State farm intership explanation. What I learned and did day to day.  

Over time, large organizations accumulate hundreds of different subscription services that can be hard to keep track of. If an employee wants a tool in order to accomplish a certain task, it can take a while for the IT department to identify whether an existing subscription to a tool can satisfy the need.

To satisfy this need, we designed a custom AI model that can answer these questions. We started off with a Claude Opus 4.6 model and customized it for this particular job using prompt engineering, fine-tuning and thorough testing. This model allows employees to efficiently find out whether Fulton Bank has an existing subscription that matches their use case, and if multiple subscriptions could potentially work, the model gives advice on how to choose between the different possible tools.

Secondary succession refers to the gradual, predictable changes a habitat undergoes in structure, plant composition, and resource availability over time, yet few studies quantify these changes across multiple decades. The expansion of Raystown Lake in central Pennsylvania in 1973 removed human activity from much of the area, transforming a largely agricultural landscape into one capable of undergoing natural succession. Since then, this process has reshaped the region’s ecology. We assessed the impact these changes have had on small mammal communities in the area by replicating a survey first conducted in the summer of 1973 and repeated in the spring of 1998. During the summer of 2025, we re-established sixteen historical trapping grids within meadow and forested habitats near Raystown Lake. Each grid consisted of twenty-five Sherman live traps spaced six meters apart and sampled for five consecutive nights.

Across all trapping efforts, we recorded 123 captures representing 53 unique individuals and three species: Peromyscus leucopus, Peromyscus maniculatus, and Tamias striatus. Community composition differed markedly from historical surveys, with species diversity highest during the 1970s when agricultural fields dominated the landscape and lowest in 2025, when captures were overwhelmingly dominated by P. leucopus. Trap success was positively associated with pinecone abundance, coarse woody debris, bare ground, and canopy cover, while herbaceous groundcover and humidity negatively influenced capture rates. These findings suggest that long-term land-use change and forest succession have reduced small mammal diversity while favoring forest-adapted generalist species.

Self-efficacy, simply defined, is one’s belief about what they can do (Bandura, 1977). Rooted in social cognitive theory, this concept highlights the interactions among three sets of influences: personal, behavioral, and environmental (Schunk & DiBenedetto, 2014). Self-efficacy is tied to one’s belief in the ability to perform a specific task or behavior. These beliefs then drive related actions that support the attainment of a goal, which is situated within the supports and barriers of a specific setting. Social cognitive theory is the foundation for social cognitive career theory (SCCT), which similarly explains the connection between cognitive-person variables (e.g., thoughts and behaviors) and environmental factors and how they relate to an individual's academic and career interests, goals, and motivations (Lent et al., 2005).

 According to SCCT, self-efficacy is positively associated with one’s interests, outcome expectations, and available support (Lent et al., 2003; 2005; 2008). In addition, it has been found to be associated with academic and career choice objectives, such as the selection of and persistence in an academic major (Lent et al., 2003). Similarly, academic self-efficacy was associated with academic performance and personal adjustment to college in first year students (Chemers et al., 2001). In this study, academic self-efficacy was tied to academic expectations and performance, even when controlling for high school GPA. In addition, academic self-efficacy was indirectly tied to students’ perceptions of their abilities to handle academic challenges. Consequently, students with higher academic self-efficacy likely exhibit beliefs and behaviors that support their adaptation to and success in college. Understanding the role of academic self-efficacy beyond the first semester of college, however, may be important for understanding and supporting student success throughout the college experience.  

Although academic self-efficacy has been identified as a factor associated with academic and career goals and outcomes (Lent et al., 2003; 2005) and academic adjustment (Chemers et al., 2001), the majority of research on academic self-efficacy examines this variable at one point in time. Those that have examined it longitudinally were limited in scope of time frame, such as one academic year (Chemers et al., 2001) or within one semester (Lent et al., 2009). Additionally, much of the research has focused on first-year students, who are juggling the transition to college with potential uncertainty about their current and future academic and career goals. Knowing that academic self-efficacy is tied to one’s beliefs, behaviors, and the interaction of these with environmental factors, it would be beneficial to understand how these factors may change over the course of one’s undergraduate education.

Students’ experiences shape the development of new or different goals or beliefs. Through their college career, it is expected that they will need to acclimate to challenges and make adjustments as needed to attain their goals.  Consequently, it is expected that dimensions of self-efficacy will likely change over time, but increase in their senior year. The aim of our exploratory study is to examine academic self-efficacy across time, from first to fourth year, during their undergraduate education.

Discusses the use of 3D printing in representing aquatic ecosystems. An aquatic food web involving 3 species in an aquatic food chain will be printed out in PETG printing filament and submerged in a 5-gallon tank. A removable backplate will be created using different color filaments to appear as a more natural background. This will provide a visual to improve understanding of how aquatic ecosystems work and how 3D printing can benefit different educational departments.

Correlation Between Physical Activity Levels and Perceived Stress Among International College Students

   Rylea N. Lynch1, Tiago V. Barreira2, Kamala Ramadoss2, Joon Young Kim2, Andrew R. Heckel1,2
1Juniata College, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, 2Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY

 

INTRODUCTION: International college students face challenging environmental and psychological challenges, which can lead to an elevated stress perception. Studies have shown that approximately 70% of international college students experience high levels of stress. Engaging in physical activity has been shown to help improve well-being and reduce stress, with all physical activity levels having shown benefit for reducing perceptions of stress. However, it is unknown whether light (LPA) and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are differentially related to stress levels in international college students. PURPOSE: To compare the strengths of relationship between LPA and MVPA on perceived stress scores in international college students. METHODS: A total of 47 international college students were included in this study (age: 25.4 ± 4.2 years, females: 18). To quantify perceptions of stress, we utilized the perceived stress scale (PSS-10). Accelerometry was used to assess physical activity levels, light and moderate to vigorous activity levels were defined using previously established cutoff points. Using Pearson correlation coefficient, the relationship between PSS-10 scores and physical activity levels were examined. The Pearson correlation coefficients were then compared using Fisher’s r-z transformation. RESULTS: Pearson correlation coefficients revealed that MVPA (r = -090) and LPA (r = 0.004) were weakly and insignificantly associated with PSS-10 scores in our cohort of international college students (p > 0.05). According to Fisher’s r-to-z transformation, there were no significant differences in the strength of the relationship for MVPA and LPA with PSS-10 scores (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Overall, no significant difference in benefit in PSS-10 was found between light physical activity and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Light and moderate to vigorous physical activity have similar effect on stress in international college students. 
   The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Open Quartermaster is an open source inventory management system, and in order to simplify and streamline it's use, we are building a hardware scanner that will be able to add and remove items from an OQM inventory

The alterations of climate change across the world are unprecedented in both the amount and rate of change. These changes are impacting biotic and abiotic factors of many ecosystems, and in response many species’ ranges are shifting and their normal behaviors may be altered, ultimately impacting how species may interact. Insect life history traits (e.g., development, activity, reproduction) rely heavily on seasonality, being synchronized with fluctuations in light, temperature, moisture, and resource availability. Many insects withstand extreme seasonal fluctuations via diapause – a period of low metabolic activity and developmental arrest triggered by photoperiod and/or temperature - which is an important seasonal phenology, as its timing can influence other life history processes. The field cricket species, Gryllus pennsylvanicus and G. firmus, have ranges that span a large latitudinal and climatic gradient, and readily interact/interbreed in a hybrid zone along the edge of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern U.S. Using these species, we characterized the variability of diapause and development between species, populations, and hybrids. We used common garden experiments in which we overwintered eggs from populations and then quantified how long it took for them to hatch and develop after ending overwintering. We also used passive sound recording to understand when the species and populations emerge and breed in natural settings. These experiments have given us an understanding of how variable diapause and development may be and have allowed us to characterize these life history traits and their plasticity in response to a changing climate across the entire latitudinal range of these species.

This study investigated the experiences of international and domestic students at Juniata College in order to identify the factors that influence their sense of belonging, perceptions of safety, and overall well-being on campus. The research examined how perceived belonging, safety experiences, and immigration policies shape students’ mental health and academic success. We hypothesized that international students would report lower levels of belonging and safety compared to domestic students, and that positive perceptions in these areas would correlate with better mental health and academic outcomes. To test these hypotheses, we distributed a survey to a target population of Juniata College students aged 18-23+. We recruited participants through campus-wide digital signage, flyers, table tents in the dining hall, word of mouth, and direct outreach to professors to help with survey distribution. Participants completed an anonymous 8-10 minute Qualtrics survey that used the PHQ-2, the GAD-2, select questions from the Neuroperception of Psychological Safety Scale (NPSS), select questions from the Positive and Negative Perception of Immigrants Scale (PANPIS), and researcher-developed questions that gaged perception of student interaction and engagement on campus. Once the survey is closed and data collection is finalized, we will analyze these responses to determine significant disparities between student groups. These findings, if any, will be used to suggest strategies that Juniata College could implement in order to foster inclusion and fight against discrimination on campus. Ultimately, the results will serve to cultivate a greater awareness of international students' needs/culture on campus as well as provide data that may lead to the implementation of better support services and increased student engagement.

Using a convenience sample, participants will be participating in an exploratory study and will be asked to complete a survey assessing their sleep habits, athletic performance and academic performance in order to help gain knowledge of sleeping behavior on campus. Some of the variables and measurements we will be looking at are Demographics, Sleep Habits, Quality of sleep with the PSQI and Self-Reported, Are you an athlete and what sport do you play? Perceived Performance which will be Self-Reported. We are using a convenience sample within a survey to see if Unhealthy sleep patterns in collegiate athletes may result in poor performance in athletics and academics.

Biological ontogeny concerns the organismal development of various anatomical, physiological and behavioral features from zygote to maturity. Throughout their development, many living and non-living systems demonstrate a unimodal pattern of their rate of energy use, but little is known about whether the same occurs for flowers during their life cycle of growth, blossoming, and withering away.  Our ongoing research consists of using a Qubit respirometry system (CO2 analyzer) to examine the mass-specific respiration rate (CO2 production) of the Asiatic lily (Lilium species hybrid) during different stages of development including budding, blooming, peak bloom, and dying stages. All specimens are kept at room temperature, and for each, readings are being examined in both light and dark conditions. In doing this, we may determine how much of an impact light has on photosynthesis and plant respiration. Data are currently being collected to determine whether the ontogenetic energetics of Lilium flowers reflects that shown by other natural systems with birth-death cycles.

Our laboratory formulated several series of complexes that have unusually strongly antiferromagnetically coupled Cu(II) centers. To better understand the structural factors affecting magnetism, we prepared a larger series of dinuclear Cu(II) complexes with simple N-oxide ligands such as substituted pyridine N-oxides (picNO). Copper(II) complexes were synthesized by using different copper(II) salts, such as copper(II) chloride and copper(II) bromide, and 2-methylpyridine N-oxide (2-picNO), which was the first substituted pyridine N-oxide tested. The copper(II) salts were combined with the picNO ligand in different stoichiometric ratios such as 1:1, 2:1, 1:2, etc. The synthesized complexes were examined with IR spectroscopy, solubility testing, and microscopic analysis. All the synthesized complexes will be structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography (SCXRD). The goal is to acquire dinuclear copper(II) complexes that exhibit oxygen bridging.  Two structures that displayed oxygen bridging between the two coppers were obtained. One structure was polymeric with the formula  [Cu3( µ-2-picNO)2Cl6(H2O)2] and a dimeric structure, the desired structure, with the formula [Cu2(2-picNO)2Cl4(H2O)2] were obtained. Their magnetic properties will be studied in collaboration with partner laboratories. 

I'd be presenting my research on quantum spin dynamics, and my models that I rendered to demonstrate said dynamics 

The ever-increasing volume of trash produced daily necessitates more efficient sorting systems to help mitigate negative environmental impacts. The purpose of this project was to create a robot capable of autonomously detecting and sorting different types of recyclables. As a way to ensure affordability, the robot was created almost entirely out of 3D printed parts, except for the electronic components, specifically the motors and the Arduino microcontroller. The robot was trained using machine learning, which focuses on the adaptations of related models as compared to the creation of a brand-new model. Next, the computer was fed thousands of labeled images to train it on the detection of different classes of recyclables. Although the project is not fully completed, significant progress has been made in the design and training phases of creation. Current focus centers around the integration of the physical system with the machine-trained model. Results highlighting these ongoing efforts, as well as the initial accuracy estimated, will be presented at the symposium.

This study investigates the effectiveness, affordances, limitations, and family perceptions of conversational AI for home literacy learning vs. human. We developed a large language model (LLM)-powered conversational AI system, named Vovo, to teach children vocabulary and co-construct stories using structured literacy pedagogy. The system was tested in home environments over six weeks with 10 families and their children aged 3–7 (M =5.4). Across 150 learning sessions, Vovo delivered structured literacy instruction as effectively as parents, though children achieved higher learning outcomes when learning with parents. Video analysis revealed Vovo's advantages in pedagogical consistency, language modeling, and verbal socioemotional support, while facing challenges in speech recognition, instructional persistence, nonverbal social cues, and phoneme instruction. Parents perceived Vovo as intelligent, useful, and trustworthy, while expecting a multimodal design to improve engagement. Children perceived Vovo smart and fun but still preferred learning with parents due to emotional bonding. As one of the first studies to embed structured literacy pedagogy into home-based conversational AI system, this research contributes empirical insights into the evolving role of AI in home literacy environments. It also underscores the socially responsive AI design in early education and calls for future design that support parent-child-AI triadic interactions to optimize AI in home literacy learning.

The Juniata Journal of Ecology (formerly Journal of Ecology from 1998 - 2024) launched in 1998 as a lab component of Dr. Glazier’s General Ecology course to expose Juniata students to the publication process and to archive past research projects. In 2025, we modernized its internet presence for free open-access and expanded the content beyond the General Ecology course to include any ecological research from Juniata undergraduate and graduate students and alumni. The journal focuses on research from the Mid-Atlantic and Appalachian regions, but also includes research from outside our region. The open-access policy makes the journal free for both authors and readers and increases accessibility. Journal operations are managed by a team of students with faculty mentors overseeing the project at Juniata College. The aim of this journal is to give all undergraduate and graduate students and alumni from Juniata a platform to upload their ecologically based research, so that it can be easily accessed by researchers everywhere. The journal accepts research from any ecology-related topics including environmental science, fisheries and aquatics, and wildlife conservation. We are currently accepting submissions for the 2026 Volume. 

https://juniataecology.org/jje/index.php/journal

Amphibians such as salamanders, newts, and frogs are sensitive populations that serve as indicator species, providing valuable information regarding ecological health. Habitat destruction, invasive species, and environmental contaminants may alter amphibian populations, behaviors, and dispersal. Historically, amphibian populations are surveyed, measured, and monitored through acoustics and observations (calls, egg mass surveys, visual observation), catch-and-release, funnel traps, and pitfall traps. Observational techniques are labor intensive and are prone to data inaccuracies. Catch-and-release techniques, even when executed properly, can cause stress, degrade protective mucous layers, damage skin, and expose them to toxins that are easily absorbed. Trapping methods can result in mortality and require considerable efforts from researchers. The Adapted-Hunt Drift Fence Technique (AHDriFT) is a passive, low-cost, low-effort, long-term monitoring system used to study herpetofauna. Through the utilization of game camera technology mounted within an inverted bucket at the end of a drift fence, amphibians and reptiles are guided through the bucket and photographed. This method is non-invasive, minimizes stress, and reduces harm to the subjects, consequently reducing individual mortality. To study the abundance, species richness, and life stages of amphibians in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, we launched two AHDriFT arrays at a constructed vernal pool and a natural vernal pool in the spring of 2026.

Our genetic material is packaged by proteins into a complex called chromatin. The nucleosome is the fundamental unit of chromatin. Each nucleosome has 2 sets of 4 different histone proteins (H2B, H2A, H3, H4) wrapped by DNA. Histone modifications like methyl, acetyl, phosphoryl groups and ubiquitin, are crucial to regulating gene expression and the cell cycle. The Haspin protein phosphorylates Histone H3 Threonine 3 (H3T3ph), which plays a key role in regulating chromosome segregation during mitosis. To understand how Haspin phosphorylates H3T3, it is important to investigate the structural details of Haspin binding to the nucleosome. We investigated Haspin binding to the nucleosome using electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM). We determined the first cryoEM structure of the Haspin kinase domain (465-798) bound to the nucleosome revealing a unique DNA binding mechanism. This structure resolves a long-standing mystery about Haspin recognizing chromatin to phosphorylate H3T3.

The Encoding Specificity Principle

   Jace A. Irvin & Kyle J. Jaquess, Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA

The encoding specificity principle suggests that memory retrieval is most effective when the conditions present at encoding match those at retrieval. This principle has been widely studied in cognitive psychology and particularly in relation to environmental and internal context. One contextual factor that may influence encoding and retrieval is stress. While prior research has examined the effects of stress on retrieval performance, it remains unclear how consistency between stress conditions at learning and performance impacts task learning and recall. This project is an elaboration on prior research. The purpose is to examine whether performance is enhanced when individuals learn and perform tasks under matching stress conditions, specifically low stress (LS) and high stress (HS) environments. The experiment consisted of undergraduate students between the ages of 18-22 who were randomly assigned to either a LS or HS learning conditions. Participants completed a computerized task under their assigned condition and were later tested under the same or a different stress condition. This created matched (LS-LS, HS-HS) and mismatched (LS-HS, HS-LS) stress groups. Stress was manipulated through environmental factors such as alterations in researcher behavior and administration of performance-contingent feedback presented during the task. Task performance was assessed using completion time. Results will be presented and discussed. 

There is a long history of injustice regarding women and gender associated with the use of radioactive elements and nuclear weapons. Women were often placed in hazardous occupational roles while being excluded from scientific research that informed us of radiation safety standards. Over the course of this literature review, this review examines the experience of influential women such as the Radium Girls, women in the Cold War, and generally the role that women have played in the creation and development of nuclear weapons. By looking at these problems with a gender-sensitive lens, we will be able to examine how these experiences shaped the betterment of occupational spaces and reduction of health risk, and how this has influenced modern-day workplace and health policy especially for women. This review shows how past disparities continue to inform present-day approaches to equity in scientific research and policy development. 

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have become broadly used in organic chemistry, most notably as lewis basic ligands for transition metal catalysts. In this poster, I will report on the synthesis of one of several N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) precursors that will be evaluated as a ligand in an asymmetric copper-catalyzed reduction method being developed in our lab. The synthesis of this precursor is accomplished in four linear steps, and the strategy can be broadly applied to create a library of structurally diverse NHC precursors that can each be tested and measured against one another for their utility as a ligand. I will report on the results of both small-scale and large-scale synthesis steps and demonstrate how reaction outcomes can be confirmed with standard analytical equipment like mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. I will also discuss technical practices needed to successfully carry out a multistep organic synthesis in the laboratory. Finally, we will illustrate the role a successful NHC ligand will play in a copper-catalyzed reduction reaction.

Current experimentation in Juniata College’s Cognitive Affective Motor Lab extends previous work in which the effects of stress on learning is evaluated. Prior investigations utilizing the presence (or absence) of visually and behaviorally professional experimenters, awareness of performance evaluation, access to knowledge of standards of good performance, yielded an anxiety manipulation which was weaker than anticipated and/or desired. Methods were augmented with the additional inclusion of a brief (10ms) exposure to 110dB white noise when participants perform poorly on the experimental task: a motor sequence learning task. The present analysis compares subjective anxiety reports after initial exposure to the stressor suite from previous iterations to the experiment to that from the current, ongoing data collection process to evaluate whether the revised procedures more efficiently elicits subjective reports of state anxiety. Assessment was performed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), as well as a simple Visual Analog Scale (VAS) targeting anxiety. It is hypothesized that the updated method produces higher levels of self-reported anxiety than the original, indicating a stronger, more effective manipulation. Results will be presented and discussed.

Baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is being used as a model organism to study the yeast genes of unknown function GAG1 and YHR131C. Information from the Saccharomyces Genome Database (SGD) indicates that GAG1 and YHR131C interact with the casein kinase 2 (CK2) holoenzyme in yeast, which is involved in growth and proliferation especially under environmental stress conditions. Single deletions of these genes of unknown function were confirmed, and a double deletion was created with a knockout of both GAG1 and YHR131C. In order to study the function of these genes, phenotypic spot assays were performed on the single and double deletions in various stress conditions including hydroxyurea, UV light, and oxidative stress. Growth differences between wild type, and deletion strains in the spot assays suggest a potential role for these genes in regulation of cell growth and proliferation. 

The portrayal of Black women in the film Hidden Figures suggests that Hollywood is willing to give intersectional histories a platform, but only to a certain extent. For example, Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson are celebrated as trailblazers that ultimately overcome many of the racist/sexist barriers that NASA has in place. Such a plotline certainly acknowledges intersectionality yet somehow manages to dilute it. Professional and education limitations, as well as segregated spaces, are framed as isolated obstacles that are individually resolved for the viewers’ peace of mind. In some cases, these resolutions even include allyship with white male counterparts. This implies that Black women lack individual agency and rely on outside validation to stand up for themselves. It should also be noted that while the film focuses on three extraordinary individuals, there were many others that contributed greatly to the NASA West Area Computing Unit. By narrowing the scope of how many Black women were truly involved in launching John Glenn’s 1962 orbit around the earth, Hollywood enables a narrative of exceptionalism over collective history.  

    This independent study was developed by two undergraduate students in pre-med and in engineering physics who share an interest in applying physics to medicine. To deepen both theoretical understanding and practical exposure to medical physics, we designed a collaborative, self-directed learning framework that integrates peer teaching, technical exploration, and clinical observation. The study followed a structured weekly cycle including student-led lectures on core concepts, presentations on medical technologies, and discussions with our faculty advisor, Dr. Mark Pearson, who provided feedback and advanced insights. In addition, we gained real-world exposure through hospital visits and shadowing experiences in radiology and radiation oncology.

    This approach enhanced both conceptual mastery and professional development. Peer teaching strengthened understanding and accountability, while exploring different technologies broadened our perspective on medical applications. Collaborating across different academic backgrounds enriched our learning process and encouraged deeper intellectual engagement. Furthermore, independently securing clinical experiences helped us develop initiative, communication, and planning skills. This study demonstrates an effective model for interdisciplinary learning in medical physics and highlights the accessibility of meaningful opportunities during undergraduate education.

Vernal pools are isolated, ephemeral wetlands that form naturally based on local geology and soils, or result from historical human activity, like mining. Test pits dug for mining operations formed many isolated ponds in Central Pennsylvania that are now occupied by a variety of organisms, including macroinvertebrates and pond-breeding amphibians. Natural and constructed vernal ponds supply food, cover, and water for local wildlife, contributing to biodiversity. Recognizing the ecological value of these habitats, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers partnered with Blue Acres, LLC., and constructed six vernal pools across the Raystown Lake Project area in 2022 and 2023. From 2024-2026, we monitored five of the constructed ponds using visual encounter surveys, camera traps, dip-netting surveys, and minnow trapping to determine the presence and absence of wildlife. Across two years of sampling, we found that three of the constructed pools had diversity levels comparable to natural pools of the region. We offer additional recommendations for constructing vernal pools and monitoring. 

Behavioral isolation contributes to species boundaries when mating signals diverge and are no longer recognized across species. In the field crickets Gryllus firmus and G. pennsylvanicus, barriers to reproduction are incomplete, allowing hybridization despite differences in morphology, habitat preference, and more cryptically - calling song. To initially attract mates, male crickets rub specialized structures on their wings together to produce loud calling songs, directly linking morphology to mating behavior. We wanted to investigate the variation in wing morphology of putative hybrids from the southern portion of the field cricket hybrid zone. To do this, we clipped and photographed the wings of 283 crickets spanning from Maryland to Virginia. We then used geometric morphometrics of sound producing wing structures to assess differences between species, their hybrids, and across geographic location. Along with bioacoustic data and mating trials, this work is foundational in understanding how mating signals can contribute to behavioral isolation in a hybrid system.

We would be presenting our Senior Capstone project about Sparks Farm. We have created an interactive model using Hec-RAS to showcase wetlands at Sparks Farm. We would be able to show how the wetlands effect the area and the benefits of the wetlands. 

With my 2 years of experience with PowerSecure Inc. I was able to build a simulation of a microgrid solution to a data center in MATLAB. 

This study aims to quantify microplastic accumulation in White Suckers (Catostomus Commersonii), Brown Trout(Salmo trutta), and Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) collected from local streams representing varying degrees of water quality, ranging from remote streams to heavily impacted streams. Microplastics were examined within three different organ systems, the GI tract, brains, and gills, to identify variation in retention and accumulation between among the different organs. Age, weight, and length of the fish were recorded to assess any potential relationships between microplastic count, age, and morphological measures. Since the main pathway to microplastic accumulation is through ingestion from aquatic food sources, this research can allow for interpretations of microplastic exposure and distribution in local waterways which are applicable for smaller communities that rely heavily on local rivers to provide a large supply of their drinking water. This can provide an insight for the community on about how many microplastics they are being exposed to in their local area. Microplastics continue to emerge as a concerning pollutant in freshwater systems, and this study allows for an insight into their movement, potential impacts on fish health, and the implications for human populations in rural communities. 

Amphibians are among the most threatened vertebrates, with climate change, habitat loss, and disease driving many declines and extinctions. Sensitivity to environmental change and pathogens is heightened by amphibians' permeable, glandular skin, which facilitates direct cutaneous respiration and water absorption but offers little barrier against waterborne toxins, pollutants, or pathogens like Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, making them exceptionally reliable indicators of ecosystem health. Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) and Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans (Bsal) are two chytrid fungal pathogens causing amphibian declines across the globe. In North America, Bsal has not been detected in North America as of 2026, while Bd has been detected as early as 1928. The Student Network for Amphibian Pathogen Surveillance (SNAPS) is a collaborative network that aims to provide experiential learning and teamwork to students, while providing students with the resources needed to surveil for emergent pathogens like Bsal and Bd. 12 students across three semesters swabbed 61 individual amphibians across 6 sites. Overall prevalence of Bd across the sites was 9.8%, with one site having a prevalence rate of 16% which may be due to a variety of factors, including temperature and human activity.  

Anguilla rostrata, or the American eel, is a significantly understudied species that can provide much insight into the contaminants present in various ecosystems. Analyzing Anguilla rostrata as a marker for microplastics can provide important data for both organisms in Pennsylvania waterways and various other ecosystems. Since Anguilla rostrata travel vast distances to spawn in the Saragossa Sea but live most of their lives in freshwater ecosystems in northeastern America, they are exposed to pollutants on a much larger scale than most aquatic organisms found in Pennsylvania. Our research developed a three step approach to analysing microplastics in this species, consisting of organ removal via dissection, KOH digestions/vacuum filtration, and microplastics identification/analysis using light microscopy. The findings of this work demonstrated the presence of microplastics in tested samples, including muscle tissue, gills, brain, and eyes. The most shocking of our findings was the incredibly high concentration of microplastics in the brain compared to the other organs sampled. Such findings imply that microplastics are not simply found in organs exposed to the environment, such as the eyes or gills, but rather have worked their way into internal organs such as the brain despite factors like the blood brain barrier. Microplastics are thus circulating through organ systems that have no direct contact with these environmental pollutants. As this project continues additional organs such as the liver, GI tract, pancreas, and stomach are being dissected and analyzed for microplastics to advance our understanding of how microplastics translocate through the body on a broader scale. Additional genetic sequencing is being performed on select GI tract samples to identify possible relationships between the gut microbiome composition and the presence of microplastics. 

The creation of plastic materials relies on non-renewable carbon sources, emphasizing the need for development of greener processes. Published literature describes utilization of iron(III) triphenolate complexes as a catalyst for plastic polymerization, which can be derived from carbon dioxide, a renewable carbon source. We are working to investigate catalytic effectiveness based on ligand structure. We synthesized an iron(III) triphenolate complex with a tert-butyl and a methoxy functional group. HMTA and PTSA were reacted with 2-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol to synthesize tris(2-hydroxy-3-tert-butyl-5-methoxybenzyl)amine which was reacted with iron(III) acetylacetonate to synthesize the metalated complex. We confirmed our successful synthesis via NMR Spectroscopy and IR Spectroscopy. Our results suggest that the complex we synthesized follows a much greener synthetic pathway compared to related catalysts reported previously in primary literature.  

The transition to college introduces new academic, social, and financial stressors, which have been linked to elevated levels of anxiety, depression, and poor sleep quality among students. Difficulties in these areas may impair concentration, motivation, and adjustment to college life, ultimately affecting academic performance and personal wellness. This study examines the relationship between mental health status, sleep quality, and academic outcomes among college students. We hypothesized that students experiencing greater mental health concerns, poor sleep quality, or both will demonstrate lower academic performance, more difficulty adjusting to college life, and reduced overall well-being.

Data was collected from 70 participants at a small liberal arts college via an anonymous online survey conducted during the Spring 26’ semester. The survey assessed sleep quality, mental health, academic behaviors, and GPA, along with basic demographic information through posters and class sessions. This research study is ongoing, so final findings have not yet been established. Although results are not yet conclusive, the anticipated implications of this research are substantial. This research study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how sleep quality influences both psychological well-being and academic performance, specifically amongst college students.

College life represents a critical developmental period characterized by new academic, social, and personal demands. While this phase offers opportunities for growth, it is also marked by heightened stress and challenges to overall well-being. Recent research has revealed a concerning trend, a steady decline in college students’ mental health over the past decade (Eisenberg et al., 2014; 2017; 2025). Rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression have contributed to a growing number of students experiencing psychological distress and an increased demand for on-campus counseling services (Kitzrow, 2003). These mental health challenges not only influence students’ emotional well-being but also impact critical outcomes such as academic performance, retention, and graduation rates (Kitzrow, 2003). 

Because of these concerns, it has become increasingly important to explore how stress, coping mechanisms, and psychological well-being interact within the college population. Understanding these relationships can provide valuable insight into developing targeted interventions and support systems that not only reduce distress but also promote resilience, personal growth, and academic success.

Stress

Stress exerts both physiological and psychological effects on students, influencing not only their academic performance but also their overall well-being (Baghurst & Kelley, 2014). Research shows that stress can stem from a variety of sources, both academic and non-academic. These include the constant pressure to achieve high grades, uncertainty about post-graduation plans, financial strain, poor quality of sleep, declining physical health, and even dissatisfaction with body image (Beiter et al., 2014).

High levels of stress have been linked to psychological distress and lower self-esteem (Saleh et al., 2017), and when left unmanaged, chronic stress may contribute to more serious mental health issues such as anxiety and depression (Beiter et al., 2014). Ultimately, the degree to which stress impacts college students depends not only on the intensity of these external pressures, but also on how individuals perceive and respond to them through their coping mechanisms and resilience strategies (Graves et al., 2021). 

Coping

Coping mechanisms play a vital role in managing stress and supporting overall psychological well-being, particularly among college students who often face a wide range of academic and personal challenges (Freire et al., 2016). Scholars generally categorize coping strategies into three main types: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant coping (Litman, 2005). Students who engage in problem-focused coping – actively addressing the source of stress through planning, goal setting, or seeking solutions – tend to report higher levels of optimism and self-esteem (Aspinwall & Taylor, 1992). In contrast, students who rely heavily on avoidant coping mechanisms, such as denial, withdrawal, or disengagement, often experience heightened levels of stress, decreased motivation, and poorer overall well-being (Bowman, 2010). These findings suggest that cultivating proactive and adaptive coping strategies may be key to fostering long-term mental health and success in academic environments. 

Wellbeing

Psychological well-being reflects an individual’s ability to realize their potential and engage in life with a sense of purpose and fulfillment (Ryff, 1989).            Ryff’s (1989) influential model of psychological well-being provides a comprehensive framework for understanding positive mental health along six key dimensions: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth. Each of these dimensions contributes to a sense of well-being. Among college students, these elements often manifest as growing self-confidence, the formation of meaningful peer relationships, the ability to make independent decisions, and the pursuit of long-term goals that give life direction and meaning. 

Research has demonstrated that higher levels of psychological well-being are strongly associated with adaptive coping styles – particularly the use of problem-focused coping strategies that encourage students to confront and manage stressors directly (Freire et al., 2016). These findings highlight the importance of fostering Ryff’s dimensions of psychological well-being through healthy coping strategies that promote resilience, autonomy, and a sense of personal growth in college students. 

Present Study

This cross-sectional study, using self-report quantitative measures, aims to gather a deeper understanding of the relationship between perceived stress, psychological well-being, and coping. These measures were collected pre-COVID in the fall of 2019 and then again, the fall of 2025. This study hypothesizes that within each time period lower psychological well-being is associated with higher stress and using less adaptive coping mechanisms. Based on the trends in mental health, this study also hypothesizes that from the fall of 2019 to the fall of 2025 stress levels would be greater, less adaptive coping mechanisms would be in use, and overall psychological well-being would be lower.

Method

Participants

From the fall semester data collection in 2019 there were 200 participants. These participants were all undergraduate students at Juniata College. There are 109 undergraduate participants for this fall semester from Juniata College. 

Measures

Perceived Stress Scale (Cohen et al., 1983). This scale consists of 10 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often). Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress levels. 

COPE Inventory (Carver et al., 1989). This measures the cognitive and behavioral efforts individuals use to manage stress. It includes distinct dimensions: problem-focused, emotion-focused, and avoidant. Items are rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (I usually don’t do this at all) to 4 (I usually do this a lot), with higher scores indicating greater use of that coping strategy.

Ryff Psychological Wellbeing Questionnaire (Ryff, 1989). This measures six dimensions of psychological wellbeing: self-acceptance, positive relations with others, autonomy, environmental mastery, purpose in life, and personal growth. Each dimension is represented by seven items rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1=strongly disagree to 6=strongly agree), with higher scores indicating greater levels of psychological wellbeing.

Data Analysis Plan

Bivariate correlations will examine both within-and across year relationships between perceived stress, coping strategies, and psychological well-being. An ANOVA will be used to identify differences in these variables across time (2019-2025). Together, these analyses will assess cross-sectional trends in college students’ stress, coping, and psychological well-being. 

Discussion

This study is limited due to unequal sample sizes and self-report measures may reduce generalizability. Future research should explore additional factors, such as social support or other factors that may shape and influence students’ stress, coping, and wellbeing.

“Metabolic scaling”, which refers to how metabolic rate changes with body size, is central to ecological theory. The well-known metabolic theory of ecology (MTE) is based in part on Kleiber’s Law, described as R = aMb, where R is metabolic rate, a is the body-mass scaling coefficient (antilog of the intercept in a log-linear plot), b is the body-mass scaling exponent (slope in a log-linear plot), and M is body mass.  Although the MTE assumes that b = 3/4, recent evidence suggests that various ecological and physiological factors (e.g., temperature, predation, activity level) may significantly impact the metabolic scaling exponent. In our ongoing research, we are comparing the ontogenetic metabolic scaling of two freshwater crustaceans with contrasting lifestyles: the relatively active, swimming amphipod Gammarus minus, and the more sedentary, crawling isopod Lirceus brachyurus. To assess the effects of temperature, isopods and amphipods were collected from springs of varying thermal conditions. Metabolic rates were measured via closed respirometry, and metabolic scaling relationships were plotted/analyzed using log-transformed least squares regression. Our data so far suggest that metabolic scaling differs significantly between amphipods and isopods and in response to variation in temperature and predation regime.  These findings challenge the traditional view that metabolic scaling is physically fixed, highlighting the impact of ecology and lifestyle on this fundamental relationship.  

DNA can adopt different structures such as left-handed Z-DNA under certain biological conditions. Polyamines such as spermidine and spermine interact with the negatively charged DNA backbone, can increase during cellular stress and in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. The PSEN1 (presenilin-1) gene, a key contributor to ß-amyloid plaques formation associated with Alzheimer’s disease, contains GC-rich promoter region capable of forming Z-DNA. This study investigates whether polyamines promote the transition from B-DNA to Z-DNA with a PSEN1-derived sequence and examines how factors such as ionic strength, ligand concentration, and DNA bending influence this structural change. Making use of methods such as computational modeling, circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), we aim to study and understand the conditions that facilitate the change in structure. Understanding the structural dynamics of DNA under these conditions may provide insight into mechanisms of gene regulation and further knowledge of neurological disease progression. 

Infectious prions are a misfolded form of the prion protein (PrP) found in humans and other mammals. They can, under the right conditions, exist in the soil for several years and remain infectious. A prion disorder called Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was discovered in cervid populations in Colorado in the 1960’s and it has since spread to several states, including Pennsylvania in 2012. There is currently no evidence to suggest CWD poses a threat to humans, but the increased incidence of this disease is cause for concern, especially since prions have been documented spreading to humans through consumption of infected meat. In this project, we aim to determine what soil properties affect the presence of prions in soil by (1) collecting soil samples from areas of low, medium, and high prevalence of CWD and (2) determining if any soil properties show a correlation with CWD prevalence. We will begin by collecting soil samples from a range of CWD prevalence regions and testing these samples for a variety of properties. Using this data, we will run statistical tests and identify any characteristics that show a strong correlation. Knowledge of these characteristics may help inform future management efforts. 

The speciation process is often driven by numerous barriers to reproduction, either working individually or compounded. Temporal isolation is a reproductive isolating barrier created through differences in timing between two species or within a species that prevents interaction and interbreeding.  In insects, initiation and termination of developmental and reproductive periods are dependent on seasonal cues. When those cues shift due to anthropogenic climate change, different species can respond in different ways, creating phenological mismatches. These differences in expressed phenotypes can cause a difference in life cycle timing, creating temporal isolation between the species. One such period is diapause - a period of embryonic developmental arrest characterized by a hibernation-like state wherein metabolic activity and further development are suspended. Changing cues can lead to changes in initiation and termination of this period, which impacts the entire life cycle of the insect and so dictates how their interactions with other species will occur. The North American field cricket species - Gryllus pennsylvanicus and G. firmus - interbreed along a latitudinally extensive hybrid zone that runs along the Appalachian mountains. While both species are believed to undergo diapause across their entire range and have only one generation per year, G. firmus is believed to emerge later in the growing season or bypass diapause altogether in the southern portion of its range. This could potentially lead to asynchronous emergence times between the species, causing stronger temporal barriers to reproduction in the southern hybrid zone. To explore the underlying developmental mechanisms of diapause in these species, we are creating protocols to track and stage developmental timing, as well as characterizing the initiation and termination of diapause. The development of these species, as well as any diapausing field cricket, has never been comprehensively studied before. Furthermore, this will add to a growing breadth of knowledge of how temporal isolating mechanisms affect hybridization and speciation as a whole.

Currently one of the biggest threats to our health and our environment is a threat we typically can not see with the naked eye. Microplastics are currently contaminating many parts of our environments, including our aquatic life and daily water usage. Microplastics are small plastic pieces that are found to be about 5 millimeters or less that can be found in nearly everything, even our human bodies. Microplastics within water can be a potential health risk for those who are utilizing and drinking any contaminated water. This study will focus on finding microplastics in aquatic vegetation, specifically a moss called Fontinalis Antipyretica. Fontinalis Antipyretica, is a common water-moss found within Pennsylvania. We collected this species around Huntingdon Pennsylvania, specifically in two bodies of water, The Juniata River and a First order stream (Croyle Run). We will use a snap-freezing technique followed by an Alkaline Digestion method, and a fluorescent staining to highlight microplastic amounts on filters that we will quantify towards our hypothesis. Our hypothesis is that the Juniata River will contain a significant amount of microplastic waste in comparison to our first order stream. 

Historic battlegrounds contain many small lead bullets that hold stories about their production, the soldiers who carried them, and the victims of the shots. The lead isotope ratios and trace element signatures within the ammunition can be used to trace ore sources and manufacturing, but sampling methods often require compromising artifact integrity. Our study was conducted with the aim of developing a minimally invasive sampling procedure that maximizes preservation and the historical value of battleground sourced lead bullet artifacts, while still allowing for precise geochemical analysis. 2% nitric acid was utilized to perform dissolution experiments of submerging the bullets into the acid for varying lengths of time. The solutions resulting from these timed experiments were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) and Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MC-ICP-MS) to evaluate the time at which satisfactory concentrations of lead are dissolved from the bullets for lead isotope analysis. The results demonstrate that 10 seconds of partial dissolution with 2% nitric acid yields reliable isotopic signatures while preserving the artifact, providing a new, minimally invasive, sampling procedure for geochemical analysis of historic ammunition artifacts.

The Association Between Systemic Inflammation and Balance Function in the U.S. Adult Population
   Shubh Sethia, Georgios A. Stylianides, Andrew R. Heckel
Juniata College, Huntingdon, PA

In the United States (US), the leading cause of injury related emergency room visits are fall related injuries. Balance function has been shown to be a good indicator of fall risk, with individuals that performed poorly on the Modified Romberg Test (MRT) of Standing Balance on Firm and Compliant Support Surfaces having a greater than 3 fold increase in the odds of falling. Higher levels of systemic inflammation are related to worsened function of the systems that govern balance function. However, no study has investigated the relationship between systemic inflammation and balance function.   PURPOSE: To investigate whether C-reactive protein (CRP), a biomarker of systemic inflammation, is significantly associated with balance function in the US adult population. METHODS: A total of 2,040 participants from the 2021-2023 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were included in this study (44.3 ± 13.2 years, female: 55.2 %). Systemic inflammation was defined as serum CRP levels measured using a two-reagent immunoturbidimetric system. Balance function was defined via the total number of trials passed on the MRT. The following covariates were included due to their potential effects on the relationship between systemic inflammation and balance function: age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, socioeconomic status (SES), alcohol consumption, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity levels. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine whether CRP was significantly associated with balance function in the US adult population. RESULTS: Simple linear regression showed that CRP was significantly and inversely related to balance function (ß =-0.071, p<0.001). After adjusting for covariates our multivariate linear regression indicated that CRP was significantly and inversely associated with balance function (standardized ß = -0.088, p < 0.001). Other significant contributors to the model included age, education level, SES, BMI (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that higher levels of CRP are associated with lower scores on the MRT. These findings suggest that higher systemic inflammation may contribute to increased fall risk in the US adult population. 
   The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Food insecurity, or limited access to nutritious food, continues to threaten children's physical, emotional, and cognitive development. Our ongoing study explores how these challenges affect families in central Pennsylvania through surveying parents and guardians of children under twelve. Using purposive and convenience sampling, participants are recruited via community partners such as Head Start programs, local food pantries, and family centers. The survey measures diet quality, household stability, parental stress, and overall child well being using validated tools like the USDA HFSSM. Findings, to be presented at the Liberal Arts Symposium, aim to inform community based strategies that address the structural roots of hunger and promote healthier, more equitable childhoods. 

Athletic identity factors into an athlete’s well-being and their psychological experiences. There has been previous research conducted relating to the correlation between athletic identity and indicators of mental well-being, such as social connectedness and self-esteem. In spite of this work, less information is known about how the correlations may be affected by gender or sport type. Uncovering knowledge would allow for better and more holistic training and development of athletes, and in turn athletic programs themselves. This study examines the potential effects of gender (male/female) and sport type (team/individual) on the correlations between athletic identity, social connectedness, and self-esteem. It is hypothesized that gender and type of sport will each independently act as a moderating factor between athletic identity and social connectedness and self-esteem. Using a sample of 154 Juniata College students, we asked participants if they were a member of an intercollegiate Juniata sports team, and they were separated based on male versus female as well as their specific sport. We assessed athletic identity through the Athlete Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), social connectedness through the Social Connectedness Scale – Revised (SCS-R), and self-esteem through the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results will be presented and discussed.  

LITERATURE REVIEW

Understanding factors that promote optimal human functioning has been the focus of much research. A challenge, however, is that this research spans a variety of constructs such as quality of life, well-being (e.g., subjective, objective, psychological), and more recently, flourishing and thriving. Differences in definitions and more specifically, the overlap of dimensions within these constructs, make understanding as well as advancing this research difficult (Willen, 2022). Different definitions of flourishing, for example, includes aspects of positive mental health (Fink, 2014; Keyes, 2007), positive social relationships (Hirshberg, 2022; Imran, 2020; VanderWeele, 2025), well-being (e.g., psychological (Imran, 2020); and/or subjective (Imran, 2020; VanderWeele, 2025)), and meaning and purpose in life (Hirshberg, 2022; VanderWeele, 2025). Also, included in some, but not all models, are levels of optimism (Hirshberg, 2022), self-worth (Nelson, 2013), character, virtue, and financial or material stability (VanderWeele, 2025; ). Overall, these models also focus predominately on individual functioning within an environment, rather than aspects of an environment that promote these behaviors. Flourishing, however, has been associated with more supportive climates and positive social and academic interactions (Fink, 2014). 

Thriving is similar to flourishing but includes attention to context and how environmental demands and supports interact with aspects of human functioning. Thriving, in a professional work context for example, focused on vitality (e.g., one’s level of engagement in opportunities) but also the range of opportunities available for learning and development (Imran, 2020; Porath, 2012). In an educational context, thriving was further characterized by student behaviors such as asking for help and seizing career oriented opportunities (Nguyen, 2023). Nguyen’s (2023) study, based on low-income student experiences, identified the importance of the environment to both promote and support these behaviors related to thriving in college. Schreiner (2010 pushes the importance of context further with the construct of academic thriving. This model combines elements of well-being with research on student success. Consequently, it focuses on behaviors tied to academic contexts including quality of engagement in learning and degree of investment (e.g., effort and time) needed to meet academic goals. Similar to other models, it encompasses relational and interpersonal aspects of daily life. Like flourishing, thriving is associated with higher work engagement (Imran, 2020), social connectedness (Hirshberg, 2022), and improved academic outcomes (Nguyen, 2023). 

Despite these differences, these constructs highlight factors related to optimal human functioning. Aspects of both flourishing and thriving appear to encompass elements necessary for not just the attainment of a specific goal, but achieving optimal functioning across domains of life. How these constructs are distinctive to specific contexts (e.g., college age) is important for understanding how to best promote optimal functioning in different settings and at different points in time. As noted by Willen et al. (2021) flourishing is not an endpoint, but rather a process that requires ongoing adaptation. Consequently, how individuals understand these constructs related to their own experiences, particularly across time and events, helps us understand the dynamic processes involved in promoting optimal development. 

This exploratory study examines how college seniors describe their college experiences (both challenges and success) and how these descriptions reflect the constructs of flourishing and thriving. In addition, from their viewpoints, it will identify what has helped them overcome barriers, persist towards their goals, and adapt towards flourishing or thriving. Similar to Willen et al, (2021) and Hammerness et al. (2024), this qualitative study will examine the factors linked to college senior’s adaptation to the challenges of college and aspects of themselves and their environments that promoted opportunities for them to flourish and thrive. 

METHOD

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 students during the spring semester prior to their graduation from college. The students were initially recruited during their first semester of college as part of an ongoing study related to persistence in STEM fields. The interviews, rooted in literature on family involvement in college, focused on reasons for pursuing college, challenges experienced, and typical supports available and used. In addition, students were asked to describe what “thriving” meant to them and give examples of when they were or were not ‘thriving’. All interviews were transcribed and read by all coders. 

Data analysis will occur in two phases. First, content analysis, which is beneficial for examining and categorizing patterns to identify structures (Ozden, 2024), will be used to examine presence of key components of flourishing versus thriving in the interviews. The definitions of flourishing (Hammerness et al., 2024, Keyes, 2007, VanderWheele, 2025) and thriving (Nguyen, 2023; Schreiner, 2010) were outlined and will be used as the framework to evaluate interviewee responses to direct questions about thriving. These definitions were selected because they were the basis of multiple studies on the construct (e.g., Keyes, 2007) or were used in studies focused solely on college age students (e.g., Nguyen, 2023). This first phase of analysis will support our goal of understanding how students conceptualize thriving and how that may overlap or be distinct from current definitions of flourishing and thriving. 

The second phase of data analysis will use thematic analysis (e.g., Kiger & Virpio, 2020) to help illuminate factors associated with students’ adaptation to college as well as aspects of themselves and their environments that promote success. The key themes that emerge will help us to better understand the range of factors that support or detract from student success, from the college selection process to the transition out of college. 

DISCUSSION

Clarifying definitions for constructs such as flourishing and thriving is beneficial to advancing the field, helping us to develop better measures, and have more clarity of findings in the literature. In addition, understanding both how students recognize and experience optimal functioning as well as the individual and environmental factors that support that functioning is beneficial to determine how to best support students during college.

Microplastics are an increasing problem in aquatic environments and have detrimental impacts on freshwater organisms. This study compared microplastic accumulation in the native crayfish Faxonius obscurus and the invasive Faxonius rusticus using Nile red fluorescence over the course of 21 days. A total of 18 crayfish (9 invasive and 9 native) were collected and kept in tanks, with 3 gill samples taken from each group at days 0, 7, and 21. Microplastics were stained and quantified under a microscope. In total, 62 microplastics were found, with 91.9% identified as fragments. Both species showed an increase in microplastic accumulation over time, but F. rusticus consistently had higher counts at days 7 and 21. This finding could be due to numerous factors, such as differences in behavior like increased aggression and sediment disturbance. Overall, the results suggest that invasive crayfish may accumulate more microplastics than native species, which could have important ecological implications.

We are looking at food insecurity in our age group and how it is correlated with physical and mental health. We hypothesize that food insecurity increases chances for harmful physical and/or mental health outcomes. We are currently conducting our research and will be presenting our findings at LAS. 

To be an informed citizen, individuals must understand how their government operates and the decisions it makes. This research examines the effects of undergraduate and pre-college civics education and political advocacy on the educated political beliefs of undergraduate students. The study uses a survey methodology consisting primarily of qualitative data, including ordinal Likert-scale questions designed to measure students’ opinions about government and civic engagement. The possible benefits of this research are that Juniata can improve its All-In mission to include more advocacy, and also help the politics department advertise civics engagement

The topic of our research study is how having an incarcerated parent effects family stability, and how the legalization of marijuana can reduce unnecessary parental incarceration. The objective of our research was to measure the effect of parental incarceration on families and the lives of individuals later in life. We used a voluntary survey approach in order to ask Juniata students and community members questions about their personal experiences. We worked with Broad Top Area Medical Center in order to disseminate our survey, as well as word of mouth advertising. We hypothesized that parental incarceration would have a strong tie to a lower quality of life overall. We believe that we will find a tie between individuals with incarcerated parents and experiencing more psychological challenges than the average person.

This study examines the extent to which Juniata College students understand the CSI effect and forensic DNA evidence, and whether exposure to forensic television influences those perceptions. Using a pre- and post-survey design, we compared students enrolled in a CSI-effect-focused course with students in two psychology courses to assess changes in knowledge over time. Prior research suggests that popular forensic dramas such as CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and its spinoffs have shaped public expectations about the speed, reliability, and accuracy of DNA evidence in criminal investigations. Although some studies indicate that the CSI effect does not substantially bias jury verdicts, research shows that viewers often place greater trust in DNA evidence despite limited scientific understanding. Drawing on scholarship related to media influence, juror decision-making, and forensic practice, this study explores whether similar patterns exist among college students. The findings may benefit the Criminal Justice program at Juniata College by identifying gaps in forensic knowledge, informing curriculum development, and strengthening students’ critical understanding of DNA evidence, investigative limitations, and courtroom realities.

Discusses the data and results of Psychophysiological Responses to Primed Intrasexual Competition Vignettes Lab, data collected since 2025. 

This collaborative work showcases the development of multiple Raspberry Pi 5–based robotics systems using Ubuntu 24.04 and ROS 2 Jazzy, with applications spanning assistive robotics and medical technology. Foundational efforts include building and visualizing articulated robot models using URDF, such as a multi-joint leg designed to emulate human movement for future smart prosthetic applications. Complementing this, a vision-guided robotic arm integrates a fine-tuned YOLO-based model and an Intel RealSense D435 camera to detect complex object features and compute precise trajectories for manipulation tasks. Additionally, a capsule endoscopy prototype demonstrates wireless image capture and AI-assisted adaptive imaging to improve energy efficiency and diagnostic capability. Across these projects, the Raspberry Pi-5 serves as a compact, cost-effective platform enabling seamless integration of sensing, computation, and control, supporting rapid prototyping and advancing the development of intelligent, real-world robotic and biomedical systems.

The goal of this research is to formulate and test clay bodies, glazes, and techniques of glazing and firing to replicate the ceramic surface found on Southern Song Dynasty Jian wares. The challenges of achieving this effect are spread across the entire process of creating the pieces; the clay body, glaze formulas, glazing techniques, and firing atmosphere all play a crucial role in achieving the spotted surface. Utilizing historical records, geological survey data, and contemporary oil spot formulas, the goal is to yield an oil-spotted surface that resembles Song Dynasty tea bowls. For materials testing, the utilization of electric kilns is for the sake of consistency and ease. The focus of this research is the iron content in both the clay body and the glaze, and how they function separately and together to form an oil-spotted surface.

Over the past year, AlfieAI has transitioned from a standalone assistant to a comprehensive platform designed to streamline the academic experience. This poster explores the technical evolution of the AlfieAI ecosystem, specifically the deployment of AlfieAI People and AlfieAI Presence. By analyzing deployment metrics and search latency, we demonstrate how moving toward a specialized, multi-modular architecture has improved information retrieval efficiency for students. We conclude with a data-driven look at feature adoption rates and the platform's reliability as it scales to serve the campus community.

Background: Environmental exposures contribute to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk but are difficult to measure directly in large cohorts. Circulating metabolomic profiles provide a biologically integrated representation of the internal chemical environment, capturing both endogenous processes and responses to exogenous exposures. The enzyme epoxide hydrolase 1 (EPHX1) plays a central role in detoxifying reactive epoxide intermediates generated by environmental toxicants, suggesting a potential gene–environment interaction pathway in neurodegeneration.

Objective: To evaluate whether functional variation in EPHX1 modifies the longitudinal association between circulating metabolomic signatures of the internal chemical environment and Alzheimer’s disease progression.

Methods: Data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) were used to construct a longitudinal cohort with repeated cognitive and neuroimaging measures. Genome-wide genotype data were used to extract EPHX1 variants (rs1051740, rs2234922). A metabolite score representing the internal chemical environment was derived from unsaturated phosphatidylcholine and related lipid species measured using Biocrates Quant 500 metabolomics platforms. Duplicate metabolite measurements were harmonized by aggregating within subject and visit. Linear mixed-effects models were used to assess whether EPHX1 genotype modified the association between baseline metabolite score and longitudinal change in Clinical Dementia Rating–Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) and MRI-based atrophy, adjusting for age, sex, education, and APOE e4 status.

Results: The metabolite score captured a coherent lipid signature reflective of membrane turnover and oxidative stress pathways. Preliminary analyses indicate that higher metabolite burden is associated with worse cognitive trajectories. Interaction models suggest that individuals carrying lower-efficiency EPHX1 alleles exhibit steeper cognitive decline in the presence of elevated metabolite scores, consistent with increased vulnerability to the internal chemical environment. Similar directional effects were observed for MRI outcomes.

Conclusions: These findings support a gene–environment interaction framework in which EPHX1 variation modulates susceptibility to chemical stress reflected in circulating metabolites. By leveraging metabolomics as a proxy for environmental exposure, this study provides a scalable approach to investigating environmental contributions to Alzheimer’s disease and highlights detoxification pathways as potential targets for risk stratification and intervention.

Sheetz is working with the I4I team to explore Splunk, a data platform utilized by many companies for logging, analytics, dashboards, etc. The team learned about and utilized Splunk to explore the Sheetz IT environment; With the purpose of exploring potential ways to improve site reliability, create dashboards, and become better prepare the team for the industry, as well as Splunk and products like it. 

Our research investigated the link between math anxiety and perceptions of virtual reality as an educational tool for math. We collected data from a quasi-experimental study conducted during Juniata’s 2025 Liberal Arts Symposium, in which participants were invited to take a brief survey before engaging in a fifteen minute virtual reality mathematics exercise. We collected qualitative feedback from the participants following the exercise. Our quantitative analysis of the relationship between math anxiety and perceptions of VR yielded no significant correlation, but our sentiment analysis of our qualitative feedback indicated interest in VR as a learning tool. Our pilot study indicates that this area is promising for future research. 

Our research investigates the structural and electronic properties of the paramagnetic radical intermediate formed during the catalytic reduction of biliverdin IXa by the enzyme phycocyanobilin:ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PcyA). We built upon the computational and spectroscopic groundwork laid by Stoll et al., this study utilizes the crystal structure of the D105N mutant (PDB ID: 3F0M) to explore various protonation states and their effects on the radical's g-tensor. Using a multidisciplinary approach involving visualization through ChimeraX, computational manipulation through PowerShell (referred to as the cluster), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we modified the biliverdin structure at several potential hydrogen locations focusing specifically on the pyrrole nitrogen's (A-D), carbonyl oxygens (a,d), and the D-ring vinyl group (v). Our research aims to validate the g-tensor calculations made by Stoll et al. by comparing simulated g-tensor scores against their established benchmarks. 

Bioproducts in nature can be converted into alternative fuel resources via thermochemical procedures, creating bio-oils. These bio-oils must be separated with solvent extraction through fractionation. Using ultrasound-assisted sequential extraction (UASE) minimizes sample loss, facilitates the concurrent efficient processing of multiple samples, and maximizes solubility for improved fractionation. A past journal has used the UASE approach for lignocellulose pyrolysis fractionation. To study further applications of this relatively novel fractionation process. Synthesis in literature was replicated with dissimilar sample types. Repeated washes with heptane, toluene, and dichloromethane resulted in four fractions to be analyzed separately. Each solvent removed a distinct oil useful for different applications. Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were utilized in characterizing results. This was in the hopes of confirming the separation of corn stover and pine samples using UASE to be utilized as possible alternatives to fossil fuels.

This systematic review aims to summarize previous research related to the school-to-prison pipeline. Specifically, it examines the relationship between exclusionary discipline and adult criminality. A search across databases using selected keywords identified articles related to the topic. Content analysis of the final articles will reveal the key themes and outcomes of this research.  

Translating multi-omic findings into clinically actionable tools remains a major barrier in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. Prior analyses identified a gene–environment interaction in which EPHX1 variation modifies the relationship between metabolomic signatures of the internal chemical environment and cognitive decline. Building on these findings, there is a need to operationalize these signals into predictive models that can inform real-world clinical workflows.

This study explores how the issue of “comfort women” is represented in media narratives in Europe (i.e., Germany, France, etc.) and East Asia (i.e., Japan, Korea, Taiwan, etc.). It focuses on differences in framing, language, and attribution of responsibility in newspapers and documentaries. While both regions engage with the same historical issue, their media often reflect distinct national perspectives shaped by politics, memory, and identity. This research asks: how do media narratives in Europe and East Asia differ in their portrayal of “comfort women,” and what dominant themes emerge in each context? 

Using a qualitative content analysis approach, this study will examine a small sample of media sources, including several newspaper articles and documentaries from each country. The analysis will involve coding recurring themes such as victimhood, nationalism, and justice, as well as examining the language used to describe the women and their experiences. By comparing how responsibility and moral framing are constructed, this research aims to reveal how media contributes to shaping public understanding and historical memory of the issue. 

This study explores the commodification of personal safety on college campuses, asking why a fundamental human need has been repackaged as a consumer product. Self-defense tools, such as pepper spray, personal sirens, and tactical keychains, are marketed as empowering solutions. By analyzing the shift of security from a collective right to an individual economic burden, we explore the "safety tax" through students' surveys and essay research. Try to answer whether these tools offer tangible protection or merely provide a false sense of agency.

Focusing on the changes in Afghanistan since the reinstatement of Taliban rule in 2021 through the lens of women's rights, specifically the prohibition of female education. 

The study of magnetic properties can lead to discoveries for materials which can be utilised for memory storage and other applications. The goal of this project is to study copper(II) complexes with pyridine-N-oxide ligands as a model for dinuclear complexes expressing strong antiferromagnetic interactions. Currently pyridine-N-oxide has been synthesised and then purified through the oxidation of pyridine in acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Pyridine-N-oxide was characterized via hydrogen NMR, GCMS, infrared spectrometry, and melting point analysis. This presentation will cover ligand synthesis and complexes produced with pyridine-N-oxide and copper(II) salts.

Our group aims to examine the disparities between men and women through various institutions – education, business, or healthcare – and how those differences are constructed and reinforced through policy, practice, and power structures. We will address the gender hierarchy and discriminatory actions taken by corporations and institutional systems that create underlying biases in our society. 

This will be broadened onto a global scale, but an emphasis will be on the United States in comparison to various regions of the world, including India and Nordic countries. The study will also take into account the rights and inequalities of LGBTQ+ citizens and the discrimination they experience within institutions.

Our study will rely on a mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative data to create a better understanding of how inequality exists within global systems, and how those disparities affect the groups being discriminated against. We will take time to ask two main questions: “How do pay gaps increase the gendered differences between the rights of men and women?” And, “When does institutional bias begin within socially constructed systems?”

Background: Disproportionate ventriculomegaly suggestive of a normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)-like phenotype may represent a clinically actionable subgroup within Alzheimer’s disease (AD), particularly in the context of vascular injury. However, its longitudinal cognitive and functional implications remain undercharacterized.

Methods: We conducted an observational longitudinal analysis using data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI; n=3,762). An NPH-like phenotype was defined using a ventriculomegaly ratio (ventricular volume/intracranial volume) at or above the 90th percentile. Associations with stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) history and clinical outcomes were assessed using adjusted logistic regression and linear mixed-effects models, controlling for age, sex, education, and baseline diagnosis. Longitudinal trajectories of executive function (ADNI-EF), cognition (MMSE, ADAS13), and function (CDRSB, FAQ) were evaluated.

Results: Stroke/TIA history was independently associated with the NPH-like phenotype (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.06–4.69). Participants with the NPH-like phenotype demonstrated worse baseline executive function and significantly faster longitudinal decline compared to non–NPH-like individuals (p<0.001), with similar patterns observed across global cognitive and functional measures. While tau burden was associated with accelerated cognitive worsening, no significant interaction was observed between tau and NPH-like status, indicating independent contributions to disease progression.

Conclusions: A ventriculomegaly-defined NPH-like phenotype identifies a subgroup enriched for vascular injury and at risk for accelerated executive and functional decline. These findings support the use of VENT/ICV-based phenotyping as a reproducible clinical referral flag for further evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid dynamics and potential neurosurgical intervention, independent of tau-mediated neurodegeneration.

Ticks are significant vectors of infectious diseases, most notably Lyme disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. A key biomarker associated with this pathogen is outer surface protein A (OspA), a lipoprotein located on the outer membrane of B. burgdorferi that facilitates bacterial survival and colonization within the tick host. Detecting the presence of the OspA gene in tick populations provides insight into the potential prevalence of Lyme disease within a given region. This study aimed to examine community-collected ticks for the presence of OspA DNA using molecular analysis techniques. 

Tick specimens were obtained from a variety of local sources, including contributions from community members and collections from nearby trails and recreational areas such as state gamelands and the Peace Chapel area. The tick species analyzed predominantly included blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis), the primary vector for Lyme disease, as well as American dog ticks (Dermacentor variabilis), which are not primary carriers of B. burgdorferi but are relevant for comparative purposes. 

DNA was extracted from individual tick samples using an ethanol precipitation protocol to isolate nucleic acids. Extracted DNA was then subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification using two primer sets: actin primers as a positive control to verify successful DNA extraction and amplification, and OspA-specific primers to detect the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi genetic material. 

Successful amplification of actin confirmed the reliability of the DNA extraction and PCR procedures. The presence of bands at the expected size for OspA in select samples indicated the presence of B. burgdorferi-associated DNA within portions of the tick population. Variation in OspA detection among samples suggests differences in infection prevalence across collection sites and tick species. 

These findings highlight the effectiveness of PCR-based methods for detecting pathogen-associated genes in vector populations. The identification of OspA in locally collected ticks reflects the potential risk for Lyme disease transmission within the community. This study underscores the importance of ongoing environmental surveillance and supports the use of molecular diagnostics in assessing and mitigating public health risks associated with tick-borne diseases. 

Neuroactive and endocrine-disrupting compounds such as ?-aminobutyric acid (GABA), cannabidiol (CBD), and levonorgestrel are increasingly detected in estuarine and marine environments, yet their behavioral effects on marine invertebrates remain poorly understood. To address this, the present study will examine how, low ecologically relevant concentration of GABA, CBD, and levonorgestrel influence feeding rates, maze solving ability, and grouping behavior in estuarine invertebrates, including Carcinus maenas (green crab), Pagurus longicarpus (thin-lined hermit crab), and Ilyanassa obsoleta (Atlantic mud snail). Results will clarify whether these neuroactive pollutants act synergistically or antagonistically on GABAergic and serotonergic signaling, with implications for ecological interactions and population stability in coastal ecosystems experiencing pharmaceutical contamination. Because these invertebrates serve as food sources for higher trophic levels, behavioral and physiological alterations may facilitate the trophic transfer and biomagnification of neuroactive contaminants within marine food webs. 

Prior research demonstrates that environmentally relevant concentrations of psychoactive and neurochemical pollutants can alter fundamental behaviors in aquatic organisms. Hossain et al. (2021) reported that a mixture of psychoactive pharmaceuticals disrupted locomotive behavior in marbled crayfish, while Lebreton et al. (2021) observed oxazepam induced feeding and molecular changes in Radix balthica. In vertebrate models, Camargo-dos-Santos et al. (2022) found that CBD improved welfare in Nile Tilapia through modulation of stress-related pathways. Similarly, Zhai et al. (2024) linked serotonin regulated metabolic responses of anxiety-like states in Portunus trituberculatus, and Thoré et al. (2021) identified sex-specific behavioral trade-offs following neurochemical exposure in freshwater crustaceans. Campbell et al. (2025) further emphasized the value of behavioral assays in decapods for welfare and toxicological research. 

Understanding the psychological impact of gender stereotypes is essential because these social constructs act as barriers that can fundamentally alter individual performance, motivation, and equitable access to STEM, athletics, and healthcare for women and girls. This project explores the mechanisms of gender stereotype threat (GST), focusing on how cognitive load and the spillover effect perpetuate gender-based disparities. We synthesized findings from peer-reviewed journal articles, meta-analyses, and experimental studies published between 2012 and 2026. Methodologies across these sources frequently use experimental manipulations in which participants are divided into three groups: stereotype threat, stereotype lift, and control groups. The studies also commonly use mediation analysis to determine psychological mechanisms. The first theme in the literature is that GST functions as a cognitive load or socio-cognitive “choke” that can impair female performance by placing a burden on working memory. The threat of confirming a negative stereotype causes girls to overthink and consciously monitor their movements, which disrupts the natural automaticity required for skilled motor performance. The second theme is the spillover effect, where threat in one domain degrades performance in an unrelated one. Evidence indicates that math-based GST can “spill over” to impair girls’ complex decision-making, which suggests that stereotypes act as a measurable limitation. Academic threats can often spill over, but research on children and motor skills suggests that threat in one motor task, like soccer, may not automatically spill over to a task like throwing. Ultimately, the literature concludes that GST is a pervasive inhibitor of female potential that reinforces systemic inequality.

This project is a part of the Gender and Conflict class with Dr. Zia Haque.

Zelkova serrata is a deciduous tree native to east Asia that has been introduced to the United States and has been used widely as a landscaping tree since the late 19th century. The purpose of this study is to discern whether Zelkova trees have the potential to become an invasive species. The study was enacted by establishing the frequency and density of recruitment of Zelkova serrata on the Juniata College campus. Once suitable trees were identified, suitable areas for seedling growth were checked for recruitment in ring buffers of increasing increments of 5 meters from the source tree. Zelkova seedlings were observed as far away as 65 meters from potential tree sources.

INTRODUCTION:

Anaerobic activity causes metabolic acidosis due to an accumulation of lactic acid as a byproduct of glycolytic metabolism. Accumulation of lactic acid may prevent optimal performance during high-intensity exercise. Hyperventilation may help regulate blood acidity and lactic acid levels, and previous research has shown that voluntary hyperventilation may be efficacious for improving performance on muscular strength activities. 

PURPOSE:        

The objective of this study is to determine how hyperventilation before anaerobic activity may affect anaerobic power via a ten-second cycling test. We hypothesize that hyperventilation before performing a high intensity cycling test will lead to an improvement in anaerobic power compared to normal breathing.

METHODS:

Currently, five young adults (ages: 20.2 ± 0.8 years, genders: 2 males, 3 females) have been included in this study. Participants completed two ten-second cycling tests working against a resistance of 9% of their bodyweight. Before one test, participants were asked to breathe normally for thirty seconds; before the second test, participants were asked to hyperventilate at thirty breaths per minute. The order of testing was randomized, with a ten-minute break between each test. Anaerobic power was measured as the highest power attained during the test, measured in relative (W/kg) and absolute terms (W). Additionally, participants completed anthropometric (height, weight, and body fat percentage) and blood pressure testing. 

RESULTS:

In our five participants, anaerobic power was preliminarily higher following hyperventilation compared to normal breathing. Following hyperventilation, participants averaged 8.84 ± 2.4 (W/kg) compared to the average for normal breathing of 8.19 ± 3.0 (W/kg).

CONCLUSION:

This is an ongoing research study that currently has a pilot sample size. Our preliminary findings may be beneficial for improving anaerobic power, but our small sample size prevents us from drawing significant conclusions. As the study progresses, we will continue adding participants to improve our sample size. 

INTRODUCTION:

This research builds on scientific studies that explores how people understand and interact with health issues, especially chronic conditions like high blood pressure (hypertension). Previous qualitative studies that, while many people are aware that high blood pressure is a health issue, they may not understand that high blood pressure can have no obvious symptoms and may be unaware of their own blood pressure status. These issues may be more highly prevalent in rural locations with low access to health care. Barriers to health care access, such difficulty getting screening and treatment, high costs, and limited availability of services, hinder people’s ability to access care for hypertension. However, the relationship between access to health care and blood pressure status in rural areas remains understudied.

PURPOSE:

Therefore, the objective of this study is to examine the relationship between hypertension and access to healthcare in older adults. Specifically, this research aims to understand whether older adults who have better access to health care, such as regular medical visits, health insurance, and blood pressure screenings, are more likely to be aware of their blood pressure status compared to those with lower access to health care.

In addition, this study seeks to compare two elderly populations: older adults living in independent living facilities and in the general community. The purpose of this comparison is to determine whether living environment is associated with differences in access to health care, awareness of hypertension status, and understanding of the condition. Independent living facilities may provide easier access to health services or health care monitoring, which could influence hypertension awareness compared to older adults living in the community.

We hypothesize that barriers to health care access, will be associated with poorer blood pressure status awareness and management. It is anticipated that individuals with limited access to health care will be less likely to be aware of their blood pressure status, less likely to receive regular screenings, and more likely to have unmanaged or undiagnosed hypertension. We expect that individuals with greater access to health care will be more likely to know whether they have hypertension and understand key information related to the condition

METHODS:

Data collection is currently ongoing after recent approval of the project from the Juniata IRB. Participants will begin by taking their anthropometric measures (height, weight, and BMI). Next, we will complete blood pressure measures, including systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and pulse pressure. We will also take central measures of these values, which will reflect the systolic and diastolic blood pressure directly outside of the heart. Afterwards, participants will complete a questionnaire that includes questions asking about their access to health care and socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSION:

Findings from this research study may help to inform future healthcare practices and policies by providing more information about the relationship between blood pressure status and healthcare access in a rural community. This research study was recently approved by the IRB, and data collection is at the beginning stages. We plan to recruit a pilot study size for presentation at the LAS conference.

Pennsylvania and the United States face an increasing demand for semiconductor and nanoscience workers as technological innovation continues to expand across a variety of fields. Efforts to increase domestic manufacturing in the US, as highlighted by the CHIPS Act, further emphasize this need.

At the same time, this shortage is compounded by educational gaps in STEM, particularly in fields like materials science and engineering.

Juniata College, in partnership with State College Area High School, is working to combat this challenge by developing a hands-on approach to nanoscience education at the high school level.

While topics such as quantum and nanoscience are often not introduced to students until well into their undergraduate studies, if not later, the use of density functional theory (DFT) to model electronic structures allows students to bypass complex and time-consuming calculations. With appropriate scaffolding, these ideas can be made accessible at the high school level through guided computational labs.

Juniata College’s team has developed and implemented a series of computational nanoscience labs in partnership with a classroom in State College Area High School. To date, six labs have been designed and carried out by participating students. These labs introduce the QuantumATK platform, a widely used platform for DFT calculations, and guide students through key tasks such as manipulating atomic structures, performing energy optimizations, and comparing materials systems (e.g. monolayers versus bulk layer structure, as well as semiconductors, conductors, and insulators) in terms of their mechanical and electronic properties. 

In addition to technical content, the curriculum emphasizes the development of core scientific and research skills. Students practice data modeling and interpretation, represent their findings through figures and written captions, and collaborate within and across groups to analyze and share results.

Future work will focus on expanding the curriculum to include four to six additional labs, revising and refining the current curriculum, and collecting student feedback and learning outcomes to evaluate and improve the program’s effectiveness.

Introduction: Previous research has recognized that blood pressure status and blood pressure variability act as strong markers for cardiovascular disease risk. Mental stress tests have been shown to negatively affect blood pressure status and blood pressure variability, which can also occur in young healthy adults. Studies have found that aerobic exercise interventions are efficacious in causing positive effects on improving cardiovascular measures and overall physical health. However, whether aerobic training improves cardiovascular markers following a mental stress task needs further investigation.

Purpose: The objective of this research is to investigate if an exercise intervention will affect how an individual’s cardiovascular system reacts to a mental stress test. The hypothesis of this research is that exercise intervention will reduce any variations in the blood pressure response to the mental stress task. 

Methods: Currently, 3 young adults (average age is 20.7 ± 0.6; 3 males) have completed blood pressure measures following a mental stress task before and after an aerobic exercise intervention. Brachial measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured via an automated blood pressure device. The device also collects arterial wave forms, allowing for the collection of the brachial and central augmentation index. Blood pressure was taken while participants were given the Stroop Test as part of the mental stress task, which was completed before and after exercise. For the exercise intervention, participants completed moderate intensity aerobic exercise on a treadmill. Participants were kept within 40 to 60 percent of their heart rate reserve to achieve moderate intensity exercise. Data collection is currently ongoing, and we plan to perform more robust statistical analysis with a larger sample size. 

Results: Brachial systolic blood pressure was similar after exercise during the mental stress task (135.3 ± 2.3 mmHg vs. 136.6 ± 3.8 mmHg); however, the central augmentation index was slightly lower following exercise (16% vs. 11%). 

Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest there may be some benefit for aerobic exercise to reduce wave reflections during a mental stress task. However, we recognize that this is a small sample size, and we are planning to increase our sample size prior to the Liberal Arts Symposium. This study is in its beginning stages and was recently approved for data collection by the Juniata College Institutional Review Board, and we plan to continue data collection throughout the rest of the semester. 

Occultations are defined as an astronomical event in which one celestial body passes in front of another. We will monitor two forms of these phenomena: lunar occultations (in which the moon fully or partially blocks a star) and asteroid occultations (in which an asteroid briefly blocks a star). Observing such events is profoundly useful, as it allows astronomers to estimate the sizes of stars and other celestial bodies, construct orbital paths, and assess the likelihood of a collision with Earth. Throughout the data-gathering process, we will use the software, Occult 4 (for predicting event timings and locations), IOTA Video Capture to record the occultation, and PyMovie for further analysis. Once an event is predicted, we will travel to the viewing site and use the Astro 53ED Smart Telescope to record the occurrence. The data gathered from our observations can be used to obtain precise measurements of brightness, duration, size, shape, and position of the observed solar objects. The orbital pathways, direct images, and light curves will be presented.

 Microplastics is a relatively new area of scientific research. A majority of published studies related to biological effects of microplastic contamination was performed in aquatic species, with very little current research being performed in terrestrial mammals. My research is intended to fill in gaps in the research by studying microplastic concentrations in the wild deer population of Pennsylvania. The tissue selected for analysis was liver tissue since this is the primary filtration system of the body to remove foreign and toxic substances. Due to little previous research, proven extraction techniques were not available for the digestion of the liver tissue. Unexpected difficulties arose due to high fat content within the samples that clog filters. This necessitated the need for method development in which modifiers were added to the existing method to digest not only the protein, but the lipids present in the samples. This new validated methodology sets the groundwork for future studies into microplastic concentrations in fatty tissues such as the liver, brain, kidneys, and heart. Preliminary results from the limited sample size (n=3) indicate varying concentrations and types of microplastic contaminates present. Digested material also showed color variations from reddish-brown to green that the cause has not yet been identified. The root causes behind this difference in color and concentrations will be further researched with increased sample sizes in the Fall.

Although astronomical imaging at Juniata College has a long history, recent work has focused on stellar imaging, leaving planetary, lunar, and solar photography largely unaddressed. The purpose of this project is to design and implement a dedicated solar system imaging methodology to be used at Juniata College’s Paul E Hickes Observatory. Observations were made using a 16-inch refracting telescope and a NexImage20 camera. The imaging of brighter celestial objects differs substantially from stellar imaging. For this process, high-quality videos must be captured, and then each frame must be sorted by quality.  The highest-quality frames are stacked to create an image, which then needs to be sharpened and processed. This process was done using the software AutoStakkert (for sorting and stacking) and AstroSurface (for sharpening and processing). Although data collection is still underway, results of ongoing efforts will be presented.

Pennsylvania State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO) provides researchers with a universal Microsoft Access database for curating archaeological artifacts. This database proved to be efficient for cataloging individual, single-occurrence archaeological sites in Juniata College's Cultural Resource Institute (CRI). The database did not prove to be efficient and/or accurate when cataloging longitudinal data or multi-site locations. Due to the database's desktop format, data fragmentations and inconsistencies occurred. Data inconsistencies were introduced by PHMC code changes. 

To combat these issues, the CRI laboratory and the Statton Learning Commons, Office of Digital Learning, developed a custom relational database entitled GAUD (Gathering Archaeological Unified Data). GAUD is a web-based database, allowing multiple users to input data without data fragmentation and inconsistencies, while also providing time-optimization, normalized data, quality assurance, and custom reports for single instance and multi-site, longitudinal projects. GAUD only requires an internet browser to manage data access from a variety of devices.

Sleep is a critical yet often overlooked factor influencing both academic and athletic performance among college students, particularly student-athletes who face demanding schedules. This poster will review our planned research on the relationship between sleep quality and quantity, cognitive functioning, and physical performance. Evidence consistently demonstrates that adequate sleep enhances memory retention, attention, problem-solving abilities, and emotional regulation, all of which contribute to improved academic outcomes such as higher GPA. In athletic contexts, sleep supports muscle recovery, reaction time, and overall physical performance, while reducing the risk of injury. Conversely, sleep deprivation is associated with declines in cognitive performance, increased fatigue, impaired decision-making, and greater susceptibility to injury. Overall, we hope that our research will contribute evidence to help us better understand just how important sleep is, and we will be presenting how we will carry out this research.

Juniata Ventures Collective is actually putting its mission into action. Instead of just talking about entrepreneurship, this project shows what it looks like to build something real from the ground up. The hydroponics business idea is a perfect example of that because it takes a real problem in Huntingdon, limited access to fresh, local produce, and turns it into a business opportunity.

The poster walks through how a hydroponics operation could work at a small scale and then grow over time. It highlights things like container farming, startup costs, and how revenue could be generated through selling microgreens or lettuce to local restaurants, grocery stores, and even the college. What makes it strong is that it is not just theory. It connects directly to real numbers, real space requirements like a processing barn and cooler, and real customers in the area. It shows that this is something that could actually be built, not just an idea on paper.

More importantly, this project ties directly back to what JVC is trying to do. On the poster, the mission talks about giving students hands-on experience by building real ventures. This hydroponics concept does exactly that. It forces students to think through costs, operations, demand, and scalability. It also shows how interdisciplinary this kind of work is, mixing business, sustainability, and local economic development all in one.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are widely used in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity due to their effects on glycemic control, appetite regulation, and weight loss. These agents function by triggering glucose-dependent insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells. Moreover, GLP-1RAs like semaglutide enhance systemic insulin sensitivity and promote adipose tissue browning, making fat cells far more metabolically active. Despite these therapeutic benefits, clinical application is frequently complicated by adverse gastrointestinal effects, primarily nausea and vomiting. Emerging evidence suggests that these agents may also influence the gut microbiome, a dynamic community of microorganisms that plays a critical role in metabolic health. GLP-1RAs restructure the microbial landscape by altering gastric emptying rates, intestinal transit time, and the local luminal environment. We are examining the bidirectional relationship between GLP-1RA signaling and gut microbiome composition, specifically focusing on how treatment could lead to possible dysbiosis. In this longitudinal, blinded study, we are collecting fecal samples from 55 individuals at four time points: pre-GLP-1RA use, 1 month after GLP-1RA initiation, 3 months post-initiation, and 6 months post-initiation. We will perform shallow shotgun metagenomics paired with the QIIME2/DADA2 bioinformatics pipeline on the 16S gene to characterize the microbiome shifts associated with therapies involving GLP-1RAs. In future work, we plan to pair this with secondary messenger assays, such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and with functional metabolomics and lipidomics to support our 16S findings and provide insight into the effects of treatment on the gut-brain and gut-liver axes and on systemic inflammation.