal agent of cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), is the most destructive pathogen to members of Cucurbitacae. Since the 2004 CDM resurgence, the preferred method of control is the application of single-‐site fungicides. Fungicide applications are expensive and sometimes ineffective due to pathogen-‐acquired resistance, often leading to crop loss. The resistance mechanism to carboxylic acid amide (CAA) fungicides was identified in P. cubensis isolates as two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The SNPs conferring CAA resistance lies in the cellulose synthase 3 gene (CesA3) at amino acid positions 1105 and 1109. A molecular assay was developed to identify the 1105 and 1109 SNPs and determine the occurrence of CAA resistance in North Carolina P. cubensis isolates. Isolates of P. cubensis (n=85) were collected across North Carolina from varying hosts including cucumber, melon, squash, gourd, pumpkin and watermelon, and evaluated for fungicide resistance with the molecular assay. Pseudoperonospora humuli isolates (n=9), the causal agent of hop downy mildew and a sister species to P. cubensis, were also evaluated. Results from the CesA3 sequence alignments showed that resistance was most prevalent in cucumber P. cubensis isolates. This research will aid cucurbit farmers in the development of targeted fungicide programs for maximum efficiency.

72


Screening of sweet potato clones for viruses and their elimination by meristem-‐tip culture Brooke Elizabeth Summers Bioprocessing Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Zvezdana Pesic-‐Van Esbroeck Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is prone to viral diseases due to vegetative propagation. The accumulation and perpetuation of viruses in sweet potato is a major constraint for production of seed and the commercial crop. Over time, viral infection decreases the yield and quality of storage roots, resulting in lower net profits for the producer. This study was conducted to screen ten sweet potato clones for viruses known to occur in North Carolina: 1) Potyviruses: Sweet potato virus G (SPVG), Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV), Sweet potato virus C (SPVC), and Sweet potato virus 2 (SPV2); 2) Begomovirus: Sweet potato leaf curl virus (SPLCV); and 3) Crinivirus: Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV). Sixty storage roots (six per clone) were sprouted in a controlled greenhouse environment, and tissue extracts from individual roots and sprouts were tested by PCR, RT-‐PCR, and quantitative RT-‐PCR. Potyviruses were detected in all clones. The incidence of SPVG was 80%, SPFMV 78%, SPVC 43%, and SPV2 5%. SPLCV was detected in one clone (8%). All clones tested negative for SPCSV. Single viral infections were detected in 21% of samples and mixed infections were detected with two, three and four viruses in 34%, 38% and 7% of samples, respectively. The virus detection rate was 87% for roots and 60% for sprouts. Meristem-‐tip culture technique will be used to eliminate viruses from infected clones and produce clean plants.

238 Phylogenetic relationships of Pseudoperonospora cubensis isolates causing downy mildew of cucurbit crops in the U.S Abel Jordan Walker Horticultural Science and Plant Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Pseudoperonospora cubensis, an obligate oomycete pathogen, causes cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) on a variety of cucurbit host plants including cucumber, pumpkin, and squash. Recently the disease re-‐emerged following an outbreak in 2004 leading to the devastation of cucurbit crops in North Carolina. Prior to this outbreak, CDM was primarily managed by host resistance in cucumber and fungicide application in other cucurbits. However, after 2004, cucumber resistance has no longer been effective and previously effective fungicides are not able to control the pathogen. In order to investigate changes in the genetic structure of P. cubensis, samples were taken from nine different host plants (Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita foetidissima, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Citrullus lanatus Lagenaria siceraria, Momordica charantia)from three different regions within the US and were investigated using one nuclear (ypt) and one mitochondrial (cox2-‐1) genetic marker. DNA extractions were performed on 154 samples, with 77 samples successfully amplified and sequenced. Multilocus sequence analysis showed divergence within P. cubensis with each lineage mainly occurring in a particular cucurbit host.

106 Detection of airborne Pseudoperonospora cubensis sporangia using spore trapping and quantitative PCR Jesse Sumire Yamagata Biology, California State University, Monterey Bay Lynde Ring Food Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Lina Quesada Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), caused by the obligate biotroph Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is an important disease on a wide range of cucurbit host plants. CDM is known to cause significant yield losses all over the world and has been especially devastating in the United States (US), Europe, China, India and


Israel. Following the US 2004 outbreak, cucumber host-‐resistance was overcome and a novel fungicide resistant P. cubensis population emerged the US. CDM is primarily managed by intensive spray programs that are initiated once a report has been made in a growing area to the CDM ipmPIPE forecasting system. Early detection and quantification of P. cubensis airborne sporangia, the primary source of inoculum, could serve as a warning prior to disease for potential disease outbreaks. Using Next-‐generation sequencing (NGS) technology, candidate genetic markers were identified for detection and identification of P. cubensis. In this study, a SYBR green-‐based qPCR assay determined the preliminary detection threshold of P. cubensis DNA in extracted DNA from sporangia, infected plant tissue, and inoculated spore trap rods. The detection limits of the qPCR for sporangia were 100 spores in suspension, for leaf Disk 1 spore/leaf disk, and for air sampling rods 1 spore/rotorod. The minimum DNA concentration required for qPCR detection was 0.174ng/uL in a mixed DNA sample. This study allowed for reliable detection of a single to ten sporangia on air sampling rods that can be used in fields or greenhouses to monitor airborne P. cubensis sporangia.


MEAS-‐Wake Tech Program 19 CDOM Photodegradation from North Carolina Freshwaters Alexander Kenneth Arnold Geology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christopher Osburn Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University Chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is a common component of all aquatic ecosystems and plays an important role in controlling light penetration. One way CDOM is transformed is through its photodegradation by sunlight, mainly at ultraviolet wavelengths. This process produces dissolved inorganic carbon and labile carbon compounds potentially consumable by bacteria. For this study, four natural water samples were obtained from a wetland area near the Neuse River, the Neuse River proper, Crabtree Creek, and the Cape Fear River in North Carolina. These samples were 0.7 µm filtered and irradiated in quartz vials in a solar simulator for 72 hours. The samples were measured for absorbance and fluorescence spectra, presented as excitation-‐emission matrices (EEMs), at time points of 0, 1, 2, 6, 12, 20, 36, and 72 hours. As expected, fluorescence and absorbance decreased as the samples were irradiated. This change was most dramatic in the wetland sample, in both magnitude and rate of change, which also contained the most CDOM. These results will aid in the understanding of CDOM phototransformation and removal in limnological environments.

17 Biodegradation of Dissolved Organic Matter in North Carolina Freshwaters Paul Arthur Cockson Plant and Soil Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christopher Osburn Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is an important component of aquatic ecosystems because it represents the base of the aquatic food web. A fraction of the DOM absorbs light and fluoresces at a wide range of wavelengths. Absorbance and fluorescence spectra (visualized as excitation emission matrices or EEMs) reveal qualitative information about the concentration and chemical composition of the DOM pool. In the summer of 2016 I studied the biodegradation of DOM in North Carolina Rivers. I used fluorescence and absorbance to investigate how DOM changed over time through the activity of microorganisms. I collected water samples from the Cape Fear River, the Neuse River, Crabtree Creek, and a riparian wetland on the Neuse River. Samples were filtered to separate the particulate from the dissolved organic matter. The filtered samples were then divided into 15 sub-‐samples of equal volume and left to incubate in the dark at room temperature. Absorbance and fluorescence were analyzed on three of the subsamples at the time of their collection, and then on days 2, 5, 12 and 28. After the 28-‐day analysis concludes, I expect to find a decrease in DOM concentration and molecular weight, as well as a change in the composition of the DOM, with more labile organic compounds being transformed or respired faster than more recalcitrant fractions of the DOM. Results from this research can advance our understanding of the carbon cycle and have implications for local water quality and carbon budget analysis.

24 Microplastic Pollution in Local Surface Waters Crystal Lynne Davis Applied Science, Wake Tech Community College Zackary Cosgrove Geology, North Carolina State University; Katlyn Reynolds Business Administration and Law, Western Carolina University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University The objective of the research was to determine if microplastics are common in local surface waters and to determine if there is a relationship of their abundance to local wastewater treatment plants. Recent research has shown that microplastics persist within our freshwater systems and can be harmful to marine organisms and humans through the process of biomagnification. The field research consisted of taking water samples from various locations along the Neuse River, Falls Lake, the Eno River, and Ellerbe Creek. The process included filtering 26 gallon water samples through sieves ranging from 425mm to 75mm, placing the residual substance into a drying oven, and analyzing the material under a dissection microscope. The results determined that plastic fibers were present in all samples, and that their abundance was not significantly different in samples taken above and below the waste water treatment plants in Raleigh, Durham and Hillsborough. Further research will be designed to provide a quantitative research analysis of plastics in local surface waters. This may help determine why there is not a significant difference in abundance of microplastics above and below wastewater treatment plants.

8 Investigating Nitrogen Contamination in Jordan Lake Raleigh Jacob King Geology, Wake Tech Simone Waller Geology, Wake Tech Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: John Fountain Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University The purpose behind our research was to investigate the water quality conditions of major inputs into Jordan Lake. Our team assessment focused on the nitrogen concentration levels of streams and creeks that flow into Jordan Lake. An excess of nitrogen in a water-‐system can greatly impair the quality of that aqueous environment. It can cause a process known as Eutrophication€” an excessive richness of nutrients in a body of water causing explosive growth of algae. The excessive growth of algae, upon decomposition can cause harm to marine life. Our team collected samples from 23 sites from streams and rivers that flow into Jordan Lake. Our results showed that sites on creeks which drain waste water treatment plants (WWTP) have higher nutrient contamination than any of the other tributaries. Morgan Creek, which drains the Orange County Waste Water Treatment Plant had a total nitrogen concentration of 2.2 parts per million (ppm) and Roberson Creek, which drains the Pittsboro waste water treatment plant, had a nitrogen concentration of .64 (ppm). However, sampling on June 30, after a major rain event, river and stream discharge was high, and low nitrogen concentrations were yielded in all samples; for example, Morgan Creek yielded a concentration of only 0.48 (ppm). The data suggests that the tributaries that flow into Jordan Lake generally do not have high nitrogen concentrations. Nitrogen levels are high only for those streams fed by local waste water treatment systems. Increased stream discharge from rainstorms diluted nitrogen concentrations.

241 Testing the role of predation on a marine fouling community Gina Marie Long Geology, North Carolina state university Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Dave Eggleston Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University Community structure is often shaped by ecological processes, including predation, competition, and larval supply. Predation can remove species from a community and alter patterns of community development. In the 1970€™s, Sutherland and Karlson (1977; S&K) examined the marine fouling community that developed on tiles suspended below a dock in Beaufort, North Carolina as a model system to determine if (1) different community assemblages exist due to variable larval supply, or (2) the community converges to


a similar assemblage regardless of when the community was disturbed (e.g., clean tiles exposed to larvae). Deployment dates of tiles were manipulated as a proxy for disturbance. S&K€™s study 50 years ago found that different communities developed in response to the date of disturbance, due to the unique assemblage of larvae available to settle after a disturbance. I participated in redoing the S&K study, and added a unique predator exclusion component to see if predation removed recently settled organisms, thereby influencing the community assemblage. Through a combination of predator exclusion cages surrounding tiles, cage controls, and tiles open to predation, no effect of predation was found on recently settled organisms. Thus, the timing of disturbance and the larvae available to settle to the tiles after the disturbance appear to drive patterns of the marine fouling community.

63 Stream Channel Geometry as a Control on Stream Water Temperature Chanelle McArthur Geology; Science, Technology, and Society, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Nathan Lyons Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University The abundance and diversity of freshwater mussels have decreased in North Carolina over the past few decades, reflecting the trend that is prevalent throughout North America. Freshwater mussels are filter-‐feeders that effectively clarify water and play an important role in the food web of freshwater systems. Healthy freshwater mussel habitat requirements include the presence of fish host species, a consistent supply of food and nutrients, stable sediment beds, and water quality suitable for communities of freshwater organisms. The effect of stream channel geomorphology on stream temperatures, which may in turn act as a limiting factor upon mussel habitats, has been explored less than other water quality factors even though temperature plays an integral role in the life history and habitat preference of mussels. We modeled stream water temperature of sections along the Little River, a tributary of the Cape Fear River, to identify stream channel properties that impact this water quality parameter. Water temperature was measured and modeled at two sites along this river using leveloggers and digital topographic data that was then analyzed in a geographic information system (GIS) computer environment. At each site, temperature data was collected along multiple stream cross-‐sections using leveloggers attached to a staff that remained under water for several minutes. Relationships between stream channel width, depth, and recorded temperature will be presented with the goal of understanding the effect of stream channel geometries as a control on stream water temperatures. The findings may be useful in mussel propagation and habitat restoration efforts.

149 Commucating Geoscience Concepts in the Classroom and Beyond Using Short Video-‐Based Resources Melanie Judit McCaskey Science, Wake Technical Community College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jennifer Dixon Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University David McConnell Marine Earth & Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University The use of video-‐based resources in introductory geoscience classrooms has been on the rise for several years. It has been shown that the use of multimedia resources can supplement a lesson and help students understand concepts that may be difficult to grasp as well as help educators utilize class time to effectively demonstrate abstract concepts. A series of geoscience videos were created to support student learning in Introductory Physical Geology classes at North Carolina State University. A typical video lesson would contain specific parts that can be matched against a similar textbook assignment to allow for comparison of student performance in different learning environments. In the context of this study, students were given a video or text-‐based resource followed by a multiple choice assessments featuring knowledge and


comprehension questions. Overall, students who viewed video-‐based resources showed greater learning gains and had higher confidence in their learning than students who had completed equivalent textbook reading assignments. Lastly, we shared the videos via a YouTube channel, GeoScienceVideos (http://youtube.com/c/Geosciencevideos/), to make them available to a wider audience. YouTube has become one of the largest and most popular websites on the Internet with more than one billion users. While the majority of these users are probably not visiting YouTube to become great scholars of geoscience, YouTube has the potential to communicate geoscience content and support learning in a much more diverse audience than found in a typical introductory science classroom.

52 A Spatially Enabled Relational Database of Marked & Unmarked Gravesites within the Historic African-‐American Oberlin Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina Lisa Marie Picariello Associate in Engineering, Wake Technical Community College Morgan Whited Associate of Science, Wake Technical Community College; Natalia Womack Associate of Science, Wake Technical Community College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University The Oberlin Cemetery was established as a freed African-‐American cemetery following the American Civil War in 1873 to serve Oberlin Village, now part of Raleigh, NC. Recently, a non-‐profit citizen group, the Friends of Oberlin Village, has undertaken an effort to preserve the site's history and identify individuals along with families within the cemetery. In support of their efforts, a pedestrian survey was carried out during the summer of 2016 using to a sub-‐decimeter accuracy GPS system. Data were recorded in the field using a customized Trimble's TerraFlex data entry form. As a result of this survey, a tabular database was created containing spatial, descriptive, and photographic information of ~1,100 surface features (e.g., tombstones, field stones, flower holders, surface depressions). The data were exported into a spreadsheet, cleaned, and field validated. A relational database schema was developed relating individual records to grave sites and family plots. These relationships were established based on field observations (e.g. a headstone associated with a footstone, or a group of grave sites within a family plot). Finally this database was spatially enabled for querying within a Geospatial Information System. The spatially enabled relational database will allow researchers to identify gravesites by location, name, date, etc. It will additionally be made available to the Friends of Oberlin Village to aid in their efforts of obtaining recognition on the National Register of Historic Places.

47 Nutrient flux from the bottom sediments in Falls Lake Benjamin Spencer Price Geology, Wake Technical Community College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: William Showers Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University The objective of this research project is to determine nutrient flux in the Falls Lake reservoir and how this influx of nutrients contributes to hypoxia and anoxia. Influx of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorous from fertilizers poses a threat to receiving water-‐bodies such as Falls Lake (Seitzinger et al., 2010; Canfield et al., 2010). Monitoring nutrient fluxes in the water system is important when predicting the severity of eutrophication. Eutrophication can accelerate the growth of aquatic plants while depriving aquatic animals of oxygen. This study involves periodic monitoring of water quality by examining bottom sediments, water samples, surface surveys, depth profiles, and Lake Bathymetry from May 2016 to July 2016. Nutrient content measurements include nitrate-‐nitrite, ammonia, and ortho-‐phosphate concentrations. Other measurements include, temperature, dissolved organic matter, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll. Water


samples analyzed show surrounding tributaries such as the Eno River, Ellerbe Creek and Barton Creek are major contributors to the influx of nutrients in the water supply. Additional analysis of the bottom sediments using a IRMS mass spectrometer will determine the organic content and isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen in the water column and sediments.

6 Preliminary investigation of North American Beavers (Castor Canadensis) Impact on Urban Stream Water Quality Callan Marie Swafford geology, Wake Technical Community College Dustin Travels geology, Wake Technical Community College; Martha Killebrew undecided, Wake Technical Community College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Adam Lee Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University Prior to the eradication of beavers (c. 1897) in North Carolina by over hunting, beaver impoundments were crucial components to the form, function, and ecosystem dynamics of Piedmont streams. With the removal of beavers, coupled with poor agricultural practices, streams became inundated by sediment from upland soil erosion. Today, these “legacy” sediments have left streams impaired and incised. Beavers were reintroduced in the 1930’s, but struggle to form impoundments within incised streams, instead constructing their dams in established, man-‐made bodies of water. In this study, we investigate a beaver’s ability to improve water quality within an incised urban stream. We suspect the presence of active dams improves the overall health of a stream, specifically by reducing nitrogen concentration within the water. This study was completed by comparing two urban streams, one impounded by a beaver dam and one that was not. To evaluate stream health, we collected water samples for analysis of inorganic and organic nitrogen. Data collected indicates once the beaver dam was established within the urban stream, a healthy riparian environment developed and overall nitrogen concentrations were reduced. Future research is needed to continue to analyze nitrogen concentrations on a longer time scale in both impounded and unimpounded urban streams throughout the Piedmont.

60 Do Hurricanes Cause Phytoplankton Blooms? Using Satellites to Investigate Sea Surface Temperature and Chlorophyll-‐a in the Gulf of California. Brittany Rae Thomas Geology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Erin Hestir Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University Nazanin Chaichitehrani College of Sciences, North Carolina State University Recent evidence has shown that hurricanes may play an important role in phytoplankton growth. Hurricanes may cause vertical mixing and upwelling, which brings nutrients to the surface and may trigger a phytoplankton bloom. In 2015, the Gulf of California experienced unusually high sea surface temperatures, low upwelling, and a particularly active hurricane season. We used satellite remote sensing to investigate whether hurricanes resulted in phytoplankton blooms under these conditions. We assessed sea surface temperature (SST) and Chlorophyll-‐a 10 days before and 10 days after each cyclone using data from MODIS Aqua sensor, obtaining data (Level-‐2) from NASA€™s OceanColor Website. SST and Chlorophyll-‐a data were processed and mapped using SeaWiFS Data Analysis System (SeaDAS, v.7.3) and R software. We observed hurricane-‐induced upwelling in the southern Gulf of California. SST variability was observed in coastal areas without noticeable change in Chlorophyll-‐a concentration. The absence of phytoplankton blooms after the hurricanes in these conditions may be due to a scarcity of nutrients or a deep pre-‐storm nutricline, where the upwelling was not strong enough to entrain nutrients to the euphotic zone. Before hurricanes€™


passage, high Chlorophyll-‐a concentrations were observed in the northern Gulf of California; in the wake of hurricanes the Chlorophyll-‐a concentration was decreased notably, presumably because of hurricane-‐induced vertical mixing and dispersion of the bloom. We conclude that hurricanes in the Gulf of California did not lead to phytoplankton blooms in 2015, despite appearing to cause upwelling, and in some cases may have even led to their decline.

68 The Burgeoning Adventures of the Wolfpack Sea Robot Jeffrey M. Weis Geology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University The North Carolina State University’s Department of Marine, Earth, and Atmospheric Sciences and Center for Marine Science and Technology recently acquired a SeaRobotics MiniCat Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV). The USV is designed to operate in shallow water, coastal, harbor, riverine, and lake environments. The USV can operate with two different instrument configurations. 1) A seabed-‐mapping package with an Edgetech 6205 bathymetric and side-‐scanning sonar with integrated sub-‐bottom profiler, or 2) a water-‐column mapping package with a Rowe 1200Khz Seaprofiler Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) and multi-‐component data logger which collects information on water temperature and salinity, as well as the concentration of Chlorophyll-‐a and dissolved organic matter. The USV has been deployed to Lake Raleigh, Falls Lake, and the North Carolina coast. Initial sea trials and validation have focused on the use of the seafloor-‐mapping package. Both the side-‐scan and the bathymetric data collected by the USV have the capability to resolve sub-‐meter features on the seabed or lake floor. Such high-‐resolution data will allow the USV to be used for detailed habitat mapping, monitoring of coastal restoration efforts and geo-‐hazard studies. The water-‐column mapping package will be used for environmental and water quality studies along coasts and lakes throughout the southeastern United States.

113 Using Geo-‐archaeological Methods to Inventory Marked and Unmarked Gravesites within the Historic African-‐American Oberlin Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina Natalia S Womack Associate in Science, Wake Technical Community College Morgan Whited Associate of Science, Wake Technical Community College; Lisa Picariello Associate in Engineering, Wake Technical Community College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: DelWayne Bohnenstiehl Marine,Earth & Atmospheric Sci, North Carolina State University The Oberlin Cemetery was established as a freed African-‐American cemetery following the American Civil War in 1873 to serve Oberlin Village, now part of Raleigh, NC. The three acres cemetery fell into disrepair during the late 20th century, leading to the formation of many sunken graves and an overgrowth of vegetation. Recently, a non-‐profit citizen group, the Friends of Oberlin Village, has undertaken an effort to clear the cemetery and preserve its history. In support of their efforts three geo-‐archaeological surveys were carried out during the summer of 2016. A Terrestrial Laser Scanner (TLS) was used to generate a high-‐resolution (1-‐cm2 point spacing) digital elevation model to aid in the identification of sunken graves. A pedestrian survey was carried out using to a sub-‐decimeter accuracy GPS system and geospatial database to catalog, describe, and photograph ~1,100 surface features (e.g., tombstones, field stones, flower holders, surface depressions). Over an area covering ~12% of the cemetery, both 250 and 500 MHz Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys were conducted to help in identify unmarked gravesites. Previous efforts to catalog burials at the cemetery had recorded 145 headstones; our pedestrian survey recorded 208 headstones and 68 associated footstones. Using the TLS and pedestrian surveys, we identified an


additional 119 fieldstones that may represent burials and 299 depressions that could represent unmarked graves. GPR data imaged burials at a depth of ~1.5 m beneath many of these depressions. Combining these methods, we estimate that between 500 and 626 individuals are buried within the cemetery.


Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics NSF REU 41 War-‐Gaming Applications for Achieving Optimum Acquisition of Future Space Systems Heather Barcomb Applied Mathematics, SUNY Geneseo Karel Marshall Mathematics, Andrews University; William Black Mathematics and Economics, Lehigh University; Paul Vienhage Mathematics, Emory University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University In 2014, The federal government spent nearly half a trillion dollars ($447,474,451,718) on contractor projects out of $3.5 trillion in total expenditures. Motivated by the Space Modernization Initiative and the Defense Innovation Initiative, which seek to reinvigorate war-‐gaming and make the Department of Defense practices more innovative, the DoD is interested in developing an algorithm to optimize the acquisition of government contracts. This Unified Game-‐based Acquisition Framework Advanced Game-‐based Mathematical Framework (UGAF-‐AGMF) makes use of game theory, probability and statistics, non-‐linear programming and mathematical modeling components to model negotiations between governmental agencies and private contractors. This project focuses on generating the optimum Program and Technical Baseline (PTB) solution and its corresponding acquisition strategy with associated contract incentives for a typical Fixed-‐Price Incentive Firm (FPIF) contract type and a Fixed Price Seal Bid (FPSB) contract type with the end of goal of implementing the system to acquire a Ground Tracking Station for future Satellite Operations. An "optimum solution" is obtained by compromising the system and acquisition objectives to achieve low lifecycle cost/total ownership cost, innovative design, decreased acquisition time, while meeting warfighter needs. Each of these games can be played from the perspectives of the Department of Defense or a contractor. This project culminates in a collection of MATLAB (Mathworks) programs which model contractor and governmental interactions. The newly developed strategy shows strong convergence to nash equilibrium values for all cases in the bidding games and successful selection of PTB solutions in contract construction games.

51 Mathematical Modeling of Dermal Absorption and Metabolism for Consumer Products Adrienne Clara Kinney Mathematics, Centre College Philip Bozarth Mathematics, University of Georgia; Kevin Lewis Mathematics, Rose-‐Holman Institute of Technology; Megan Hollister B.S. in Mathematics, Baylor University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Marina Evans Pharmokinetics, US EPA The US EPA Toxcast program is interested in predicting toxicity information for over 80,000 chemicals. Dermal exposure of consumer products is a major concern. When a chemical comes in contact with the skin it increases the likelihood that the chemical will penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream, potentially resulting in toxicity for several body organs. Given that performing experiments for each of these chemicals is costly and inefficient, the EPA has developed a research program to predict the toxicity effects of these chemicals. Computational methods, such as mathematical modeling and numerical analysis, play an integral part in dermal absorption predictions. Mathematical modeling has predominately been used for the in silico calculation of dermal absorption parameters like permeability and penetration lag time. Dermal metabolism may contribute to clearing chemicals from the skin and therefore can prevent them from entering circulation. Current dermal models do not include metabolism, but a method for quantifying clearance after dermal absorption could significantly improve current model€™s results. Our research aims


to develop a more accurate dermal model which will incorporate skin metabolism, absorption, and diffusion. Optimization will be used to find parameter values without experimental data, and then numerical methods will be used to approximate the analytical solution of our model. Our goal is to minimize the number of parameters while increasing confidence in our model€™s predictions. (The views expressed in this abstract are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.)

46 Machine Learning for the Classification of Toxicological Effects Channing Stephanie Parker Mathematics/Statistics, James Madison University Joshua Abrams Mathematics, University of Arizona; Nina Galanter Mathematics, Grinnell College; Denise Harness Mathematics, East Tennessee State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hien Tran Mathematics, North Carolina State University In this project, machine learning methods are used to predict whether, and at what minimum dose, substances will have toxic effects on rat test subjects. The substances€™ chemical features are utilized to generate these predictions. Support Vector Machine and Decision Tree machine learning algorithms are applied to toxicology datasets provided by the Environmental Protection Agency. These methods are tested and improved through cross-‐validation, parameter optimization using a grid search, and the committee of machines approach. Feature selection is employed to optimize the models and provide information on which chemical features are potentially relevant to toxicological effects. Feature selection methods implemented include ROC curves and F-‐Scores for preprocessing and sensitivity analysis for post processing. Long term outcomes of this study are to support further research in reducing the amount of animal testing, as well as in developing mechanistic-‐based toxicological models.


NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee 224 Mechanical Testing and the Cellular Microstructure of the Jugular Venous Valve Leaflet Adam Alexander Benson Mechanical, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hsiao-‐Ying Shadow Huang Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) occurs when the venous valves in the vein are damaged or malfunctioning leading to insufficient blood return to the heart and causes swelling in the legs. Information of tissue-‐level mechanical property and cellular level microstructure of venous valve tissue are currently unavailable, hindering the development of bioprosthetic venous valve replacement. As an introductory study and a model to move forward, the jugular venous valve tissues are characterized by a Zeiss 710 Confocal Microscope and a Cell-‐Scale Biotester to obtain deep tissue imaging information and mechanical property, respectively. Fibroblast€™s nuclei and F-‐actin were stained by DAPI and Alexa Fluor 488 Phalloidin. Individual fibroblast could be located based on a confocal z-‐stack imaging technique. The majority of the fibroblast tend to be oriented in the circumferential direction. Fibroblast appeared more abundantly in the attachment region, diminished through the belly region and appeared least in the free edge region. Using the Biotester, biaxial experiments were conducted on the center 4500 x 4500 µm region of the leaflet. Three different force control ratios between the radial and circumferential direction were tested including a 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 ratio. Stress vs. strain curves have been exported from the data and can be used as part of a model in order to explain fiber orientation in the extracellular matrix during loading. The information will be used to construct an image-‐based finite element model to predict stress distributions in venous valves.

144 Simulating the Effect of Alpha Decays on the Majorana Demonstrator Background Ethan Caleb Blalock Physics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Matthew Green Physics, North Carolina State University The Majorana Demonstrator is an underground point-‐contact germanium detector array aiming to observe neutrinoless double-‐beta decay, an as-‐yet-‐unobserved form of nuclear decay that requires neutrinos to be their own antiparticles, or Majorana particles. This research was done to investigate the contribution of alpha decays from contaminants on the experimental background of the Majorana Demonstrator. MaGe, a Monte Carlo simulation code built on Geant4, was used to simulate alpha decays in the Majorana Demonstrator. The Germanium Analysis Toolkit (GAT) was used to process the simulated energy depositions. The depths of the alpha particles in the germanium detectors from MaGe simulations were calculated to determine whether or not alpha particles were depositing energy in the active region of the simulated Majorana Demonstrator detectors. The results of the MaGe simulations were verified by using SRIM, a highly accurate program for simulating ion collisions in materials. The average depth of the alpha particles emitted by each isotope simulated in MaGe was well matched by that predicted by SRIM. A model of backgrounds in the Majorana Demonstrator as a result of radioactive contaminants on the surfaces of detector components will be constructed based on the results of these simulations.

151 Context Matters: A Study on the Role of Urban Form in Park Use Austin Tyler Bowman Environmental Sciences, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


Eugene Bressler Design, North Carolina State University As the world’s population grows, more than half of the population lives in areas classified as urban. While sustainable growth benefits urban environments in many ways, increased development in urban areas has led to decreases in available space for the design of parks. It is therefore important to understand thoroughly how and why people use urban parks. Most research on the design of parks has focused on the services they provide socially, environmentally, and economically. While this research is useful, there is limited research focused on enabling designers to better understand how the urban form surrounding the park, the urban context, potentially influences the use or lack thereof of parks. This research seeks to answer two questions. First, is there a relationship between contextual urban form and park use? Second, how does this relationship manifest itself when it comes to how people use a space? Three existing urban parks are analyzed from the points of view of use and surrounding urban context. In order to understand how people used the space surveys were conducted; each subject was asked how they felt about the park itself and with its surrounding contexts. Geo Spatial analytics were utilized to study how the surrounding area was being used. The findings revealed a quantifiable correlation between urban context in park use in which people were less inclined to use a park if there wasn’t development around the park that gave it a sense of purpose in people’s minds.

200 The role of single minded gene on lifespan in Drosophila Goran Cetkovic Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Patricia Estes Genetics, North Carolina State University Single-‐minded is the master regulatory transcription factor that controls development of the central nervous system (CNS) midline cells in Drosophila. Mutations in sim are embryonic lethal. Research has shown astonishing similarities between the neuroendocrine systems in vertebrates and arthropods. Mammalian genomes contain two single-‐minded genes, whereas Drosophila contains only one. Research has also shown that heterozygous mutation in Single-‐minded 1 causes early-‐onset of obesity in mice. Hormones such as adipokinetic hormone, and insulin-‐like-‐peptide in flies, and the corresponding hormones in vertebrates, glucagon, and insulin, affect metabolism of fat and sugars. Several insulin-‐like-‐peptides in Drosophila affect lifespan. These findings, along with the knowledge of the effect of Single-‐minded 1 heterozygote mutations on early-‐onset obesity in mammals, pushed us to infer a possible link between the single-‐minded and insulin-‐like-‐peptides, in the metabolism and lifespan of flies. Our results indicate that in flies, overexpression of single-‐mided in certain neurons, extends their lifespan 61%. To confirm and extend these results, we have now overexpressed single-‐minded in these same neurons using fly specific driver. Next we will measure gene expression using qPCR. The aim of the project is to compare the lifespan data with the expression levels of single-‐minded and several insulin-‐like-‐peptides, and to see if there is an observable trend between the expression level of sim, its regulation of the insulin pathway, and the lifespan of flies.

254 Determining Snowflake Characteristics and Geometries using Computer Vision Siu Kei n/a Chan Physics & Computer Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sandra Yuter Marine Earth And Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University The characteristics of a snowflake reflect the environment in which it forms and grows. Features such as size, symmetry, and crystal habit are functions of temperature, humidity, and wind currents along the snowflake€™s path. Riming €“ where a falling snowflake collects microscopic droplets of supercooled water


that adhere to the flake and freeze as spherical protrusions €“ affects snow particle density which has implications for snow accumulation. To investigate the distribution of snowflakes that occur in various storm environments, research was conducted using data from a Multi-‐Angle Snowflake Camera (MASC) which takes pictures of snowflakes in free-‐fall. During January 2015, the MASC at Stony Brook captured over a million snowflakes, at times getting hundreds of individual flakes in a single image. We address this big data problem with automated image processing and machine learning. A software packaged was developed to scan the raw MASC images, crop individual flakes, and then process the cropped images to glean details about the snowflake€™s structure. We utilize machine learning to weigh the importance of several key features including average brightness, radial variance, and snowflake solidity to estimate the degree of riming. The machine learning toolbox we selected employs a statistical regression method using k-‐nearest neighbor. Our goal for this machine learning approach is to determine degree of riming for each snowflake with at least 90% accuracy compared to manual analysis.

199 Loyalism of the Scottish Highlander settlement in early North Carolina Andrew Phillip Collins History, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Megan Cherry History, North Carolina State University In 1745, a large group of Scottish Highlanders called Jacobites, who supported the restoration of the heirs of King James II to the British throne, partook in a violent uprising against the British Army. The uprising failed and many poverty-‐stricken Highlanders fled Scotland, peacefully settling in North Carolina. A few decades later, Highlanders in North Carolina became part of the American Revolution and acted as Loyalists during the War. Why would Scottish immigrants, who recently fought against the British government, fight for the same British government in America? Without work and affordable rents, the Highlanders fled to America, seeking to recreate their lifestyle and family-‐based communities. North Carolina provided exactly that, despite being one of the poorest colonies. A lack of economically dominating cash crops allowed Highlanders to occupy themselves in a variety of trades, which in turn allowed for a small independent community to exist on the upper Cape Fear River. The colonial government sought to encouraging trade within the colony and granted the Highlanders enough land to ensure their community grew into an efficient trade center. The Scottish Highlanders were loyal to the colonial government for granting them land and in exchange, the Highlanders encouraged trade and settlement in the colony’s backcountry. The colonial government of North Carolina and the Scottish Highlanders in North Carolina had a symbiotic relationship that was not broken during the war, resulting in death and exile for many of North Carolina’s Highlander settlers.

84 Structural characterization of heat activated transcriptional coactivator MBF1c Shannon Patricia Conroy Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Colleen Doherty Biochemistry, North Carolina State University Heat stress on plants plays a large role in crop yield and agricultural productivity. Due to global temperatures rising 1OC since 1880, there has been a significant drop in crop yields. One example of this is rice, where a 10% decrease in yield has been observed. With a rapidly growing population, understanding a plant’s response to heat stress is needed to support the food supply for future generations in a changing climate. MBF1c is a transcriptional coactivator which is involved in regulating gene expression levels in response to heat. Overexpression of MBF1c in Arabidopsis results in an increased heat tolerance. In Arabidopsis when MBF1c is knocked out, the plants are more sensitive to heat. TATA binding protein (TBP)


is a protein that is part of the transcription initiation complex. MBF1c is known to interact with TBP; however, the other binding factors that interact with MBF1c and the full function in plants are still not fully understood. Understanding the role of MBF1c in the transcription initiation complex will give us insight into its function as a transcriptional regulator in response to heat stress. Understanding the structure of MBF1c will be a first step to future work where it can be manipulated and optimized in plants to allow for an improved growth in heat-‐stress conditions.

93 Optimization of BODIPY-‐based dye for biological application John Drake Johnson Chemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Walter Weare Chemistry, North Carolina State University The compound known as boron-‐dipyrromethene, or BODIPY, is a potent and easily modifiable fluorophore with a high quantum efficiency. We have built upon the BODIPY core structure with a variety of compounds in hopes of increasing its brightness, solubilizing it in water, and shifting its emission wavelength. Our goal with these processes is to introduce the compound as a biological dye that is readily detectable through tissue. Previous experiments with phenol and pyridine substitutions atop the BODIPY core display moderate quantum yields, and we have now synthesized a molecule using mesitaldehyde to increase the quantum efficiency with steric restraints. This product has shown an increased, near-‐unity quantum yield of > 0.99 when compared to the phenol (0.35) and pyridine (0.30) variants. The fluorophore was subjected to a Knoevenagel condensation employing 4-‐hydroxybenzaldehyde to shift the emission profile from ~515 nm to ~650 nm, as this near-‐IR wavelength more effectively penetrates tissue. This particular aldehyde also allows for multiple routes to water-‐solubilize the compound due to the presence of a hydroxyl group. Dyes must be in aqueous solution in order to be easily applied in biological conditions. A direct route for water-‐solubilizing the molecule is the sulfonation of the BODIPY core. Future work will introduce a maleimide to allow the dye to effectively bind to biological targes such as proteins while remaing water-‐soluble and highly emissive.

201 Design of a 2D LIDAR Terrain Reconstruction System for the Detection of Obstacles for Lower Limb Amputees Shane Tyler King Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Ming Liu Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Helen Huang Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Lower limb amputees experience a higher risk of falling, often caused by tripping. We proposed a LIDAR Terrain Reconstruction System (LTRS) to mitigate the risk of falling by detecting obstacles on the ground and alerting amputees. Compared to existing obstacle detection systems, the LTRS is wearable and will be capable of detecting obstacles only 10 millimeters high. The concept of the LTRS has been validated using simulation and able body data. Now the feasibility of creating the system must be shown. To do this, the physical sensor system needed to be designed and tested. The system was created using a laser distance sensor, two inertial measurement units, and a force plate. Data was collected with the sensors, as well as with a motion capture system. The motion capture data was used in the previously created simulation to validate the sensors€™ results. With the setup complete, data is ready to be collected; however more data will be needed for reliable results to compare to the simulated data. Once the data is collected, and the system works appropriately, the next phase will be a real time set up that can be tested on amputee subjects with real obstacles.


146 Synthesis of Pentacyclic Guanidinium Alkaloids: Ptilomycalin A and Analogues Naish Lalloo Chemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Joshua Pierce Chemistry, North Carolina State University Ptilomycalin A, first isolated by Kashman and colleagues from the Caribbean sponge Ptilocaulis spiculifer and from the Red Sea sponge Hemimycale1, is an alkaloid natural product. Natural products are a main focus and driving force in organic chemistry, as pursuits of complex natural architectures have traditionally lead to method development as well as reaction and industrial discoveries. The structure of the ptilomycalin A consists of a pentacyclic guanidine core with an ester linkage to a saturated alkyl tether that is amide coupled to a spermidine moiety. Biological evaluation of this natural alkaloid revealed that it demonstrates significant antitumor, antiviral, and antifungal properties. The complex structure of this molecule and its potent cytotoxic properties make elucidating its Structure Activity Relationship (SAR) an important goal. Therefore, a representative yet simplified triazole analogue was designed and synthesized in order to assess the SAR of pentacyclic guanidinium alkaloids like ptilomycalin through 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) assays. The successful synthesis and subsequent biological evaluation of the triazole analogue and other similar analogues has allowed for an understanding of the SAR of complex architectures like that of ptilomycalin A. Further efforts will be directed towards synthesizing a phenyl analogue of ptilomycalin A to further test the effects of electron delocalization adjacent to the pentacycle and to further elucidate the SAR of pentacyclic guanidinium alkaloids like ptilomycalin A.

102 Allele-‐Specific Gene Expression in Hybrid Mammals Christina Grace LaMaire Genetics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: David Aylor College of Sciences, North Carolina State University Hybrid organisms often display transgressive segregation, in which hybrids exhibit extreme phenotypes relative to either parent. The molecular genetic mechanisms of these striking hybrid phenotypes remain in debate. Allele-‐specific gene expression (ASE) provides a useful avenue of investigation for novel hybrid phenotypes, and directly explores the molecular underpinnings of transgressive segregation. ASE is the phenomenon in which alternative mRNA transcripts from the maternal and paternal chromosomes are expressed in different amounts. We created a set of bioinformatics pipelines capable of identifying segregating coding SNPs in order to distinguish alternative mRNA transcripts for ASE analyses in mice and dogs. Our results quantify the proportion of the genome amenable to ASE analyses.

98 A Novel Approach to Non-‐Steroidal Anti-‐Inflammatory Drugs, Application to the Synthesis of Aleve and Ibuprofen Atif Sheikh Mahmood Human Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Atul Kotnis Chemistry, North Carolina State University In nature, there is an abundance of pharmacologically active compounds with highly-‐substituted aromatic rings. Practically, these substances are complex and are often difficult to synthesize. Non-‐steroidal anti-‐inflammatory drugs, also known as NSAIDs, comprise one class of these substances. NSAIDs are commonly


available over-‐the-‐counter(OTC), and they possess analgesic (pain-‐relieving) and antipyretic (fever-‐reducing) properties to alleviate symptoms associated with pain, fever, headaches, injuries, and a variety of inflammations. The purpose of our research is to offer a unique approach to the synthesis of two commonly-‐used NSAIDs, Naproxen (Aleve) and Ibuprofen (Advil), utilizing the preparation of highly-‐substituted tetralone/cyclohexenones to aromatize them to the appropriate aryl compounds.

257 Nanoplasmonic biosensors for Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy Michael Scott Mann Physics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Shuang Fang Lim Physics, North Carolina State University Metallic nanostructures can manipulate and focus light for useful applications in solar cells, bio-‐sensing and in metamaterials. We probe the nature and interaction of metallic nanocaps with incident light, in order to understand how light scattering can be influenced by nanocap coverage and orientation. Surface plasmon lasers have the potential to generate intense optical fields and accelerate light-‐matter interactions for extremely sensitive nanoscale spectroscopies. The plasmon response of both nanostructures is a sensitive function of orientation of the nanostructure with respect to the direction and polarization of incident light. Our experimental results show that scattering peaks are red-‐shifted with increasing nanocap coverage. Our results are corroborated by finite element analysis which demonstrate the influence of the nanocap coverage and orientation on scattering spectra.

155 Real-‐Time Striatal Measurements of Oxidative Stress and Dopamine in the Dyskinetic Rat During Chronic L-‐DOPA Treatment for Parkinsons's Disease Catherine Françoise Mason Neurobiology, North Carolina State University

Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Leslie Sombers Chemistry, North Carolina State University Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by the slow degeneration of dopaminergic neurons found in a region of the midbrain called the substantia nigra (SN). Dopamine (DA) plays a key role in regulating motor function. Thus, the destruction of these neurons and the consequential decrease in DA concentrations in the striatum leads to the deterioration of motor control. The drug Levodopa (L-‐DOPA) has been used to treat PD by helping to increase the concentration of DA in the brain. This drug has been proven to alleviate the motor symptoms of PD; however, after a short period of time, dyskinetic symptoms can develop. It is thought that oxidative stress is a principal contributor to the destruction of dopaminergic neurons, and possibly to the development of dyskinesias, in PD and its treatment. To date, oxidative stress has been difficult to measure due to the high reactivity of oxygen radicals, however the generation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can serve as an indicator of the presence of oxidative stress. This experiment uses fast-‐scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) coupled with carbon-‐fiber microelectrodes to simultaneously monitor rapid, real-‐time, fluctuations of DA and H2O2 in the dorsal striatum. These neurochemical dynamics can be time-‐locked to dyskinetic episodes. Overall, these studies will aid in our understanding of how oxidative stress modulates nigrostriatal DA signaling, as well as the behavioral consequences of this interaction. The results will inform improved therapeutic strategies for the treatment of PD.

132 Examining Seasonal Co-‐Occurence of Tick Species in Raleigh, North Carolina with a focus on the


encroachment of the Gulf Coast Tick (Amblyomma maculatum) Dakota Blake Palacio Animal Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Reiskind Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University The Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum) has expanded its range from the coastal plain inland over the last decade. This warmth-‐loving tick has recently been reported from Wake County, NC. We are interested in answering these questions: 1. Is A. maculatum consistently found in Wake County? 2. What is the seasonal phenology and habitat preference of this tick here? 3. What other ticks are found in these habitats and what are their phenologies? To answer these questions, we performed an experiment that consisted of trapping and identifying a variety of tick species across two habitats: Forests and pasture/grasslands and ectotone between the two. Three testing sites have been selected to provide ideal habitat gradiations to study for the presence of ticks. The tick species of interest include the lone star (Amblyomma americanum), American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), the black legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) with a main focus on the invasive Gulf Coast tick (A.maculatum). We used carbon dioxide traps and flag equipment to catch the ticks, which were identified and preserved for collection. Prevalence of the Gulf Coast tick in prairie/grasslands of Raleigh, NC indicates the migration of the species into the South East. Weather patterns and rainfall also indicate peaks of tick questing after rainfall and the warm temperatures have allowed the unanticipated faster development with observations of A.maculatum in early January. Pathogens that cause harmful disease thrive in warm and wet environments and thus we can infer that positive growth and development in the vector lifecycle will increase the probability of transmission of disease causing agents.

220 Multiple Sources Contribute to Extracellular H2O2 Dynamics in the Striatum Sambit Panda Biomedical Engineering and Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Leslie Sombers Chemistry, North Carolina State University Oxidative stress has been implicated as a key player in various neuropathologies such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. A variety of cellular processes are involved in the generation reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), in the striatum; however, the extent to which each of these sources contributes to extracellular H2O2 dynamics in striatal tissue remains unknown. Potential sources of H2O2 in the striatum include mitochondrial activity, and the biosynthesis and metabolism of dopamine (DA). The goal of this project is to quantitatively investigate key contributors to striatal H2O2 fluctuations using fast-‐scan cyclic voltammetry coupled to carbon-‐fiber microelectrodes. Pharmacological agents are used to manipulate (1) DA synthesis (L-‐DOPA, 100 mg/kg), (2) DA metabolism (pargyline, 75 mg/kg), and (3) the mitochondrial electron transport chain (local infusion of rotenone, 197 pg; or sodium succinate, 243 pg). Striatal H2O2 dynamics are voltammetrically quantified in real time using a dual microelectrode device. This device consists of two carbon fiber microelectrodes, one of which is coated with an m-‐phenylenediamine (mPD) membrane -‐ a size exclusion membrane that enables selective detection of H2O2. The uncoated microelectrode is used to simultaneously monitor the effects of these drugs on local dopamine dynamics. The results indicate that each of these processes is contributing to the generation of extracellular H2O2 in the striatum. Overall, this work sheds light on the potential for these pathways to contribute to oxidative stress in this critical brain region.

187 The Effect of Obesity-‐Induced Vascular Changes on Bone Health Sriharsha Venkatapathy Pinnamaraju Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jacqueline Cole-‐Husseini Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Obesity is a complex condition commonly associated with diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Obesity is detrimental to material and structural bone properties in rodents1-‐3, although the underlying causes are not well understood. Vasculature is crucial for bone health, and obesity alters vasculature in general, but the impact on bone vasculature is unknown. We hypothesize that obesity negatively affects bone vascular supply, impacting bone properties, but can be offset by exercise, which stimulates both vascular and bone growth. Male, 5-‐week-‐old C57Bl/6J mice were separated into groups (n=4 each) based on diet (CFD=control fat diet, HFD=high fat diet) and exercise (sedentary, treadmill). Mice were fed special diets for 20 weeks and at age=16 weeks were exposed to either a moving or stationary treadmill for 9 weeks. After sacrifice, tibial microstructure, mineralization, and vasculature were quantified with micro-‐computed tomography and histology. Data were compared among groups with two-‐way ANOVA. HFD mice had lower bone volume fraction (-‐31.5%, p<0.05), fewer trabeculae (-‐19.6%, p<0.05), and greater trabecular separation (+25.9%, p<0.05) than CFD mice. HFD mice also had more adipose infiltration in the tibial marrow cavity. The effects of exercise on bone properties were not significant, indicating that the detrimental effects of diet-‐induced obesity cannot be solved with moderate aerobic exercise. Immunohistochemical examination of tibial vasculature is ongoing.

56 Chemical Analysis of Plant Based Mastitis Treatment for Organic Dairy Cows Christy Puteri Pujianto Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Ronald Baynes Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University Mastitis is the most common and economically detrimental disease in dairy cattle in United States. It is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that occurs in the milk secreting tissues also known as the udder. Organic dairy animals are not allowed to be treated with antibiotics, therefore producers rely on vitamin supplements, herbal medicine, and botanical products to treat their animals. Currently, there are no FDA approved mastitis treatments for organic dairy animals. This project focuses on the active ingredients in Phyto-‐Mast and Uddersol, plant based mastitis treatments for organic dairy cows. A simple and reproducible method was developed to identify thymol and carvacrol using a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis paired with a Photodiode Array (PDA) detector. Previous research analyzed thymol residues in blood plasma and milk of treated cows. Thymol and carvacrol both have antiseptic and anti-‐inflammatory properties. We were able to quantify 10 mg carvacrol and 4.4 mg thymol in each milliliter of Phyto-‐Mast and 38.8 mg carvacrol in each milliliter of Uddersol. Further analysis is required to identify and quantify other putative active ingredients present in each formulation and whether there is variability in chemical concentration between batches or lots of these products.

244 Inhibitory Effects of Progesterone on Luteal Macrophage Chemotaxis Sharon Joanna Pymento Human Biology, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: John Gadsby Department Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University The overall hypothesis for this research is that porcine macrophages within the corpus luteum (CL) are inhibited by progesterone (P4), and that the inhibitory effects of P4 are mediated via membrane-‐associated and/or genomic progesterone receptors. The following research is designed to determine the inhibitory effects of progesterone on luteal macrophage chemotaxis or migration. Macrophages are a critical cell type of the innate system and are involved in acute responses to trauma or injury, for wound healing and tissue


remodeling. It is generally accepted that monocytes, which are the immediate precursor of macrophages, circulate in the blood and are enticed to leave the circulation to enter tissues (e.g.the CL) in response to chemotactic signals such as monocyte chemoattractant factor (MCP)-‐1. In this study we planned to study the chemotaxis of porcine monocytes/macrophages, isolated from blood (PBMC) or bone-‐marrow derived macrophages (BMDM), using immunomagnetic isolation with CD-‐14 (a macrophage marker) antibody-‐coated microbeads. These monocytes were plated in chemotaxis chambers and exposed to MCP-‐1 in the presence (55 ug/ml P4) or absence (0 ug/ml P4). These studies are currently in progress. The significance of this research is that it will generate critical new data about the migration/chemotaxis of macrophages into the CL, and its potential control by progesterone. Since macrophages play critical roles in regulating the development, function and ultimately, the regression of the corpus luteum during the normal estrous cycle, these data should provide a basis for the development of new approaches/drugs for regulating estrous cycles in female swine.

103 Impact of Axial Ligands on Oxygen Atom Transfer Kyle Brandon Resco Chemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Walter Weare Chemistry, North Carolina State University The identity of various axial ligands has a substantial influence on the chemical properties of manganese porphyrins. This research focuses on correlating the structural parameters of manganese(III) porphyrins with olefin epoxidation reactivity and selectivity. Many cationic manganese(III) porphyrins with various mono-‐ and bis-‐axial substituents are synthesized and characterized by single-‐crystal X-‐ray diffraction. The synthesis for each variation starts with a Mn(TPP)SbF6 precursor (TPP = dianion of 5, 10, 15, 20-‐tetraphenylporphyrin). This universal precursor is very effective due to SbF6-‐ being easily removed. These new cationic manganese(III) porphyrins are able to catalyze olefin epoxidation of cyclohexene, 1-‐octene, and trans-‐ and cis-‐?-‐methylstyrene with good yield. Oxygen atom transfer reactivity and selectivity was found to be influenced by two structural factors. First, increased non-‐planarity of the manganese(III) porphyrin improves epoxidation. Second, lower electron density on the axial atom is also associated with higher levels of epoxidation reactivity and selectivity. It can be concluded that there is a strong correlation between the axial effect and secondary structure parameters (such as distortion) with manganese porphyrin catalyzed atom transfer reactions.

145 Street Legal Solar Car Design: Powertrain Bryon Emmanuel Spells Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Clint Steele Mechanical Engineering, EVX/Swinburne University of Technology A joint effort to design a street legal solar powered car has been initiated by EVX and Swinburne University of Technology in Hawthorn, Australia. The goal of this project is to invent a car that achieves energy autonomy and a step towards being environmentally neutral. The best way to achieve this is by developing a solar powered car that meets government regulations so that it may be operated by consumers. My involvement in the project has been to optimize the current powertrain design. A successful powertrain for our solar car, the Immortus, will be lightweight, high performance and durable under accelerations of 3.97 m/s^2 while traveling at 100 kmh in a turn. In order to do so, I've developed code and software simulation (in progress) which, together, will lead to accurate results of powertrain performance. The code has been developed using MATLAB and provides numerical values for the forces and angular velocities of rotating components which we will add to our dynamic simulation. Once the simulation is finalized in ANSYS, it will


allow us to make design optimizations such as decreased weight, increased component strength and fatigue life based on component behavior due to simulated loads. We plan to have our design finalized and ready for protype development by the end of 2016 but we suspect that this may be possible much sooner. Improvement of the powertrain has and will result in making energy autonomous vehicles like the Immortus and decreased vehicle pollution a possibility.

147 2D Intestinal Stem Cell Cultures for Organ-‐on-‐a-‐Chip Applications Sarah Louise Stanley Chemistry BS, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Scott Magness Cell Biology and Physiology , UNC Chapel Hill Michael Daniele Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University Recent advances enable culture of intestinal stem cells (ISCs). ISCs are found in crypts of the small intestine and regenerate the intestinal epithelium every week. This new culture technology now enables the development of ex vivo tissue constructs for tissue engineering, drug development, and cell-‐based therapies. Conventional culture of ISCs produce small spherical structures that develop in 3D culture, but do not possess the physiologically relevant features found in vivo including ordered crypts units, easy access to the lumen (hollow space), and other cell types of the intestine like endothelial cells found in the vasculature. We propose that GelMA hydrogel scaffolds, which are amenable to micro-‐molding, can serve as a scaffold to grow self-‐renewing 2D epithelial monolayers with the ultimate goal of adding crypts and microvasculature to accurately model an epithelial-‐endothelial system. To test this concept, compatibility of the GelMA and ISCs needs to be established. In vitro expanded organoids or crypts isolated from mice expressing red-‐fluorescent protein for easy monitoring of cells by microscopy were applied to GelMA scaffolds. ISC viability and growth was quantified over time. Variable stiffnesses of GelMA were tested to determine if stiffness impacted in vitro survival and growth of tissue constructs. It was found that crypts seeded in GelMA or GelMA with 10% matrigel attach to the scaffold, but do not expand, and eventually die over 4-‐8 days under all examined conditions. ISCs did develop on Matrigel indicating a more complex ECM is required for ISC expansion on GelMA scaffolds.

186 Dependence of Hole Mobility on Thickness in Diodes Comprising of Organic Semiconductors Johnathan Michael Turner Physics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Harald Ade Physics, North Carolina State University Hole mobility in organic solar cells is a large factor that affects device efficiency. Understanding how thickness affects hole mobility in semicrystalline polymers, amorphous polymers, and blends of each with fullerenes can produce a better view on how polymers and fullerenes structure themselves for the out-‐of-‐plane charge transfer. This work explores varied thicknesses of Poly(3-‐hexylthiophene-‐2,5-‐diyl) (P3HT), Poly[2-‐methoxy-‐5-‐(2-‐ethylhexyloxy)-‐1,4-‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH-‐PPV), P3HT:PCBM, and MEH-‐PPV:PCBM in hole-‐only devices consisting of Glass/ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Active/PEDOT:PSS/MoO3/Al and the hole mobilities that are produced by each device. This comparison between amorphous and semicrystalline materials and blends allows us to attribute thickness dependence to material structure. Mobilities were determined through SCLC measurements on the diodes. A trend was found suggesting that thinner films for P3HT and P3HT:PCBM have less mobility than thicker films, which seem to level off asymptotically. On the other hand, the P3HT:PCBM mobility approaches that of neat P3HT in thin films while in thickener films nearly an order of magnitude drop in mobility was observed in the blend films, suggesting that the percolation path near substrate/organic interface is nearly identical for both films as the thickness goes down below 50 nm.


No trend was found for either active layer containing the amorphous polymer MEH-‐PPV, indicating that bulk and interface morphologies remain uniform throughout the film regardless of film thickness. This research is highly relevant for developing efficient organic light emitting diodes and solar cells.

95 Fluorescent labeling of telomere binding proteins TIN2 for single-‐molecule studies Xuechun Wang Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hong Wang Physics, North Carolina State University Telomeres are special structures found at the end of linear eukaryotic chromosomes which help to maintain the length of the DNA and protect the chromosome ends from DNA fusions and other degradation reactions. Human telomeric DNA consists of a double-‐stranded DNA region with ~2 to 15 kilobase pairs of TTAGGG repeats and a 3’ G-‐rich single-‐stranded DNA overhang. The shelterin protein complex at telomeres consists of 6 different subunit including TRF1, TRF2, TIN2, POT1, TPP1 and RAP1. TIN2 is unique compared to TRF1, and TRF2 because it does not directly bind to double-‐stranded telomeric, instead it binds to TRF1 and TRF2. It is well established that the TIN2 mutations cause severe dyskeratosis congenita. Despite the importance of TIN2 in maintaining telomere function and its clinical relevance, experimental data showing how TIN2 regulates the functions of TRF1 and TRF2 is still lacking. The purpose of this project is to label TRF1, TRF2, and TIN2 with different fluorescent dyes to enable single-‐molecule FRET studies of structure-‐function relationship underlying TRF1-‐TIN2-‐DNA and TRF2-‐TIN2-‐DNA interactions. The gained knowledge will help to design new therapeutical interventions to cure or manage diseases related to telomere dysfunction.

131 Mitochondria Protein Binding Activity Revealed with Atomic Force Microscopy Wendy Dianwen Wang Physics, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Hong Wang Physics, North Carolina State University Mutations in human mitochondria single stranded binding protein (mtSSB) is primarily associated with several inheritable genetic disorders, caused by mutations on mitochondria DNA. MtSSB proteins are essential for basal mitochondria DNA replication machinery to be reconstituted in vitro. Previous experiments show mtSSB binds specifically to 3€™ overhang of gapped double stranded DNA substrate, and thereby promotes generation of mitochondria DNA replication. We created ligated gapped substrate from pscw01, then observed mtSSB binding activity with atomic force microscopy imaging.

150 Microbial Community Analysis of Floating Island Systems in Stormwater Wet Detention Basins Danielle Elizabeth Winter Biological Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Bryan Maxwell Bio & Agri Engineering, North Carolina State University Francois Birgand Bio & Agri Engineering, North Carolina State University ; Terrence Gardner Soil Science, North Carolina State University Floating islands (FIs) are an emerging best management practice for stormwater management and treatment. Little research has been conducted on the composition of the microbial communities that are fostered within FIs, and the identification of the constituents of these communities provides insight into nutrient cycling and pathogen treatment by FIs and has the potential to assist in identifying how FIs can be


designed to treat stormwater more effectively. With a summer undergraduate research grant, microbial communities within sediment, matting, and rhizosphere of an FI system have been analyzed with fatty acid methyl ester analysis to determine the proportions of populations of saprophytic fungi, mycorrhiza, gram negative bacteria, gram positive bacteria, and actinomyetes. Deep sequencing was also utilized to identify microbes with sediment on a gensus level. Chemical analyses of stormwater and sediments have also been conducted to track relationships between changes in chemical composition and microbial community composition.

92 Determining the ability of diabetic amputees to monitor socket fit Daniel Joseph Zurlo Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Ming Liu Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University Lower limb amputees rely on their prosthetic leg to perform everyday tasks and need to keep their residual limbs healthy in order to continue to wear their prosthesis. An improper socket fit causes harm to the residual limb and can be severe enough to prevent the amputee from using his or her prosthetic. Although some amputees could monitor socket fit themselves, it is a very challenging task for those with neuropathy, which is very common among patients with diabetes, the number one reason for amputation. This leads to our hypothesis that an amputee’s capacity to monitor socket fit is related to his or her touch sensitivity level. To test the hypothesis, we will conduct a pilot clinical study to evaluate diabetic amputees€™ ability to monitor socket fit and their touch sensitivity level. Using simple logistic regression, we will be able to validate our hypothesis. The main components of the experiment include a photograph-‐based pistoning measurement and a cutaneous sensation measurement using Semmes Weinstein monofilaments. These methods will be used on a number of diabetic and non diabetic patients to define a relationship between the touch sensitivity and amount of pistoning experienced. Successfully validating our hypothesis would enable clinicians to customize a treatment plan, based on touch sensitivity level. Currently, able-‐bodied subject testing has just been completed to confirm our aptitude for conducting these experiments on patients.


NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU 203 Cost Benefit Analysis of Residential Photovoltaic Generation and Energy Storage Thomas Alexander Barrett Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Ning Lu Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University This study performed a Cost Benefit Analysis to determine the optimal photovoltaic array size and energy storage capacity for local residential homes. The researchers used solar array generation data combined with data on home energy from several homes to create a small sample of home energy use profiles. Then using these profiles calculated the benefit of varying sized arrays between 1kW-‐6kW and varying sized storage will vary between 3-‐7kWh. We performed this study using rate structure of the local area based on an entire year of data. We successfully created a financial model based on existing flat and time varying rate structure that examines the return on investments. We reported results for six different time periods between five and thirty years in five year increments. A simplistic storage model was assumed to simplify the modeling, benefits of Energy storage were likely understated. This project shows that there are combinations of photovoltaic generation and energy storage that pay off and save the consumer thousands of dollars. The second part of this research was the creation of an application in Matlab that allows users to enter their data and get personalized results. We hope this research will help reduce residential customer energy bills by helping them find the optimal array and storage combination based on their situation. To assist Utilities reduce their peak load through increased distributed generation and by increasing storage capacity. This research could help meet the renewable energy goals of policy makers such as 20% by 2030.

191 Visualization of ExoGENI-‐WAMS using Matlab Afsana Hoque Chowdhury Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Aranya Chakrabortty Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University The principle focus of the project was to understand the necessity and the setup of ExoGENI-‐WAMS testbed, and making a user interface in Matlab where a user can have an experience of working in actual ExoGENI testbed. The problem of data explosion in centralized architecture for wide area monitoring of power systems has arisen the need of a completely distributed cyber-‐physical architecture. Dr. Aranya Chakrabortty and his students in FREEDM Systems Center at North Carolina State University have been working on distributed algorithms for the distributed cyber-‐physical architecture. The network chosen for the research is the US-‐wide ExoGENI communication testbed, which is designed to support research and innovation in networking, operating systems, future internet architectures, and networked data-‐intensive cloud computing. ExoGENI, along with the hardware-‐in-‐loop simulator, results in the ExoGENI-‐WAMS network, which will be ultimately turned into a feasible distributed cyber-‐physical architecture for envisioned next generation smart grid. The communication in ExoGENI network consists of creating virtual machines(VMs) and making them communicate to each other to transfer data and/or carry out any algorithm. The Matlab GUI has been built as a visualization applet to visualize creation of artificial VMs and making them communicate to carry out an artificial algorithm.

197 Modular Electric Generator (MEG) Benjamin Alan Filpi ECE, NCSU Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


Landon Mackey Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University The Modular Electric Generator (MEG) is an energy generation, storage, and distribution device that controls and manages the flow of energy from multiple inputs. This device can be shipped to and installed at any location to provide reliable power for the surrounding area. The MEG is designed to handle power input from a wide variety of generation techniques (eg. wind, solar, generator, electric grid, etc.) and output continuous power regardless of input inconsistencies. This device can be used to provide power to remote areas that otherwise would not be able to tie into an existing electric grid and ensure that highly critical functions, such as air traffic control towers and emergency rooms, can continually be operated under extreme circumstances.

208 Modular Fan Controller for FREEDM Resistor Bank Alexander Grzegorz Nowinski Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University Tim Sonnenberg Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University Resistor banks are commonly used in electrical engineering laboratories for testing purposes to simulate a load and dissipate high levels of power. As a result of high amounts of power dissipating, heat accumulates on each resistor and becomes a limiting factor to how long the whole resistor bank can be used. The resistor bank at the FREEDM Systems Center was being cooled by two fans on each side which resulted in uneven cooling. By controlling the power delivered to the fans on one side of the resistor bank through power electronics, it became possible to cool the fans much more uniformly. Instead of having a static air field, dynamic cooling was made possible by constantly altering the rotations per minute on the fans and therefore creating a varying air field resulting in more uniform cooling. A control algorithm was made to control exactly when and how much the fan should be changed each iteration. The modular fan controller is thus able to slow down the time it takes for the resistor bank to heat up and prolong the time it can be used in testing.

192 Transactive Energy Allan Oduor Associates in Engineering, Wake Technical Community College Nathaniel Lesher Associates in Engineering, Wake Technical Community College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Al Chen Accounting, North Carolina State University Ewan Pritchard Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University The cost of electricity has been controlled by localized, natural monopolies since the beginning of the Electric Utility grid. However, in light of advancements in distributed energy resources (DERs), such as photovoltaics (PV) and smart-‐grid technologies, residential consumers of electricity are now capable of becoming producers as well. This project is being conducted in collaboration with students from the NC State University MBA Data Analytics program. Their data analytics expertise and the FREEDM Systems Center’s power systems research helps carry out research into the validation of an economically feasible transactive energy model. The goals of our research are to 1) explore the concept and the need for Transactive Energy (TE), 2) evaluate how the implementation of TE will accommodate for the rise of DERs, 3) aid in refining an equation for a distribution-‐level, bilateral energy market, and 4) to use the aforesaid equation, along with data analytics and simulation, to validate the utilization of TE. Transactive Energy aims to build an economically feasible business model and market based solutions for electricity production and consumption.


209 Modular Fan Controller for FREEDM Resistor Bank Timothy Adam Sonnenberg Electrical Engineering, North Caroline State University Alexander Nowinski Electrical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Srdjan Lukic Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University Resistor banks are commonly used in electrical engineering laboratories for testing purposes to simulate a load and dissipate high levels of power. As a result of high amounts of power dissipating, heat accumulates on each resistor and becomes a limiting factor to how long the whole resistor bank can be used. The resistor bank at the FREEDM Systems Center was being cooled by two fans on each side which resulted in uneven cooling. By controlling the power delivered to the fans on one side of the resistor bank through power electronics, it became possible to cool the fans much more uniformly. Instead of having a static air field, dynamic cooling was made possible by constantly altering the rotations per minute on the fans and therefore creating a varying air field resulting in more uniform cooling. A control algorithm was made to control exactly when and how much the fan should be changed each iteration. The modular fan controller is thus able to slow down the time it takes for the resistor bank to heat up and prolong the time it can be used in testing.

204 Smart Grid Programmable Load Matthew D. Sonnenberg Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Richard Beddingfield Electrical and Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University The FREEDM Systems Center€™s mission of modernizing our electric grid has led to the development of many new smart grid technologies. These state-‐of-‐the-‐art systems aim to impact the future grid by increasing sustainability, efficiency, reliability, and accessibility. Accurate and reliable testing of these new smart grid technologies is necessary in order to insure that their high standards are met. The programmable load simulates realistic electric loads, allowing for dynamic, accurate, and real time testing of new smart grid technologies. More specifically the programmable load uses semiconductor devices to set desired parameters upon the generated load. These semiconductor conductor devices are controllable via programmable signals. Thus allowing for parameters such as current and voltage to be set and changed accurately and dynamically. In order to precisely understand the behavior of the programmable load, a hardware assessment of the project was conducted. Characteristics such as maximum voltage, maximum current, parasitic inductance, and parasitic capacitance were found and tabulated.

193 Flexible AC Transmission Systems Devices David Vincent Storelli ECE, North Caolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Subhashish Bhattacharya Electrical & Computer Engineering, North Carolina State University Govind Chavan Elec & Comp Engineering, North Carolina State University Efficiency is critical component of electrical systems, particularly AC systems, which are prone to the reduction in efficiency caused by reactive power. Generated by the energy storing nature of capacitive and inductive circuit elements, reactive power can drastically reduce the power factor of a transmission system, thereby causing excessive electricity generation and straining our electrical infrastructure. To prevent these


losses and maintain system stability, Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) have been implemented in large scale electric grids. While reactive power compensation has been implemented in transmission systems for over 50 years, modern FACTS devices can improve the efficiency and stability of a system by reacting quickly and reducing the power consumed by the device. At NCSU€™s FREEDM Center, a transmission system simulation environment connected to a FACTS device, known as a Static Compensator (StatCom), is used to test the functionality of the StatCom under various grid conditions. In addition to displaying the performance of the device, the simulations demonstrate the benefits of implementing modern FACTS devices. Since the integration of renewable energy sources to our electric grid is becoming more widespread, FACTS devices can be beneficial in preventing overloads on existing infrastructure by controlling power flow at critical junctions. In addition, countries that are developing their grid infrastructure can take advantage of the advanced technology to improve the efficiency of their systems, making FACTS devices an important aspect of modern electric grids both locally and globally.


REU at the Interface of Computations and Experiments -‐ Chemistry 30 Photocatalytic water splitting with a dimeric manganese and titanium oxide nanosheet complex Rebecca Ariel Bone chemistry, Iona College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Paul Maggard Chemistry, North Carolina State University Brandon Zoellner Chemistry, North Carolina State University The dimeric manganese-‐ligand oxo-‐bridged complex [MnIII/IV-‐2,2'-‐terpyridine(?-‐O)Cl]23+ absorbs visible light. This dimer complex was coupled to Ti4O9 nanosheets in solution. The resulting complex was characterized via its absorption in the visible, UV, and IR ranges; its elemental composition; and with DFT-‐based computational modelling of the connectivity between the manganese-‐ligand complex and the nanosheet complex. The photocatalytic ability of the combined complex to split water to form hydrogen gas under visible light was confirmed. Further testing will include the compound's ability to split water to evolve O2 gas and cyclic voltammetry.

94 Improving the light harvesting capability of Ru(II)-‐polypyridine dyes for dye-‐sensitized solar cells Jason Thomas Brannock Chemistry, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State University Sriparna Mukherjee Chemistry, North Carolina State University; Chang Liu Chemistry, North Carolina State University Dye-‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are used in the solar energy industry as a cost-‐effective alternative to silicone-‐based solar cells to capture energy from the sun’s visible light rays. Some of the most efficient dyes utilized in DSSCs are Ru(II)-‐polypyridine-‐based complexes, with their efficiency around 13%. The focus of our research is the first steps of the light-‐harvesting process; the excitation of the dye by visible light and the subsequent interfacial electron transfer (IET) into the semiconductor, with the aim to develop more efficient dyes. It has been shown previously the percent of electron density on the dye’s anchoring group, the linker, has a direct correlation with the efficiency of the IET; the higher the electron density, the more efficient the IET. We hypothesize the electron density on the linker can be tuned by substituting electron withdrawing/donating groups on a polypyridine scaffold of a [Ru(bpy)3]2+ based complex. Calculations were done using Gaussian 09 software at the B3LYP+D2 level of theory, with 6-‐311G* basis set for all atoms but ruthenium, which used SDD basis set and effective core potential. We found that electron donating groups substituted at the 4 position of the bipyridine ligand increase the electron density on the carboxylic acid linker attached to the 4' position, while the electron withdrawing substituents have an opposite effect. Moreover, substitution of the electron donating groups also increases the energy of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), which correlates with the increase in the IET driving force.

152 Synthesis of Up-‐Converting and Down-‐Converting NaREF4(RE: rare-‐earth elements) Microrods Grant Rogers Bullis Chemistry, Connecticut College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Gufeng Wang Chemistry, North Carolina State University Photon conversion can happen by using rare-‐ earth elements. These can have multiple potential applications, including biological labeling, fluorescence screens, lamps and solar energy harvesting. Rare-‐ earth doped, multicolored microrods have not been studied extensively. The synthesis of NaREF4 multi-‐


colored microrods requires both thermally unstable ?-‐NaREF4 microparticles and thermally stable ?-‐NaREF4 microrods. NaYF4 and NaGdF4 are both potential host matrices to dope rare-‐ earth elements for up-‐converting and down-‐converting photons. Eu3+ has down-‐converting properties, absorbing UV light and converting it into visible light. Er3+ is an up-‐converting phosphor, converting infrared light (980nm) into visible light. Taking advantage of these two rare-‐ earth elements, we have synthesized ?-‐NaGdF4 doped with Eu and ?-‐NaYF4 doped with Er/Yb. This study focuses on these two precursor compounds for future synthesis of multicolored microrods. Both of these microrods were synthesized using the hydrothermal synthesis method and their optical properties were studied.

156 Analysis of the PvcB Catalyzed Desaturation Mechanism Lance Thuong Collazos Chemical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Wei-‐Chen Chang Chemistry, North Carolina State University Marine and terrestrial microorganisms were found to produce vinyl isonitrile containing natural products that have antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. Among various biosynthetic systems, two enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis ofL-‐tyrosine derived vinyl isonitrile are PvcA and PvcB. PvcA has been suggested for converting the amino group (-‐NH2) to an isonitrile group (-‐N≡CH). The isonitrile containing substrate produced by the PvcA reaction is then introduced to the PvcB, an Fe2+ α-‐ketoglutarate-‐dependent oxygenase, and directed to install a C=C bond moiety to produce the final product. In this study we aim to examine the mechanism of the C=C bond installation of the isonitrile containing substrate. Three potential reaction pathways were modeled computationally and the energies associated with each intermediate were plotted to form a reaction coordinate diagram. The starting substrate was varied between tyrosine and phenylalanine and both the cis-‐ and trans-‐isomers of the product were examined. In parallel with the computational analysis, two homologues of the PvcB were produced and purified using an Escherichia coli expression platform and the corresponding substrate and mechanistic probe were chemically synthesized. In an effort to further understand the mechanism of vinly isonitrile biosynthetic pathways, biochemical studies will be conducted to characterize the PvcB catalyzed reaction.

26 Investigation of the Intermolecular Forces Which Determine Solubility in a Zinc Chloride Hydrate System Brittany Jane Crouse Chemistry-‐ BS, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: James Martin Chemistry, North Carolina State University To understand the molecular mechanism of solubility, this study is focused on the interactions of zinc chloride in water and their reaction to changes in concentration. Using an environmentally controlled microbalance, the temperature dependent equilibrium sorption of water by zinc chloride was measured over a range of water partial pressure. From these data the composition and temperature dependent vapor pressure data are obtained. Using the Clausius-‐Clapeyron relationship it is thus possible to determine the concentration dependent heat of vaporization of the zinc chloride water system; i.e. the fundamental solute-‐solvent interaction responsible for solubility. Interestingly, the chemisorption of water, and thus the DHvap demonstrate concentrations of particular stability suggestive of discrete compound formation, likely correlated with specific hydration shells solvating zinc ions. To further understand the molecular level interaction between water and zinc chloride, a series of electronic structure calculations were performed based on structural models extracted from hydrate crystal structure of [Zn(OH2)6][ZnCl4]. Previously it had been observed by Raman spectroscopy that the Zn-‐Cl stretch is significantly concentration dependent, being stronger for the above referenced 3-‐equivalent hydrate than


in more dilute systems. We attempt to model these interactions by using Gaussian 09 to calculate the structure and corresponding Raman spectra of the isolated ZnCl42-‐ anion, the anion in the presence of water molecules fixed in their crystal-‐structure positions, and the anion in the presence of calculationally optimized water positions. The impact of the hydrogen-‐bonded water on the ZnCl42-‐ anion, a key intermolecular interaction governing solubility, will be discussed.

29 Reactivity Studies of Haloguaiacols a Potential Substrates for Dehaloperoxidase-‐hemoglobin Safaa Dali Biology, Chemistry, Meredith College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Reza Ghiladi Chemistry, North Carolina State University Dehaloperoxidase (DHP) from the terebellid polychaete Amphitrite ornata is an oxygen-‐binding hemoglobin. Originally identified as a peroxidase, this catalytic globin also exhibits peroxygenase, oxygenase and oxidase activities with substrates as diverse as haloindoles, nitrophenols, and pyrroles. The question arose as to whether DHP was able employ haloguaiacols as native substrates. Using a combination of spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques (UV/vis, HPLC, LC-‐MS), we report here on the reactivity of DHP with this new class of haloguaiacol substrates. The reaction of 4-‐bromoguaiacol resulted in the major products, 2-‐methoxybenzoquinone and 2-‐methoxyhydroquinone. 18O-‐labeling studies confirmed that the oxygen atom incorporated was derived exclusively from H2

18O, indicative of a peroxidase mechanism of action for guaiacol reactivity. When reacted with 6-‐bromoguaiacol, conversion of substrate proceeded in 86% yield, and the major products were identified by LC-‐MS to be a mixture of dimers, trimers, and tetramers of the original substrate and its oxidized form. Substrate binding studies and the pH-‐dependence of the reaction will also be presented. The breadth of chemical reactivity demonstrated by DHP not only provides a unique system to explore our understanding of metalloprotein mechanism, activation, and design, but also highlights the plasticity of a heme active site within a globin-‐fold to function as an O2-‐carrier for aerobic respiration, as a peroxidase for phenol or guaiacol substrate oxidation, as a peroxygenase for indole substrate oxygenation, as well as an oxidase or oxygenase for secondary metabolite formation.

74 Synthesis, Structural, and Photophysical Studies of Perinone Based Iridium(III) Chromophores Patricia Lizeth De La Torre Biochemistry, Sonoma State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Felix Castellano Chemistry, North Carolina State University James Yarnell Chemistry, North Carolina State University A series of novel iridium(III) complexes based on the model chromophores, [Ir(phen)(ppy)2](PF6) and Ir(ppy)3, have been synthesized to study their photophysical properties. The complexes were created by cyclometalating the perinone ligand, 1,8-‐naphthalenebenimidazole (P7), to the iridium metal center in place of the phenylpyridine to make [Ir(phen)(P7)2](PF6) and Ir(P7)3. Both iridium(III) chromophores possess excellent light absorptivity and high luminescent quantum efficiencies, similar to the model chromophores albeit significantly red-‐shifted. The optical properties were studied using electronic and emission spectroscopy. In addition, Time-‐Dependent Density Functional Theory (TD-‐DFT) calculations were used to elucidate the nature of the lowest energy excited state, which was found to be both metal-‐to-‐ligand charge transfer and ligand-‐to-‐ligand charge transfer in character for both chromophores.

55 The Effects of Rhenium Lewis Acid/Base Adducts on Olefin Hydrogenation


Karam Bassam Idrees Chemistry, Millersville University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Elon Ison Chemistry, North Carolina State University In this study, the ability of MTO, with and without a Lewis acid additive, to hydrogenate olefins was investigated. Full conversion of cyclooctene to cyclooctane was observed when MTO and MTO/Borane adduct were used as catalysts after 48 h at 100oC. An induction period of 20 hours was observed before product formation in both cases. When MTO/Alane adduct was used as a catalyst, full conversion was observed after 1 h, however, hydrogenated product was not observed, instead, high molecular weight polymerization products were observed at the end of the reaction. Computational studies utilizing Density Functional Theory (DFT) were completed to explore the possible mechanisms for the hydrogenation of olefins by MTO.

28 Theoretical Analysis of Standard Reduction Potentials for the Irreversible Redox Processes of Methionine and Tyrosine Rebekah Charlotte Krupa Chemistry, Saint Francis University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Leslie Sombers Chemistry, North Carolina State University Endogenous opioid peptides are of particular interest as they modulate pain and reward processing, and the real-‐time in vivo quantification of these molecules is invaluable to developing therapeutic strategies to treat these medical problems. A novel method has been developed for the electrochemical detection of methionine-‐enkephalin in the brain by exploiting the oxidation of the electroactive residues, tyrosine and methionine, on a carbon electrode. However, uncovering the fundamental mechanism of electron transfer is necessary to further progress this technological advance. Density functional theory was used to optimize the structures for the amino acids methionine and tyrosine in zwitterionic form to determine redox potentials and ground state energies. Electrochemical square schemes were used to study the simple proton coupled electron transfer for the amino acids. The initial calculated square scheme for methionine showed that the proposed intermediate redox structures were unlikely to occur, and this was supported by literature. Several new schemes were proposed where the oxidation of methionine occurs through reactions with hydroxyl radicals. Mass spectral evidence from previous studies support a scheme whereby hydroxyl radicals interact with the methionine molecule to form the sulfoxide and sulfone intermediates at the electrode surface. This study will reveal the fundamental nature of the electrochemical detection of methione-‐enkephalin at carbon electrodes to permit advances in the sensing technology and in turn deepen our understanding of peptidergic mechanisms implicated in drug addiction.

35 Calculations of UV-‐Vis Spectra of Organic Dyes with Time-‐Dependent Density Functional Theory Richard Drew Marshburn Computer Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State University Chang Liu Chemistry, North Carolina State University; Daniel Ashley Chemistry, North Carolina State University; The Max A. Weaver Dye Library donated to North Carolina State University contains well over 90,000 organic dyes that have potential applications as solar energy harvesters, cancer therapy agents, or textile dyes, among many others. This study was conducted to benchmark computational approaches and to find an ideal model chemistry for predicting UV-‐Vis absorption spectra for a sample of these organic dyes.


Identifying an optimal computational approach will provide a foundation for the creation of a process to facilitate rapid screening of dye molecules for desirable characteristics. Methodology explored centers around density functional theory, employing a B3LYP functional with a D2 dispersion correction and a 6-‐311G* basis set for geometry optimizations. Absorption spectra calculations were conducted using the same model chemistry with implicit solvent interactions included using the polarizable continuum model. Spectra of the dye samples were also measured to determine the accuracy of the computational methods. Qualitatively, B3LYP+D2/6-‐311G* reproduced spectra well with an average error of 0.13 eV and a maximum error of 0.36 eV for the wavelength of maximum absorption.

180 Synthesis of Electrophilic Phosphate Derivatives Christopher Olaya Systems and Industrial Engineering, Kennesaw State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Joshua Pierce Chemistry, North Carolina State University Jonathan Mills Chemistry, North Carolina State University; Ribose-‐5-‐phosphate isomerase (RPI) is an important enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway and catalyzes the interconversion of ribulose 5-‐phosphate and ribose 5-‐phosphate. We are interested in exploring the fundamental structural requirements for covalent inhibitors of RPI in M. tuberculosis (TB) to develop an effective treatment for this serious disease. We have initiated synthetic efforts towards electrophilic phosphate derivatives as potential RPI inhibitors and are also performing calculations to better understand the relative electrophilicities of these small molecules. To date we have successfully synthesized and characterized several electrophilic phosphates that will be used in collaboration with collaborators to obtain binding constants and co-‐crystalized protein X-‐ray structures to guide the future development of inhibitors, with the ultimate goal of developing a novel treatment approach for TB.

59 Effect of pi-‐conjugated donors on the electronic structure of Fe(II)-‐bisterpyrine complex David Esteban Torres High School, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Elena Jakubikova Chemistry, North Carolina State University Chang Liu Chemistry, North Carolina State University; Sriparna Mukherjee Chemistry, North Carolina State University Dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are becoming a viable alternative to silicon based solar cells. At present, ruthenium based dyes are the most common dyes found in DSSCs. Unfortunately ruthenium is rare, expensive and toxic. Our research therefore focuses on iron-‐based dyes as alternatives to the ruthenium based complexes. We investigate the influence of electron donating and withdrawing substituents on the terpyridine ligand scaffold on electronic properties of [Fe(tpy)2]2+ based complex (tpy = 2,2':6',2"-‐terpyridine). A series of electron donating (furan, thiophene, selenophene, thienothiophene, NH2) and electron withdrawing (NO2, and carboxylic acid) groups were substituted onto 4, 4', 4'' as well as 5 and 5'' positions of the terpyridine scaffold with the aim to investigate their impact on the HOMO-‐LUMO gap, LUMO energy as well as electron density on the carboxylic acid linker. All calculations were done using density functional theory at the B3LYP+D2 level with SDD basis set and effective core potential for iron and 6-‐311G* basis set for all other atoms. The substitution of pi-‐conjugated donors lowered the HOMO-‐LUMO gap of the complex, but did not significantly impact the electron density on the linker or the energy of the LUMO, resulting in the red shift of the absorption spectrum of the complex, but no improvement in the efficiency of the electron injection between excited dye and the semiconductor. The substitution of the carboxylic acid linker onto 4’ position with electron donor groups at 4 and 4’’ positions results into the


highest electron density on the linker (~ 4%).


REU Composites in Extreme Environments 23 Charateristic Properties of Multi-‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes Surface Mounted onto Fiberglass Pre-‐Impregnated Fabric Alexander D Christodoulides Mechanical Engineering, University of Miami Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Philip Bradford Textile Engineering, Chemistry, and Science, North Carolina State University Carbon nanotubes have impressive theoretical current-‐carrying capabilities, making them viable candidates for many electrical applications. This study was conducted to understand the characteristic properties of multi-‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) when deposited as thin sheets on the surface of fiberglass composites and etched into circuit-‐like patterns. The first objective was to determine the laser power necessary to etch away the top CNT layers while doing the least damage to the overall composite. Once etching parameters were established, the electrical conductivity of the surface mounted MWCNTs was measured. The final objective was to ascertain the effect of etching on the Young€™s modulus and tensile strength of the underlying fiberglass composites. The MWCNT sheets were created using a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) technique and were laid directly onto fiberglass pre-‐impregnated fabrics (prepregs) using a winding mandrel. It is expected that the CNT conductivity will improve linearly as a function of the number of CNT layers deposited. It is also expected that the tensile modulus and strength will not be significantly affected by etching the CNT/fiberglass surface. CNT sheets surface mounted onto composites may find applications in integral antennae, sensors, circuit boards, EMI shielding, and lightning protection, and may be useful in environments where metal providing the same function is not desired due to the ultimate weight of the design or corrosion of the metal.

15 Computational Design of Polymer Nanocomposites for UAV Materials Julie Elizabeth Duetsch Aerospace Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Melissa Pasquinelli Textiles, North Carolina State University Composite materials, consisting of a filler and a resin matrix, are known for combining the beneficial properties of the two substances and counteracting the weaknesses, resulting in materials that are generally stronger and lighter than conventional materials. These components are used extensively in many industries, including aerospace, marine, electrical, and transportation. Due to the variety of fillers, matrices, and preparation methods available for composites, there is a wide variety of composite materials available with differing mechanical properties, necessitating further research to continue developing materials optimized for different uses. Computer modeling can be extremely useful for this purpose, enabling researchers to study multiple different composite types to find the most promising materials to then manufacture for physical experimentation. Polymer nanocomposites in particular are known for their strength, stiffness, thermal stability, and electronic properties, making them useful for a number of aerospace applications. These properties are especially important in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which require materials that serve very specific functions while also limiting weight as much as possible. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations are used to predict the structure and mechanical strength of polymer nanocomposites as a function of crosslink density and filler concentration. We investigated three potential materials: Araldite LY 5052 epoxy resin, a carbon nanotube/epoxy resin composite, and a graphene sheet/epoxy resin composite. This information is being used to determine the optimal materials for use in the manufacturing of UAVs.


14 Survivability of Fiber Bragg Gratings Exposed to High Rate Impacts Matt Dwyer Aerospace Engineering, University of Kansas Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mark Pankow Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Tyler Goode Mechanical & Aerospace Engr , North Carolina State University Understanding high speed deformations is often a difficult task. Current methods rely on using high speed cameras to be able to visually see the events, however, in many applications direct line of sight is nearly impossible. Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) offer the benefit of providing continuous strain information along the length of the fiber and can be embedded in other objects. The purpose of this research is to study the survivability of optical fibers and FBGs when exposed to high speed impacts with the future goal of using FBGs to measure deformation during high speed impact events. In order to test the survivability, a ball bearing is accelerated at high speeds using compressed gas to produce the high speed impact. The FBG is affixed to a sheet of Kevlar and mounted in front of a clay material to measure the maximum deformation, while a high-‐speed FBG interrogator is able to measure the wavelength of the FBG during impact. Preliminary results show the FBGs are able to survive the impact events and there is sufficient data collected during the impact to potentially back out the shape as a function of time. These results are promising for producing a new high rate full field measurement system that does not require direct line of sight.

218 Out of Plane Displacement Calibration Through Ballistic Gelatin Emily Jean Gipson Aerospace, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mark Pankow Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Ballistic gelatin is used as an approximation of human and animal muscle tissue and provides similar performance data for most ballistics testing. Current ballistics testing is limited to two-‐dimensional (2D) analysis. Using a stereo camera system, a three-‐dimensional (3D) digital image correlation (DIC) measurement system was developed specifically aimed at measuring out of plane displacements. Following the techniques used by Pankow, Justusson, and Waas (2010), calibration data was obtained relating the actual displacement to the interpreted displacement through known mediums.

21 Flexible Ultrasonic Composite Transducer and Electrode for Nondestructive Evaluation Annette Rose Gray Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Xiaoning Jiang Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Taeyang Kim Mechanical & Aerospace Engr , North Carolina State University; Pelin Berik Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University; Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is used by technicians and engineers to test a material for flaws and defects without destroying it, allowing them to keep it in service during and after evaluation. One method of NDE employs ultrasonic sensors called piezoelectric transducers. Piezoelectric transducers convert the electrical signal applied to them into a mechanical signal in the form of sound waves which propagate through the material, bounce off any defects or edges, and return back to the transducer. The sound waves that return deform the transducer, causing it to create an electric signal. From this, the damage can be


mapped and engineers can decide what types of repairs may be needed. Often times, industry components have curved surfaces, but most transducers are flat and rigid, preventing proper contact with the surface. Flexible transducers have been proposed but many of these have major issues including limited flexibility and electrodes that crack and lose signal quality when flexed. To solve these issues and expand the usefulness of ultrasonic transducers for NDE, a flexible 1-‐3 composite transducer (composed of PZT-‐5H as an active pillar and PDMS as a passive filling matrix) with a flexible silver-‐nanowire topped gold foil electrode was designed and its properties modeled.The PDMS filler in the 1-‐3 design should give the transducer good conformability on curved surfaces. The gold foil should still crack from being flexed, but the silver nanowire application should maintain conductivity and signal quality between the pieces of gold.

27 Fiber Optic Shape-‐sensing for Ballistic Testing Jack Gregory Kawell Engineering Physics, Samford University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Kara Peters Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University This research presents a sensing technique that uses fiber Bragg gratings to measure the back face deformation (BFD) of materials during high speed impact events. Measuring BFD is important in understanding how materials act during impacts. Currently, the primary BFD measurement technique is to record the deformation of clay backing materials after the impact. However, this method precludes dynamic measurements during the impact event. This research demonstrates that using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors directly incorporated into the material circumvents this issue. FBGs are optical sensors written into an optical fiber which reflect specific wavelengths of light back along the fiber. The reflected wavelength shifts to higher or lower wavelengths when a strain is applied on the FBG. Because the change in wavelength can be easily measured and calibrated, FBGs can be used as distributed strain sensors. Since the fibers are small, we were able to integrate them into a sheet of Kevlar and then apply an increasing load to the middle of the sheet. The integrated sensor network was interrogated to calculate the in-‐plane strains measured by the FBGs while the Kevlar was deformed out of plane. By running these calculated strains through a mathematical algorithm we were then able to reconstruct the out of plane BFD on the Kevlar during the impact. This new FBG sensing technique of reconstructing BFDs could eventually lead to smarter materials and testing techniques for applications in a variety of fields from aerospace to body armor.

9 Finite Element Analysis of Nanocrystalline Grains based on Statistical Distributed Grain Sizes Thomas Spalding Mills Aerospace Engineering, University of Miami Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mohammed Zikry Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, North Carolina State University Crystalline materials are materials comprised of crystal grains. These crystal grains are discrete regions of a material, at the micro or nanometer level, that are separated by grain boundaries. Copper, iron, and brass are examples of crystalline materials, and when viewed under a microscope, it is a collection of irregular shapes, which are the crystal grains. The size and orientation of these crystal grains significantly affects the properties of the material at scales ranging from the nanometer to the micrometer. The objective of this research project was, therefore, to investigate how different nanocrystal grain size distributions and orientations affected the properties of nanocrystalline materials. Different statistical and random distributions of these grains were used to investigate how nanoaggregate behavior, the behavior of a cluster of nanoparticle, varied for different distributions. A Voronoi tessellation scheme, which is the geometric partitioning of a plane into regions based on distances to a pre-‐determined subset of points, was


developed. This was then coupled with a finite-‐element code to investigate the different grain size distributions and orientations and to ascertain how mechanical behavior, properties such as strength, stiffness, energy absorption and fracture, is affected by statistical grain sizes and orientations.

49 Polymer Composite Testing by split Hopkinson pressure bar Kennon Michael Owens Mechanical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mark Pankow Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Polymer materials change the way they deform when we go from quasi-‐static loading to dynamic loading. This is often attributed to the polymer chains not having the ability to elongate and locking up often causing a ductile to brittle transition. In composite materials the interplay of the resin system with the fibers produces rate dependent material response. In this work we will investigate the rate dependent material properties for woven composite material. In order to determine the rate dependent tensile properties a split Hopkinson tensile bar (SHPB), was gather the mechanical properties as a function of loading rate. This was done through several tests, and the information was collected for the purpose of establishing a deeper understanding of how the strain rate and loading configuration can affect the material. This data is compared against quasi-‐static data to understand the difference in loading rate effects.

31 Flow-‐Stimulated Energy Harvester using Dual-‐Matrix Composites Brian Joseph Puckett Physics, Hastings College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mark Pankow Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University Matthew Bryant Mechanical & Aerospace Engr, North Carolina State University This work presents the idea of using a partially-‐flexible composite structure as a flow-‐induced energy harvester. As a flow (e.g. water, wind, etc.) is presented to the wing-‐shaped section at a critical “flutter” velocity, flow-‐induced aeroelastic vibrations drive the device to oscillate while piezoelectric patches on the beam section convert vibrational energy to electrical power output. This apparatus is different from previously researched energy harvesters because of its simplicity and lack of multiple-‐part assembly requirements. Using a dual-‐matrix composite material for the energy harvester eliminates the need for a discrete or separate compliant hinge, making it continuous and less subject to rust or environmental fouling. This structure is made up of a composite material, meaning that it contains a reinforcing material and a matrix material that have been infused together. This particular composite is fabricated using a carbon fiber sheet as reinforcement and two different matrices: an epoxy resin to provide stiffness and rigidity to the beam and wing sections, and a silicone rubber for the foldable hinge region, giving it the appropriate “partially-‐flexible” property. Experimentally determined wind tunnel results such as frequency, vibration amplitude, and critical “flutter” wind velocity are discussed.


REU: Science of Software in CSC 245 The increase and decrease of passing and failing test cases over time Hanan Mohamad Said Cavalcante Information Systems, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sarah Heckman Computer Science, North Carolina State University Students sometimes do not use best practices when developing software. In this case, they do not commit their code to GitHub that often, which limits the feedback they receive from teaching staff tests and other automated grading tools. Their code is tested with JUnit, a unit testing framework, and returns whether the methods are meeting the teaching staff design, that is, whether the methods are passing or failing the test cases, giving them the chance to fix their code. The goal of this work is to find out whether there was improvement or not after each commit by looking at the difference of passing and failing test cases from one commit to another. For this, three class projects were explored. We analyzed the passing and failing test cases of each commit for both teaching staff written tests and student written tests, which the students are graded on, and counted them. It will be considered progress if the count of passing and failing tests from one commit has increased and decreased, respectively, compared to the previous one. We will find patterns of progress to show the importance of committing to GitHub to the students to try to encourage them into committing more often so they can have better results.

118 Automating Dynamic AOI Tagging in Eye Tracking Video Data Jessica Cherayil Computer Science and French, Wellesley College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Titus Barik Computer Science, North Carolina State University In eye tracking studies for graphical user interfaces, the data recorded often consists of pixel locations of participants’ fixations, along with a capture of the screen video. Several analysis techniques, such as link analysis, require that these videos are divided into areas of interest, or AOIs. However, since tagging AOIs for analysis requires significant effort and time, some researchers design their studies such that the AOIs are fixed, or static. Keeping AOIs static not only limits users’ ability to interact with the interface, but also simulates unrealistic conditions, since most modern user interfaces are dynamic in nature. One example of a dynamic interface is the programming environment Eclipse, which allows users to scroll through lines of code, resize dialog windows, and switch between tabs. Unfortunately for researchers, the support available to tag dynamic AOIs in programming environments like Eclipse is scarce. My work involves building a prototype annotation tool to tag AOIs regardless of changes in position, size, or both. It is able to recognize and log information about tooltips, dialog boxes, function headers, and return statements as they appear on screen in a video. The contribution of my work is that it reduces the time and effort needed to tag AOIs, which in turn leads to more realistic eye tracking studies. In future work, I would like to support a more general selection of AOIs via improved machine learning techniques, as well as collect more user evaluations of my tool.

237 Understanding the Coverage of Security Policies Against Misuse Cases Jasmine Maralysa Jones Computer Science, Elon University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Laurie Williams Computer Science-‐Engineering, North Carolina State University Security policies are normally broad, and once they are actually put into place, they might be violated by


users. This violation of a security policy, known as a misuse case, seems to occur when accidents happen or software malfunctions, but more importantly when humans interact among themselves. To investigate the relationship between a security policy and a misuse case, we look at misuse cases within healthcare systems and compare them to the HIPAA Security and Privacy Rule clauses. We express security policies via norms. Norms enable us to understand who should be accountable for what the violator has done. Then, the misuse cases become a violation of the security policy norms. We use an ontology to aid in the visualization and compute the semantic similarity of this relationship because it is able to connect the hierarchies of the security policy norms to the misuse cases. The semantic similarity of the security policy norms and the misuse case violation norms can then be analyzed to demonstrate the coverage of the security policies. This will be able to show how many of the incidents that occur are actually covered by the security policy.

120 Why is searching so darn hard? Joshua Kayani Computer Science, North Carolina State University Sydney Paul Computer Science, Clemson University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University Kathryn Stolee Computer Science, North Carolina State University Through peer production, goods and services can be produced in a much more effective manner by a crowd than a single organization. In the software development community, Stack Overflow has allowed developers to create and share documentation about software engineering and programming practices. When a developer searches for information, they have the freedom to use documentation created from official sources such as Google’s documentation on Android development or examine answers and questions posted by users on crowd-‐created sites such as Stack Overflow. For our research, we examine which sorts of information developers use in supporting professional development and understand what issues they face when searching. To investigate, we examine the search history of 79 developers, and looked at 4,180 visits to developer sites. Surprisingly, 63 percent of the developers chose to visit Stack Overflow links more than half of the time. To understand what difficulties developers may face in performing searches, we developed a search plugin that asked developers to fill out a survey after performing a search. By studying developers and analyzing survey responses, we will identify language and search patterns that influence the effectiveness of a search query. We will present validation of the increased use in crowd documentation sites and will report findings of difficulties that software developers experience when trying to formulate effective search queries.

124 Exploring the Importance of Context When Predicting Issue Lifetime Matthew John Martin Computer Science and Government, Colby College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University Tim Menzies Computer Science, North Carolina State University Accurate issue lifetime prediction is a core element of efficient and productive software development teams. The current state of the art in issue lifetime prediction relies on too much information and gives predictions that are not accurate enough. Simpler models that both improve upon the accuracy of the prediction and require less knowledge about the issue can be built using feature selection and careful tuning. Context specific features are shown to be extremely important in increasing the accuracy of our models. These models will provide software development teams that have fewer resources and less


information a way to accurately estimate the lifetime of their issues.

125 Why is your software so old Seyedsamim Mirhosseini Ghamsari Computer Science, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University Software can suffer from security or buggy flaws by using out-‐of-‐date dependencies. Unfortunately, upgrading out-‐of-‐date dependencies is a time consuming task for developers that may not always take highest priority. Although there are services that let developers know their dependencies are out-‐of-‐date, there is limited evidence that they will take any initiative to upgrade dependencies. An alternative approach is to provide a service that will attempt to automatically upgrade dependencies. In order to research these different approaches, we have conducted an empirical study on two existing tools: a dashboard based tool (david-‐dm) and an automated tool (greenkeeper). We found these automated systems are noisy: only 30% of the upgrades are approved by developers. We also found some special cases where the developers merged the pull request even though this caused the system to fail to build. In future work, we will interview developers with special cases to see what their concerns are, why they did what they did, and what features they wish they could use. We plan to use reduce the noise of the automated systems by integrating information from test suites and code coverage in those test suites in order to make a more confident dependency management tool.

122 Gender Prediction by Name Ashley Brook Noll Computer Science, Georgia Institute of Technology Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University Within the STEM field, females have continued to be less represented than their male counterparts. Furthermore, they are also less present in the online collaborative communities, such as GitHub and Stack Overflow, that many in the field use for education and work. On the path to understanding why this occurs, researchers rely on being able to surmise the sex of the user, using names and profile pictures to accomplish this. Currently, this method of identifying gender is lacking in thorough investigation as to its effectiveness. This study seeks to determine how well names can be utilized to evaluate the gender of approximately 300,000 GitHub users who have a reported gender. Techniques such as removing diacritical marks, including diminutives, and examining reported locations are tested to increase gender accuracy. Unexpectedly, the prediction rate for female users (81.3%) was notably lower than that of males (97.9%). It is believed that women may be more likely to obscure their real name in their profile. Future studies will explore other machine learning approaches to determine gender.

238 Designing Realistic Security Games to Create Better Attack-‐Defense Trees Megan Claire Petruso Computer Science, Appalachian State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Laurie Williams Computer Science-‐Engineering, North Carolina State University Attack-‐defense trees are a visual representation of vulnerabilities within a system and how a security analyst can mitigate these attacks. A security analyst can trace through a system in order to specify its vulnerabilities. However, attack-‐defense trees do not take into account the social aspects of security.


Moreover, attack-‐defense trees may not be complete with respect to the all the vulnerabilities associated with the system. In order to address these limitations, we propose to use game playing to iteratively design an attack-‐defense tree. Current security games, for example OWASP Cornucopia and Elevation of Privilege, do not address the social aspects of security. Moreover, we can apply misuse cases to attack-‐defense trees in order to combine such social aspects of security into attack-‐defense trees. By doing so, more realistic security games can be created to help software engineers design better attack-‐defense trees. We look at ontologies and semantic similarity to evaluate and compare different trees. Each node in a tree can be represented by a norm, which represents a social relationship between the users of a system and specifies who is accountable for whom and doing what. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we look at misuse cases from healthcare, design attack-‐defense trees for them, and evaluate how well they cover HIPAA norms. We identify that some HIPAA clauses are specified in broad terms and do not capture real misuse cases. Furthermore, we discuss the integration of the above techniques within the context of a security game.

243 Excel-‐ent Research: Understanding Spreadsheet Use, Creation, and Maintenance at ABB Nadeen Saleh Computer Science, Florida Atlantic University Anthony Benavente Computer Science and Mathematics, Western Carolina University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Nicholas Kraft, ABB Corporation Spreadsheets are ubiquitous, but little is known about how they are used in practice. To better understand how spreadsheets are used, we surveyed and interviewed ABB employees. We analyzed the resulting data and identified practices and problems related to the use, creation, and maintenance of spreadsheets. Our initial findings reveal differences between the best practices of experienced spreadsheet users and the common practices of inexperienced spreadsheet users. For example, experienced spreadsheet users are more likely to partition their workbooks into multiple sheets than inexperienced users. Based on our initial findings, we are considering multiple interventions to improve spreadsheet use, creation, and maintenance at ABB. Specifically, we prototyped an error detection framework that indicates error-‐prone cells and are designing an ABB-‐specific, curated repository of spreadsheet practices, templates, and tutorials.

121 The Effect of Dependencies on Software Engineering -‐ Data Mining in the Real World Abdulrahim Salah Sheikhnureldin Computer Science, George Washington University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Christopher Parnin Computer Science, North Carolina State University Tim Menzies Computer Science, North Carolina State University Numerous bugs and errors are introduced during the software development process as a consequence of coupling. Mining of industry data is an important component for understanding the implications of dependencies, both social and technical, in software development. These socio-‐technical dependencies can serve as key points of insight into the overall quality of large software projects as they demonstrate the importance of data mining in the real world. Understanding the effect of dependencies on these software projects will improve implementation procedures and maintenance costs for software developers, managers, and companies overall.

253 Frequency and Patterns of Git Commits: an Examination of Studentsâ€™ Work Habits in Computer Science


Adam Thomas Smith Computer Science, Coastal Carolina University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sarah Heckman Computer Science, North Carolina State University Encouraging computer science students to follow certain practices while working on projects may increase their chances of receiving a passing grade, creating more efficient workers with good habits in the field of computer science. We examined students’ commits to the version management system Git for three projects in Fall 2014 and identified patterns that resulted in higher grades, both in individual projects as well as paired projects. When working on their own, students who committed consistently over time showed better performance results than those who committed sporadically. However, when working together on paired projects, the opposite was shown. Additionally, we found that students working on paired projects received better grades when they had a similar number of commits to their partner. These findings suggest that students should be encouraged to work closely with their partners, particularly in person.

123 Measuring Quality of Students’ Git Messages Aline Gomes Tavares Computer Science, University of Tennessee Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Sarah Heckman Computer Science, North Carolina State University Git, the version control system, when used in class projects, can provide students with experience of using real-‐world tooling and help them develop projects collaboratively. To ensure a high quality experience with such tools, students should learn how to generate good commits. A good commit can vary in many aspects, including the quality of commit messages. In collaborative projects, a commit message can be vital to summarize a change in the project and help the person reviewing the code to understand these changes. In this study, we analyze how students use commit messages in their projects by evaluating 1) how high quality messages in students’ commits correlate to their grades and 2) the difference in quality of the messages in different projects: from Project 1, where students have less experience with git, to Project 3, when they have a chance to show improved skills. We analyzed students’ commit messages from their log data of three projects developed from Fall 2014 and the first project of Spring 2016. Using text classification and prediction models in Weka, we were able to compare the difference in quality of their messages between projects within the same semester and the overall differences between a baseline semester (Fall 2014) and a semester where students received grading for the quality of their messages (Spring 2016).


RISE -‐ Civil and Environmental Engineering 22 Printed Electrical Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring Paola Viviana Armada-‐RodrÃguez Civil engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mohammad Pour-‐Ghaz Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Failure of structural components is very common due to natural phenomena and poor design. To prevent failure and detect damage of structures, many methods have been developed. A group of such methods are electrical sensing skins or sensors, which are thin layers that are applied to the surface of a structure and measure strain or damage by changes in electrical properties such as conductivity. The sensor we are working with is a surface sensing system made of a metal film that is based on electrical impedance tomography (EIT) for crack detection. However, these sensors are currently made by hand, which sometimes does not provide very precise readings due to its non-‐uniform thickness. In this paper we investigate whether we can use printing technology to improve their quality and uniformity. Using an inkjet printer and silver nanoparticle ink as the conductive material we are attempting to print these sensors. Replacing the silver ink in the cartridges, we are trying to print different types of sensors, each with various amounts of ink to see which one has the highest conductivity and therefore, is the better option for damage detection.

133 Breakdown of Fat, Oil, and Grease with Commercial Bio-‐Additives Michaela Grace Bate Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Sewer collection system sustainability is a difficult task for city and county pretreatment managers since sewer pipes are overwhelmed with the settlement of debris, accumulation of odors, microbial induced pipe corrosion, tree roots intrusion, and the accumulation of insoluble saponified solids. As it pertains to the accumulation of saponified solids, fats, oils, and grease (FOG) discharged by food service establishments (FSEs) tend to break down from elevated temperatures, acid or alkali hydrolysis, or microbial activity in grease interceptors (GI) and then react with calcium found in wastewater to form these solids that are called FOG deposits. FSE utilize GIs to separate out FOG and prevent the buildup and blockage of FOG deposits in sewers. Many FSEs implement commercial bio-‐additives to break down the accumulated FOG to clean and reduce the odor from GIs. These bio-‐additives work by effectively cleaving glycerol heads of the triglycerides from FOG and releasing long chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Unfortunately, the LCFAs react with calcium naturally occurring in water or released in wastewater from concrete corrosion or from human waste, and undergo a reaction that creates saponified solids. These solids, if left to accumulate on sewer pipe walls, will cause sanitary sewer overflows that release raw sewage to the surrounding environment. However, no study has been performed to assess whether these bio-‐additives will also breakdown the LCFAs. This study was designed to measure the amount of LCFAs potentially released after reacting with two commercial bio-‐additives.

183 Durability and Behavior Mechanisms of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Strands for prestressing of Concrete Bridges Zakariya Bourara Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


Sami Rizkalla Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Omar Khalaf Alla Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer products have garnered a lot of interest from DOTs as an alternative to steel, which has cost billions of dollars of infrastructure repair due to its corrosion inside reinforced and prestressed concrete. CFRP is higher in tensile strength, lighter, and more resistant to electrochemical corrosion, and so offers better resistance to cracking, oxidation, wear, all factors that facilitate the failure of concrete structures. The durability of the fibers themselves is not a concern, but there is a need to investigate the long-‐term durability characterization of carbon fiber tendons (CFCC-‐Tokyo Rope), to evaluate the effect of alkaline environments at different temperature exposures under different sustained load levels, and determine the degradation mechanisms of carbon fiber pre-‐stressing strands. To quantify the degradation of CFCC, four steel trusses were set up, each containing four CFCC strands subjected to a sustained load at 65% of their ultimate capacity. Two strands from each frame were exposed to an alkaline solution, simulating aggressive alkaline environments to accelerate the aging process. To determine the structural performance of CFCC strands, 12 prestressed and precracked concrete T-‐beams were subjected to accelerated aging, eight of which were also subjected to aggressive wetting and drying cycles in a salt solution tank, simulating the ocean water and environment conditions of Florida. Understanding the long-‐term durability and behavior of CFRP is an important step that will facilitate the transition from steel to FRPs as concrete reinforcement, which can save billions of dollars in infrastructure repair.

228 Conversion of Pickle Wastewater into Electrical Current using Exoelectrogenic Bacteria Amaryllis Chavez Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Douglas Call Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Inc. located in Mount Olive, North Carolina is known to manufacture the second best-‐selling brand of pickles in the country. With millions of pounds of cucumbers undergoing fermentation at a given time, the pickle wastewater (PWW) generated contains great amounts of fermentation byproducts such as acetic acid. The high levels of acetic acid can potentially be converted to electrical current using exoelectrogenic bacteria in devices known as Microbial Electrochemical Technologies (MET). For Mt. Olive€™s onsite wastewater treatment, it is unknown which microbial community can best handle the high salinity (8 mS/cm) and low pH (4.1) of the PWW in order to enhance energy recovery. Our objective is to use Microbial Electrolysis Cells (MECs), a type of MET, to determine which bacterial culture could best adapt to the PWW conditions by measuring the electrical output of different cultures mixed with the PWW. The tested MECs contained inocula from different sources: the anaerobic and aerobic sections of Mt. Olive€™s wastewater treatment system, and domestic wastewater that was used as a control. They were mixed with PWW in 50/50 and 25/75 percent ratios. Results suggest the anaerobic source of bacteria as the most capable of adapting to the PWW conditions. With a peak voltage of .0045 V, the anaerobic bacteria produced 650% more current than the aerobic bacteria and 41% more than the domestic wastewater. This promotes a more efficient way of treating the PWW to enhance energy recovery during the onsite treatment. Further research will be conducted with other bacteria sources to test alternative cultures that may show greater energy recovery from the PWW.

81 Examination of Light Attenuation and the Photodegradation Capacity of Constructed Wetlands for Removal of Contaminants of Emerging Concern Alexandra Grace Dinwiddie Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


Tarek Aziz Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) are synthetic or naturally occurring chemicals from pharmaceuticals or personal care products that are not commonly monitored or regulated in wastewater effluent. Many of these organic compounds are known or suspected to cause adverse health effects in humans and aquatic organisms.Sunlight photolysis can be utilized to degrade and remove CECs from wastewater effluent in constructed wetland open water cells. However, more characterization of light attenuation spectra within open water unit cells is needed to successfully predict percent removal of specific CECs and to maximize phototransformation in unit process treatment wetland design. This summer, the researcher developed a protocol for collecting in-‐field surface and subsurface irradiance measurements at incremental depths using an Ocean Optics spectroradiometer at Walnut Cove Wastewater Treatment Plant. In addition to quantifying irradiance within the water column, the researcher also measured water quality parameters such as dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen, and pH to better understand wetland function. New irradiance profiles created from field data were compared to irradiance profiles created from SMARTS (Simple Model of the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer of Sunshine) predictions that were incorporated into an existing mathematical light model. Preliminary results from the comparison suggest there is a difference between field irradiance measurements and those predicted by SMARTS. Irradiance light profiles were also incorporated into an existing mathematical model describing the transport of photochemical reactions within a wetland system. This research illustrates the importance of field characterization of irradiance in assessing the photochemical degradation of specific CECs.

141 Exploring Reconstructing of the large micro channel emulsification device. Purposed for mass production of uniform oil droplets Nyles Isaiah Fleming Applied Physics/ Environmental Engineering, Morehouse College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Currently, the Raleigh Durham area and municipalities worldwide are being challenged with the task of keeping the sewer collection system free of fats, oil, and grease (FOG). FOG can potentially hydrolyze and release free fatty acids that react with calcium to form saponified solids. These hard and insoluble solids can adhere and accumulate on pipe walls that lead to pipe blockages and cause sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs). SSOs can potentially release untreated raw sewage into streets as well as commercial and residential facilities. To prevent these hard formations from causing blockages, grease interceptors are used to gravimetrically separate out FOG prior to discharge into sewers. Unfortunately, the current method of testing the removal performance of these grease interceptors is through sending millimeter size oil globules that are readily separable and don't represent the oil suspensions created in food service establishments from the use of detergents. Detergents will create a large fraction of micron-‐sized globules when cleaning utensils in these restaurants. Recently, a team of scientist at University of Tsukuba developed a device that produces micro sized oil globules in a uniform manner. These micro-‐sized oil globules could be a way to test grease interceptors for their ability to remove FOG before discharged into sewers. In our research, we seek to recreate Tsukuba's device. Here, we will try to replicate this device with simple materials through 3D printing to determine if the behavior and uniform size of these droplets can be developed using this cheaper manufacturing alternative. In addition to the development of this device, we will also explore alternative methods to replicate the behavior of FOG in wastewater. One alternative is to employ the use of glass microspheres that represent the same density and size as specified oil globules. Overall, the goal of this research is to study FOG behavior in grease interceptors to reduce SSOs in municipalities worldwide.

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Developing different anaerobic microbial communities by selective enrichment. Shannon Lorena Hurtado Reyes Environmental Engineering, Benedict College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Anaerobic digestion is a microbiological process of converting organic wastes into biogas in the absence of oxygen. Anaerobic co-‐digestion of synthetic waste with thickened wasted activate sludge (TWAS) has the potential to enhance biogas production, which can be a sustainable and economical way to offset onsite energy demand at wastewater treatment facilities. The overall goal of this research is to understand the microbial community assembly and dynamics in anaerobic co-‐digestion by systematically investigating the diversity and composition of microbial communities. We studied the microbial community assembly during mesophilic co-‐digestion of synthetic waste with TWAS. Community assembly from a starting inoculum of anaerobic digester sludge was influenced by adding different substrates to bench-‐scale microcosms (TWAS, TWAS+ protein, TWAS+ starch, TWAS+ glucose, TWAS+ lipid). As part of this study, we designed and constructed a low-‐cost methanogenic respirometer that is easily scalable to be used for multiple microcosms. The experiment involved water displacement systems to measure biogas production rate. Each system contained one inverted bottle with dyed liquid and two lines using ¼" tubing: one connected to a 3-‐way valve where biogas was sampled for methane content and the other to a 200 mL graduated cylinder where biogas production rate was monitored. We used two cameras aimed at the graduated cylinders, where pictures were taken and analyzed to determine the gas volume per time.

154 Role of Transverse Reinforcement in Stability of Ductile Structural Wall Prisms Giju Lee Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Mervyn Kowalsky Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Ana Haro Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Reinforced Concrete Structural Walls (RCSWs) are one of the main lateral resisting systems that are implemented into the building design to increase the seismic performance. This is due to their unique characteristic, which is a higher stiffness that reduces lateral displacement. However, in recent earthquakes, including the 2010 Chile and 2011 New Zealand earthquakes, it has been observed that the RCSWs experienced out-‐of-‐plane inelastic buckling at the base, in its plastic hinge region. From these events, it becomes clear that the behavior of RCSWs under seismic loading needs to be better understood. Six tests have already been performed by a Ph.D. Candidate at NC State University, Ana Gabriela Haro, to analyze the longitudinal reinforcing bars under cyclic axial loads interacted with out-‐of-‐plane displacements, which is believed to induce the most damage. This study focuses on understanding the non-‐linear, inelastic behavior of the transverse reinforcing bars using the same data from these experiments, so the damage and the mode of failure of the RCSWs can be accurately predicted combined with the analysis developed for longitudinal bars. Currently existing models seem to be promising, however they do not take into consideration the interaction with the transverse reinforcing bars or out-‐of-‐plane displacements. The results obtained show that the existing models need to be adjusted when in-‐plane and out-‐of-‐plane displacements interact with each other. Adjusted models will be able to provide a better recommendation to minimize the damages to RCSWs.

105 Evaluating the impact of mixing speed on the light distribution within a photobioreactor using novel microsensors Jiawen Liu Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University


Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University ; Yi-‐Chun Lai Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University; Amanda Karam Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University; There is growing interest in the use of microalgae as a biofuel feedstock due to its ability to produce cellular lipids. Unfortunately, the current approach to producing biofuels is still not as competitive as the production of traditional fuel sources due to algae’s low production efficiency. One major challenge in cultivating algae to high concentrations is the design of photosynthetic bioreactors (PSBRs) and the ability to distribute light within the PSBR. Therefore, quantifying light more efficiently can help researchers design and test different geometries and flow conditions to determine which design will achieve optimal algal growth. Novel microsensors coated in a photo-‐reactive dye and that move with the flow conditions within these bioreactors could be used to mimic microalgae to examine the light efficiency and distribution. These novel beads have only recently been developed to measure the amount of light received by a fluid element flowing within the PSBR. The primary goal of this research study involves evaluating the use of these beads to determine the impact of mixing on the light distribution within a three-‐liter reactor that is used to cultivate algae. Two different mixing speeds will be tested. Better evaluation tools such as the use of these microsensors can help engineers design more efficient photosynthetic bioreactor and potentially lower the cost for using microalgae as biofuel stock to make it competitive as traditional fuel sources.

40 Travel Time Reliability: Developing Reliability Assessment on Highways of North Carolina Armando Maldonado-‐Rosario Civil Engineering, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: George List Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Travel time reliability is an increasing concern for travelers, merchants, and businesses. Therefore, with latest advances in data collection mean that travel time reliability can now be quantified to get users the information they need. In the past, we have lead into traffic congestion only regarding simple averages. However, utmost travelers knowledge and remember something much different than an unpretentious average throughout a year of go back and forth. Their travel times fluctuate significantly from day to day, and they recall those few hard days they suffered through unexpected delays. Travel time reliability measures the extent of this unexpected delay. Working on a project, this is developing reliability assessment on highways on North Carolina State. Three important routes are selected, to do the travel time reliability analysis. The objective of the research is to characterize the reliability on those specific routes without the use of the standard measure of the 95th percentile that is being used for so many years. The methods employed in this research to describe the reliability were the 95th percentile of the travel times and statistical analysis. The statistical analysis using the standard deviation to quantify the amount of variation or dispersion of the travel times. The statistics being used to get a better understanding of the sources that make the routes unreliable and try to reach to a more clear conclusion that then can be utilized by the users of the selected routes without the usage of the ordinary use of the 95th percentile methodology.

44 Will Perfluoroethercarboxylic Acids Break Down to Perfluorocarboxylic Acids When Oxidized? Ainsley Nicole Potter Chemical Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Detlef Knappe Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University


The fluorochemical industry has phased out long-‐chain perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) only to replace them with perfluoroethercarboxylic acids (PFECAs). For intellectual property reasons, the structures of many PFECAs have not been disclosed, and their persistence in the environment is largely unknown. Because the identity of many PFASs is not known, experimental approaches to determine the total PFAS content of environmental samples have been developed. One assay is the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay, in which PFASs are exposed to heat-‐activated persulfate such that PFASs are converted to measurable perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs). The objective of this research was to determine whether the TOP assay converts PFECAs to PFCAs or whether PFECAs are new terminal end products. To validate our experimental approach, we first replicated experiments conducted by the developers of the TOP assay. Using deionized water containing 1000 ng/L of 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS) or perfluorooctanesulfonamide (FOSA) were exposed to persulfate at pH>12 and a temperature of 85°C. Products of the reaction were measured by liquid chromatography-‐tandem mass spectrometry. To determine the fate of PFECAs in the TOP assay, 1000 ng/L of the PFECA “Gen X” was added to DI water and oxidized under the same conditions. Similarly, other PFECAs will be evaluated. These experiments are ongoing. Experimental results will show whether PFECAs break down to PFCAs or remain intact. If they remain intact, PFECAs need to be added to the list of terminal end products being monitored by the TOP assay.

37 Reducing Error in Water Distribution Network Simulations by Modeling Isolated Network Sections with Field Derived Boundary Conditions Henry Francis Ricca Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Kumar Mahinthakumar Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Jason Patskoski Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Reduction of error in water distribution network models leads to simulations that are more representative of actual network conditions and allow for more effective experimentation and realistic system responses. This study attempts to quantify the reduction in model error by modeling a sub-‐area of a full water distribution network and enforcing field observed flow and head conditions at the boundaries. This work will leverage my previous research where I developed an approach for isolating sections of a water distribution network by installing virtual reservoirs and demand nodes at the boundaries and then using the pressures and flows from the full network model to enforce time dependent boundary conditions. The reduction in model error is determined by comparing the modeled pressures obtained by the modeling software EPANET for the full network model and sub-‐area model to actual network pressures at critical locations in the section of interest. Starting with real field measurements at the boundaries of the isolated section eliminates the model error due to input uncertainty such as demand and pipe friction errors arising from network locations outside of the isolated section. Research is ongoing, but it is expected that pressures simulated by the sub-‐network model will more closely match the actual network pressures than the pressures in the full network model, illustrating that model error can be reduced by modeling isolated network sections with field observed boundary conditions. If confirmed, this finding will allow experiments concerned with specific areas of water distribution networks to be conducted using models that more accurately reflect actual network conditions.

16 Does variable shear influence the formation of aerobic granules? Sierra Lauren Schupp Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University


Joseph Weaver Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Aerobic granulation is a more efficient alternative to traditional biological flocs in the activated sludge process for wastewater treatment. Granules are stable, compact, resistant to toxicity, can handle high organic loading rates, and have rapid settling velocities which result in lower reactor cost and size. Although granules can be consistently formed in sequencing-‐batch reactors (SBR), there have been varying results in continuous-‐flow reactors, which are preferred for full-‐scale operations. Previous studies have shown that hydrodynamic shear affects granulation, but that reactors containing uniformly distributed shear fail to granulate. In this experiment the effect of variable shear was explored using a lab-‐scale SBR and three Couette-‐Taylor bioreactors (CTB) operated under identical conditions. In a CTB wastewater is contained in the space between circular inner and outer walls. Rotating either wall causes the wastewater to move; the rotation speed and inner wall eccentricity respectively control the mean shear rate and and its spatial distribution. Here, we used one concentric reactor to produce a uniform shear rate, and two identical eccentric reactors to produce spatially varying rates. We hypothesized that all but the concentric would form granules. Specific oxygen utilization rate, sludge volume index, chemical oxygen demand, solids and image analysis, were used to determine reactor performance and particle size. The results show that although variable shear rates lead to greater granulation, it is not strictly necessary, and other factors, such as fungal backbone formation, may have also contributed to granulation. Future research will look into the role of these factors.

128 Assessing hydrothermal liquefaction as an alternative fuel conversion process in marine algae-‐based biofuel production Candace Judea Swepson Environmental Engineering, Research Triangle Highschool Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: James Levis Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Ranji Ranjithan Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University To assess the environmental implications of alternatives for producing drop-‐in replacement biofuel from marine microalgae, a life-‐cycle assessment (LCA) model was developed to assess alternative fuel conversion processes. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of the whole algal biomass was compared to the transesterification of extracted algal lipids. HTL is a thermal depolymerization process used to convert wet biomass into crude-‐like oil (i.e., biocrude) under moderate temperature and high pressure.The steps of producing biofuels from algae through HTL include: cultivation, harvesting, dewatering, pretreatment, HTL and refining biocrude into desired fuel (i.e., diesel or gasoline). HTL is a promising conversion pathway because it can operate with wet biomass, lowering the operational cost and energy usage required for drying algal biomass and extracting the lipids. Transesterification is a more traditional, lipid-‐to-‐fuel conversion process currently used in many industrial-‐scale biodiesel production operations; the process begins similarly to HTL with cultivation, extraction and dewatering, but the biomass is then dried and the lipids are extracted before undergoing the transesterification process. The LCA model is capable of estimating for each alternative the the energy-‐return-‐on-‐investment (EROI), cost per megajoule (MJ), and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per MJ. HTL is expected to be more efficient compared to transesterification, but the model will explore key input parameters to estimate the uncertainty in potential performance of HTL.

36 Hydrologic Modeling to Improve Management Practices at Lake Mattamuskeet Brianne Michelle Walker Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors:


Daniel Obenour Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University Michelle Moorman Forestry&Environmental Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Lake Mattamuskeet, located in coastal North Carolina, is surrounded by a complex network of canals and impoundments, which become home to many migratory waterfowl and avian wetland species that migrate south during cold winter months. Over the past three decades, there has been a decrease in submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), the primary food source for waterfowl, throughout the lake. A hydrologic model is necessary to determine the lake€™s response to variations in flow to improve decision-‐making and management practices at Lake Mattamuskeet as these variations impact the elevation, turbidity, and nutrient levels of the lake. Lack of a detailed water budget for Lake Mattamuskeet has prompted recent interest in the development of a lake-‐routing model. To develop the model, evaporation and precipitation data was collected from local weather stations and automated discharge from the lake at the water control structure located at four main canals was estimated and calibrated to lake level measurements available from the National Water Information System. It is found that a portion of variability in lake level could be explained by the model. However, further research may show that inputs from agricultural drainage ditches and impoundment pumping may also affect variability in the elevation of the lake and thus improve the predictive capability of the model.

100 Effects of nitrogen deficiency on lipid production in microalgae Dunaliella viridis Jing Wu Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Joel Ducoste Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Yi-‐Chun Lai Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University; Amanda Karam Civil Engineering, North Carolina State University; Francis De Los Reyes Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University Microalgae has become a potential biodiesel feedstock since their ability to accumulate lipids can be manipulated by operational adjustments such as nitrogen starvation. However, few studies have examined salt water species such as Dunaliella viridis to produce significant quantities of lipids under nitrogen limitation. Advantages of using a salt water species include reducing water resources consumption, utilizing saline conditions acting as a natural disinfectant, and recycling CO2 emission from fossil fuels combustion. In this project, Dunaliella viridis culture were incubated in specially-‐designed photobioreactor at two different nitrogen concentrations operated at pH of 7.5 and 25oC, which provides the algae an optimal growth environment. Lipid and nitrogen concentrations were recorded daily throughout the experiment using nile red fluorescence assay and total inorganic nitrogen kit, respectively. Preliminary results showed that reduction in nitrogen concentration improved the algae€™s lipid accumulation. In addition to changes in lipid accumulation, results showed that biomass, carbohydrate, chlorophyll and protein ratio within algae also changed with different nitrogen levels. These results provide further evidence on the relationship between nitrogen level in the media and the desired lipid production in Dunaliella viridis under its optimal pH and temperature environment. Future research will explore optimizing nitrogen levels as well as the source to improve the lipid accumulation in Dunaliella viridis.


RT MRSEC REU Program 129 Novel Functionalization of Poly(hydromethyl-‐co-‐dimethylsiloxane) with Allyl Succinic Anhydride to Create a Reactive Polymer Network Patrick L Delgado Biochemistry, Texas State University Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Jan Genzer Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a widely studied and industrially useful organosilicone polymer commonly used in soft materials such as contact lenses. While PDMS is generally inert, poly(hydromethylsiloxane-‐co-‐dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS-‐co-‐PHMS) contains conditionally reactive hydrogen moieties that allow for the addition of new functional groups onto the polymer chain. In this study, PDMS-‐co-‐PHMS was functionalized with allyl succinic anhydride (ASA) by a hydrosilylation reaction at varied conversions to determine optimal conditions for casting an elastomeric network. A functional network was formed by crosslinking PDMS-‐co-‐PHMS with vinyl terminated PDMS which were found to form with conversions of up to 40%. Additionally, the ASA functionalized PDMS-‐co-‐PHMS polymers were crosslinked with vinyl-‐terminated PDMS of different molecular weights to measure the effect on physical properties and surface reactivity of the polymer network post-‐functionalization. The networks were characterized by ATR-‐FTIR spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and microscopy. The ASA functionality allows for reactivity that forms stable imide bonds with primary amines, and was demonstrated through reactions with ethanolamine and cysteamine.

45 Fluidization of Granular Materials by Active Particles Gustavo Ramirez Physics, Hunter College Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Karen Daniels Physics, North Carolina State University Jonathan Kollmer Physics, North Carolina State University We are studying granular materials: conglomerations of discrete, macroscopic particles. The study of granular materials is important because they are a quintessential component of the manufacturing industries that are not well understood, often leading to wasted resources when handling these materials. Granular materials have a special property that allows them to simultaneously exhibit characteristics of solids, liquids, and gases. This property was observed in a previous experiment, where living mites were placed in a pile of grains, whose movement caused the entire pile to flow as if it were melting. Our experiment seeks to quantify this fluidization of granular materials using a biomimetic version using spinning particles instead of mites. For the first part of this experiment, we designed and fabricated a particle capable of spinning on the air table using 3D printers. A series of variations on the working particle were made and tested in order to optimize the angular velocity of the particle. In ongoing work, we are using automated particle tracking to track a multitude of these particles interacting together.

53 Microscale Manipulation and Characterization of Liquid Crystals Using Field-‐Powered Microcube Devices Alexander Julian Scott Mechanical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Orlin Velev Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University Bhuvnesh Bharti Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University; Charles Shields Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University;


Koohee Han Chemical and Biomolecular, North Carolina State University Youngki Kim and Nicholas Abbott, Chemical & Biological Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison Reconfigurable micro-‐ and nano-‐devices hold enormous promise due to their ability to execute a range of tasks such as controllably bend and flex, capture diminutively small cargo, and self-‐propel and self-‐assemble into various hierarchical structures. We have developed a class of “colloidal origami” units, comprised of microcubes with a thin magnetic film, capable of assembling into microstructures that can transform their shape when manipulated by an external magnetic field. Once external fields with certain parameters are introduced or removed, these polarized structures can align and reconfigure based on the sequence of cubes within an assembly. We experimented with these “microbots” in a solution of 5CB liquid crystal (LC) in various molecular vector alignments (e.g., planar and homeotropic) with respect to the substrate and external field. After investigating the response of different LC orientations, we discovered a strong orientation dependence of liquid crystal alignment on the actuation speeds of microbots. For example, the microbots are able to self-‐fold faster in planar aligned liquid crystal when the director is parallel to the magnetic field, rather than perpendicular. Using these insights, we hope to use these microbots to controllably re-‐structure local regions of liquid crystal for display enhancement and use the microbots as novel experimental tools to measure the microrheological properties of liquid crystals.

117 The Role of Chain Stiffness on the Morphology of Polyelectrolyte Diblock Copolymers Leo Biagi Sutter Physics, Rochester Institute of Technology Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Yaroslava Yingling Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University Thomas Deaton Material Science Engineering, North Carolina State University; Polyelectrolytes, polymers carrying ionically charged monomers, are used in various biomedical applications where the morphology of these polymers is critical. Here, we used Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) to model the self-‐assembly of polyelectrolyte diblock copolymers (PDCs) in solutions of varying ionic strength. The PDCs studied consist of a hydrophilic block and a hydrophobic block bonded together to form one chain. The ionic strength of the solution was accounted for using an implicit solvent ionic strength method, which was recently developed in our group. In this method, the ions in the solution are accounted for in the interactions between each coarse-‐grained polymer beads. The initial system of chains started out randomly distributed throughout a periodic system and eventually aggregated into array of morphologies. Previously, our group utilized this technique to observe the morphological impacts on the PDC self-‐assemblies as a function of hydrophilic length at various solvent ionic strengths. This work concentrates on understanding the role hydrophobic rigidity plays in self-‐assemblies. The additional rigidity parameter was implemented using an angular harmonic force to promote hydrophobic stiffness. After adding rigidity, we constructed a morphological phase diagram by varying the ionic strength and the length of the hydrophilic segments. The resulting model yielded the trajectories of the PDC beads from which we were able to observe the morphology, calculate various properties, and observe the impact of hydrophobic rigidity on the final morphology. As hydrophobic rigidity is increased, PDCs transition to forming cylindrical/wormlike morphologies at lower solvent ionic strengths.

25 Liquid Metal Patterning via Vacuum Filling Neyanel Vásquez Chemistry, Columbia University in the City of New York

Mentors and/or Co-‐Authors: Michael Dickey Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University Yiliang Lin Chemical & Biomolecular Eng, North Carolina State University


Eutectic gallium-‐ indium (EGaIn) is a liquid metal at room temperature (m.p. 15.5oC) with a high electrical conductivity which provides it with promising applications in soft electronics. The utility of EGaIn within the field of soft electronics has been proven through the creation of devices such as soft antennas, circuit boards, and stretchable wires. This project creates new opportunities to expand soft electronics with EGaIn by better understanding and exploring EGaIn’s patterning technology. This project investigates patterning liquid metals via vacuum filling and demonstrates the advantages vacuum filling provides over injection filling, which is the state-‐of-‐art technology. In this work, we analyze the kinetics behind the vacuum filling process within liquid metal patterning, which will serve as a guideline for future applications

2016 Annual NC State University Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium Summary

Overall SummaryTotal Participants = 309 (Lead Student Presenters : 260 / Co-‐Presenters : 49)Total Posters = 260

Summary of Presentations by Content AreaACS Project SEED = 4ASSIST -‐ NSF Advanced Self-‐Powered Systems of Integrated Sensors and Technologies REU = 9BESST -‐ Basic and Environmental Soil Science Training REU = 13Biotechnology Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (BIT SURE) = 10CASL Education Research Program = 1Food Science Summer Scholar Program = 4GEAR -‐ Global Engagement in Academic Research = 30IMSD -‐ Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity = 10Independent Researchers at NC State University = 59Integrative Molecular Plant Systems REU (IMPS) = 9Kelman Scholars in Plant Pathology = 7MEAS-‐Wake Tech Program = 13Modeling and Industrial Applied Mathematics NSF REU = 3NC State Undergraduate Research Grant Awardee = 27NSF FREEDM Systems Center REU = 8REU at the Interface of Computations and Experiments -‐ Chemistry = 12REU Composites in Extreme Environments = 9REU: Science of Software in CSC = 12RISE -‐ Civil and Environmental Engineering = 16RT MRSEC REU Program = 5

Summary by College (Participant's Main Mentor)Agriculture and Life Sciences = 59Biomedical Engineering = 1College of Sciences = 1Design = 1Duke University School of Medicine = 1Engineering = 103Humanities and Social Sciences = 3Management = 3Natural Resources = 3Sciences = 66Textiles = 8US EPA = 1

Veterinary Medicine = 2Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Medicine = 5

Summary by College (Participant)Baltimore County -‐ 1Monterey Bay -‐ 2Río Piedras -‐ 1Shenzhen -‐ 1Andrews University -‐ 1Appalachian State University -‐ 1Baylor University -‐ 1Beijing Institute of Technology -‐ 5Benedict College -‐ 1Bowdoin College -‐ 1Bryan College -‐ 1California State University -‐ 2Centre College -‐ 1Clemson University -‐ 1Coastal Carolina University -‐ 1Colby College -‐ 1Colorado College -‐ 2Columbia University in the City of New York -‐ 1Connecticut College -‐ 1Cornell University -‐ 1Earlham College -‐ 1East Tennessee State University -‐ 1Elon University -‐ 1Emory University -‐ 1Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul -‐ 1Florida Atlantic University -‐ 1George Washington University -‐ 1Georgia Institute of Technology -‐ 1Grinnell College -‐ 1Hastings College -‐ 1Hunter College -‐ 1Indian River State College -‐ 2Iona College -‐ 1Iowa State University -‐ 1James Madison University -‐ 1Jilin University -‐ 4Kennesaw State University -‐ 1Lehigh University -‐ 1Liberty University -‐ 2

Meredith College -‐ 1Millersville University -‐ 1Morehouse College -‐ 1National Taiwan University -‐ 3New Mexico State University -‐ 1North Carolina State University -‐ 167North Dakota State University -‐ 1Northwestern University -‐ 1Pacific Lutheran University -‐ 1Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico -‐ 1Queens University of Charlotte -‐ 1Research Triangle High School -‐ 3Research Triangle Highschool -‐ 1Rochester Institute of Technology -‐ 1Rolesville High School and NCSSM online -‐ 1Rose-‐Holman Institute of Technology -‐ 1Saint Augustine's University -‐ 1Saint Francis University -‐ 2Saint Vincent College -‐ 1Samford University -‐ 1Sonoma State University -‐ 1South Carolina State University -‐ 1South Dakota State University -‐ 1Southern Adventist University -‐ 1Stetson University -‐ 1SUNY Geneseo -‐ 1Texas State University -‐ 1the Chinese University of Hong Kong -‐ 1Truman State University -‐ 1Tsinghua University -‐ 4University of Arizona -‐ 1University of Georgia -‐ 1University of Kansas -‐ 1University of Kentucky -‐ 1University of Louisiana at Lafayette -‐ 1University of Maryland -‐ 1University of Miami -‐ 2University of Minnesota -‐ Twin Cities -‐ 1University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill -‐ 2University of Puerto Rico -‐ 1University of Tennessee -‐ 1Vassar College -‐ 1Villanova University -‐ 1

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) -‐ 1Wake Technical Community College -‐ 16Washington College -‐ 1Washington University in St. Louis -‐ 1Wellesley College -‐ 1Western Carolina University -‐ 2Total :291

Summary by Participant's ClassificationSeniors : 113 (Lead Student Presenters) / 17 (Co-‐Presenters) (130)Juniors : 100 (Lead Student Presenters) / 16 (Co-‐Presenters) (116)Sophomores : 32 (Lead Student Presenters) / 11 (Co-‐Presenters) (43)Freshmen : 15 (Lead Student Presenters) / 5 (Co-‐Presenters) (20)Total: 309

August 2, 2016 Dear Undergraduate Researchers, Mentors ...

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