Swetha Palaniappan
As the heart moves through contraction and relaxation cycles, cardiomyocytes endure tremendous mechanical stress. This project aims to understand how cardiomyocyte nuclei integrate these mechanical stresses to maintain homeostasis. Specifically, we are studying the role of SYNE1-Giant, which is a component of the LINC-complex that tethers the nucleus to the cytoskeleton, in the atrial myocardium. As epidemiologic data has linked mutations in SYNE1-Giant with atrial cardiomyopathy and cardiac conduction disease, we hope to develop an understanding of the molecular mechanisms which link SYNE1-Giant to these pathologies.
Isha Khandwala
This project consists of conducting analysis of North American monsoon dynamics using SAIL field campaign data. This includes determining how radiative heating of sloping mountain surfaces generates upward motion and interacts with boundary layer turbulence, collectively generating water vapor condensation and precipitation. I will also be analyzing the atmospheric circulations that generated the floods of the extremely wet 2021-2022 monsoon seasons, adjacently aiming to ultimately improve rainfall behavior in weather simulations.
Harshit Kolisetty
A leading factor of atherosclerosis is the overexpression of the protein PCSK9, which leads to the excessive degradation of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and buildup of LDL plaques in the bloodstream. This project involves diving into the inhibitory mechanism of small molecule drugs against PCSK9 as an oral therapeutic against high blood pressure. The use of computational docking screens and other biochemical and biophysical tests will help elucidate the mechanism of action of these compounds. In addition, the use of a gene editing system in liver cells will help identify […]
Tariq Ravasia
My summer research compiles reviews of past legislation across a variety of issue areas for use in survey research. The aim of this project is to compare the polarization of the present legislature to past legislatures to determine if polarization is, as many believe, growing rapidly in recent years. This project uses a novel method that analyzes congressional behavior over the same legislation at different points in time, which allows us to separate the effect of which legislation comes to a vote from actual ideological changes in the composition of […]
Jishan Jiang
The project revolves around redefining equity and sustainability within educational systems. It will delve into how learning environments can radically transform structural inequalities, guided by a focus on social design-based experiments (SDBEs). Moreover, we will explore methods to integrate culture, histories and practices of underrepresented communities into future learning strategies. This project acknowledges the creation of innovative tools and practices that respect and utilize cultural diversity to enhance educational resilience and transformation.
Casey Nguyen
Patients undergo cervical spine procedures to address spinal disorders such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. I will be studying the varying outcomes of cervical spine procedures, focusing on the differences between an anterior versus posterior approach. The anterior approach refers to access of the cervical spine through the front of the neck, while the posterior approach refers to access of the spine through the back of the neck. I will participate in data collection and analysis regarding patients who have undergone this procedure such as collecting […]
Charlie Diaz
Wetland soils have been shown to be significant sources of methane, an effect which may offset the benefits of wetland ecosystem carbon dioxide consumption. Though methane emissions have been observed from wetlands at the ecosystem scale, the mechanisms which drive the temporal variability of those fluxes are not entirely understood. Soil redox conditions, which are influenced by the degree of saturation of the soil, play a significant role in the production of methane inside of soils. The goal of my research is to incubate soil samples from tidally influenced wetlands […]
Claire Donahue
Lichens are one of many organisms that thrive as a result of symbiosis. These organisms are formed through a symbiotic relationship between a fungus, the mycobiont, and an algae or a cyanobacteria, the photobiont.This project will investigate the elevational limits of one common lichen species, Letharia columbiana, in the Sierra Nevadas through a manipulative transplantation experiment. I will measure the growth, photosynthetic yield, and symbiotic nutrient exchange of lichens transplanted to three distinct elevations.
Camille Miner
The U.S. is the only country in the world that has not signed the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. The position of children in this country is therefore ambiguous and contested. Examining news stories that pertain to children and families over the past five years, this study will determine whether there are trends towards privileging children’s rights or parents’ rights in the areas of health, education, or child welfare, and the ways in which those rights are expressed across states and contexts.
Stacy Giu
The U.S. is the only country in the world that has not signed the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. The position of children in this country is therefore ambiguous and contested. Examining news stories that pertain to children and families over the past five years, this study will determine whether there are trends towards privileging children’s rights or parents’ rights in the areas of health, education, or child welfare, and the ways in which those rights are expressed across states and contexts. The research process involves reviewing […]