Our students are strongly encouraged to collaborate with faculty to do research.  Both on-campus and off-campus opportunities are available for students who wish to enrich their undergraduate experiences by doing research and by presenting their work at national and regional conferences.  Some recent accomplishments of our students are highlighted here.

-- Amanda Powell, ’08, received a national travel award to attend the 93rd annual Ecological Society of America (ESA) meeting in Milwaukee, Wis., August 3-8, 2008.

 

-- At the Annual meeting of the Association of Southeastern Biologists in Spartanburg, SC, April 16-19, 2008:

     Brittany Ross '08 won a 3rd place award for the Frank G. Brooks Award for Excellence in Student Research for her    work on plant lipid transfer proteins.

     Molly Aiken '08 receicved and Honorable mention for the same award for her work on Tylosema and immunosuppressed mice.

    Emily Kale '09 received an Honorable Mention for the John C. Johnson Award for Excellence in Student research for her work on the effects of acetaminophen on the clam gene expression

In addition, Erica Beals '08, Rebecca Vannoy '08 and Preethi Sriram '08 presented their research.

 

-- At the North Carolina Academy of Science meeting in Greensboro, NC, March 2008:

   

    Preethi Sriram '08 received  the John Bowley Derieux Research award for her work on Age/Class distribution of Corbicula clams.

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Student Research Fall 2008

The differential effects of potassium and rubidium on Ceratopteris richardii (Cfern)

Abstract:  Studies over the years have proved potassium and rubidium to be akin to each other, so much so that radioactive rubidium is sometimes used as a marker for potassium (Warne et al. 1996). This experiment will question that belief and test for a difference between potassium and rubidium in a tissue culture. I will be using Ceratopteris richardii (Cfern) and see the effects of growth by using six mediums each with a pH of 5.7. The six mediums will consist of a control, two mediums of KCl at 0.05M and 0.025M, two mediums of RbCl at 0.05M and 0.025M, and a mixture of RbCl and KCl both at 0.025M. Each medium will be tested on two types of Cfern, wild type and salt tolerant Cfern. 

Student:  Jessica Panameno

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Robert Reid

Clinical Trial Comparison of Macular Degeneration Treatments

Surgical v Non Surgical

Abstract: Through completing my literary research, I hope to compare new forms of treatments now being tested in clinical trials for macular degeneration. Though there are many different treatments being tested for the different forms of macular degeneration, I will focus on those forms of treatment focusing on wet macular degeneration. I hope to compare surgical treatments to nonsurgical treatments to see which treatment has a better outcome among the patients. I hope to see if there is an advantage for patients who require surgery compared to those patients who do not plan or require surgery. I will be looking at a couple of new treatments that are currently in an ongoing clinical testing. Both surgical and non surgical therapies are in these trials. I hope to see which of these methods show better outcomes.

Student:  Mary Garland Knott

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrea Marritt  

 

Nicotinic Receptor Involvement in Glaucoma: Possible Treatments for the Damaged Optic Nerve

Abstract: In this research I will be further looking into the existing information on the nicotinic receptor and the current known connections that it has with glaucoma.  From this relatively new idea, I will be trying to devise possible treatments for the damaged optic nerve through therapy such as neuroprotection. 

Student:  Stanton Wayne

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrea Marritt

 

 

The Growth Effects of NaCl and KCL on the Wild type and Salt Tolerant types of C-fern Tissue Cultures

Abstract:  Research has not been done on the tissue in the (C-fern) to see the Salinity content and the conditions that the plant achieves the greatest growth. The Wild type and Salt Tolerant C-fern tissue cultures will be placed in four different mediums of Mannitol, NaCl, KCl or a Control to measure the conditions for the best growth.

Student: Henrietta Gaddy

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Reid

 

A Study of Correlation Between Age and Length of Rehabilitation of Different Shoulder Injuries

Abstract:  I am doing my research outside of Meredith at a physical therapy clinic in Cary. My research looks at the relationship between different shoulder injuries and the age ranges of the patients. I will be analyzing my data findings in the form of graphs. My research will also include several case studies which I will follow weekly and assess noted progress by the physical therapist.

 

Student:  Megan Douglas
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Francie Cuffney and outside Physical Therapist

 

Metal on the Brain!

Investigating the correlation between metal-chelation and the effects on the Central Nervous System

Abstract:  This project is a literature based research in which I am pulling information from scientists who have studied how metal-chelation helps in treating some neurological disorders.  So far, I have been able to encounter a good bit of information in support of treating with metal-chelation, along with some information that opposes the use of metal-chelation therapy.  The body naturally produces certain chelators which eliminate the toxic amount of heavy metals in the body.  As a result of my most recent findings, I have been able to group five representative disorders that are treated with metal-chelation: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, Freidrick’s Ataxia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. 

Student:  Cynthia Abell

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Francie Cuffney (Meredith) and Dr. Greene-Chandos (Forsyth Comprehensive Neurology in Winston-Salem, NC)

 

The Potential Usage of Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Therapy for Retinal Ganglion Cell Apoptosis

Abstract: Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, is caused by the death of retinal ganglion cells, which are neurons whose axons make up the optic nerve.  Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ligand-gated ion channels and are comprised of five protein subunits.  This literature based research aims to address the different types of nicitonic receptors that could be used in nueroprotection, which is a new direction for the treatment of the retinal ganglion cell death.

Student:  Sarah Raper

Research Mentor:  Dr. Andrea Marritt

 

Cancer Epidemiology in North Carolina and how Ethnic and Socioeconomics Correlates to Various Cancers

The research I am conducting is literature based, so I will be looking at databases and statistical websites that provide information on a variety of cancers in particular ethnic groups.  My research primary focus is North Carolina and particularly Brunswick, Henderson, Hyde, Scotland, and Wake counties.  Also, I will look at the comparison of North Carolina to the United States.  During my research experience I will develop an understanding of medical literature, apply analytical methods to present data, and explore use of databases in medicine. 

Student: Bailey Hardy

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Francie Cuffney

 

  Rates of Smokers with Schizophrenia Worldwide and New Therapy Targeting the Alpha Seven Nicotinic Receptor

A link has been shown between smokers and people with schizophrenia.  About 80-90% of people with schizophrenia are heavy smokers.  I will be comparing these rates with the US and other countries to see how they compare.  Also the nicotinic receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel found throughout the brain, and the alpha seven subtype is the most recent that has been studied.  The alpha seven is involved with the thought process in the brain; therefore, it is linked with schizophrenia.  I will be researching the new therapy that is being used to target the alpha seven of the nicotinic receptor and also comparing these rates worldwide.

Student:  Brittany Anne Lawhorn

Mentor:  Dr. Andrea Marritt 

The effects of seratonin on Corbicula sp. in North Carolina Rivers

The risks of unknown and unrecognized pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment has been a concern of scientists for many years; however, recently the importance of identifying these emerging risks and sources has been addressed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development, who state "early identification and investigation of potential environmental pollution issues before they worsen are critical for protecting ecologic and human health."

 

The goal of our research is to compare the effects of serotonin, which is found in the environmental runoff in North Carolina Rivers, and 5-HTP, which is an over the counter pharmaceutical, on Corbicula sp.  We plan to analyze the concentration and effects of the pharmaceutical on aquatic species.  The project will incorporate both disciplines of Chemistry and Biology with a focus in medicine. 

 

Student:  Kaylan Fisher

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Francie Cuffney  

Pupae Behavior of Ades albopictus in response to vibrations and light and their ability to accomodate to stimuli. 

We are working with Ades albopictus (asian tiger mosquito) pupae to determine their abilities to accomodate when exposed to different stimuli.  We are hoping to determine how quickly the pupae will accomodate and how long the accomodation will last.  We will be applying different stimuli, related to vibrations and light intensities, and measuring how deep they dive and are looking to see if over time they accomodate to the stimuli and will no longer dive.   

Students:  Samantha Rose & Alyssa Nelson-

Faculty Mentor:  Dr.Larry Grimes

 

Isolating Pigmented Bacteria Found in Meredith Pond

 

Abstract:  For this research project we will be collecting water samples from the Meredith Pond and to grow these samples in cultures.  Nutrient agar plates and nutrient broth would be needed for the process of growing these cultures and isolating and growing pigmented bacteria that we would find in the water samples.  After successful isolation of pigmented bacteria, we would extract the bacteria’s DNA for analysis of the pigment by using a DNA extraction kit.  Through DNA extraction we could further analyze the gene that codes for the pigment production of the bacteria.  We would need DNA primers to sequence the genes and then have these sent off for further sequencing.  After extracting the desired gene we would then amplify the sequence for identification.  Recent studies have shown that the pigment found in Serratia bacteria show potential anticancer qualities.  Through this project we would hope to further investigate this study of Serratia.  

 

Student:  Victoria M. Gray

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Jason Andrus

 

Utilization of woody debris by Peromyscus luecopus

Abstract: Due to the threat of predation, small nocturnal mammals such as Peromyscus leucopus, the White-footed mouse, tend to avoid open spaces.  Based on this documented behavior, I hypothesized that mice would be live-captured at a higher frequency in forested trapping sites with higher volumes of woody debris.  Live-capture Sherman traps (121) were placed 10 m apart in a permanent 1-hectare plot in an urban, fragmented forest on the Meredith College campus.  Small mammals were captured, marked with permanent hair dye, and measured (ear, head-body, tail, and hind foot) over two consecutive summers.  Volume of woody debris was measured at each trapping site.  I found that there was no correlation between volume of woody debris and number of P. leucopus captured. 

Student:  Calley Jones

Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Erin Lindquist