---POSTER / ART / MODEL EXHIBIT--- SUB BALLROOM C

April 17th & 18th

PC# P1

Mia Casesa BFA Fine Arts UNM

Contemplation 2013 It is a charcoal drawing depicting a young man holding a bowl of some kind of liquid. The idea implied here is the cup contains many things important to the young man. He is reflecting on the contents in his hand and himself. In other words, the things he holds dear, his memories, feelings and thoughts are about to spill over. The bowl is full and so is he. He is rendered precisely but bits of feathers and smoke come out, meaning he cannot fully contain all that he is in his calm and quiet contemplation. Reflectivity and inner thinking are always the hallmarks of progress and learning about ones self and the world around them. In his hand he holds his future, and even his identity. Self-realization and personal emotional health are every bit as important as gaining factual knowledge. PC# P1

Mia Casesa BFA Fine Arts UNM

Red Zephyr 2012 This a collagraph print, Using a varied of mediums glue to a surface to create the printing plate. The title is shared with a poetry piece I had written along with it. The poem is about sleeplessness. The print has a faint image of a face, her hair is meant to resemble clouds or stardust. In her dreams the rays of the sun awaken her. The piece is meant to evoke a dreamy feeling and a sense of ease in contrast with the restlessness of the poem. The dichotomy between word and images is always an interesting one. PC# P1

Mia Casesa BFA Fine Arts UNM

"Moan" 2012 A second of the print series based on poems “Moan.” The piece describes a particular setting related to ecology. Sculptures are often in tandem with organic life. While statues and the like are made, and plants are the product of nature the two often are aesthetically pleasing together. Perhaps the contradiction between the two adds to the appeal. Something human made does always have to clash with nature, and the two can even mutually benefit one another. PC# P1

Mia Casesa BFA Fine Arts UNM

Stone Walls 2012 The third in the print series based on poems “Stone Walls.” The poem describes waiting time, entrapment and monotony. Something everyone can relate to some degree. The hourglass in the print is the arbiter of time and time is the arbiter of all things great and terrible. With time, it may be spent quickly and end too soon or the same amount of time can drag for hours. It is an abstract notion but something everyone is familiar with.

PC# P2

Nydia Martinez PhD History UNM

Ambiguous Solidarity: Cold War Politics in Mexican-Chicano/a (Mexican American) Relations 2013 My poster makes a visual exploration of the connections between the Cold War political ideologies such as Third World politics and the way that it shaped the possibility for a moment of political solidarity between Mexicans and Chicano/as (Mexican Americans) in the U.S. Such an examination allows me to illustrate some of the dynamic tensions that enveloped the political activism between Mexicans and Chicano/as through the 1960s and 1970s. While issues with discrimination, individual personalities, differences of strategies and political aims are key factors to understand why political solidarity takes place or not between groups, they are not enough to understand the larger ecosystem that gave rise to a particular historical moment. In the case of Chicano/a-Mexican relations, the political upheavals of the1960s and 1970s offered a window of opportunity to solidify political solidarity between these groups. As global networks of political solidarity seeking to create a Third alternative against colonial domination from those offered by Western ideologies, especially those offered by the U.S. or the USSR. Clarifying the nature of the different strategies used by Chicano/as and Mexicans towards political activism is crucial because I argue that the distinctive political, social, and cultural natures of Mexico and U.S. during the Cold War shaped, in great part, the character of their political exchanges. To what extent does understanding the various domestic and international forces like the Cold War that affected Mexico and the U.S. in different ways help better address the historical dynamics of Chicano/a and Mexican relations? Therefore, the primary goal of this poster is to illustrate the diverse and complex factors that shaped this historical moment of political activism among young Mexicans in Mexico and Chicano/as in the U.S. through the intersections and offshoots created by the Cold War political ideologies and strategies such as Third World belonging. PC# P3

Jacob Wellman BA Political Science UNM

The Continental Approach to Climate: An Analysis of the EU's Emissions Trading System 2013 The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) is the world’s most ambitious international greenhouse gas (GHG) permit trading system and, if successful, stands as a model for the international community to adopt as the world seeks a route to manage a changing climate in a complicated international environment. As the ETS enters its Phase III period of auctioning permits this year, an understanding of the players and their performance is essential to validating the success of the emissions market. Concerns that wealthy countries will purchase permits, created from foreign investment in developing countries, rather than reduce their real emissions and directly address the bottom line of lowing GHGs in the atmosphere have created skepticism about the ETS’s effectiveness and potential for success. The ETS enables European countries to require a specific level of reduction in emissions by firms within their borders. In this study, I examine the proportion of reductions firms are allowed to achieve through purchased offsets generated by foreign investment in the developing world, which are set at the national level. These rates, set by member nations during Phase II of the ETS, comprise the “hot air” critics worry about and vary significantly between member states. I explore a number of variables including: differences in political institutions (party diversity in Parliament, number of green party MPs, etc), public opinion on climate change and the environment, percent of economy derived from fossil fuels, and level of renewable energy investment in a country to construct a model explaining variety in offset thresholds among ETS countries. I explore several case studies to further understand variables that explain disparate offset rates throughout Europe. PC# P4

Iris Olivas BS Biology UNM

Infection Rates of Avian Malaria Along an Elevation Gradient 2013 Avian malaria parasites (Haemosporidia) are widespread, common, and diverse (Valkiunas, 2005). However, almost nothing is known about avian malaria in the Amazon and the Andes, where the World’s most diverse bird communities occur. We surveyed avian malaria across an elevation gradient in the tropical Andes where there is an astounding host species richness at lower elevations that declines steadily toward the mountain peaks (McCain, 2009). It is unknown whether parasite prevalence tracks host species richness across the elevation gradient.

PC# P5

Berenice Grijalva MA Architecture UNM

The Rink, Adaptive Reuse for Albuquerque Route 66 Motel Desert Sands 2012 This project is a design proposal for an adaptive reuse of the Desert Sands Motor Lodge in Albuquerque, NM. The adaptive reuse program will convert this Route 66 Motel into an outdoor synthetic ice rink surrounded by a Route 66 Sign Graveyard, a climbing gym, retail, restaurants, and an elevated second story roller raceway wrapped along the perimeter of the site. This project will not be built or funded. PC# P6

Justine Humble BA Architecture UNM

Sensory Alteration through Architecture 2013 By understanding human psychology and neurology designers can have a better understanding of the built space. Architecture and design can be better understood if their creators became more aware of how effective a space can be in manipulating the senses. In my research I plan on evaluating how architecture and psychology can help with the built space and human emotions. A sensory deprivation tank is a very small space in which participants experience a manipulation of senses. The tank is a one person space in which the participant lays in a pool of water. The water has a high amount of epson salt which makes the person float. Studies have shown that this space often will cause hallucination or relaxation. By studying the design of the sensory deprivation tank I will be able to show others how architecture and design can change the human experiences within a man made area. Sensory deprivation tanks are one extreme in which the built space can play with the human senses. Because architecture deals with the manipulation of space, architecture therefore can play with human emotions and sensorial experiences. I will study these tanks by having two friends participate with them and record their experiences afterwards. I will then relate this experiment back to architecture and design and determine how effective or not effective this design was in playing with human senses. I believe that by showing this experiment to others, people will begin to appreciate design and have a stronger desire to learn more about it. I also believe that architects and designers will see this experiment as a means to use psychological theories and studies in built spaces. This design is only one of many ideas that relates to the psychology of space. This experimentation will not only show how psychology can be implemented into design but shows that all subjects and mediums should be considered when understanding great design. It can also show how architects may want to seek professional advice from various other fields to create a significant space and how a collaborative effort can help society. PC# P7

Brandon Gassaway BA Architecture UNM

Capturing the Essence of Adaptive Reuse Buildings 2013 The street is a large family room, surrounded by buildings that have witnessed many changes and modifications over time. These buildings are aged, new, renovated, or ‘façade-lifted.’ They symbolize a family that is inter-dependent, like a human family. When they grow older their original purposes may not apply. However, their ability to provide for the community still remains. Historical significance, structure, and sustainability contribute to the adaptive reuse design and repurposing. In order to capture these values you have to visit and study the significance that the building has for the people who inhabit it. Photographs are able to capture these moments and further render a great analysis and establish guidelines for successful future adaptive reuse projects. Through photography, the lens of a sociology major (colleague) a psychology/photography¬ double major, (colleague) and I of an aspiring architect, I will be addressing the values people place on two local adaptive reuse buildings, The Hotel Parq Central and The Old Albuquerque High School Lofts. I wish to find a solution to this problem that will enable more rapid validation of the efficacy of the new purpose of the building. I want adaptive reuse to be viewed in a new light that will sway people to the benefits: aesthetics’, efficiency, and sustainability of adapting what is already established. My approach will enable my audience different perspectives and understand how people perceive how built space is used. In order for me to solve this problem, all three photographers will capture the best views or moments that best illustrate the effectiveness of the new design.

PC# P8

Elena Friot PhD History UNM

Sights of Memory 2013 This project explores the ways in which soldiers of the First World War are linked to the landscapes, towns, and villages in which they fought, particularly in terms of the way both soldiers and landscapes are commemorated and memorialized. Particularly, this project seeks to identify the ways in which soldiers became part of the landscape, and how this idea complicated memorial practices in the interwar period. The poster will consist of a variety of images - photographs, artwork - and texts, such as excerpts from personal accounts - diaries, journals - as well as poems, screenplays, and other cultural artifacts. Additionally, the poster will include brief explanations of the theoretical underpinnings of the project and a synthesis of the larger meaning of the relationship between soldiers and the landscape. PC# P9

Zaqueriah Pacheco BA Architecture UNM

Save Water? No Problem! 2013 The purpose of this research project is to come up with an easy solution to help people make changes to their homes that can benefit our states unique and beautiful environment. Drought has been an ongoing issue here in New Mexico, yet no one seems to be taking any action. Why? I found through research and many informal interviews that the most common reason people do not make environmentally friendly changes to their lifestyles is due to concern for up front expenses, or long term commitments that require money which doesn’t guarantee any immediate benefits. Water companies such as Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority are now beginning to give rebates and bill credits for purchasing products such as low-flow shower heads, and low-water toilets that can total up to $200. I plan on combining cheap water saving alternatives into an affordable care package people can easily implement into their homes, as well as investigating the results on a state wide scale to show the real potential for water conservation, and the positive effects it can have for our local environment. My goal was to keep its cost under $25, and to make it available to almost anyone with a simple phone call or email. I will conclude with possible projections of making an impact on the issue of water conservation in New Mexico at almost no cost, as well as introducing the audience to a new outlook on their roles as conservationists. PC# P10

Jameson Sprague BA Architecture UNM

Closed Loop 2013 We live in a society that the latest and greatest things are what everyone wants, leaving the old and used products to go to waste. The built environments in which we all live in are facing the same transformations from the old to new, but what happens to the used? Can a building be repurposed or saved from going into a state of rot and undesirability? Is it better salvage the bones of a structure than build from the ground up? This poster will show the pros and cons of adaptive reuse. Historical preservation and sustainable practices will be mentioned as they play an important role in the adaptive reuse process. Problems regarding the urban sprawl and planning aspects of cities will also be presented. Case studies will be analyzed as examples of adaptive reuse and how the project can impact a community. This poster will also show adaptive reuse strategies and how they can be implemented to someone wanting to attempt an adaptive reuse design. In all practicality and real-world application, whether or not to repurpose an existing structure will largely depend on the circumstances surrounding that individual project. However, for the purposes of this poster, adaptive reuse is preferential to the alternatives.

PC# P11

Melisa Beach PhD Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology UNM

By Design: Building Trust in Virtual Teams 2012 The demand for virtual teams is growing due to the impacts of intensified organizational globalization and enhanced computer and communication technologies. Coupled with that demand, a new workforce is emerging with the ability to telecommute, posing unique challenges such as time, physical space, and utilization of human capital. These challenges have underscored the importance of establishing and maintaining trust in all types of teams. Trust is a necessary prerequisite for achieving high performance with any team, and that condition is intensified in successful virtual teams. This poster will explore the topic of trust as a crucial component of virtual teams and introduce a new model of instructional design that addresses this essential requirement. First, a brief definition of virtual teams will be provided, followed by a discussion of the two types of trust: cognitive based and affective based. Next, support for the model will be provided through examining existing theories on trust and virtual teams, confirming that a strong relationship exists between trust, communication and performance and reveals some of the challenges for building trust and possible solutions. The presentation of data that built the foundation will be followed by the introduction of a new instructional design model for establishing and maintaining trust in virtual teams and a description of the various phases of the model. Finally, a brief explanation will be provided of the model’s relevance and application to instructional design. PC# P12

Lenell D Walton PhD Education Specialties UNM

People of Color in the U.S. who have Children Diagnosed with ASD and their Experiences, Perceptions, and Attitudes of the Special Education Process 2013 People of color in the U.S. (i.e., African American, Asian American, Native American, Hispanic American, and immigrants) who have children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have described negative experiences they had with special education teachers, related service providers, and the special education process and commented on leaving that situation feeling incompetent as a parent (Lian & Fontánez-Phelan, 2001; Rao, 2000; Zionts, Zionts, Harrison, & Bellinger, 2003). Parents stated that the attitudes and assumptions of staff made it difficult for them to communicate about their child (Lynch & Stein, 1987). The purpose of the poster session is to present a synthesis of literature discussing the experiences, perceptions, and attitudes of these parents in regards to the special education process (i.e., referral, evaluation, intervention, and placement). PC# P13

Anna Cabrera PhD Anthropology UNM

Playing and Perfecting Catholic: Negotiating Religious Identities at St. Catherine Indian School 2012 St. Catherine Indian School (St. Kate's) in Santa Fe, New Mexico (1887-1998) served generations of Native families with different tribal affiliations for over one hundred years, becoming a college preparatory school before it closed in 1998. Built by the now-canonized Katharine Drexel, Drexel's Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (SBS) served as the primary staff that developed long-standing relationships with local Native communities. The students and their families often became Catholic by missionization and evangelization during westward expansion, but they also retained Native religious practices. This study will use archival data to examine how the nuns' perception of Catholic identity often conflicted with Indian students' lived experience. Some students negotiated a Catholic identity that honored both their familial experience as Catholic and that which the Sisters demanded. The study reveals that differences in perspectives of the definition of the terms "Catholic" and "Indian" required that students perform often conflicting identities, especially at public events such as Fiesta and Indian Day. The examples point to the negotiation of the layered understanding of Catholicism and ethnic identities at St. Kate's. Povinelli (1999), Deloria (2004) and Cattelino's (2008) nuanced analyses of indigeneity suggest a direction for research on Native religious experience in an educational context.

PC# P14

Jane Crayton MA Art Education UNM

iSTEMart 2013 iSTEMart is an acronym for (immersive, science, technology, engineering and math education through project based art learning. iSTEMart uses project based approaches to teaching STEM subjects using art as a vehicle in virtual, multi-projection and fulldome immersive environments. The poster will describe current research and work in iSTEMart, at the Institute of American Indian Arts, Denver Museum of Nature and Science and South Park Elementary School in Pueblo Colorado. Website: http://stem-a.org Field Journal (Blog): http://immersivestemarteducation.blogspot.com/ PC# P15

Linda Barril PhD Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology UNM

Transitioning to Online Teaching: Two Instructional Design Models for Open-ended and Structured Learning Outcomes 2011 As the demand for online courses continues to grow at UNM, many instructors who have no prior experience with distance learning are being asked to adapt their courses to an online learning environment. This poster session presents two instructional design models that can be used to develop online courses that either meets the needs of more open-ended, or structured learning outcomes. PC# P16

Linda Barril PhD Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology UNM

eLearning Instructional Design Model for Transformational Learning 2012 Utilizing a theoretical framework for adult education that includes andragogy, self-directed learning, and transformational learning, a new instructional design model was designed to enable students to develop life-long transformational learning skills. The Personal Electronic Transformational Learning (PETL) model incorporates various aspects of Mezirow’s Transformational Learning theory, including habit of mind, critical reflection, and discourse, and it adds a synthesis component that represents the creation of an end-product that details the transformational process and outcome. The platform for PETL is the digital portfolio, or ePortfolio, where students develop, document, and share their transformational learning journeys. PETL operates within graduate level educational settings through program curriculum and requires an institutional infrastructure that supports ePortfolio software. PC# P17

Monika Honeyestewa BA Native American Studies UNM

The Impact of Post-Secondary Education on American Indians' Cultural Identity and Commitment to Community 2012 Research within American Indian education is needed due to the extremely high attrition rates for American Indians in four-year Universities. Researchers have been searching for an explanation of these low retention rates for years. This research studies the effects of postsecondary education and the impact it has on American Indians’ cultural identity and community involvement in order to further understand attrition and retention issues. Education has often been viewed negatively within American Indian populations due to the intent to deny and destroy American Indian cultures through Western American education. American Indians are now seeing the benefits of Western Education because of programs that are more inclusive and responsive to their background, such as American Indian student services and Native American Studies. This study entails collecting American Indian student perspectives about their participation in these types of programs at the University of New Mexico. The study measures students’ perspectives through a questionnaire and interviews. They include, questions pertaining to cultural and academic identity, community involvement, campus involvement, support systems, and instrumental importance of school to the student. Results from this study will contribute to the implementation and/or improvement of programs within post-secondary institutions. The current study hopes to find how American Indian programs within the University of New Mexico are fostering community building from a bicultural perspective in relation to the interconnectedness of academic and cultural identity.

PC# P18

Andrea Cantarero MS Nutrition UNM

Interactive Learning Assessment System (ILAS) 2013 Disciplinary practices are challenging both to teach and assess. Interactive Learning Assessment (ILA) is an online assessment that allows learners to take on expert roles—e.g., dietitian—and learn content as they counsel virtual clients, providing data about student learning. ILA helps students see connections to their current selves and future professional selves. In ILA, embedded assessments are formative, meaning they are designed to provide feedback and encourage further learning. Interactive Learning Assessment Case. We designed a case for use in an undergraduate course focusing on nutrition through the life cycle. The case provided students an opportunity to learn both the ADIME (Assessment, Diagnosis, Intervention, Monitoring, Evaluation) practices, and to learn about specific nutritional needs for a child with Down Syndrome. Setting, Participants and Methods. This study reports a first iteration of a longer design-based research project, aimed at refining technologies for learning and building grounded, localized theory about engaging students in professional practices as a means to support learning of both disciplinary content and practices. PC# P19

Carolina Belmares-Ortega PhD Educational Psychology UNM

Underserved Students: Evaluating & Examining Gender and Ethnic Differences Regarding Student Resources at the University of New Mexico Using the Student Perspective 2013 Higher education is crucial for future progress in the nation; however, it continues to lack institutional research taking the student’s perspective (“inside-out approach). A crucial element for predicting student success regards identifying whether a proper alignment of student resources exists. For this reason, this study examines the student resource alignment for undergraduate students by comparing their satisfaction rates to the administrative approach towards allocation of such services and finding similar response ratings between students and administrators through a secondary analysis of the Senior Exit Survey taken by of graduating seniors enrolled at the University of New Mexico. The second phase of this research examined the role gender and ethnicity played and if these groups differ from each other in regards to satisfaction rates, the results showing a minimal difference in student response satisfaction between gender and ethnicity. PC# P20

Anna Marie Dinallo MA Individual, Family, & Community Education UNM

submission 1. Humanistic-LEARN Model: Planting seeds of awareness submission 2. Libertad 2013 Poster Abstract: The Humanistic-LEARN model, originally piloted at the Center for Academic and Program Support, is a model that espouses student learning in a holistic light. The model engages the three core components of a humanistic framework (i.e., self-awareness, the ability to heal, and community). This poster intends to discourse applied humanistic technique found in the humanistic LEARN model and potential application is various counseling centers. Clinicians from the LGBTQ resource center, Women’s Health and Barrett Homeless Shelter will present counseling strategy and tools for each branch of the model. In addition to the poster, I plan on submitting a painting that addresses female slavery and the power of art as a medium for social activism. Please let me know if more information is needed. Thank you! PC# P21

Sarah Jewel Fuller BA English UNM

Organizational Storytelling: How Fables Can Change Corporate Communication 2013 My poster will represent my Undergraduate Honors thesis on the art of Organizational Storytelling in Corporate Culture. The basis of my research is the use of story and narrative to break down barriers in the workplace, particularly in times of change. I will incorporate a ‘Storytelling Synthesis chart’ which will visually represent my Corporate Fable Storytelling Proposal, as well as detailed storytelling examples and outcomes.

PC# P22

Stephen Bontly Estanislado Saavedra BA Architecture UNM Cardboard Junkitecture 2013 Envision a future in disrepair. Our world has crumbled from the inside out because vast accumulations of trash caused the underground waste collection systems to collapse on themselves. The planet is in a state of unbalance. All that remains are fragments of infrastructure and buildings that were ultimately the cause of the demise of the planet. Many believe there is no solution to this problem. Estanislado Saavedra and Stephen Bontly are submitting a proposal with the intent to bring awareness to excess waste and the growing need for adaptive reuse in design, aka junkitecture. Junkitecture is a term that refers to the use of waste materials in architectural design and construction. During our exploration of waste materials, we concluded that cardboard was the most viable resource to use in construction, considering its abundance in landfills and how it contributes to the current 41%1 of solid waste streams in the US. The main focus of our submission will be a human-scaled cardboard installation within the school of architecture, focusing on the enlightenment of an occupants’ perspective to the capabilities of recycled waste materials. The priority is to draw from local waste with minimal to no cost, as we take a stand reuse materials from our local landfills. The goal is to inspire the potential creativity and innovation of ‘junkitecture’ for those that experience our installation. The installation will be accompanied by a poster explaining in detail, how cardboard can be an effective architectural material in New Mexico. PC# P23

Guadalupe Felix Saldivar BA Business Management NMSU

Provost Research Scholar's 2013 The Provost’s Research Scholars course was developed to incorporate students into the assessment for learning process. Though always the recipients of evaluative scores or comments about their individual performance, students are rarely engaged in a meaningful way in discussing aggregated results, interpreting results or providing insight or feedback on the assessment or the learning itself. The need to better engage students in the assessment process is a primary consideration of this course, and putting students in a leading role in assessment for student learning through a guided research project is cutting edge. PC# P24

Karena Washington BA Africana Studies UNM

An Investigative Analysis and Evaluation of Africana Educational Leadership using the Community Readiness Model 2012 This research will focus primarily on those communities that self-identify as African American, Africana, or Afrocentric. Educational leadership can be defined and theorized in several ways that capture diverse contexts, practices, or concepts. My project examines the foremost literature within the area of Afro-education. I have developed a model referred to as Africana Educational Leadership (AEL). Current educational practices are embedded in Western philosophy, and pedagogy leadership that tends to reflect and emphasize materialism, individualism, and autonomy. In effect western values masquerading as collective truths that dominate, negate, and suppress all other cultures. This type of educational leadership has been a barrier for the Africana community. Understanding historic frames of inquiry will provide the backdrop for understanding how the community plays a part in Africana educational leadership and the achievements of its students. While the articles and books used in this research agree that leadership of this type shows a fluid definition they, also emphasizes that the definition is a reflection upon the collective Africana community, its understanding of educational practices, as well as presenting the perspectives and work of African centered education theorists who are dedicated to community development through a cultural experience. AEL will provide a synthesis between leadership and the Community Readiness Model. The Community Readiness Model is an innovative method for assessing the level of readiness of a community to develop programming that will result in effective change (Edwards, Jumper-Thurman, Plested, Oetting, Swanson, 2000). It is both a research tool to assess levels of readiness across a group of communities and a guide to prevention efforts at the individual community level. By understanding the interconnectedness of cultural and community the achievements of African American children may begin to be properly addressed.

PC# P25

Sara McGinnis, Bruce Allen, Kiyoko Simmons, Sue Wilder PhD Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology UNM

CLICC Online 2012 As the pace of globalization increases, there is a growing need for learning environments that connect learners across the globe and develop their proficiency in communicating with culturally diverse groups of people. Online learning has grown in response to the need to connect global learners, but it often falls short in efforts to develop intercultural communication proficiency. Instructional designers, while they typically do recognize cultural differences, may not be skilled in designing to meet the needs of specific cultures or cultural sub-groups. Our model, appropriately dubbed “Collaborative Learning for Intercultural Communicative Competence Online” (or “CLICC Online”) incorporates key components of cultural-historical activity theory (CHAT) as well as aspects of online collaborative learning (OCL) theory to support its interrelated goals of intercultural communicative competence, collaborative learning, and knowledge building across different cultural communities. CLICC Online requires analysis of unique cultural characteristics specific to the target communities, such as language, symbols, and customs. The CLICC Online model demonstrates how an instructional designer creates a learning experience that integrates cultural considerations to build knowledge and collaboration within individuals, peers, regionally, and globally. The recognition of different cultural communities in the learning environment and the identification of intercultural communicative competence as the desired outcome of learning are the key factors distinguishing CLICC Online from other design models for online collaborative learning. PC# P26

Sara McGinnis PhD Organizational Learning and Instructional Technology UNM

Alternative to Suspension Class 2013 We are currently piloting an alternative to suspension class (ATSC) at a small rural high school. The ATSC was developed to address the harmful effects of removing students from their classes and daily assignments by being placed on In School Suspension (ISS) and/or Out of School Suspension (OSS). The effectiveness of these consequences in alleviating misbehavior/unwanted behaviors is moot at best. These consequences are especially taxing for students who lack the social skills for interacting positively with others or lack the academic skills to fully participate in the classroom. A frequent outcome for these students are repeated discipline referrals. For many of these students, this results in lowered academic performance, attendance and interest/motivation in learning. The ATSC is designed to addresses the social skill needs for students who display aggression, immaturity, withdrawal, or other problem behaviors related to interacting positively with others. PC# P27

Mandisa Bradley BA Africana Studies UNM

Movements, Countermovements, and the Emergence of Black Studies in U.S. Higher Education 2013 The emergence of Black studies is a consequence of the Black power movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Education and the reformation of curricula was an important component for the acquisition of liberation, power, and equality for Black students who demanded change in the educational curricula and pedagogy of institutions of higher education. Black studies has continued to exist for over 40 years; well past the initial wave of social movement activity, largely characterized by student protest and demands for such programs on college campuses. This research is concerned with the additional factors in the extra-institutional environment that affected the emergence of Black Studies programs in higher education from 1965-1975. Protest, violent and nonviolent, is of particular interest because the effects have seldom been investigated in regards to educational institutions. In doing this, this research hopes to make four contributions: extending concepts of 1) institutional activism; 2) nonviolent protest outcomes; 3) violent protest outcomes; and (4) the dynamics between academic institutions and the political environment. As well as explore whether Black Studies programs have a ‘substantive’ role in the academic institution.

PC# P28

Maria Elena Corral MA Spanish & Portugese/Special Education UNM

Analysis of Home Language and Literacy Experiences: Perspectives and Practices of Parents of Spanish Bilingual Students with Intellectual and Severe Disabilities 2012 There is very little research concerning the beliefs and practices of Spanish-speaking parents of children with severe disabilities in language use and literacy practices. The current poster presents the results of 14 interviews with Spanish-speaking parents of individuals with severe disabilities about their hopes, dreams and concerns for their children. This poster is a collaborative project with Julia Scherba de Valenzuela, Ph.D. & Susan Copeland, Ph.D., BCBA-D PC# P29

Julia Cook BA Psychology UNM

Construct Validity of ImPACT Using Healthy Athletes 2013 Recently, a study by Ann McKee and colleagues (2013) raised concern about the long-term effects of concussions. McKee demonstrated that the neurological damage sustained through concussion progresses to mimic that of neurodegenerative diseases. With these findings, accurate and early detection of a concussion during sports participation is essential in making return-to-play decisions. The present study made pre-season assessments of 93 NCAA Division I athletes, ages 18-24. Each athlete individually completed a battery of traditional neuropsychological concussion tests, as well as a computerized ImPACT test in a group setting. To help determine construct validity of the ImPACT test, a Multitrait-Multimethod Matrix, supported by confirmatory factor analysis, was used to assess both convergent and discriminant validity between ImPACT and traditional neuropsychological measures. Analyses revealed that only two of the five ImPACT domains, Visual Motor Speed and Verbal Memory, were valid measures of the relevant neuropsychological constructs. The remaining ImPACT measures, Visual Memory, Reaction Time, and Impulse Control failed to display convergent validity with the traditional neuropsychological tests of similar cognitive domains. It is recommended that more research is conducted before the ImPACT computerized testing system is used exclusively for return-to-play decisions. PC# P30

Margaret Markham Siebert PhD Health Communication UNM

A mixed methods approach to investigating food safety behavior among Native American and Hispanic caregivers of young children in New Mexico 2013 A mixed methods convergence model design was used to explore the food safety behavior of Native American (NA) and Hispanic (His) caregivers in New Mexico who prepare food for young children in the home. Food safety knowledge was often inconsistent with reported food safety practices. Moderate/high self-efficacy may provide a false sense of low risk for FBI. PC# P31

Carmen Mosley PhD Anthropology UNM

Skin color is correlated with blood pressure and socioeconomic status in New Mexicans of Spanish-speaking descent. 2013 A cultural bias against individuals with darker skin color may have a detrimental effect on health in different ethnic and racial groups in the US. Darker skin color, for example, is associated with high blood pressure (BP) in African-derived populations throughout the Americas. It is unclear whether skin color affects health and well-being in other US ethnic groups. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between skin color and BP in an ethnically diverse New Mexican population. Skin color and BP data were collected from 418 self-identified New Mexicans of Spanish-speaking descent. We used multiple linear regression to test the associations between BP and skin color in the full sample, and within four self-identified ethnic sub-groups. Additional variables included SES, age, and sex. In the full sample, only age and sex were associated with systolic and diastolic BP (p<0.001). For individuals identifying as “Spanish American”, lighter skin color was correlated with lower systolic BP (r=-0.5016, p=0.0061), whereas among individuals identifying as “Mestizo”, lighter skin color was associated with higher SES (r=0.6620, p=0.0052) but not lower BP. In contrast, skin color was not significantly correlated with BP within self-identified “Latino” and “Mexican” groups. These findings indicate that skin color may be an important predictor of health in some Spanish-speaking subgroups but not others. We examine the cultural and historical processes that led to New

Mexico’s unique and ethnically diverse landscape within the American Southwest, and discuss the broader health-related and sociocultural implications of our findings. PC# P32

PJ Woods, Jordan Chavez, Brett Cherney, Daniel Herring, Jeanelle Ortwerth, Michael Lelevier BS Nursing UNM

The Perceived Risk vs. Actual Risk of Falling Among Seniors 2013 Many seniors develop a fear of falling after a fall has occurred. Ironically this fear can prevent them from performing activities of daily living and can increase their actual risk of falling. This descriptive correlational study sought to identify whether a perceived versus physiological risk of falling impacted activities of daily living in seniors 60 years or older in five senior centers. Data were collected using three previously validated survey tools, the Fall Efficacy Scale International, the Survey of Activities and Fear of Falling in the Elderly, and the Hendrich II. Descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and correlational analyses were used to analyze associations between fear of falling, risk of falling, and activities of daily living. Results were significant (p=.05) for activity restriction increasing with age, a previous fall and without injury fear of falling, and risk of falling. There were also significant negative correlations between activity level, fear of falling, and fall risk. All of the age groups had a moderate to low actual fall risk, but fear of falling increased with age and activity restriction. PC# P33

Andrew Meier PhD Biology/Psychiatry UNM

Localization of Inhibited Neural Response in Subjects with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 2013 This poster will describe research conducted at the MIND Research Network, UNM HSC Psychiatry Department, and UNM Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, as well as further directions to be be taken with the study. We used magnetoencephalography (MEG) to investigate the auditory ‘augmenting/reducing’ paradigm in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In classic augmenting/reducing experiments, auditory tones of variable loudness are played to subjects while their neural activity is monitored with electroencephalography (EEG). The EEG response amplitude near 200ms post-stimulus in control subjects generally exhibits a linear relationship to loudness: louder tones elicit greater response, an ‘augmenting’ relationship. The response in many subjects with PTSD to louder sounds, however, stops increasing or decreases in response to louder sounds upon reaching a threshold loudness (approximately 85 dB), showing a ‘reducing’ relationship. Previous experiments measured augmenting and reducing using only EEG, which measures the response amplitude without localizing the signal source. We replicated the augmenting/reducing experiment using simultaneous EEG and MEG to localize the source of response activity. Prior analysis in our lab has shown that auditory cortex activation, an area generally involved in response to auditory stimuli, does not completely account for the EEG response. We will perform regression analysis of activation area against loudness in order to find possible regions responsible for inhibiting the response in subjects with PTSD. This analysis may provide insight into neural and psychological causes of the reduced EEG response. We will also examine the relationship between ‘reducing’ and PTSD symptom severity, as measured by the CAPS scale and other tests, to test how closely ‘reducing’ correlates with behavioral aspects of PTSD. The poster will describe and visualize results of source localization and correlations between neuropsychological variables and EEG/MEG response. Implications and future research directions will also be discussed. PC# P34

Tanya Bevins, Ryan Harris, Kimberly Martinez, Maude May BS Nursing UNM

Healthcare 2013 The City of Albuquerque conducts a biennial survey of Citizens' Perceptions of Community Conditions to gauge residents' views of current conditions in the community. The reported results showed that residents of Albuquerque are relatively unconcerned about the potential for disaster, and that the majority of residents have taken no steps to prepare themselves for the possibility of emergency. This mixed methods research design used key informant interviews, windshield analysis, GAP and SWOT analyses to gain information from residents within the Barelas community in the City of Albuquerque. The data were used to analyze the community’s preparedness to survive a disaster, whether natural or man-made for 72 hours until government assistance can be deployed. By creating a disaster preparedness plan and mobilizing existing resources, the residents of Barelas can increase their survival rate in the event of an emergency and minimize the long-term damage that can occur in a disaster.

PC# P35

Erin Allison, Jordan Hoover, Jacqueline Hunter, Melody Martinez BS Nursing UNM

Standard precaution compliance within inpatient hospital units 2013 Standard precautions are the safety measures nurses and healthcare providers take to protect their patients and themselves from the spread of health acquired infections. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year are caused by lack of adherence to standard precautions. This descriptive observational study examined whether nurses are using standard precautions while delivering care to patients. A total of (n=120) observations were collected for in-patient clinical areas including sub-intensive care, pediatric and, intensive care units. Data showed three major areas of deficit including 1) hand washing or alcohol use before and after each patient contact; 2) gloves worn for contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, non-intact skin, and contaminated surfaces; and 3) Contact Isolation in which gloves/gown are worn at all times and removed before leaving room, were all problematic and put patients at risk. PC# P36

Tahlia Clark, Katijane Dexter, Sherae Miera, Melanie Wilkes BS Nursing UNM

Using Nutrition Environment Measurement Surveys to Measure Open Campus High School Food Environments 2013 Abstract In 2010 an estimated one-third of the adult population in the United States were considered obese (Center for Disease control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). Recent data on childhood obesity reveals that some 9 million children in the U.S. are obese (Davis & Carpenter, 2009), and New Mexico statistics are reflecting national trends with 13.5% of adolescents above the 95th percentile for body mass index (CDC, 2012). Research has shown that measuring food environments around neighborhoods, schools, and commercial job areas can facilitate the understanding of the impact our food environments have on health. This descriptive correlational study was conducted to describe and measure the food environment immediately surrounding three Albuquerque open campus high schools. The closest five food outlets within a half mile radius of the three selected open campus high schools were surveyed using the Nutrition Environment Measures Surveys (NEMS). Either fast food or convenience stores were surveyed and data were collected based on NEMS criteria, which measure the availability of healthy food choices, along with price and quality of selected items on the survey. Raw data from the survey results reveal a significant amount of unhealthy food choices surrounding all three high schools. The fast food restaurants (n=11) had less than 25% of healthy food options and each site varied with the amount of facilitators and barriers to healthy eating. Of the stores surveyed (n=4) none had availability of fruits and vegetables. Price and quality of the food varied between sites and there was limited availability of healthy food options throughout all three environments. PC# P37

Alix Chavez BA Architecture UNM

Assorted Collection of Drawings and Paintings 2013 * PC# P38

Karena Washington & Mandisa Bradley BA Africana Studies UNM

Un Title: Welcome to Your Home 2013 Exploration into the cognitive dissonance between state centered identity and structural violence. How has U.S. history and foreign policy affected our lives? How does the global community characterize United States hegemony? This piece is a space: a juxtaposition between 3 multi-media paintings and poetry. Participants interact with the creation by turning on the auditory component which consists of 4 pre-recorded poems while in the space of the visual art work.

PC# P39

Tony Lucero BA Architecture UNM

Shipping Container Disaster Relief 2013 With the abundant supply of unused shipping containers, can architects use unoccupied shipping containers for relief to victims of natural disasters? Recent proposals, such as the IHU (Interim Housing Units) that consists of the CLA (Container Living Apparatus) and CPR (Community Interim Residence), for NYC Post-Disaster Housing Request and The SEED Project for Haiti say, yes. The NYC project proposes, “… to provide resettlement options in high density areas. In the event of a catastrophe…” and the Haiti SEED project is, “ developing a method to convert unused shipping containers into sustainable emergency housing for disaster affected areas.” Both projects are flexible and simplistic but affordability or cost of these projects is not mentioned. In looking at the graphics, you can see that there is an appeal to these projects but what might appeal to a natural disaster relief victim is not addressed. Although appeal might not be as high ranking as affordability functionality, flexibility, and simplicity; Aesthetics is a vital key to the success of the proposals. Aesthetics gives us a basic level up perception. A small example, let’s say the proposal is unappealing, to some natural disaster victims this level of unattractiveness might make the victim develop a perception of unwelcoming or not capable of fitting needs. On a more severe level, lighting and color which is part of aesthetics has been shown to cause anxiousness, anxiety, nervousness and other severe symptoms, which can have a negative effect on victims trying to cope with the event. Aesthetics may help the victim cope with the devastating events that have occurred if these overlooked details such as color and lighting are considered. I believe shipping containers can address Post-Disaster Housing and help people cope with natural disaster and I feel that the proposals can go beyond Housing for Post-Disasters and address also poverty. Currently 23.5% of the population of New Mexico’s income is below the poverty line. Shipping containers can be a possible solution for solving poverty in New Mexico. PC# P40

Shane N. Williams BA Architecture UNM

Loving Our Hated Buildings 2013 In Albuquerque, we have a large stockpile of buildings that have become obsolete and/or unpleasant, either because they were designed poorly to begin with or because our needs or tastes have changed. Our way of dealing with this in the past has been to demolish them, only to regret it 20 years later as we look over the parking lots that replaced them. What if we didn’t do that? Would we come to love our most hated buildings if they simply outlast our urge to demolish them? To set the stage for my study, I will examine Albuquerque’s history of dealing with undesirable buildings, and demonstrate the impacts of this on the urban fabric of the city. To study this, I will compare some of Albuquerque’s buildings that are nearing the end of their useful lives to some successful adaptive reuse projects elsewhere. I will also analyze some other cities that are weighing the same decisions about whether to tear down or reuse problematic buildings. For example, Estonia’s exhibit in the Venice Biennale poses the question, “How long is the life of a building?” They are asking this about a large Russian-built theater and City Hall that is now, after a mere 30 years, crumbling. This question is relevant for Albuquerque as a significant portion of our building stock is facing demolition after fairly short lives. PC# P41

Shaina Saint-Lot BA Economics & International Studies UNM

Microfinance in Nicaragua: A Comparison of Women Initiatives and Financial Sustainability Between the Pacific and Atlantic Coasts 2011 In Nicaragua, there is a strong social divide between the indigenous peoples of the Atlantic Coast and the mestizos living along the Pacific Coast. This is coupled with the social stress of a machismo culture in which women have been dominated by men and stripped of opportunities for economic success. Many microfinance organizations aim to elevate these women´s positions in society by providing them with loans to acquire capital and add to the family income, thus gaining respect and power within the household. This paper will investigate some existing microfinance institutions in Nicaragua to see if there are any trends between those in the autonomous regions of the Atlantic Coast and those primarily operating on the Pacific side of the country by comparing and contrasting the social goals of these institutions and their financial success or sustainability.

PC# P42

Rebeca Gurrola BA Psychology UNM

The Economy and Relationships Between Men and Women: How the Recession of 2008 Has Impacted Marriage, Divorce, and Cohabitation 2012 Within the last decades, much research has gone into studying the increasing amount of cohabitation, the elevated divorce rate, and marriage rates. However, little is known about the impact of the 2008 recession on these three types of relationships. Drawing on data from the U.S. Census, The American Community Survey (ACS), and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National Vital Statistics Report (NVSS), this study investigates the relationship between the economy and relationships among men and women. Also, it will measure the difference in the impact among Hispanics as opposed to other ethnic groups in the United States. After running a regression analysis, the expectation is to find a correlation between economic factors that made up the recession (unemployment rates, foreclosure rates, and poverty levels) and the increase or decrease in marriage, cohabitation, and divorce. This is expected because of what we already know about the relationships between economics and relationships. PC# P43

Daniel McGilberry BA Anthropology UNM

Exploring Issues of Economic Disparity and Racial Tension Within the Inner City 2012 Abstract: Concepts of diversity and conflict, as applied to persons within a given community have, in a historical context, have been offered over with statistical inconsistencies and subordinate data. Many scholarly texts often omit the relations between residents; and as a result have failed to narrow the scope of rectification, thereby reducing the process to nothing more than a futile attempt to document the bandaging of a gaping socio-economic wound. The multi-ethnic urban landscape (specifically the South Los Angeles, California area occupied by African-Americans and Latinos) suffers from an unequal distribution of resources: unemployment, substandard housing, and poor education in neighborhoods synonymous with plight has created tension between community residents and has substantiated investigations into how opportunities are created and to whom these advancements are presented. Within this research, key concepts of economic disparity and racial/ethnic tension will be addressed by way of methodological analysis. This is done as a means of exposing gaps in current studies, and to propose new ways in which to address and correct the social and economic discord found within inner city neighborhoods. Keywords: racialized tension; disparity; community PC# P44

Ashley Smiley BS Biology UNM

ASSESSING HYPOXIC STRESS IN HIGH-ANDEAN BIRDS USING RIGHT VENTRICULAR MORPHOLOGY. 2013 ASSESSING HYPOXIC STRESS IN HIGH-ANDEAN BIRDS USING RIGHT VENTRICULAR MORPHOLOGY. A. Smiley, G. Williams, N. A. Wright, and C. C. Witt. Dept. of Biology and Museum of Southwestern Biology, Univ. New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM. Birds whose ranges span the entire elevational gradient of the Andes defy ideas about niche limitations: they experience huge ranges in abiotic factors including differential partial pressures of oxygen, temperature and precipitation. How do these environmental factors affect avian physiology? The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) and the Pied-Crested Tit-Tyrant (Anairetes reguloides) are two passerine songbirds that occur from sea level to over 4,000 m elevation in the Peruvian Andes. Exposure to hypoxia has led to pulmonary hypertension in low-altitude mammals followed by right-ventricular hypertrophy. However, it is unknown whether birds employ the same compensatory response. We tested whether high-altitude populations of widespread Andean bird species exhibit the enlarged right ventricles suggestive of chronic pulmonary hypertension. The right ventricles of high-altitude House Wrens were significantly enlarged, indicating that House Wren populations in the high Andes are not optimally adapted to hypoxia.. Right ventricular enlargement represents a plastic developmental response to hypoxic stress, as opposed to a genetic adaptation to hypoxic environments. Inter-family relative heart mass comparisons in Andean birds indicate species-specific patterns of high-altitude adaptation that likely reflect unique biogeographic histories.

PC# P45

Joshua Wishart BA Architecture UNM

Biomimicry 2013 I will be illustrating the design process of biomimicry and how it may contribute to a better and healthier architecture in the southwest. PC# P46

Quynh N. Do BA Speech and Hearing Sciences UNM

Adaptation Revisited: An Acoustic Analysis in Repeated Readings of Individuals Who Stutter 2012 Many techniques in enhancing fluency in people who stutter (PWS) are known. They include unison reading, chorus reading, masking noise, speaking in a rhythmic pattern, and singing. One well- studied fluency enhancing method is the adaptation effect. The gradual decrease in stuttering frequency as a person who stutter (PWS) reads the same passage aloud several times in a row. Since then, it has been extensively studied to determine why it occurs. Despite the long history of adaptation research, little is known about the behavior of the speech mechanism as fluency improves over repeated readings. Most adaptation have simply counted perceptually disfluent words in repeated readings without carefully analyzing speech production. In this study, we will explore speech production in words produced disfluently and then fluently in passages read aloud several times using acoustic analysis techniques. Using acoustic analysis will allow us to look at the articulatory and laryngeal behaviors that are not readily apparent to listeners. This study will provide a better understanding of adaptation and may even provide insights into how fluency may be improved in individuals who stutter. PC# P47

Veena Patel BS Biology UNM

Gray matter effects of miR-137 putative targets involved in axonal guidance 2013 A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the intronic region of hsa-miR-137 has been associated with schizophrenia, as have several of its experimentally verified target genes. This miRNA is expressed in synapses of neurons and highly involved in regulation of neuronal maturation. Evaluating canonical pathways with the inclusion of putative targets using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) suggests that miR-137 impacts axonal guidance signaling. We hypothesized that additive risk scores for SNPs associated with putative targets involved in this pathway may affect whole brain gray matter measures. Several of the putative targets involved in this pathway include SNPs significantly associated with schizophrenia: PLXNA2, GSK3B, and EFNB2. ERBB4, which also has SNPs significantly associated with the disorder, is incorporated in a network with GSK3B and EFNB2. SNP association and allelic odds ratios were derived from studies referenced in the SZgene database. PC# P48

Brayon Fremin PhD Biology UNM

Locating the Singles Bar Enhancer Region in Drosophila melanogaster myoblasts 2013 In Drosophila melanogaster, singles bar (sing) codes for a MARVEL domain trans-membrane protein, found in both founder cells and fusion-competent myoblasts that is essential for myoblast fusion. Many of the molecules that control myoblast fusion have yet to be identified and thus we have a limited understanding of how myoblasts fuse. However, we know that myoblast fusion is conserved between flies and humans. We anticipate that studying singles bar and other genes that control myoblast fusion in flies will have broad applications to humans. Defects in MARVEL domain proteins, for example, have been shown to play a role in heart disease. During the first stage of myoblast fusion, fusion-competent myoblasts associate with one founder cell to form a pre-fusion complex. The founder cell prefigures the muscle fiber. The second stage involves subsequent fusions of additional fusion-competent myoblasts to form a multinucleated myofiber. Without sing expression in Drosophila, however, progression does not occur past the myoblast pre-fusion complex. The control mechanism of sing is not fully understood; however, there are several potential myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) binding sites near sing that may initiate its transcription. Preliminary data have shown that sing is downregulated in MEF2 knockdown flies. From this result, we hypothesize that MEF2 directly binds to the sing enhancer region to allow gene expression. To support this hypothesis, we have identified potential MEF2 binding sites in the introns of sing and nearby genes, within a 5,300 base pair segment upstream of sing, and within a 2,500 base pair segment downstream of sing. This study tests the enhancer activity of these regions by fusing the potential enhancer regions into the lacZ gene. If we are correct in our hypothesis and fuse the singles bar enhancer region to the lacZ gene, the region should allow the expression of lacZ in the presence of MEF2 to produce the protein β-galactocidase. β-galactocidase concentrations can be measured to determine the enhancer activity of the regions we test. These studies will enhance our

understanding of how sing expression and myoblast fusion are controlled in flies and will likely have applications for treating heart disease and muscular diseases in humans.

PC# P49

Jeremy Hanika BS Biology UNM

Manual curation of a Drosophila ananassae gene with multiple isoforms 2013 The Genomics Education Partnership is a large-scale collaboration to investigate the structure and regulation of genes on the dot chromosome of Drosophila using species comparisons. The largely heterochromatic dot chromosome (Muller F element) of D. ananassae has expanded tenfold in DNA content relative to D. melanogaster and other closely-related species. In preparation for manual curation of gene models on the D. ananassae dot chromosome, we have carried out the manual curation of a control region located in the euchromatin of D. ananassae. The 289 kb segment that we have analyzed is part of the 1.7 Mb control region under study by the Genomics Education Partnership. Here we report the results of manual curation of a single 38 kb fosmid from this region. This fosmid includes the D. ananassae ortholog of the srpk79D gene of D. melanogaster. The D. melanogaster gene encodes eleven isoforms derived from alternative splicing. We have built a gene model of the srpk79D gene of D. ananassae using sequence conservation and high-throughput expression data (RNA-Seq) from the modENCODE project. PC# P50

Nate Madrid BS Biology UNM

Prediction of stop codon readthrough in the Ten-m gene of Drosophila 2013 The Genomics Education Partnership is a large-scale collaboration to investigate the structure and regulation of genes on the dot chromosome of Drosophila using species comparisons. The largely heterochromatic dot chromosome (Muller F element) of D. ananassae has expanded tenfold in DNA content relative to D. melanogaster and other closely-related species. In preparation for manual curation of gene models on the D. ananassae dot chromosome, we have carried out the manual curation of a control region located in the euchromatin of D. ananassae. The 289 kb segment that we have analyzed is part of the 1.7 Mb control region under study by the Genomics Education Partnership. Here we report the results of manual curation of the Ten-m gene encoding the secreted proteoglycan tenascin. The Ten-m gene of D. melanogaster has three isoforms derived from alternative splicing and has been identified computationally as one of several hundred genes in the Drosophila genome that are likely to exhibit stop codon readthrough. We present gene models for the Ten-m gene of D. ananassae and use a species comparison approach to evaluate the evidence of stop codon readthrough.

PC# P51

Desiree Sanchez BS Biology UNM

Manual curation of a 289 kb segment of the Drosophila ananassae genome 2013 The Genomics Education Partnership is a large-scale collaboration to investigate the structure and regulation of genes on the dot chromosome of Drosophila using species comparisons. The largely heterochromatic dot chromosome (Muller F element) of D. ananassae has expanded tenfold in DNA content relative to D. melanogaster and other closely-related species. In preparation for manual curation of gene models on the D. ananassae dot chromosome, we have carried out the manual curation of a control region located in the euchromatin of D. ananassae. The 289 kb segment that we have analyzed is part of the 1.7 Mb control region under study by the Genomics Education Partnership. Here we report the results of manual curation of this region. We have evaluated all gene predictions made on the basis of: 1) sequence conservation with respect to D. melanogaster, 2) ab initio gene prediction programs, and 3) high-throughput expression data (RNA-Seq) from the modENCODE project. We have compared the order and orientation of the resultant D. ananassae gene models with the corresponding segment of the D. melanogaster genome to detect micro-inversions and changes in gene content. PC# P52

Victoria Miller MA Architecture UNM

Solar Decathlon 2012 The Solar Decathlon is a intercollegiate design competition held by the U.S. Department of Energy. Twenty teams comprised of two or more universities design and build an energy efficient solar homes that will compete in 10 competitions at the California Great Parks in the fall of 2013. The University of New Mexico and Arizona State University, team aSUNm, have come together to create the house known as SHADE. Shade stands for : solar homes adapting for desert equilibrium. This is the first time UNM has participated in a competition of this caliper. This is an interdisciplinary project that has students from architecture, engineering, design,

communications, and business departments. The competition is allowing students to be on the forefront of technology and educate future generations about living efficiently. Any additional information needed can be attained at asunm.org.

PC# P53

Cullen Roth, David Bridwell, Sergei Plis, Cota Gupta, Eswar Damaraju, Siddharth Khullar, Vince Calhoun The Mind Research Network UNM

The Influence of Visuospatial Attention on Unattended Auditory Cortical Responses. 2013 Recent advances in EEG technology have made it easier to record EEG within natural settings. These responses are difficult to analyze, however, due to increased movement artifacts, the presence of multiple complex environmental stimuli, and the ambiguity of an individual's goals. These difficulties can be minimized by isolating cortical responses to a periodic auditory input. These steady state auditory evoked potentials (SSAEPs) can be isolated even when competing stimuli are present in the environment, and are relatively robust to artifacts. In addition, steady-state responses may be informative even when individuals are not directly attending to the periodic input. In the following experiment, we examined whether cortical responses to an unattended auditory flicker were sensitive to the degree in which individuals directed visuospatial attention. PC# P54

Selina Garcia, Grace Okello, Therese Mitchell, Tamara Howard, & Rebecca S. Hartley BS Biology UNM

Cold-Inducible RNA binding protein in the development of breast cancer. 2013 Cold-inducible RNA binding protein (CIRP) moves from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in response to stress, where it regulates cellular proliferation. CIRP is overexpressed in 30% of 33 breast tumors examined and is overexpressed in breast cancer cells in vitro. The goals of this study is to determine if CIRP expression is elevated in breast tumors compared to matched normal tissue, differs among breast cancer subtypes, and correlates with proliferation. Indirect immunofluorescence analysis was performed for CIRP and Ki67, a proliferation marker, in six breast tissue microarrays. Microarrays included 25 tumors and their matched normal tissue for three cancer subtypes. The subtypes were based on the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). ER+PR+HER2- tumors are least aggressive, ER-HER2+ tumors are more aggressive, and ER-PR-HER2- tumors are most aggressive. Two individuals assessed CIRP and Ki67. Results show that ER+PR+HER2- and ER-PR-HER2- tumors have significantly higher nuclear CIRP compared to matched normal tissue, while ER-HER2+ tumors have significantly lower cytoplasmic CIRP than matched normal tissue. The ratio of nuclear versus cytoplasmic CIRP in ER+PR+HER2- and ER-HER2+ tumors was significantly higher then their matched normal pairs. Both nuclear and cytoplasmic CIRP differed among the cancer subtypes, with ER+PR+HER2- having the highest and ER-HER2+ having the lowest levels. Linear regression analysis of CIRP and Ki67 showed no correlation between Ki67 and CIRP expression, suggesting that CIRP may not regulate proliferation in vivo. Results also suggest that CIRP expression may correlate with HER2 receptor status. PC# P55

Daniel Lujan, Angela S. Hung, Mark A. DiMenna, Helen J. Wearing, Bruce V. Hofkin Department of Biology & City of Albuquerque Environmental Health Department UNM & City of ABQ

Evaluation of Seasonal Feeding Patterns of West Nile Virus Vectors in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, USA: Implications for Disease Transmission 2013 Many mosquito species preferentially take blood meals from either birds or mammals. Other mosquito species are less host specific and feed readily on both. Furthermore, some species tend to alter their feeding patterns over the course of the year; early in mosquito season they feed primarily on birds. As the season progresses, such mosquitoes often take an increasingly larger proportion of their blood meals from mammals. We have examined the feeding patterns of the three mosquito species found in Bernalillo County, Culex quinquefasciatus (Say), Culex tarsalis, and Aedes vexans (Meigen). Specifically, we seek to determine if any of these species displays the seasonal shift in feeding pattern, as has been observed elsewhere. Our analysis focuses on these three species, because they are all considered to be competent vectors for West Nile Virus (WNV). Our current data for Cx. quinquefasciatus suggests that unlike elsewhere in its range, this species increases its proportion of avian blood meals as the season progresses. Ae. vexans, alternatively, feeds primarily on mammals throughout the mosquito season. Cx. tarsalis appears to feed increasingly on mammals as the season progresses. A full understanding of their feeding habits may help to clarify the transmission dynamics of this important arbovirus in Bernallilo County.

PC# P56

Joseph Villanueva BS Chemistry UNM

Harnessing the Power of Nature: A Search for Natural Products in Actinosynnema mirum 2013 Natural products are complex organic molecules made by bacteria, fungi, and plants that possess bioactivities that make them useful as drugs, drug leads, or probes for deciphering biological networks. Using bioinformatics tools developed in the Melançon lab and elsewhere we have identified and partially annotated six natural product gene clusters of interest in the recently sequenced Actinosynnema mirum genome including two encoding analogs of ansamycin class anticancer compounds. To determine if these six gene clusters are transcriptionally active I have designed and begun to optimize real time PCR assays targeting 1 to 2 genes in each cluster and have used them to screen four cDNA libraries created from samples collected at time points representing several growth phases of A. mirum. From this, we have determined that two of the six gene clusters of interest, including one of the clusters encoding an ansamycin analog similar to the tubulin polymerization inhibitor ansamitocin and another type I polyketide, are transcriptionally active. I have also cultured A. mirum in large scale and have obtained crude natural product extracts from it using standard isolation techniques. Extracts will be analyzed for the predicted compounds using analytical HPLC-ESI mass spectrometry. Once compounds of interest are identified, they will be purified using preparative HPLC. The effect of the the ansamitocin analog will be assessed in an in vitro tubulin polymerization assay. If active, its structure will be determined by NMR. Other purified compounds will also be assessed for antibacterial and anticancer activities by our group and by collaborators. PC# P57

Matthew J. Medina BS Biology UNM

Searching for Biosignatures In Subsurface Secondary Mineral Deposits 2013 The discovery of lava caves on Mars and lunar terrains has prompted the study of analogous environments on Earth to enhance our ability to detect life on extraterrestrial bodies. Such environments are the lava caves that contain secondary mineral deposits that appear non-biological, but reveal diverse microbial communities upon examination. We hypothesize that secondary mineral deposits in lava caves contain a considerable number of microbial communities that can be investigated for multiple biosignatures. Our biosignature investigations of these geological phenomena involve scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The mineral deposits investigated for this study are obtained from lava caves that occur in New Mexico, Mauna Loa, Hawai’i, and the Azores. Preliminary SEM analysis revealed several iron-rich and carbonate deposits that contain putative microorganisms: filamentous, coccoid, and bacillus morphologies present in biofilms that produce a EDX signal indicating high carbon content. One Hawaiian sample from Arsia Cave suggests possible biodegradation of an iron-oxide substrate, where putative rod-shaped cells appear in biofilm and appear to be associated with a degraded surface of the substrate. Future investigations include culture-independent studies of the microbial communities observed in these mineral-biological deposits, sequence based studies along with further investigation of secondary mineral deposits with SEM/EDX. Investigating these microbes that masquerade as minerals, and the biosignatures associated with them can help in life detection efforts on extraterrestrial bodies and expand our knowledge of the microbial communities of oligotrophic caves on Earth. PC# P58

Wiley Barton BA Biology UNM

The Role of Dbcl11 in Drosophila Muscle Formation 2013 Myoblasts, the precursors to mature muscles, undergo mitotic proliferation until specific cues initiate differentiation. We have identified the gene Dbcl11 as a potential regulator for this critical developmental process based on the expression pattern of the gene within muscle specific tissue. Through the visualization of muscle architecture in the environment of Dbcl11 overexpression, irregular muscle formation was observed during late stage embryogenesis. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to demonstrate that Dbcl11 protein adheres to a known binding site for the mammalian ortholog of the gene, suggesting the capacity for molecular interaction with other genes. To assess the retention of the regulatory relationship between the Dbcl11 ortholog and its target p21, expression of dacapo (dap), an inhibitor of cyclindependant kinase similar to p21 was analyzed against Dbcl11 expression. In situ hybridization of late stage embryos with upregulated Dbcl11 illustrated reduced levels of dap, indicating its inhibition by Dbcl11. Our results potentially reveal an influential role of Dbcl11 in the process of muscle development by regulating dap. Due to the high conservation of these genes, our studies will yield insight into the process of human muscle development.

PC# P59

Kent Coombs, Alex T. Lenord, Elizabeth L. Hedberg-Dirk Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Center for Biomedical Engineering, Department of Chemical & Nuclear Engineering UNM

Influence of Stiffness on Valvular Interstitial Cells 2013 Tissue engineering aims to use three-dimensional scaffold environments and a patient’s own cells to grow tissues to replace those that are damaged or missing due to disease or defect. The overall objective of our laboratory is to design and develop synthetic scaffolds that have appropriate material properties to direct cells to produce functional biological tissues. The project presented here centers on aortic heart valve tissue engineering. In order to design a scaffold environment that will induce healthy tissue formation outside the body (in vitro), the cells within the heart valve tissue (valvular interstitial cells (VICs)) and their response to their environment must be better understood. Healthy valve tissue is compliant, able to open and close to control blood flow out of the heart and the VICs are responsible for maintaining the healthy function of the tissue. Under diseased conditions however, the valves stiffen and calcify. During this process, the VICs change and become more like bone forming cells (osteoblasts). The objective of this research is to examine the effects of stiffness on VIC behavior and determine if there are stiffness ranges that support VIC healthy tissue formation and others that initiate the onset of a more disease-like state. Using a novel polymer system developed in our laboratory, biocompatible synthetic co-polymer substrates were fabricated with stiffnesses ranging from those of healthy to diseased heart valve tissue. Unlike other materials used to examine the effects of stiffness on cells, the surface properties of our materials remain the same over the entire range of stuffiness examined, eliminating confounding effects of changes in properties such as surface chemistry. Synthesis and material properties of our materials will be presented as well as recent studies exploring VIC response to different stiffness as determined through gene expression profiles. PC# P60

Jacqueline A. De Lora PhD Biomedical Sciences UNM

Creating uniform 3D tissue models 2013 Knowledge of the contextual information cells derive from their physical, chemical and cellular microenvironment within tissues is essential for the understanding and effective treatment of many diseases, especially cancer. Producing uniform, controllable in vitro 3D models of tissues and tumors is a critical requirement to advance the nascent field of tissue cytometry. Improved methods are also needed for generating 3D models containing multiple cell types, as well as for in situ assay of cells and microenvironments. Our approach to addressing these limitations involves the generation and assay of spherical cellular aggregates (spheroids). We have engineered a novel apparatus that utilizes fluid flow and ultrasonic vibrations to produce uniform populations of calcium alginate microspheres (CAMs) containing viable cells. Proliferation of cells in suspension-cultured CAMs results in the generation of cellular spheroids of uniform size and cellular composition. PC# P61

Noelle G. Martinez BS Biology UNM

Nutrient Starved Caves Below: New Mexican Caves C:N:P Stoichiometry 2013 Nutrient availability affects the biomass composition, carbon use efficiency and enzymatic stoichiometry of microbial communities. Research shows that well-constrained molar ratios in terrestrial systems can provide insight on their nutrient limitations. Yet little is known about whether cave soils have tightly constrained atomic carbon:nitrogen:phosphourous (C:N:P) ratios. Caves are of particular interest because they present an aphotic environment without stratified trophic levels. For this study soil samples were collected from seven carbonate and basalt caves in New Mexico—chosen for their varying geology, temperatures, human visitation, and depth beneath the surface—and test for the C:N:P ratio. Percent organic C, N, and P in soil were determined by high temperature combustion and gas chromatography. Analyses, performed on a ThermoQuest CE Instruments NC21000 Element Analyzer, showed that carbonate caves and lava caves vary in their C:N:P ratios (635:19:1 and 565:6:1, respectively). Thus, caves are different in their molar C:N:P ratios than other systems, such as terrestrial soils (186:13:1). This first study of stoichiometry in arid-land caves suggests how nutrient limitations play a role in cave ecosystem processes.

PC# P62

Fernando Salazar-Miralles PhD Biology UNM

Alaskan Hantavirus: Insights into Natural History and Viral Evolution 2013 There is much evidence to support the hypothesis that Hantavirus exists in these populations with one serological survey placing the incidence of southwestern Alaskan Myodes infection as high as 18% and with P. maniculatus being the well-known reservoir of the Sin Nombre Hantavirus. Total RNA was extracted from Alaskan samples, which was used to screen for and amplify Hantavirus nucleocapsid. The amplicon will be sequenced to compare against other types of Hantavirus. The results of this project will have significance for human health, especially due to Alaska’s special vulnerability to climate change and the postulated relationship between Hantavirus prevalence and climate change. The results of this project will also have special relevance to the evolutionary history of Hantaviruses, as we will compare the sequences of these viruses to other Hantaviruses found globally to identify their phylogenetic relationship. PC# P63

Fatima Pina, Eva Chi BA Chemical and Nuclear Engineering UNM

Stabilization of Proteins by a Novel Sol-gel Encapsulation Method 2012 Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering and the Center for Biomedical Engineering, University of New Mexico Proteins are essential for life and are being increasingly utilized in engineering applications such as biosensors, bio-fuel cells, and biopharmaceuticals. A major challenge in these applications is the adequate stabilization of proteins, which is difficult because proteins are only marginally stable and are prone to degradations. Encapsulating proteins in a suitable matrix is a promising method to stabilize proteins as the matrix can effectively prevent protein unfolding and aggregation. We have previously shown that a novel chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-based sol-gel method can effectively encapsulate model enzymes in a highly porous silica matrix. Additionally, the encapsulated enzyme retained their native structure and exhibit increased thermal stability. The current study focuses on evaluating the biological activity of the encapsulated lysozyme. A Micrococcus lysodeikticus substrate-based assay is used to evaluate lysozyme activity. The activities of lysozyme encapsulated in silica matrix and lysozyme released from silica matrix will be determined and compared to that in solution. Since the CVD-based encapsulation method adequately preserved the structure of lysozyme, we expect that the activity of lysozyme would be preserved as well. Future study will explore the use of different additives during encapsulation, e.g., osmolytes that can further stabilize proteins in the silica matrix. PC# P64

Kevin Maynard MA Architecture UNM

Solar Decathlon 2013 Within the context of the larger project delivery of design, construction and competition ready house for the Solar Decathlon 2013 at Irvine, CA, the testing of actual connections and components have been made difficult by the break neck pace. As part of the collaboration between ASU and UNM students, UNM students have taken upon ourselves to study in isolation key design technological connections. We will research the integration of technical specifications such as mechanical system of Beka, the integration of PV power to source the electrical equipment systems and the cladding systems of outdoor facade lighting. These three areas are brought together under the context of a small trailer for travel to be used as a satellite project to study how these systems can be integrated in the competition house submission. This mobile lab will serve as the knuckle that will launch the research and teaching agendas for future UNM solar decathlon entries. As a traveling entity, this lab will help facilitate the research of design implications relating to ECE, ME to cool and heat potential spaces within the DOE competition standards. This lab will allow us to test different finishing techniques for the Beka mats at a manageable scale to then incorporate in the solar house.

PC# P65

Erin Larragoite BS Biology UNM

Evaluation of the toxicity of viral vaccines to the central nervous system of rainbow trout 2013 Vaccine safety is a must prior to licensing. Vaccines must be innocuous or cause minimal and transient side effects to humans and animals. Many viruses have a tropism for the central nervous system (CNS). Viral vaccine formulations may consist of a live attenuated viral strain, which may still be able to reach the CNS. Fish vaccines are widely used to control aquatic diseases since 1970’s. The infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) causes fatal infections in salmonids worldwide and is known to have neurotropic manifestations in salmonid fish. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of a live attenuated IHNV vaccine in rainbow trout delivered by intramuscular injection (i.m) or nasally (I.N). Rainbow trout were inoculated I.N. and i.m. with the diluted live attenuated vaccine. Control trout received the same volume of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) I.N. and i.m. A second trial was conducted in which trout received a booster vaccination 28 days after primary immunization. Five fish from each group were sampled 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days post immunization (dpi) and the same sampling regime was followed for the boost experiment. Brain tissue samples were collected and the presence of IHNV was detected by RT-qPCR. Three i.m injected trout and one i.m injected trout tested positive for IHNV 4 dpi and 21 dpi, respectively, in the first trial. Only one i.m injected trout was positive for IHNV 4 days post-boost (dpb) and one I.N. vaccinated trout tested positive of IHNV 28 dpb. Thus, nasal vaccination is a safer vaccine method than injection in our IHNV trout model. Future studies will develop non-lethal toxicity tests using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in live vaccinated trout. PC# P66

Mario Sanchez BA Communication and Journalism UNM

Solar Decathlon 2013 2013 Team aSUNm, collaboration between the University of New Mexico and Arizona State University is for the first time designing, building and marketing a real-world home that will be 100% solar powered. This home will be entered into the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2013 for judging within a highly competitive environment, presenting a challenging communications task in the over-saturated, under represented media market of New Mexico. The communications hurdle this project offers is two fold; strategically positioning the project as a local leader in renewable technology development; and creating a viable message - - with the ability to engage the public and media outlets - - about an activity that is fundamentally complex, as to make a connection with the average homeowner, small business and members of government (not to mention the team’s stakeholders). The additional hurdle is that of transmission; in other words, distributing a message through an earned media effort places the team at the mercy of a fluctuating daily news cycle. This submission attempts to map the local and national challenges of reaching the public with this type of complex message. PC# P67

Rosemary Steinberg BS Biology UNM

Molecular, phenotypic, and geographic variation in two unverified subspecies of Cassin’s Finch, Haemorhous cassinii. 2013 The Cassin’s Finch, Haemorhous cassinii, is found throughout the coniferous mountain forests of the western United States. In 1945 Allen J. Duvall described a distinct subspecies, Haemorhous cassinii vinifer, based on specimens from British Colombia and Washington. The validity of this subspecies designation has remained uncertain for nearly 70 years. According to Duvall, the two proposed subspecies breed in different areas of North America. H. c. vinifer breeds in British Columbia, Oregon, Washington, northern California, and western Idaho. H. c. cassinii breeds in Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and northern Arizona and New Mexico. The southern boundary of the vinifer subspecies and the boundary between vinifer and cassinii remain unclear. I examined a large group of non-breeding Cassin’s Finch specimens from the southwestern United States and found that both male and female H. cassinii can be visually split into two groups based on their plumage. To determine if this supports Duvall’s subspecies description, I proposed to quantify differences in Cassin’s Finch color and determine if this correlates with either mitochondrial DNA or geography. Four main questions were addressed: 1) can males and females, respectively, be objectively classified into two or more groups based on plumage coloration quantified by spectrophotometry? 2) Do the color groups correspond to MtDNA? 3) Do the color groups correspond to geography? 4) Do the color groups correspond to the subspecies described by Duvall?

PC# P68

Michael Hendrigsman BA Architecture UNM

Tailoring Technolgy 2013 The United States Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon held every other year; is a competition held to challenge University and College level students of mixed academic interests to research, design and build a house that is solar powered and resource efficient. Points are awarded for 10 categories, topped by affordability and efficacy. Though the Solar Decathlon House is a project dedicated to efficient use of solar energy to power the comforts of a normal household. The house must travel, float or fly to arrive at the competition site. Site or context for the Solar Decathlon house is simultaneously the location of the competition and by regulation the location of the university. The technical environment is tested for these two regions of the world; however, the regional 'fit' of the architecture in a building context remains a difficult challenge. The early design premise of building context, general concerns for site are difficult to address due to the travel and assembly requirements. How are both of these functions technology and place achieved? The Solar Decathlon house is dislodged from the specificity of location. It travels as a mascot of the University .It competes in the installation of the best technologies. These technologies are the topic of our research and displaying them in a common sense manner for the general public to comprehend their uses for the everyday homeowner. The solar decathlon is a stepping stone that allows students from multiple disciplines to engage solar energy to meet the challenges further exploration into the design and research of sustainable and passive use of technologies to heat and cool our homes in an affordable and environmentally sensible manner... Living in the desert requires the use of very scarce resource water. Water management and use is crucial to our existence, the use of solar energy to drive water collection and greywater systems makes these types of systems less costly and more desirable, especially at the scale of the average household, and these issues are only two of the several that face the designer of homes for the southwest and this project. PC# P69

Kandis Wright BS Neurosciences UNM

Impact of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α) Gene Deletion in Perinatal Neural Stem Cells on Vascular Development in Early Postnatal and Adult Mice 2013 HIF-1α, a transcription factor, plays a key role in adaptive responses to hypoxia. HIF-1α regulates angiogenesis through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs). Stabilized HIF-1α protein is constitutively expressed within NSPCs of the adult subventricular zone (SVZ), which generates new progenitor cells following ischemic brain injury. Neurodevelopmental disability, including cerebral palsy, can result from white matter injury and oxygen toxicity following premature birth. We recently demonstrated that selective gene deletion of HIF-1α in NSPCs during postnatal development results in an approximate 10-15% reduction in oligodendrocyte progenitor cell numbers within the corpus callosum (CC), which persists at postnatal day 50 (P50). This current study asked whether impaired oligodenrogenesis following HIF-1α gene deletion in NSPCs is secondary to reduced vascular density in SVZ or CC. Our lab generated tamoxifen-inducible Nestin-CreERT2: YFP: HIF-1α fi/fi triple transgenic mice in which yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) reporter expression and HIF-1α gene deletion were permanently induced in NSPCs at P3. HIF-1α wildtype (WT) and inducible knockout (iKO) mice were sacrificed at P16 and P49. Vascular length density was estimated using confocal stereology and isotropic spherical probe (Space balls). Vascular densities were not significantly different across genotypes. Vascular densities (mm/mm3) were: 562.61 and 538.20 in the SVZ P16 WT and iKO mice respectively; 769.84 and 750.33 in the SVZ P49; 609.84 and 571.17 in the CC P16; and 708.76 and 771.08 in the CC P49.These results indicate that impaired oligodendrogenesis in conditional HIF-1α iKO mice is not due to reduced vascular density. PC# P70

Donavan Boone BA Architecture UNM

The technology of the ASUNM Solar Decathelon House 2013 ASUNM Solar Decathlon house has been named SHADE. SHADE stands for Solar Homes Adapting to Desert Environments. SHADE is designed for the typical southwestern suburbia with a modular style it can be added to as a family grows. SHADE is an adaptable home that is innovative by using solar panels and water storing utilities as well as taking advantage of solar cycles throughout the year. I plan to diagram the internal workings of the SHADE home showing how the mechanical system functions. I would also like to include a model of the house or a detail model of the systems.

PC# P71

Nathan Cruz BA Architecture UNM

The Need for More Communication 2013 As classroom environments are experiencing change through the introduction of new forms of communication, the relationship between instruction and research are being blurred. The project progression of team aSUNm's collaborative effort to complete the DOE Solar Decathlon 2013 entry, the construction of a fully solar powered house, is requiring extensive communication between students, faculty, universities, technicians, supporters. New and complex problems of conversation, file sharing, timely delivery of information are only some aspects of communication technological needs of this projects and courses. In order to meet the requirements for research and coursework in todays new 3dmodeling world a new understanding of multi-platforms of communication must be explored. Through the use of social media, open source software, and innovative use existing project delivery platforms, teams can collaborate effectively locally and globally. PC# P72

Melanie Connick BS Biology UNM

HuR and miR-16 regulation of Cyclin E1 in Breast Cancer 2013 Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. Thus, understanding the regulation of breast cancer cells is of critical importance. Cyclin E1 is a cell cycle regulator that is overexpressed in 30% of breast cancers and its overexpression correlates with cancer aggressiveness and poor prognosis. In other studies, RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression in the development of cancer. The RBP HuR (Human Antigen R) is overexpressed in 30% of breast cancers; it stabilizes Cyclin E1 mRNA leading to protein overexpression. MiR-16, a small non-coding miRNA that is decreased in breast cancer, destabilizes mRNA and therefore decreases expression of Cyclin E1 protein. We tested the hypothesis that HuR impedes miR-16 destabilization of Cyclin E1 mRNA by determining whether Cyclin E1 mRNA that is bound by HuR can also bind miR-16 in MCF7 cells, a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line. HuR and Argonaut 2 (Ago2) immunoprecipitates were analyzed by western blot to test for this association. Ago 2 is a protein that associates with and is necessary for the function of miRNA’s. Results indicate HuR and Ago2 are not associated in MCF7 cells. Real-time PCR on RNA obtained from the immunoprecipitates will further determine if Cyclin E1 mRNA is bound by Ago2 and HuR, and if miR-16 is bound by Ago2 and/or HuR. Determining the association of RBPs and miRNAs is important for the understanding of how their interaction plays a role in the development of breast cancer. PC# P73

Ashley Wegele BS Psychology UNM

Effect of cathodal TDCS over left occipital-temporal cortex on learning to identify concealed objects. 2012 The ability to perceive and identify concealed objects in a complex environment is a beneficial skill that has implications across a variety of real-world settings. Previous studies have shown that stimulation to the right frontal and parietal cortex can increase our ability to recognize concealed threats within natural surroundings. In this study, we used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at the left occipito-temporal cortex to identify its role in detecting camouflaged objects within a discovery-learning style paradigm. Cathodal tDCS of 2.0 mA was applied to 13 healthy subjects for approximately 30 minutes during training portions of the threat detection task, and compared to the performance of 23 subjects who received 0.1 mA of tDCS. We found the learning effect for subjects receiving the active stimulation was nearly double of that seen in the subjects receiving sham stimulation. These results suggest that the left occipito-temporal cortex impairs the ability to identify camouflaged objects because of its reliance on exogenous attention processes. Furthermore, we can conclude that inhibiting activity of this region significantly increases our ability for learning to detect disguised and obscured objects. PC# P74

Terisse Brocato PhD Biomedical Engineering UNM

Micro Nitrogen-Phosphorus Detector 2012 Our goal is to make a small, portable, cheap Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (NPD) that is easy to use in the field, and even more importantly we want to understand how the NPD detects chemicals. A commercial NPD exists, but is too large to be portable, and the mechanisms of detection is unknown. It is important to be able to detect nitrogen and phosphorus, as these elements are found in most weapons and explosives.

PC# P75

Priyanka Rawat PhD Biomedical Engineering UNM

Non-optical DNA Sequencing 2013 Recent advances in Next-generation Sequencing , along with the development of robust analysis methods, have given researchers the ability to determine the role of sequence variations in human diseases. However ,many sequencing technologies are limited to expensive optical Imaging techniques and lengthy library formation. This project thus is based on developing cost-effective High-throughput DNA sequencing technology that is non-optically based. Our non-light based approach uses high density ISFET(Ion-sensitive field effect transistors) arrays to detect the biochemical events that occur when a base is incorporated during Sequencing-by-synthesis of Rolonies. PC# P76

Christina Salas PhD Biomedical Engineering UNM

Maintaining Thumb Strength with a Modified Technique of Partial Trapeziectomy for Treatment of Trapeziometacarpal Osteoarthritis 2013 A modified technique of partial trapeziectomy with capsular interposition for treatment of early trapeziometcarpal osteoarthritis (OA) is biomechanically investigated. We compare this technique of partial bone resection with total trapeziectomy, a commonly known and well described technique. We hypothesize that partial trapeziectomy results in less thumb shortening, thus maintaining a longer moment arm to preserve thumb strength. Nine matched pairs of fresh-frozen human cadaveric forearms were randomized into two groups. Specimens were mounted in a custom-built testing device and weighted suture was attached to 6 tendons to form a thumb pinch position. Two wires were placed laterally through the scaphoid and metacarpal, respectively. Untreated (native) specimens were loaded 3 times with antero-posterior (AP) radiographic images taken after each load/unload cycle. Group I specimens were treated with the partial trapeziectomy technique characterized by removal of the articular surfaces of the trapezium and base of the first metacarpal utilizing local capsular tissue as an interposition graft. Group II contralateral limbs were treated with the total trapeziectomy technique characterized by total trapezium removal. Specimens were loaded 3 times with AP images taken. Custom software allowed distance measurements between the inserted ends of the wire with independent measurements taken by 3 authors. Outcome measure was the relative metacarpal to scaphoid distance between treated and native specimens in the loaded position as a measure of loss in length. We evaluated the data for systematic bias across readers and treatments using a three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA); significance was set at P≤0.05. We found no main effect or interaction between reviewers (p=0.98). Relative metacarpal to scaphoid distance between native and treated specimens was significantly less with partial trapeziectomy than specimens treated with total trapeziectomy (p=0.04; 4.31+-3.25mm and 7.75+-3.09mm, respectively). Partial trapeziectomy is shown to maintain greater thumb length which is proven to preserve thumb strength. PC# P77

Marta Cooperstein PhD Chemical Engineering UNM

Assessment of In Vitro Cytotoxicity of N-isopropyl Acrylamide and Poly(N-isopropyl Acrylamide) 2012 Poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (pNIPAM) is a thermoresponsive polymer that undergoes a conformation change in a physiologically relevant temperature range. Above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST, ~32oC), pNIPAM is relatively hydrophobic, and cells can be easily cultured on pNIPAM-grafted surfaces. When the temperature is lowered, the polymer’s chains extend and cells detach in intact sheets. It has previously been demonstrated that the NIPAM monomer is toxic; however, there are conflicting opinions as to whether the polymerized form of NIPAM is toxic. Since the cell sheets detached from pNIPAM could ultimately be used on humans, it is crucial to assess the cytotoxicity of surfaces coated with pNIPAM. Very few (<10) studies exist that investigate the cytotoxicity of pNIPAM, and their results are conflicting. Furthermore, the published studies are not comprehensive. In this work, we present a comprehensive investigation of the cytotoxicity of pNIPAM-grafted surfaces. The cytotoxicity of pNIPAM is evaluated using different cell lines (endothelial, epithelial, smooth muscle, and fibroblasts), polymerization (free radical and plasma polymerization) and deposition (spin coating and plasma polymerization) techniques, and cytotoxicity tests (MTS, Live/Dead, plating efficiency). The pNIPAM-coated surfaces are evaluated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and goniometry. We find that there is lower cell viability on pNIPAM surfaces when compared to controls. The viability also seems to be deposition type dependent. This work will have valuable insights into the cytotoxicity of pNIPAM-coated surfaces, and therefore into the applicability of cells grown on these surfaces for use in human subjects.

PC# P78

Paul N. Durfee PhD Biomedical Engineering UNM

Physical Properties of Engineered Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Dictate Biodistribution and Clearance 2013 Nanoparticle-assisted therapeutic and diagnostic tools are at the cutting edge of the fast growing field of innovative technologies in material science. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) possess unique physical and chemical characteristics which demonstrate utility in a wide range of biomedical applications. Oftentimes, nanomaterial synthesis methods result in products with a wide range of size distribution and physicochemical properties. However, the modular and uniquely uniform design, and in vitro characteristics of MSNs synthesized in our laboratory suggest several possible advantages over current nanocarrier platforms. Several features of our MSNs can be modified independently to influence their interaction with, and effect on, both target and non-target cells. Nevertheless, a critical question remains as to whether these potential advantages which have been demonstrated, in vitro, translate to improved performance, in vivo. Tunable properties including uniform size, shape, density, pore size, and surface chemistry have a profound effect on the systemic distribution and excretion of MSNs in vivo. Thus, herein, we demonstrate how precise variation of several key modular subcomponent properties — individually and in combination (i.e., size, shape, mass, and surface modifications) — alter both in vitro and in vivo performance. Experiments were performed on engineered human cancer cell lines, standard mouse models, and an ex ovo chick embryo system that allows for in vivo visualization of nanoparticle behavior at a subcellular level. PC# P79

Briana Vernon MS Biomedical Engineering UNM

The Role of Lipid Composition in the Fusion of Dengue Virus with Liposomes 2013 Pathogenic membrane-enveloped viruses including flaviviruses, arenaviruses, and paramyxoviruses cause devastating infectious diseases (e.g., hemorrhagic fever, encephalitis, etc.) and pose major biodefense threats. For these viruses, fusion of the viral membrane with the cellular endosomal membrane is essential for viral replication and infectivity. In flaviviruses, fusion of the two membranes is facilitated by pH-dependent conformational changes of a dedicated envelope (E) protein. Specifically, we have been studying this fusion process in Dengue virus. Dengue is endemic in more than 100 countries with an estimated 100 million cases of infection reported per year. After binding to a cell-surface receptor, the virus is taken up into an endosome compartment where the pH gradually decreases. A low pH environment induces conformational changes in the E protein that cause the viral membrane to fuse with the endosomal membrane, resulting in the release of viral RNA into the cytosol, followed by replication. Recently, it has been reported that full viral fusion only occurs with membranes containing anionic lipids, such as those found in late endosomes.6 The origin of this very strong dependence on lipid composition is currently unknown. In this work, we use density gradient centrifugation and liposome coflotation analysis to demonstrate that the anchoring energy of the Dengue E protein in anionic membranes composed of POPC+POPG is much greater than in membranes composed of POPC+POPE. PC# P80

Justin Brantley PhD Biomedical Engineering UNM

Anatomical study investigating structures at risk during volar percutaneous scaphoid fixation 2013 The objective of this study was to re-evaluate anatomical structures at risk with volar approach of percutaneous fixation on cadaveric models, and specifically look at the new question of whether the flexor carpi radialis is at risk with a volar approach. A volar approach was used with percutaneous placement of guide pins into the scaphoid in 15 fresh-frozen cadaveric upper limb specimens under fluoroscopic guidance. The area surrounding the guide pin was dissected, and important anatomical structures were measured from the pin.

PC# P81

Loreen Lamoureux PhD Biomedical Engineering UNM

Combating Emerging Infectious Diseases: Novel Strategies for Detection and Diagnosis 2013 There are many bacterial and viral pathogens for which early detection is difficult. These pathogens pose serious health risks to humans through direct infection or contamination of the food and water supply. Early detection allows for timely intervention and effective countermeasures, minimizing associated mortality and morbidity. With the increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, the need for effective detection strategies has become all the more significant. Key examples of this are totally drug resistant tuberculosis, which spreads from person to person, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), which contaminates the food chain. Contamination of the beef supply with STEC is an especially serious problem that poses a global threat to human health. The goal of this research is to utilize the collaborative efforts of The University of New Mexico (UNM), The New Mexico Consortium, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies at Sandia National Laboratories (CINT) to discover, characterize, and implement unique biomarker patterns associated with STEC in the food chain. By developing early detection methods for STEC we aim to prevent contaminated beef from reaching retail locations. Work at LANL has adapted an optical biosensor for the detection of many pathogen biomarkers associated with diseases such as STEC, tuberculosis, influenza, cholera, and breast cancer. Extending this work to UNM serves to develop flow cytometry detection strategies for the early detection of STEC in beef samples. Research at CINT looks at the interaction of these biomarkers with lipid bilayers to gain insight into the toxic mechanisms these biomolecules may cause in human tissue. Collectively this work aims to provide not only detection strategies to prevent STEC infection in humans, but basic research to serve as fundamental principles for translation to drug discovery and vaccine development.

PC# P82

Christina Salas PhD Biomedical Engineering UNM

Biomechanical study investigating a novel non-metallic suture anchoring system for repair of bone-tendon failure in the hand 2013 Suture anchors have been shown to be safe and effective in repairs of the central slip of the extensor mechanism at the proximal interphalangeal joint of the hand. Studies have used metallic Mitek® bone anchors to repair this injury in both laboratory conditions and in clinical practice. We present a biomechanical study investigating the stiffness and ultimate strength of the non-metallic JuggerKnot® anchoring system for repair of this injury. We compare these results with a common technique known as a transverse bone tunnel studied on the contralateral limb. We compare both results to previously published data on the Mitek® bone anchor system.

PC# P83

Claudia Narváez Villarrubia PhD Chemical and Nuclear Engineering UNM

Composite nanomaterial-based anode and cathode designs for contact lens-biofuel cell 2013 A biofuel cell integrated into contact lenses (CL) design or smart electronic contact lens (SECL), employed ex vivo, could be used for non-invasive biomedical applications in biosensors and human enhanced vision among others1. SECL will oxidize organic compounds found in lachrymal fluids such as glucose and reduce oxygen from air. The bioelectrodes to be employed in an SECL device should overcome the criteria of fuel mass transfer, enhanced biocatalyst activity and stability over time at eye-temperature (~37ºC)2, electron transfer for minimum resistivity losses, material chemical and mechanical stability, and materials and products biocompatibility. This paper introduces the design of an air-breathing cathode integrated in a CL material for an SECL biofuel cell. This design employs composite nanomaterials, enzymatic catalytic systems and biopolymers currently in use in contact lense application for vision correction. The biocatalyst used is bilirrubin oxidase (BOx), a multi-copper oxidase that reduces oxygen by a 4-electron4 direct electron transfer mechanism (DET). The electrode material consists of high conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs)15 paper, bucky paper (BP). On the anode, the enzyme used is glucose dehydrogenase, a NAD+/NADH-dependent enzyme, which is adsorbed on the BP-based electrode.

PC# P84

Nicholas James Connor BA Architecture UNM

Solar Decathlon 2013 The Solar Decathlon competition officially began in the United States in 2002. Since that time, the competition has occurred on every odd year. This history of the competition has grown in popularity. The contests have created sister competitions as Solar Decathlon Europe and this fall is the inaugural Solar Decathlon competition in China. An examination of competitions strategy to promote renewable energy, solar energy popularity can support the overall goals to creating sustainable buildings. The wide cultural geographic interests and enthusiasm for these competitions connect our team's research in regional appropriateness of technology and architecture into the building practices of the wider North America, South America, Europe, and Asian, Austral countries. Early collaborative design and engineering studies have been underway at UNM Architecture and Engineering, which supported the winning proposal for entry into the 2013 DOE Solar Decathlon competition. These early efforts link the long-standing interests of the UNM team to compete on the international stage. The poster presentation will highlight these efforts. PC# P85

Timothy Donohue BA Architecture UNM

Light and Darkness – The Spiritual Dimension of Architecture 2013 The history of architecture is one of a relationship between ourselves and sunlight. The entire material universe is devolved from light. We as human beings are therefore a product of the sun’s creative energy. Our connection to light is one also to darkness. Without darkness there is no light, without rest there is no energy and with the stillness of night follows the celebration of new day. The cycles of light we encounter in both the built and natural environment are a balance and interplay between both light and darkness as they interchange from one to another during daily cycles. Our connection is one beyond a clock as we are physically, physiologically and spiritually bound to light. The central focus of this essay is to explain why we are so intuitively connected to light and give insight as to how highly skilled architects design space that make this connection conscious to occupants. PC# P86

Rachel Gomez BS Biochemistry UNM

Characterization of the Acyl-Coenzyme A Synthetase PA4198 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2013 Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen with antibiotic resistance and is a large contributor to hospital infections, including those affecting patients with cystic fibrosis. As a member of the Pseudomonadacae family, Pseuodmonas aeruginosa can utilize a variety of organic compounds such as fatty acids for energy. A key enzyme for metabolism of fatty acids are acyl-coenzyme A synthetases which activate fatty acids for further reactions. The focus of this project is to characterize the acyl-coA synethetase PA4198 in terms of its biological function and range as well as its efficiency as an enzyme. This includes cloning, expression, and purification followed by kinetic assays of PA4198, its ortholog in Pseudomonas putida Pput_2221, and the adjacent acyl-coA dehydrogenase PA4199. Results show that PA 4198 has a high efficiency with short chain fatty acids. This project will help shed light on PA4198’s biological role and expand our general knowledge of acyl-coA synthetases and their importance in biological systems. PC# P87

Larisa Crippen Y Chavez BS Biology UNM

Platynectes Regimbart: Discovering evolutionary history and new species 2013 Biodiversity increases ecosystem productivity so that each species, even the smallest insect, has an important role to play. With greater species diversity, the more naturally sustainable an ecosystem becomes. Currently, understanding of biodiversity is severely constrained because the vast majority of Earth’s species remain undescribed and unidentified. This is particularly true of insects, and specifically true of the order Coleoptera, where the vast majority of insect diversity lies. Therefore, this project considers two new species of Platynectes recently discovered in Venezuela. It is the goal of this research to describe the two new species of Platynectes and to map out the phylogenetic tree of genus Platynectes Regimbart as phylogenetics of this genus are unstudied. To describe the new species, a number of specimens will be carefully observed for distinguishing morphological characteristics, including an in depth analysis of adeagus structure. For determination of the phylogenetic tree, DNA extractions will be taken from a representative of each species within the genus, as well as from two outgroup species. PCR analysis will be used to amplify the DNA, which will then be sequenced. Finally, using the Bayesian statistical model for data analysis, a maximally parsimonious tree will be constructed.