Archives:
2016 Undergraduate Research Students
2017 Undergraduate Research Students
2018 Undergraduate Research Students
2019 Undergraduate Research Students
2021 Undergraduate Research Students
2022 Undergraduate Research Students
2023 – 2024
Abigail Bangs – University of Northern Iowa
Identification of Microorganisms from the Depths of Wind Cave
Samples were collected at Wind Cave National Park on multiple different trips. As the team goes deeper and deeper into the cave, the goal is to actively trace the types of microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, and archaea) throughout the cave. The process to obtain genus- and species-level identification of these samples utilizes PCR amplification of different sections of their genomic DNA followed by sequencing analysis. …Read more
Anna Braun – Drake University
Analysis of Double-Strand Break Repair Pathway Genes in Human Cancer Cell Lines
Exposure to radiation causes double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in human DNA, leading to many types of cancers. Humans are at risk of radiation exposure through medical examinations, treatments, nuclear accidents, and space travel. Thus, investigating the effects of radiation-induced DNA damage is important for finding new ways to protect humans from radiation…Read more
Hannah Cochran – Iowa State University
MISSFIT – Artificial Gravity Model for Interplanetary Space Travel
Batteries are constantly developing as our society advances. Studies show that solid-state electrolytes have numerous benefits compared to the typical liquid electrolyte. More specifically, glassy solid-state electrolytes are a strong contender because they have lower processing temperatures, are less likely to form dendrites, and have greater chemical flexibility…Read more
Tepary Cooley – Drake University
Analysis of Increasing DNA Damage on Levels of DNA Ligase IV Found in Cancer Cells
Stability of the genetic materials is critical for all organisms including human beings. Exposure to radioactivity adversely affects genome stability by causing random breaks in the DNA backbone, leading to cell death. In humans, such breaks are predominantly repaired by an enzyme, DNA Ligase IV, via a random non-homologous end joining process. Thus, Ligase IV plays an important role in maintaining….Read more
Ethan Dickey – University of Northern Iowa
Using GIS to evaluate the habitat isolation among pollinator Conservation Research Program habitat
The Pollinator Habitat Enhancement Conservation Reserve Program (CP-42) allows farmers to turn their land, once used for agriculture, into restored prairie to provide floral sources and habitat for wild pollinators. In order for these sites to be fully effective, they must be accessible to native bees and other pollinator species. Previous research was conducted in 16 CP-42 sites in Northeast Iowa to examine the wild bee community composition and genetic diversity…Read more
Jacqueline Heggen – University of Northern Iowa
Entrance to Entrance: A Hunt for Astrobiological Analog Sites at Wind Cave
In the scope of astrobiology, the exploration for life within the Solar System is ongoing. Planetary caves are a possible environment that may be habitable for life on other planets and moons. Planetary features may also provide evidence of the presence of life-sustaining materials within the Solar System. The icy moons of Europa and Enceladus have interstitial lakes which harbor organics…Read more
Jenna Heinen – University of Northern Iowa
The Spectroscopic Characterization of Crystals and Waters at Wind Cave National Park as an Analog for Space
Life in Space has been a question plaguing science for many decades. While onsite research is difficult to conduct, due to both the necessary expense and preparation behind it, there are places on Earth which can be used as models to study Space’s unique conditions and even its potential for life…Read more
Alexander Kay – University of Iowa
Adjustable X-Ray Optics
My research is centered on the domain of X-ray astronomy, where we explore the extreme phenomena of the universe. X-ray telescopes necessitate precision to capture faint signals, given their operation at grazing incidence angles. However, during launch and gravitational release, vibrations induce low-frequency errors, which degrade image quality…Read more
Jack Kelley – University of Iowa
Verifying Post-Merger Stellar Evolutionary Processes
My group will test a hypothesis regarding the evolutionary origins of lithium(Li)-rich post-main sequence (post-MS) stars using a rare star, TYC-2597-735-1 (TYC-2597). TYC-2597 was selected for observation because there is ample evidence that it underwent substantial companion interactions not long ago…Read more
Jackson Kilburg – Drake University
Implementation of a 10-meter Radius Centrifuge Model into a Simulator of the Human Cardiovascular System
Greater interest in long-term space travel is creating demand to develop artificial gravity systems that minimize the negative effects of long-term microgravity. However, due to practical constraints of understanding the physiological effects, we propose a cardiovascular simulation to overcome this limitation. The purpose of this study is to understand the effects of artificial gravity during space travel…Read more
Sabryn Labenz – University of Northern Iowa
Decoding Destabilization
Homologous recombination is a DNA repair technique in which nucleoprotein RAD51 facilitates strand exchange between the broken double-stranded DNA and a homologous strand. RAD51, with assistance from mediators, forms nucleoprotein filaments on single-stranded DNA overhangs produced after a double-stranded break…Read more
Carmen Martinez – DMACC
Benefits of 3-D Printing of Polymers in Space
In summer 2023, I participated in an IINSPIRE-LSAMP collaborative program between DMACC and Iowa State University called RISEUP. This was an opportunity for minority students, like myself, to be introduced to the fundamentals of STEM related research. I worked with Dr. Alina Kirillova’s research team at Iowa State University to study the Mechanical Properties of 3D Printed Porous Polymer Structures…Read more
Cameron Menini – Loras College
Computational and Experimental Aerodynamic Analysis of Future Conceptual Commercial Aircraft Designs
As the aviation industry continues to push forward with greener and more efficient travel, new design concepts are needed to reach the next level of aircraft aerodynamic efficiency. This research aims to conduct external flow analyses for conceptual aircraft over the complete flight envelope of modeled aircraft through CFD methods and wind tunnel testing…Read more
Hailey Negley – Iowa State University
Biotronics: Bio-Ion Gated Transistors
This research project concentrates on the design, development, and evaluation of a bio-ionic platform that facilitates physiological studies through continuous and real-time monitoring of cellular ionic activities…Read more
Christian O’Brien – University of Iowa
Near-Infrared Spectral Analysis of TYC 2597-735-1
Stellar merger remnants are most often obscured by opaque clouds of gas and dust. TYC 2597-735-1 presents a rare opportunity to observe the post-merger remnant and its surroundings in the near-infrared in order to better understand the impacts stellar mergers have on their systems…Read more
Tristian Parmerlee – Drake University
MISSFIT – Artificial Gravity Model for Interplanetary Space Travel
While experiencing zero gravity in space, astronauts without proper exercise will begin to develop muscle atrophy which can limit their ability to return to Earth safely. To combat this problem, researchers have suggest the use of centripetal force to mimic the gravitation force on Earth…Read more
Jonathan Percy – University of Iowa
Novel Applications of Hyperpolarized 129Xe Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Medical imaging serves a crucial role in establishing diagnosis, determining severity, monitoring progression, and uncovering the pathophysiology associated with many diseases. This research, led by Dr. Sean Fain, explores novel applications of hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in populations including those suffering from Long Covid, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, and radiation-induced pulmonary changes associated with radiation therapy….Read more
Ashley Rhodes – University of Iowa
Novel Matrices for Gas Entrapping Materials to Optimize Dissolution Kinetics and Delivery
The field of gaseous materials has many far-reaching and impactful applications. The ability to deliver gas to a specific area within the body has been shown to have therapeutic properties and can be beneficial for wound healing, improving cancer treatments, and decreasing inflammation…Read more
Cristian Sanchez – University of Iowa
Novel Matrices for Gas Entrapping Materials to Optimize Dissolution Kinetics and Delivery
Drone swarms have shown to be useful for multiple applications including search and rescue missions, environmental monitoring, and entertainment purposes. The objective of this work is to develop control algorithms, set up localization and communication systems, and writing code to enable to flight of many quadrotor drones at once…Read more