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Title: Developing Porous Airbrushed Nanofiber Scaffolds.
Creator: Knight, Roshonda, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Fiber scaffolds mimic the three-dimensional fibrous nature of the native extracellular matrix in connective tissues. They offer a high degree of interconnected porosity for cell and tissue infiltration in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Fiber composition and architecture can be tailored to more closely model the physiological cellular microenvironment to study cell processes in a laboratory setting. Previous work has focused on the technique of electrospinning to...
Show moreFiber scaffolds mimic the three-dimensional fibrous nature of the native extracellular matrix in connective tissues. They offer a high degree of interconnected porosity for cell and tissue infiltration in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications. Fiber composition and architecture can be tailored to more closely model the physiological cellular microenvironment to study cell processes in a laboratory setting. Previous work has focused on the technique of electrospinning to fabricate microfiber scaffolds. However, as fiber diameters decrease into the nanoscale, electrospun scaffolds are too tightly packed to allow sufficient cell penetration into the fiber mesh. This work investigates a novel application of airbrushing, using compressed nitrogen gas to release a polymer solution to form loosely packed bundles of nanofibers. This versatile airbrushing technique can be used to deposit nanofibers onto a broad range of targets, and has been shown to produce scaffolds with larger pores in comparison to electrospinning. In this study, the effect of process parameters on scaffold porosity, fiber diameter, and pore size is explored in order to fabricate scaffolds with consistent fiber architecture for cellular studies. Nanofiber bundles have been confirmed morphologically through light microscopy, with porosity measurements forthcoming.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0037
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Does the Origin of a Tomato Seed Influence Its Growth?: STEM Teacher Institute Plans.
Creator: Clark, Laura, Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers
Abstract/Description: This activity explores whether tomato seeds harvested from the international space station grow differently on Earth than those harvested on Earth. Students track plant growth, examine plant structures, and define food for plants.
Date Issued: 2017-06-14
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0003
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Early morning post-hatchings of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) hatchlings in Lee County, FL.
Creator: Erdek, Dustin, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: My internship was with Turtle Time, Inc., on Bonita Beach in Lee County, Florida under the direction of Eve Haverfield. I examined loggerhead, Caretta caretta, sea turtle hatchling emergences on Bonita Beach and Fort Myers Beach between July and October 2017. Hatchlings emerge from their nest approximately 55-65 days after the eggs have been deposited in the sand. I examined and measured the tracks made in the sand as they headed west into the Gulf of Mexico. My internship involved responding...
Show moreMy internship was with Turtle Time, Inc., on Bonita Beach in Lee County, Florida under the direction of Eve Haverfield. I examined loggerhead, Caretta caretta, sea turtle hatchling emergences on Bonita Beach and Fort Myers Beach between July and October 2017. Hatchlings emerge from their nest approximately 55-65 days after the eggs have been deposited in the sand. I examined and measured the tracks made in the sand as they headed west into the Gulf of Mexico. My internship involved responding to early-morning post-hatching events to gather crawl orientation statistics. I also entered all nesting data pertaining to false crawls, hatched nests, relocated nests and unhatched nests into ArcGIS Collector using my phone. A record number of nests were laid this year; however, Hurricane Irma along with record rainfall (68.9 inches from June to September) negatively impacted nest success. This internship gave me valuable field and data management experience.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0038
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of Disturbance on Growth Rates in the Invasive Species: Richardia grandiflora.
Creator: Clifford, Kaylee, Simpson, Alexis, Natural Sciences Research and Internship Symposium Spring 2018
Abstract/Description: Richardia grandiflora is an invasive species native to South America, that is usually cared for by consistent mowing and fertilization. However, the effect of this normal human disturbance has not been considered. By setting up quadrats and marking individuals for data collection in mowed and un-mowed areas, growth patterns were analyzed to discern these effects. Five moved and five un-mowed areas were followed for a period of 18 weeks. The individuals in the un-mowed areas had an average...
Show moreRichardia grandiflora is an invasive species native to South America, that is usually cared for by consistent mowing and fertilization. However, the effect of this normal human disturbance has not been considered. By setting up quadrats and marking individuals for data collection in mowed and un-mowed areas, growth patterns were analyzed to discern these effects. Five moved and five un-mowed areas were followed for a period of 18 weeks. The individuals in the un-mowed areas had an average growth rate of 0.057 cm/week whereas the individuals in the mowed areas had an average growth rate of 0.029 cm/week. This suggests that mowing is decreasing the growth rate of the species. To further test this, another experiment was set-up wherein we simulated a controlled disturbance for 14 individuals (six controls) and tracked growth patterns for six weeks. Data analysis revealed a decreased vertical growth rate in the “mowed” individuals (average of 0 cm/week), but an increased horizontal growth rate through branching (average of .055 cm/week). In the control individuals, we observed an opposite trend (average vertical growth rate of 0.033 cm/week and average horizontal growth rate of 0 cm/week). This indicates the disturbance caused the plant to shift its normal growth pattern from the apical meristem to the closest node. We conclude that these changes are an adaptation to improve fitness and help the species thrive in our Southwest Florida environment
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0071
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Effects of urban glow on loggerhead hatchling orientation on two beaches in Naples, FL.
Creator: Bolds, Sara, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Sea turtle hatchlings utilize visual cues to navigate themselves from the beach to the sea upon emerging from a nest. Artificial lighting can disrupt their orientation and cause them to crawl in directions away from the water. Many of these disoriented individuals will die before finding their way to the water. Urban glow is a type of artificial lighting that creates a soft and bright ambient light that may impede a hatchling’s ability to properly orientate toward the sea. To test if urban...
Show moreSea turtle hatchlings utilize visual cues to navigate themselves from the beach to the sea upon emerging from a nest. Artificial lighting can disrupt their orientation and cause them to crawl in directions away from the water. Many of these disoriented individuals will die before finding their way to the water. Urban glow is a type of artificial lighting that creates a soft and bright ambient light that may impede a hatchling’s ability to properly orientate toward the sea. To test if urban glow from Naples or Marco Island (Florida) influence hatchling orientation on Keewaydin Island (KI), we compared hatchling dispersal patterns for loggerhead, Caretta caretta, hatchlings from Naples and KI. The results showed that the greatest number of disorientation events occurred on Naples and within the central portion of KI. Disorientation events were lowest on the northern and southern tip of Keewaydin Island. Hatchling disorientation on Naples beach was likely due to a combination of direct sources of lights near the beach and from urban glow. The disorientation events on the central portion of KI could have been due to several factors, including urban glow and lunar phases. As coastal communities continue to develop, it is possible that urban glow is becoming an emerging threat to sea turtle recruitment and population recovery. More research is needed to determine the impacts of urban glow on hatchling orientation and survivorship.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0039
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Employing Occupational Therapy to Enhance Student Well-being at FGCU.
Creator: Jaffe, Lynn, FGCU Research Day
Abstract/Description: Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) offers services to enhance student well-being, but students don’t report utilizing these services frequently. This feasibility study examined whether implementing three well-being mini-programs designed by occupational therapy graduate students, focusing on time management, stress management, and coping skills, improved self-reports of well-being. University Colloquium classes offered during the Summer Semester were engaged in this study, with 44 students...
Show moreFlorida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) offers services to enhance student well-being, but students don’t report utilizing these services frequently. This feasibility study examined whether implementing three well-being mini-programs designed by occupational therapy graduate students, focusing on time management, stress management, and coping skills, improved self-reports of well-being. University Colloquium classes offered during the Summer Semester were engaged in this study, with 44 students in the experimental condition and 49 in the control group. Throughout each program, consisting of activities lasting approximately 15 minutes, students were also reminded of services and tools offered on campus. In this pre/post questionnaire, two group design, there was a slight decrease in stress for the experimental group when compared to the control group, but not enough to be considered statistically significant. Further research is recommended to determine if occupational therapy services would increase well-being among college students, particularly during the first two, rather than last two years of college.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0015
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Endoparasite frequency and variation based on disturbance in the FGCU Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) and other snake populations.
Creator: Grimes, Taylor, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Human disturbances can cause various amounts of stress to wildlife that can make them more susceptible to pathogens and parasitic infections, but little research on this area has been done, particularly in snakes. Many endoparasites found in reptiles include protozoans, helminthes, and arthropods. In order to understand the impact humans have on surrounding endoparasites in snakes, Black Racers (Coluber constrictor) and other species of snake on Florida Gulf Coast University were sampled for...
Show moreHuman disturbances can cause various amounts of stress to wildlife that can make them more susceptible to pathogens and parasitic infections, but little research on this area has been done, particularly in snakes. Many endoparasites found in reptiles include protozoans, helminthes, and arthropods. In order to understand the impact humans have on surrounding endoparasites in snakes, Black Racers (Coluber constrictor) and other species of snake on Florida Gulf Coast University were sampled for internal parasites. From the twenty-two snakes that were caught, twelve individual fecal samples were collected and observed under a microscope following fecal floatation for the quantity and identification of endopasrasites present. An ANOVA single factor, regression analysis, and two-tailed t-tests were utilized to analyze the data, and imply that human disturbance is not a contributing factor to quantity of internal parasites in snakes. Species of Strongyloidae (hookworm) and Ascaridae (roundworm) were most prevalent in the snakes, followed by Cestoidea (tapeworm) and Conoidasida (coccidia). Despite the lack of significance between human disturbance and parasitic infections in snakes, the data will still contribute to the scarce literature in in this field.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0040
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Examining Epigenetic Effects on Expression Levels of CAULIFLOWER CURD EXPRESSION 1 (CCE1) in Brassica oleracea.
Creator: Califar, Brandon, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Brassica oleracea is a crop species with many varieties, including broccoli (var. italica), cauliflower (var. botrytis), and Rapid-Cycling B. oleracea (Rbo), named for its short generation time. Studying the differences in flowering genotypes and phenotypes between these varieties can allow for better cultivation of these crops. A gene has previously been characterized in our lab and named CAULIFLOWER CURD EXPRESSION 1 (CCE1). Previous experiments have shown expression of CCE1 in cauliflower,...
Show moreBrassica oleracea is a crop species with many varieties, including broccoli (var. italica), cauliflower (var. botrytis), and Rapid-Cycling B. oleracea (Rbo), named for its short generation time. Studying the differences in flowering genotypes and phenotypes between these varieties can allow for better cultivation of these crops. A gene has previously been characterized in our lab and named CAULIFLOWER CURD EXPRESSION 1 (CCE1). Previous experiments have shown expression of CCE1 in cauliflower, but not in Rbo or broccoli. CCE1 is suspected to be a retrotransposon because multiple whole and partial copies, lacking introns and containing a poly(A) tail, are interspersed in the genomes of each variety. Since the sequence of one of the copies (BZ) is identical between the three varieties we hypothesized that differences in expression of this copy may be the result of differences in DNA methylation among varieties. Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to more accurately measure CCE1 mRNA levels in the different varieties. Preliminary qPCR results showed greatly elevated expression of the BZ copy of CCE1 in cauliflower as compared to broccoli and Rbo. Bisulfite treatment of DNA, PCR and sequencing of the PCR products was used to determine the methylation status of the BZ copy in all three varieties: broccoli, cauliflower, and Rbo.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0041
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Expanding the bioluminescent microbial phylogeny with the addition of Photobacterium iliopiscarium NR 043067 and Photobacterium phosphoreum AB179540 found on market Coho salmon.
Creator: Stauring, Sarah, Thomas, Katherine, Spring 2017 Senior Research in Biology and Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Bioluminescent bacteria are known to have symbiotic relationships with different fish species. This study will focus on identifying bioluminescent bacteria found on market Coho salmon to determine how different settings can influence the colonization of such bacteria. Bacteria from the Coho salmon was obtained, isolated by bioluminescence, sequenced, and added into a phylogeny to show relatedness. The bioluminescent bacteria found on the Coho salmon will add to the genetic history of these...
Show moreBioluminescent bacteria are known to have symbiotic relationships with different fish species. This study will focus on identifying bioluminescent bacteria found on market Coho salmon to determine how different settings can influence the colonization of such bacteria. Bacteria from the Coho salmon was obtained, isolated by bioluminescence, sequenced, and added into a phylogeny to show relatedness. The bioluminescent bacteria found on the Coho salmon will add to the genetic history of these bacteria, and will provide a further understanding of the beneficial relationships certain luminescent bacteria have with certain fish species.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0042
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fagopyritol Transformation of Soybean Plants.
Creator: Fatic, Alyssa, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Diabetes is a disease that affects millions of lives and can lead to serious health impingements. The objective of this research is to develop an alternative therapeutic drug for treatment of non-insulin diabetes mellitus. The therapeutic compound of interest is Fagopyritol Synthase (FeGolS), which has similar chemical structure to the putative mediator in the insulin pathway. This is the targeted area of interest because Type II diabetic patients are deficient in the putative mediator of the...
Show moreDiabetes is a disease that affects millions of lives and can lead to serious health impingements. The objective of this research is to develop an alternative therapeutic drug for treatment of non-insulin diabetes mellitus. The therapeutic compound of interest is Fagopyritol Synthase (FeGolS), which has similar chemical structure to the putative mediator in the insulin pathway. This is the targeted area of interest because Type II diabetic patients are deficient in the putative mediator of the insulin pathway. The current goal is to transform soybean cells with FeGolS-1 and FeGolS-2; two gene isolates from buckwheat seeds that are responsible for Fagopyritol synthesis. Cultured soybean cells were transformed using a vector, Agrobacterium, to deliver the FeGolS-1 or FeGolS-2 genes. Due to low transformation rates, this process was performed on approximately 575 cell samples. Selective media was utilized to only allow growth of cells with the antibiotic-containing plasmid. Twenty-two cell samples survived this selective process. DNA Analysis was then performed via PCR to amplify gene presence. No target gene amplification of FeGolS DNA was visualized when samples were observed on agarose gel. Ultimately, success of genetically-engineered soybeans containing Fagopyritol synthase may offer individuals with Type II diabetes a new alternative therapeutic treatment.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0043
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Foraging Behaviors of Gopher Tortoises at Barefoot Beach Preserve.
Creator: Holmes, Lauren, Sheldon, Jessica, Charelus, Jeff, Natural Sciences Research and Internship Symposium Spring 2018
Abstract/Description: Gopher tortoises are a keystone species that is vital for the survival of a wide assortment of species. They are protected under Florida law due to their importance in the ecosystem. Barefoot Beach Preserve is home to a population of Gopher Tortoises in Southwest Florida. Their environment is altered to accommodate people who utilize the parking lots and boardwalks to gain access to the Preserve’s beach. Human impact is unavoidable, so by understanding their diet, we can be better equipped to...
Show moreGopher tortoises are a keystone species that is vital for the survival of a wide assortment of species. They are protected under Florida law due to their importance in the ecosystem. Barefoot Beach Preserve is home to a population of Gopher Tortoises in Southwest Florida. Their environment is altered to accommodate people who utilize the parking lots and boardwalks to gain access to the Preserve’s beach. Human impact is unavoidable, so by understanding their diet, we can be better equipped to protect and ensure proper forage grounds, allowing them to thrive while living alongside humans. Our research and observations on the foraging behaviors of the Gopher tortoises can be used to better understand what, where, and how often they forage. Observations of the gopher tortoises occurred at Barefoot Beach Preserve from October 2017 through February 2018. During this time we compiled data showing that the Gopher tortoises preferred foraging in low grass areas, such as the parking lot and the control site. Observed Gopher tortoises preferred to forage in a well-maintained, weedy area that provides them with a diversity of plants. This research must be ongoing, compiling more observations throughout different seasons at the Preserve in order to compose a conclusion.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0070
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Frequency changes in social interactions of captive male giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) as individuals shift from social to solitary life history.
Creator: Boyle, Shannon, Richards, Tesla, FGCU Research Day
Abstract/Description: Adolescent male giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) have been known to form bachelor herds in the wild and will shift to a solitary life when they reach adulthood (1). Males in bachelor herds engage in social interactions and will display preference and avoidance behaviors toward one another, indicating individual-specific interactions (2). However, it is not understood how these social interactions change as males approach their solitary adult life history. This study identified the frequency...
Show moreAdolescent male giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis) have been known to form bachelor herds in the wild and will shift to a solitary life when they reach adulthood (1). Males in bachelor herds engage in social interactions and will display preference and avoidance behaviors toward one another, indicating individual-specific interactions (2). However, it is not understood how these social interactions change as males approach their solitary adult life history. This study identified the frequency of displays as the males from the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, FL transitioned from adolescence to adulthood. As adolescents, head and neck behaviors were displayed more frequently but older males showed more sexual displays and social examinations. Urine examinations remained constant, suggesting that it is commonly observed throughout all ages. These results suggest that the frequency of sexual displays and some social behaviors increased with age in relation to their natural shift to a solitary livelihood.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0074
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Fresh Florida School Garden: STEM Teacher Institute Plans.
Creator: Akin, Nanlyn, Schulze Summer STEM Institute for Teachers
Abstract/Description: This activity allows students to determine optimal locations for a school garden. Students sow multiple 3' x 3' plots. Students plot out their garden, learn about the layers of soil, and the importance of radishes as a Florida crop.
Date Issued: 2017-01-01
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0001
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Germination and Survivorship of Two Native Southwest Florida Orchids on Four Micropropagation Growth Media.
Creator: Harris, Taylor, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Land development, and the poaching of orchids, continues to threaten the diversity, and density of orchid populations. Conservation of native Southwest Florida orchids is of the utmost importance to preserve both natural history and biodiversity. Much work has been done on the propagation of orchid species around the world. Micropropagation techniques, and orchid growth media, development have all been extensively tested on various species from around the world. What is agreed upon by those...
Show moreLand development, and the poaching of orchids, continues to threaten the diversity, and density of orchid populations. Conservation of native Southwest Florida orchids is of the utmost importance to preserve both natural history and biodiversity. Much work has been done on the propagation of orchid species around the world. Micropropagation techniques, and orchid growth media, development have all been extensively tested on various species from around the world. What is agreed upon by those studying orchid propagation is that each orchid species has unique nutrient requirements for survival. Without appropriate nutrient conditions orchids germination and survival may be limited. This research tests the influence of four different orchid growth media, each containing various nutrients, on the germination and early survivorship of two different native Southwest Florida orchids, Prosthechea boothiana and Epidendrum nocturnum. Six replicates of each orchid/media combination were established in petri dishes with a minimum of 20 seeds per replicate. Germination and survivorship were monitored for 6-months. Data was analyzed using a contingency chi-square analysis. Data from this study indicated that P. boothiana germinates and survives best on Lindemann agar media, while E. nocturnum performs better on Knudson C+ agar media. The results of this data will assist in the conservation efforts of Southwest Florida orchids by assisting the Naples Botanical Garden in the development of their orchid growing practices.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0044
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Habitat Fragmentation in an Upland Ecosystem on FGCU’s Campus.
Creator: Monroe, Karley, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Organisms have been known to adapt to the patchiness of available habitat over many evolutionary time scales in natural mosaic landscapes; however, this has not been the case in landscapes modified by recent human influence .This phenomenon, known as habitat fragmentation, describes the loss of habitat and results in it’s separation. Reptile species are known to be exceptional indicator species due to their high sensitivity to habitat fragmentation. In one of FGCU’s last upland areas, a new...
Show moreOrganisms have been known to adapt to the patchiness of available habitat over many evolutionary time scales in natural mosaic landscapes; however, this has not been the case in landscapes modified by recent human influence .This phenomenon, known as habitat fragmentation, describes the loss of habitat and results in it’s separation. Reptile species are known to be exceptional indicator species due to their high sensitivity to habitat fragmentation. In one of FGCU’s last upland areas, a new road is to be built resulting in the alteration of the natural environment around it. We conducted a wildlife survey of the area before construction, focusing primarily on reptile species. Our research creates the foundation for the next stage of research, which will determine the degree of destruction to the environment after construction. Five reptile species were found: Green Anole, Brown Anole, Ringneck Snake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, and a Black Racer. Many Gopher Tortoise burrows were found along the route of construction. Gopher Tortoises and Green Anoles will be the most impacted, of the species we found, by the road construction because they are the most sensitive to changes in the environment. In conclusion, the building of the new road into South Village will greatly impact the wildlife of the area.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0045
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: How Widespread is the Arbitrium Extra-Cellular Communication System in Bacteria Phage?.
Creator: Pica, Alec, Indihar, Dana, Michael, Scott, Natural Sciences Research and Internship Symposium Spring 2018
Abstract/Description: Bacteriophage are viral parasites of cellular hosts and control bacterial populations through lysis or lysogeny. Lysis is the process of infecting and destroying the host cell. Lysogeny is the process of integrating into the host chromosome and co-existing with the host cell. An extra-cellular communication system affecting the lysis/lysogeny decision in bacteriophage was recently described by Erez et.al. (Nature 541:488-493 2017). Named arbitrium, this system was discovered in the Bacillus...
Show moreBacteriophage are viral parasites of cellular hosts and control bacterial populations through lysis or lysogeny. Lysis is the process of infecting and destroying the host cell. Lysogeny is the process of integrating into the host chromosome and co-existing with the host cell. An extra-cellular communication system affecting the lysis/lysogeny decision in bacteriophage was recently described by Erez et.al. (Nature 541:488-493 2017). Named arbitrium, this system was discovered in the Bacillus phage Phi3T and other related phage. However, it is unknown whether similar arbitrium systems exist in other types of phage. To address this, we investigated bacteriophage genomes infecting Mycobacteria smegmatis that were previously annotated by students and faculty working with the FGCU Virus Hunters and HHMI SEA-Phages program to search for genes that might be similar to the arbitrium system.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0068
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Identification of Active Resveratrol Analogues on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cell Viability.
Creator: Horgan, Xylia, Tatum, Hannah, Rhodes, Lyndsay, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: While breast cancer is becoming more commonly diagnosed, various subtypes make treatment options limited depending on what kind of cancer cell causes the tumor. The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype lack receptors targetable by current therapies making them much more difficult to treat. Plant-derived compounds known as stilbenes have been shown to have many health benefits including treatment of metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, as well as increasing cardiovascular...
Show moreWhile breast cancer is becoming more commonly diagnosed, various subtypes make treatment options limited depending on what kind of cancer cell causes the tumor. The triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype lack receptors targetable by current therapies making them much more difficult to treat. Plant-derived compounds known as stilbenes have been shown to have many health benefits including treatment of metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, as well as increasing cardiovascular health. Resveratrol, a stilbene compound, has been found to have anti-cancerous effects in various types of cancer, including breast. However, few experiments have been conducted with this compound on TNBC cells. In this experiment, twenty-seven analogues of resveratrol previously tested in estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer cells were tested on three TNBC cell lines to determine effects on cell viability. Eight analogues were further tested for dose effects, with the majority showing marked decrease in cell viability with increasing concentrations. Fifteen additional analogues, similar in chemical make up to the analogues identified as active were tested to determine key functional groups corresponding to increased anti-cancer activity. The results obtained suggest significant anti-cancerous effects of resveratrol analogues on TNBC cells in viability endpoints. These results support pursuing advanced studies into the mechanisms of action within TNBC cells, as well as continued chemical determination of functional group role in inhibition.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0046
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Identification of Possible Community Acquired Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus on Campus at Florida Gulf Coast University.
Creator: Bastien, Hakeem, Pongo, Mahalath, Spring 2017 Senior Research in Biology and Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Staphylococcus aureus is the most commonly isolated human bacterial pathogen and is an important cause of skin and soft tissue infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)isolates are resistant to all available penicillins and other -lactam antimicrobial drugs. Once confined to health facilities and patients who frequented them, since the 1990’s, MRSA is now prevalent in individuals lacking health care associated risk factors. This is attributed to the evolving strains of MRSA known as...
Show moreStaphylococcus aureus is the most commonly isolated human bacterial pathogen and is an important cause of skin and soft tissue infections. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)isolates are resistant to all available penicillins and other -lactam antimicrobial drugs. Once confined to health facilities and patients who frequented them, since the 1990’s, MRSA is now prevalent in individuals lacking health care associated risk factors. This is attributed to the evolving strains of MRSA known as Community Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). It is estimated that since the 1960, about 80% of all strains of MRSA are penicillin resistant. Within two years of the introduction of methicillin, a resistant strain emerged. The objective of this study is to identify what percentage of our university population are carriers of CA-MRSA by testing swabs collected from nasal passages and performing diagnostics tests on them to identify if there is a gender bias in the carriers. This could help us identify who is at risk for carrying CA-MRSA and implement ways to decrease the carriage/ spread rate, thereby avoiding a potential crisis.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0047
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Improved Cell Electroporation Device.
Creator: Biro, Sara, FGCU Research Day
Abstract/Description: Electroporation, by definition according to biology-online is “a useful molecular biology technique that enables transformation of bacteria and yeasts, and transfection of tissue culture cells (e.g. mammalian cells) through non-chemical means. It uses short pulses of an intense electric field to cells.” This process allows for the permeability of the cell membrane to be increased due to electrical field passing through the membrane (Potter). Through this process, drugs and genetic material...
Show moreElectroporation, by definition according to biology-online is “a useful molecular biology technique that enables transformation of bacteria and yeasts, and transfection of tissue culture cells (e.g. mammalian cells) through non-chemical means. It uses short pulses of an intense electric field to cells.” This process allows for the permeability of the cell membrane to be increased due to electrical field passing through the membrane (Potter). Through this process, drugs and genetic material can pass through the membrane. This is an ideal method to bring in foreign materials to the cells because it is convenient and efficient. In the product being designed, electrical currents pass through the steel plates which allows the current to be sent through the cell membrane. The base is an epoxy that holds the plates in place while in use. Some of the challenges that have come from this project are finding the right material to use that is the most efficient for the use, and working with such small parts. The product is meant to be easy to design and create while still at an affordable cost to allow for quick production and use.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0017
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: In Vivo Imaging of Biocompatibility and Toxicity of Green Synthesized Geraniol Coated Ag Nanoparticles on Zebrafish Embryo Development.
Creator: Meruvia Garron, Juan Pablo, FGCU Research Day
Abstract/Description: Nanotechnology is growing rapidly. Nanoparticles (NPs) are being used in a large range of commercial products throughout the world, from disinfecting medical devices and home appliances to being used in water treatment. Due to the NP’s small sizes (1-100 nm), they are able to diffuse into living organisms with ease; moreover, their physicochemical properties (size, shape, coating) may cause them to produce adverse effects in living organisms. Hence, the toxicity of nanoparticles has to be...
Show moreNanotechnology is growing rapidly. Nanoparticles (NPs) are being used in a large range of commercial products throughout the world, from disinfecting medical devices and home appliances to being used in water treatment. Due to the NP’s small sizes (1-100 nm), they are able to diffuse into living organisms with ease; moreover, their physicochemical properties (size, shape, coating) may cause them to produce adverse effects in living organisms. Hence, the toxicity of nanoparticles has to be studied in order to understand the possible effects of these nanomaterials in living tissue. Zebrafish (Danio rerio), is an ideal model organism to use to study the toxicity of NPs due to their close homology to the human genome. By studying the green synthesized (GS) silver (Ag) NP effects on the embryonic development of zebrafish, in real time, it is possible to determine the toxicity of the nanoparticles. In this project, Ag NPs were synthesized using an alternative green synthesis with a coat of geraniol (trans-3,7-Dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol). Geraniol was used as a reducing agent in the GS of the Ag NPs. Real-time imaging of the developing zebrafish embryos demonstrated concentration dependent toxicity of this new GS Ag NPs.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0018
Format: Document (PDF)

Grade 3 (4)	+ -
Grade 5 (4)	+ -
Integrons (4)	+ -
Grade 2 (3)	+ -
Grade 4 (3)	+ -

Antibiotic Resistance (2)	+ -
Antibiotics. (2)	+ -
Bacteriophage (2)	+ -
Barefoot Beach Preserve (2)	+ -
Climate change. (2)	+ -
Energy. (2)	+ -
Geology. (2)	+ -
Gopher tortoise (2)	+ -
Gopherus polyphemus (2)	+ -
MRSA (2)	+ -
Research. (2)	+ -
Resveratrol (2)	+ -
Toxicity (2)	+ -
Zebrafish (2)	+ -
plant (2)	+ -
plant food (2)	+ -
prevention (2)	+ -
recreational waters (2)	+ -
seed (2)	+ -
16S rRNA genes (1)	+ -
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