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Title: Comprehensive Study on the Biomechanics of Rowing.
Creator: Novotny, Diego, Middaugh, Luke, Sanchez, Francia, Thibodeau, Samantha, Rojas, Tomas, Visness, Erica, Witham, Janvier, Lynch, Morgan, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: The goal of this study was to find ways to improve rowing performance (measured by power output) and to avoid injury. Power output was used to define better rowing technique, with better technique being related to higher power. Aspects investigated for their effect on power were angles of the knee, elbow, and wrist; back lean; back curvature; changes in breathing pattern; and power 10. The risk for increased back injury was defined the moment when the product of back speed and force on the...
Show moreThe goal of this study was to find ways to improve rowing performance (measured by power output) and to avoid injury. Power output was used to define better rowing technique, with better technique being related to higher power. Aspects investigated for their effect on power were angles of the knee, elbow, and wrist; back lean; back curvature; changes in breathing pattern; and power 10. The risk for increased back injury was defined the moment when the product of back speed and force on the body was the highest. It was found that increased back lean, exhaling during catch, and calling a power 10 increased power. No clear relationship between power and wrist angle, knee angle, or back curvature was found. Also, the most likely time to injure the lower back was halfway through the stroke, when the rowers starts to pull with the back.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0036
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Conservation Strategy and Method Analysis of a Nature Center.
Creator: Gonzalez, Anthony, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: In a nature center, interpretive learning tools are used to contribute to the overall visitor experience in a positive, enlightening, provocative, and meaningful way (Ward, pg, 47, 2018). Nature centers are structured to be non-formal, out of school interpretations of education to provide visitors with information that will alter their view of the natural world. The goal for a nature center is to have its interpretations attract, communicate, inspire, and help visitors get what they are...
Show moreIn a nature center, interpretive learning tools are used to contribute to the overall visitor experience in a positive, enlightening, provocative, and meaningful way (Ward, pg, 47, 2018). Nature centers are structured to be non-formal, out of school interpretations of education to provide visitors with information that will alter their view of the natural world. The goal for a nature center is to have its interpretations attract, communicate, inspire, and help visitors get what they are seeking (Ward, pg. 47, 2018). In the nature center, there are four sections that can be split up in order to record data including Pine Uplands/ Panther Crossing, Everglades, Beach, and Ocean. As guests walk into the nature center, their experience is noted as well as the number of individuals in their group without their knowledge. The area that they spend time in will be noted, how long they spend in the enclosure, as well as other notes. With these objectives in mind, this observational study will determine if the nature center at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida needs to be redesigned depending on the level of interaction with the learning tools. This will be determined according to the value that guests place on a nature center’s interpretations of conservation strategies and methods during their visit. Therefore, if the guests cannot interact with the interpretations, for example touched or moved by the guests, then the visitors will spend the most time in areas they can interact with.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0082
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Creating an Environmental Education Framework by Identifying Best Practices at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Creator: Castro, Tatiana, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: As environmental education (EE) is evolving as a discipline of education, there is a lack of research-based models for informal science educators. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida (COSWFL), works to educate primarily through environmental education programs catered to the community. By surveying the team at the COSWFL, results include qualities that are essential in an outdoor interpretive space. Feedback also includes challenges, changes, and ideas that participants have considered...
Show moreAs environmental education (EE) is evolving as a discipline of education, there is a lack of research-based models for informal science educators. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida (COSWFL), works to educate primarily through environmental education programs catered to the community. By surveying the team at the COSWFL, results include qualities that are essential in an outdoor interpretive space. Feedback also includes challenges, changes, and ideas that participants have considered integral in establishing an effective outdoor nature trail. Three major themes have been highlighted through a phenomenographic approach. Through an evaluation of the nature trails at the Conservancy, the main themes have been used to develop an evaluation framework which staff can use to improve their outdoor spaces in a way that promotes their mission of environmental stewardship. This research is a great assistance in evaluating the best practices for EE programs and setting a standard for outdoor education with applications not just locally, but across the state as well.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0088
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Cultural Competency for Student Registered Nurse Anesthetists Combatting Health Disparities.
Creator: Belizaire, Daniel, FGCU Research Day
Abstract/Description: Health care disparities occur due to cultural and linguistic barriers, subtle bias, and prejudice. Enhancing cultural competency of future clinicians is essential in combatting health disparities. Research indicates that minorities in the United States are plagued by health care disparities. Therefore, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) should become cultural competent to decrease health disparities and improve health outcomes. A...
Show moreHealth care disparities occur due to cultural and linguistic barriers, subtle bias, and prejudice. Enhancing cultural competency of future clinicians is essential in combatting health disparities. Research indicates that minorities in the United States are plagued by health care disparities. Therefore, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) and student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) should become cultural competent to decrease health disparities and improve health outcomes. A secondary data analysis indicates that minority parturients are at higher odds of receiving general anesthesia in comparison to whites despite general anesthesia’s higher rates of maternal mortality. Three articles underline the importance of incorporating cultural competence into nursing education. One article revealed how Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia introduced cultural competency into its program curriculum. One article delineates high-fidelity simulation to show its effectiveness in preparing SRNAs to provide congruent, efficient, and culturally competent care. Nurse anesthesia programs require attainment of knowledge and necessary skills for patient safety, critical thinking, communication, and anesthetic management. CRNAs and SRNAs should be capable of providing individualized anesthetic management and culturally competent anesthetic care. Accomplishing these goals include having well developed modules intertwined into the program’s curriculum. Cultural competency training modules should allow students the opportunity to apply learned cultural knowledge to enhance cultural competent communication skills. After an in-depth review of the literature, cultural competence emerged as a social solution that has the promise and capacity to help reduce health disparities affecting minorities in the United States. Causes of current health care disparities include failures in the health care system, cultural and linguistic barriers, and subtle bias and prejudice during the clinical encounter. Among methods that must be implemented to reduce health care disparities, enhancing the cultural competence of future clinicians such as SRNAs is a major proponent of these tactics.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0013
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Delirium Prevention in the ICU: A Literature Review.
Creator: Chakonas, Stephanie, Mandell, Aubree, German, Brianna, Regan, Ana, Rosa, Yesenia, FGCU Research Day
Abstract/Description: Patients admitted to the intensive care unit have been identified as having a predisposition to states of delirium, placing them at high risk for negative outcomes. Delirium within this setting has a direct correlation with adverse occurrences such as prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, increased length of hospital stays, higher mortality rates, and greater overall cost. Additionally, delirium has both short and long-term effects on patients’ levels of functioning and cognition,...
Show morePatients admitted to the intensive care unit have been identified as having a predisposition to states of delirium, placing them at high risk for negative outcomes. Delirium within this setting has a direct correlation with adverse occurrences such as prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, increased length of hospital stays, higher mortality rates, and greater overall cost. Additionally, delirium has both short and long-term effects on patients’ levels of functioning and cognition, deleterious effects that may or may not ever fully resolve. Poor outcomes such as these should be avoided at all costs considering that delirium is indeed a preventable condition. It is the duty of those working in health care to provide both safe and patient-centered care practices. Nurses, in particular, spend a great amount of time with their patients and have the utmost advantage in their position at the bedside to both detect and prevent delirium in the ICU. For this literature review, a pursuit of knowledge and interventions surrounding delirium prevention have been sought after and recommended to be incorporated into practice in order to better care for these patient populations during this vulnerable time. Upon review, the following prevention strategies have been identified: early mobilization, physical therapy, reorientation, cognitive stimulation, drug reviews, awakening and breathing coordination, environmental stimulation and avoidance of sensory deprivation, pain control, restraint use avoidance, family participation, early participation of the health care team, shared leadership, providing adequate nutrition, fluid and electrolyte monitoring, use of the patient’s glasses or hearing aids, prevention of infection, promotion of family visits, use of the “THINK” pneumonic, minimizing the use of sedative medications, avoiding benzodiazepines, adequate oxygenation, sleep promotion, use of observational screening tools, and frequent status checks. We should also remain cognizant of the predisposing and non-modifiable risk factors of delirium such as alcohol or substance abuse, smoking, hypertension, dementia, mental illness, severity of illness, and older age. It has been concluded that by raising awareness through education and implementation of the items discussed, nurses can in fact better prevent delirium through quality improvement and patient-centered care practices in order to decrease mortality rates, reduce incidences of long term cognitive impairment, avoid prolonged length of stays, and mitigate sustained mechanical ventilation.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0014
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Determining antiseptic efficiency of Plant Aromatic Compounds against Planktonic and Biofilm S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
Creator: Jaime, Stephanie, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this research is to find a potential alternative way to stop bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The importance of this research is to establish whether or not plant aromatic compounds (also known as essential oils) are capable of creating a zone of inhibition to prevent bacterial growth against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the planktonic and biofilm form. Both of these bacterium are known to have antibiotic and drug...
Show moreThe purpose of this research is to find a potential alternative way to stop bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The importance of this research is to establish whether or not plant aromatic compounds (also known as essential oils) are capable of creating a zone of inhibition to prevent bacterial growth against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the planktonic and biofilm form. Both of these bacterium are known to have antibiotic and drug resistance. Three oils were assigned at random only labeled by an identifying number. The names of the oils were not revealed until the end to not cause bias. The oils I used are: Neroli, Patchouli and Peppermint. We learned that the dosage of the three oils we administered for planktonic S. aureus are sufficient enough to create a zone of inhibition. The dosage of Neroli and Peppermint administered for planktonic P. aeruginosa was not effective in creating a zone of inhibition. The use of Patchouli created a zone of inhibition in trial 2 against the planktonic P. aeruginosa. The results against the biofilm bacteria are different. The dosage of the three oils had no effect on S. aureus. The oils Peppermint and Patchouli had no effect against P. aeruginosa, but the oil Neroli was capable of creating a zone of inhibition.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0081
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Determining the Antibiofilm Activity of Black Pepper, Carrot Seed, and Cassia Essential Oils against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Creator: Suardiaz, Jessica, Swearingen, Matthew, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are infectious pathogens that are commonly acquired in hospitals. S. aureus is known to cause skin infections in people, such as abscesses, but they can also cause life-threatening diseases such as meningitis and sepsis. P. aeruginosa, apart from skin and ear infections, is known for its ability to form biofilms on patients’ catheters, and can be fatal to immunocompromised patients. The massive use of antibiotics has led these bacteria to...
Show moreStaphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are infectious pathogens that are commonly acquired in hospitals. S. aureus is known to cause skin infections in people, such as abscesses, but they can also cause life-threatening diseases such as meningitis and sepsis. P. aeruginosa, apart from skin and ear infections, is known for its ability to form biofilms on patients’ catheters, and can be fatal to immunocompromised patients. The massive use of antibiotics has led these bacteria to become resistant towards them. Due to this resistance, plant aromatic compounds are being considered to combat the formation of biofilms. This study examined the antibiofilm activity of black pepper, carrot seed and cassia oil against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Results show cassia oil exhibited antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa. Cassia oil had zones of inhibition (ZOI) of 36.7 ± .37 mm in preformed P. aeruginosa and 31.8 ± 3.7 mm in planktonic P. aeruginosa. Cassia oil also had a ZOI of 17.2 ± 2.4mm in planktonic S. aureus. Black pepper oil results only show ZOI of 6.6 ± 1.1 mm for planktonic S. aureus. Carrot seed oil shows no signs of any activity.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0097
Format: Document (PDF)

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: Developing propagation protocols for subtropical ecotypes of partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis) from seed.
Creator: DeYoung, Jessica, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Propagation protocols for native subtropical plants of southern Florida are not readily available. Many naturally occurring species across Florida have been studied for efficient propagation methods. However, Florida has climate conditions ranging from temperate in the north to subtropical in the south. As a result, propagation methods developed in north Florida are likely more suitable for temperate climate ecotypes and may not work for subtropical ecotypes of the same species. Two native...
Show morePropagation protocols for native subtropical plants of southern Florida are not readily available. Many naturally occurring species across Florida have been studied for efficient propagation methods. However, Florida has climate conditions ranging from temperate in the north to subtropical in the south. As a result, propagation methods developed in north Florida are likely more suitable for temperate climate ecotypes and may not work for subtropical ecotypes of the same species. Two native species in the Naples Botanical Garden Preserve, partridge pea (Chamaecrista fasciculata) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), were tested to determine if seed pre-treatment and sowing location influenced germination rates and initial growth. Data collected on germination rates and vertical growth (cm) was analyzed for statistically significant differences using ANOVA. Partridge pea grew best without pretreatment and did not require cold stratification to germinate as indicated in previous research on north Florida ecotypes. Partridge pea did not germinate when inundated with water. Buttonbush had higher germination rates and comparatively greater root mass when propagated outside versus inside of a fog house. The propagation protocols developed in this study can be used to improve success in growing native species in nurseries and habitat restoration in subtropical portions of Florida.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0098
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 seawater with increased acidity on shoreline populations of Rhizophora mangle seedlings.
Creator: Sacco, Kai, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: Effects of climate change come in many forms, one significant alteration being the amount of CO2 the ocean is sequestering. The ocean sequesters CO2 which reacts with H2O to form carbonic acid. This has lead to a rapid change in ocean pH since the influx of emissions beginning in the Industrial Revolution. The contents of this experiment aim to explore the potential impact acidified seawater has on shoreline populations of Rhizophora mangle, red mangrove, that makes up much of southwest...
Show moreEffects of climate change come in many forms, one significant alteration being the amount of CO2 the ocean is sequestering. The ocean sequesters CO2 which reacts with H2O to form carbonic acid. This has lead to a rapid change in ocean pH since the influx of emissions beginning in the Industrial Revolution. The contents of this experiment aim to explore the potential impact acidified seawater has on shoreline populations of Rhizophora mangle, red mangrove, that makes up much of southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems. Decreasing pH could affect mangrove forests by causing stress and reducing their development and survival rates. For this experiment, a baseline pH of 7.67 with two experimental groups subjected to pH levels of 7.37 and 7.07, with dosing occurring on a weekly basis for 3 months with HCl. Growth and development impacts were measured by leaf count and height, with additional qualitative data being taken in stress appearance of seedlings as indicated by yellow coloration of the propagules. Measure of mortality was also taken. In evaluating R. mangle’s tolerance to acidity, inferences about our coastline’s future health can be made and accounted for as Florida makes plans to mitigate the repercussions of climate change on our local ecosystems.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0096
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: Evidence of Hurricane Irma in a Lagoonal Site on Big Hickory Island, Estero, Florida.
Creator: Martin, Tynisha, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract/Description: In September 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall along the coast of Southwest Florida between Cape Sable and Cape Romano as a Category 3 storm. The combined effect of the hurricane’s storm surge and tide produced maximum inundation levels of 0.9-1.5m above ground level in the southwest Florida region. The Estero Bay lagoonal study site is located approximately 64km from the point of initial landfall and is positioned 43-65m from the Gulf of Mexico. Utilizing the hand coring method, several...
Show moreIn September 2017, Hurricane Irma made landfall along the coast of Southwest Florida between Cape Sable and Cape Romano as a Category 3 storm. The combined effect of the hurricane’s storm surge and tide produced maximum inundation levels of 0.9-1.5m above ground level in the southwest Florida region. The Estero Bay lagoonal study site is located approximately 64km from the point of initial landfall and is positioned 43-65m from the Gulf of Mexico. Utilizing the hand coring method, several cores were taken and then sampled at 1cm resolution between 0-30cm using 125μm mesh. The uppermost tempestite (storm layer) was analyzed for grain size, foraminifera species, and percent inorganic material. The presence of a “hurricane signature” from Hurricane Irma was evident in the samples, which included coarser grain size and clays in the top layer. Tempestite layers were thicker from narrower parts of the beach and the presence of Ammonia, Elphidium, and Rosalina floridana foraminifera indicate a marine sediment origin. Further research will be needed to determine the origin of the clays and if more sediment is deposited in the narrower portions of the beach for the entire lagoon.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0086
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)

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