overview of programs

Overview of Programs

The Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program is a comprehensive program

structured to prepare undergraduates for successful careers as graduate students, professors, and

professional researchers. The program is an educational opportunity program funded under the

Higher Education Act of 1965 collectively known as TRIO Programs. The McNair Scholars

Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and provides services to low-

income/first-generation college students or students who are members of a group which is

underrepresented in graduate education with effective preparation for doctoral study. Southern

Illinois University Carbondale accommodates 29 students each year. This program is funded by a

grant written by Karen Renzaglia and Rhetta Seymour for the 2017-2022 grant cycles.

The McNair Summer Research Institute (SRI) is an eight-week intensive program, which

equips McNair Scholars with the research skills necessary to compete in graduate school. During

the SRI, students work closely with faculty mentors to complete individual research projects,

conducting fieldwork, compiling literature reviews and composing original research papers. In

addition to research, students also undergo six weeks of strenuous GRE training sessions aimed at

improving their GRE composite scores. This year at the conclusion of the SRI, each student will

present a poster at the Summer Research Symposium. Throughout the remainder of their

undergraduate career, many McNair Scholars will present their research at national and regional

conferences.

The Southern Illinois Bridges to the Baccalaureate Program (SI Bridges) is funded by the

National Institutes of Health (NIH) and provides paid biomedical and behavioral science

research training and professional development for underserved community college students at

John A. Logan College (JALC) and Shawnee Community College (SCC). Students receive

assistance in transferring to SIU and completing a baccalaureate degree in science, technology,

engineering, math, or social science disciplines. This summer SI Bridges students participated in

a 10-week Summer Research Immersion (SRI) that enhanced their research and critical thinking

skills through a combination of hands-on and remote learning. It also exposed them to professional

development resources that helped enhance their communication and academic skills. At the

conclusion of the SRI, each student will present a poster in the Summer Research Symposium. In

the fall, many of the SI Bridges students will return to work in individual labs with SIU

faculty. This program is funded by a grant written by Karen Renzaglia and Laxmi Sagwan-

Barkdoll with Scott Hamilton-Brehm as the Program Director and Fiscal Officer for the 2019-

2024 grant cycles.

Tiana Daniels

Major: Zoology

Mentor: Dr. Guillaume Bastille-Rousseau, Cooperative Wildlife Research Laboratory

Program: McNair Scholars Program

Impact of Student presence on space-use of SIU white-tail deer

White-tailed deer are a part of the natural fauna of Carbondale and easily spotted on SIU’s campus

and around town. As the student population prepares to return to campus, encounters with wildlife

may become more frequent, potentially altering deer behavior. The goal of this pilot project is to

evaluate how deer on SIU’s campus are changing their movement as the student population on

campus fluctuates. This preliminary project will focus on developing approaches for characterizing

deer movement to evaluate changes in the use of campus grounds and in deer behavior. GIS data

for the month of June will be used to characterize deer hotspots. Hotspots will be mapped and

observed to quantify the variables potentially appealing to white-tailed deer. Collared deer will be

observed in their natural habitat and categorized as individuals or groups. Overall, the overall

project will provide a better understanding of deer behavior in an urban setting and could assist

campus leaders regarding potential issues associated with deer-human interactions.

Emily Duran

Major: Plant Biology

Mentors: Dr. Jason Henry & Dr. Karen Renzaglia, Plant Biology


How are anatomy and ultrastructure of moss stem effected when desiccated?

Many mosses can withstand drought and resurrect upon rehydration in a process termed

desiccation tolerance. There is an increasing body of work dealing with the physiology of

desiccation tolerance. However, much less is known about the morphological and mechanical

properties that also play a role in the ability of mosses to withstand desiccation. This research aims

to deepen the understanding of how dehydration affects cell walls in mosses by examining leptoids

in the moss Polytrichum commune. Leptoids are specialized food-conducting cells that surround

the water-conducting tissue at the core of the stem. Dehydration has been demonstrated to have

varying effects on specific cell wall polymers like pectins and hemicelluloses. In this project,

immunogold-labeling in the transmission electron microscope was used to probe cell wall

composition before and after dehydration in this moss. Four monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) were

selected because they target pectins and hemicelluloses known to be involved in drying cycles,

porosity and/or cell wall flexibility.

Raisa Fountain

Major: Psychology

Mentor: Dr. Mary Cashel, Psychology


Adverse Childhood Experiences, School Bullying Retrospection and their Impact on

Resilience in Adulthood

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been repeatedly documented to have substantial

effects on individual resilience scores in adulthood. Experiencing ACEs and bullying are linked to

school disengagement, depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. ACEs alone appear

to be linked to lower life expectancy, higher risk of heart disease and cancer.

Bullying victimization has been associated with lower educational levels in midlife,

unemployment, lower income, and overall poorer general health and cognitive functioning at early

and midlife. There is a gap in research on how ACEs and bullying may affect and compound each

other’s overall effects on resilience in adulthood. The purpose of this study is to examine how

ACEs and bullying may amplify each other’s effects on resilience score totals. Our participants

were 350 individuals working for MTurk selected by CloudResearch from the United States under

40 years of age. Somewhat counter to expectations, we observed that scores reflecting mild to

moderate past bullying experiences were significantly and positively linked to scores for resilience.

In contrast, ACEs and resilience scores were unrelated. Several implications relating to future

research were discussed.

Keywords: Adverse Childhood Experiences, ACEs, Bullying, Resilience, Trauma

Leah Hall

Major: Animal Science

Mentor: Dr. Amer AbuGhazaleh, Animal Science


An Exploration of the Digestibility of Proteins using a Modified

Three-Step in Vitro Procedure

A ruminant animal with a Cannula port was used in addition to a modified version of a well-known

in vitro procedure in hopes of reducing the associated cost and labor required to investigate the

intestinal digestion of proteins within various feeds. Nylon bags were used to incase the feed

samples, crucial for allowing protein digestion within the rumen without degradation of the bag or

disruption of the remaining Amino Acids. The experiment was conducted by allowing protein

samples to incubate in the rumen of a cannulated cow for 16 hours to estimate Rumen Degradable

Protein (RDP) and Rumen Undegradable Protein (RUP). The RUP portion was then incubated in

Daisy jars in a liquid solution containing different proteolytic enzymes to simulate the environment

of the small intestine to estimate intestinal protein digestion of different commercial protein

sources. The results showed that the modified in-vitro procedure could be used to simulate the

small intestine when determining protein digestion. The average protein sources and digestibility

levels were found for each feed sample and recorded in the results.

Brenda King

Major: Horticulture

Mentor: Dr. Karla Gage, Horticulture


Sensitivity of germinating hemp seeds to glyphosate residue in soil

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has been cultivated since ancient times, and is harvested for its seeds,

oil, fiber, and medicinal properties. Hemp production is growing, and the market value of hemp is

expected to increase. However, basic agronomic information is lacking since the 1970 Controlled

Substances Act prohibited hemp cultivation until the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. As with any

cultivated crop, weed control is considered one of the most important factors in crop success, and

hemp appears to be most affected by weeds in the seedling stage, making a weed free field

desirable for planting hemp. While glyphosate is promoted as having no residual activity in the

soil after application, sensitivity of germinating seeds has been documented for other crops. The

objective of this study is to determine the sensitivity of germinating hemp seeds to glyphosate at

various planting timings following glyphosate application. A benchtop germination study was

conducted at the SIUC Horticultural Research Center using seeds of the fiber hemp cultivar

‘Jinma’. Twenty hemp seeds were planted at 0, 3, 6, and 12 Days After Application (DAA) of

glyphosate. Counts of live and dead seedlings were taken at 5 and 10 Days After Planting (DAP).

There was no difference in counts of living plants at 5 or 10 DAP. There were differences in the

number of dead plants at 5 and 10 DAP; at 10 DAP, the 0 DAA planting date had the highest

mortality but was not significantly different than 3 DAA or the control. While results are not

conclusive because of variable mortality in the control treatments, this study suggests that cautious

hemp growers may need to wait 6 days after glyphosate application to plant a crop. An

understanding of hemp production and glyphosate usage is important and will add to knowledge

of best management practices for hemp growers.

Arnold Ukagwu

Major: Biological Science

Mentor: Dr. Buffy Ellsworth, Physiology


Expression of SSR2 in a mouse model of congenital hypopituitarism

Congenital hypopituitarism (CH) is caused by a mutation in different genes, specifically in the

pituitary gland. CH is a disorder where people are born with pituitary hormone deficiencies. It can

cause growth deficiency, infertility and in some cases, death. The cause is unknown in about 80%

of patients. To identify additional genes that could contribute to CH, I am studying Ssr2. I am

studying Ssr2, a signaling protein. The forkhead transcription factor, FOXO1 is required for

normal somatotrope function. ChIPseq analysis shows FOXO1 binds to the gene for Ssr2,

suggesting that FOXO1 may regulate expression of the Ssr2 gene. My study identified Ssr2 in the

anterior pituitary, but not in the posterior or intermediate lobes. IHC was performed to visualize

Ssr2 in the pituitary gland. To look at the interactions between FOXO1 and SSR2, I looked at

SSR2 in mice lacking FOXO1/FOXO3 (DKO). SSR2 was reduced in DKO mice. RT-qPCR was

performed to quantify mRNA levels from a somatotrope derived cell line with CRISPR/Cas9

mediated deletion of Foxo1. Ssr2 mRNA levels are reduced in cells lacking Foxo. These findings

correlate with the data in IHC. This may be one aspect to explaining how FOXO1 regulates

somatotroph differentiation in congenital hypopituitarism. The importance of this is to identify a

candidate gene that could be targeted to develop approaches to improved therapeutics for

somatotrope based diseases.

Avian Wilkins

Major: Political Science

Mentor: Dr. Saran Donahoo, Education Administration & Higher Education


Illinois College Preparation

Preparing for college is vital for high school students because it will help them to make better

choices and decisions when considering post-secondary education. This research focused on what

resources public high schools in Illinois use to prepare the students for higher education. To

conduct this research, 60 high schools were randomly selected from the Northern, Central, and

Southern regions of Illinois and the data was collected from the Illinois Report Card. The results

showed that high schools in Southern Illinois and Central Illinois had similar average of 200-250

students who enrolled in early college coursework, had higher scores on the SAT and had a lower

teacher to student ratio. These factors resulted in higher enrollment in colleges and universities

within 12 months of high school graduation and 16 months of graduation. Southern Illinois had

lower percentage of students in college remediation courses. The results showed that Illinois as a

state needs to work on improving the average SAT score, teacher to student ratio, and college

remediation percentages. This research can be used by two-year and four- year institutions to

understand their incoming students and to identify support services students may need upon

entering college.

Essential Techniques Required for Optimal Observation of Forkhead Transcription Factors

FOXO1 and FOXO3 and Their Role in Pituitary Gland Development and Function

Ashley Bryant and Buffy S. Ellsworth

Transcription factors are proteins or compounds that are capable of inhibiting or enhancing the rate at

which genes are transcribed. Forkhead box transcription factors possess a DNA binding domain that

binds the promoter and is a double winged helix, which acts as the enhancing region of specific genes.

Observed in this role are closely related forkhead transcription factors, FOXO1, and FOXO3. Both of

which aid in the role of somatatroph differentiation. Somatotropes are the cells that produce growth

hormone and are located in the anterior region of the pituitary gland. Foxo1 is expressed in the pituitary

gland, heart, and placenta. Mus musculus genetic engineering advancement has enabled scientists to

explore genetic mutations at a genomic level. This innovative approach allows us to generate

“knockout mice” which entails that a gene has either been deleted or inactivated. We use cre-lox

mediated technology to promote tissue specific-deletion of Foxo1 in the pituitary gland. Flox(f/f) is an

indication that the Foxo1 gene was “floxed” by inserting loxP sites. The use of cre deletes the floxed

Foxo1 gene. Foxg1-cre stimulates pituitary specific deletion, because Foxg1 is expressed in the

pituitary gland causing cre to be present in the pituitary gland. This method prevents the demise of

mice, if Foxo1 deletion were to occur everywhere, this cause’s early embryonic lethality. Each mouse

has a specific genotype that is either homologous or heterozygous for Foxo1, and; Foxo3, and Foxg1

with or without the presence of cre. For example, a mouse model could have the following genotype:

Foxo1+/f, Foxo3f/f Foxg1+cre. This study highlights some important techniques utilized to demonstrate

best optimization in evaluating these knockout mouse models; techniques include: Polymerase Chain

Reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, genotyping, glucocorticoid receptors, immunohistochemistry

(IHC), and fluorescent microscopy.

SI Bridges to the Baccalaureate

Mesopredator’s Activity Levels in Different Biomes

Kelsee Dodd, Alexander Glass and Michael Eichholz, PhD

Mesopredators such as raccoons and Virginia opossums play a major role in our ecosystem, and

they each have specific habitat preferences. Their activity can influence the distribution and

abundance of predators and their prey. This study focuses on determining what biome these

mesopredators prefer and understanding how the biomes differ from each other. The three biomes

that were used were Mature Forest (MF), Early Successional Forest (ESF) and Riparian (WATER).

10 cameras were set up at Burning Star Wildlife Management Area in Desoto, IL. Three cameras

were placed in Mature Forest, five cameras were placed in Early Successional Forest, and two

cameras were placed in Riparian habitat. We changed the locations of the cameras within their

respective biomes every two weeks. All of the cameras ended up being moved three times in a

span of a little over one month. After collecting and comparing all the pictures, the mesopredators

seemed to have the most activity in the Mature Forest which had 40 pictures, Early Successional

Forest had some activity which had 7 pictures and the lowest activity was the Riparian biomes

which only had 5 mesopredators. The data that was collected during this study could be beneficial

to the future study of mesopredators and their activity.


Differences in Alkalinity Relative to Denitrification in Mississippi Floodplains

Jewel Green and Marjorie Brooks, PhD

Agricultural and urban fertilization in the Mississippi River watershed has led to over-fertilization

downstream in the Gulf of Mexico, causing excessive algal growth, leading to low oxygen levels

that impair water quality and promotes the Dead Zone in the Gulf of Mexico where oxygen levels

are so low that fish cannot thrive (Fig 1). Natural respiration of denitrifying microbes remove

nitrate from ground water and convert it to nitrogen gas (N2). When anaerobic bacteria respire,

they change the amount of carbon dioxide in the surrounding water that can cause higher alkalinity.

Hypothesis: We hypothesize that higher alkalinity will correspond with higher nitrogen saturation

and possibly with faster denitrification rates.

Method Summary: We collected water samples from three sites in the Dogtooth Bend region of

the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois and measured nitrogen gas saturation and alkalinity. We

collected surface and ground water and sediment samples from Big Cypress, Sandy Ridge, and

Grand Lake wetlands. Surface water samples from these three sites were further incubated for 72

hours at 14.5 ℃ to investigate the effect of alkalinity over time.

Preliminary findings: Although alkalinity levels at field sites trended toward higher values with

higher nitrogen saturation, the relationship was not significant.

Importance of research: Resolving nutrient issues can benefit riverine and marine ecosystems.


Behavior Analysis of Female Long Evens Rats Treated with Doxorubicin

Tamara Keene, Bristi Poudel, and Joseph Cheatwood, Ph.D.

Chemotherapy has historically been used to treat cancer and lengthen the lives of many individuals

across the world. However, the chemotherapeutic agents have been implicated in a condition

referred to as chemobrain. Specifically, the drug Doxorubicin has been found to cause

neurodegeneration by disruption of hippocampal cell proliferation and neurogenesis, and increase

of oxidative stress. These conditions are thought to cause neurological damage specifically related

to learning and cognition. This study investigates behavior change as a result of doxorubicin

treatment. Twelve female Long Evans rats where divided into to groups and each rat received four

consecutive weeks of injections. Half of the rats received a 6mg/kg intraperitoneal doxorubicin

injection and the remaining half received a control injection 0.9% saline. Following the four-week

injection schedule behavior was analyzed on tasks such as the bar-walk, string-pulling, and open-

field test. No significant differences where detected possibly indicating little disruptions in

hippocampal cell proliferation and neurogenesis.


The relationship between gambling and anti-social activities, and how perceived risk

changes this relationship

Jace Moore, and Daryl Kroner, PhD

It is widely known that gambling is a recreational pastime for many college students, especially

with the rise in popularity of online sports gambling during Covid. Gambling can be harmful to

student’s health, associated with many anti-social activities, such as illegal drug use and binge

drinking. While this link has been studied extensively, there is a research gap in the perceived risk

associated with gambling among college students. This study surveyed 238 SIU students to assess

their interest in gambling, risk perceptions and anti-social activities. The results were analyzed

using SPSS to calculate correlations and partial correlations. The results demonstrated that the

correlation (r) between gambling and current anti-social activities is 0.159 and when controlled

for Lower than Normative perceived risk this correlation rose to 0.164, but when controlled for

Similar To Normative/Low this correlation dropped to 0.136. These results showed that when a

student perceived that they are Lower than Normative risk the relationship between gambling and

anti-social activities increased.


Do Twins Engage More in Pretend Play Than Singletons?

Tehya Payne, and Lisabeth DiLalla, PhD

The purpose of this project was to analyze whether twins differ from non-twins in terms of types

of play in 5-year-old children. Children came to a laboratory playroom at age 5, where they were

paired with a same-sex, same-age, unfamiliar child and were allowed to play together. The APS-

P coding scheme was used to code frequency of pretend play, functional play, and non-play

behaviors. MANOVA analyses showed a significant sex difference in no play, suggesting that

girls engaged in more of all types of play compared to boys. Results also showed a significant

difference between twins and singletons in terms of their functional and pretend play. Twins

engaged in more functional play while singletons engaged in more pretend play. These results are

interesting because non-twin children do not have a same age play mate who is virtually always

present in their lives, as do twins. It is possible that twins are at risk of less pretend play because

of poorer verbal abilities.


Burial Variation in Pope County, Illinois

Lauren Troutt, and Ryan Campbell, PhD.

Undocumented graveyards occur throughout the vast forest of Southern Illinois. These burial sites

provide valuable historical and anthropological data regarding the people who settled in this region

from the early nineteenth to twentieth centuries. The goal of the project was to gather valuable

data from each undocumented site and map each site so that these areas can be better preserved.

Data were collected from September 2020 to June 2021 from a series of cemeteries in the Southern

Illinois area. These cemeteries are located throughout the Shawnee National Forest and were

located using Universal Transverse Mercator, or UTM, coordinates. When the cemeteries were

located, they were thoroughly documented, including photographs of each headstone/footstone,

any plants that may have been planted there by someone, depressions throughout the site and some

archival work on individuals buried there. The boundaries of the cemeteries were then digitized

and georeferenced in ArcGIS, creating shape files that will be shared with the USDA Forest

Service to aid in their preservation. Some of these cemeteries have appeared to be community

cemeteries, with others leaving the impression of being a family/private cemetery. The small

family cemeteries appear abandoned with old entrance gates, while the community graveyards are

still maintained and being used today.


overview of programs

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