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Abstracts for Fall Oral Presentation Session 1

December 3rd, 2024 | 10:30am - 11:25am | SUB 320

• 10:30 a.m. - Ivy Beckman - Love at First Sight: Exploring how Secure Attachment Affects Love Language

  Additional Authors: Olivia Damron
  Mentors: Xin Zhao
  College: Social & Behavioral Sciences
  Department: Psychological Sciences
  Abstract:  Our study was based on a previous research methods class study that examined the possible relationship between one's early attachment styles with caretakers and their reported preferred love language in later adulthood. Parental attachment was the quasi-independent variable, and love language was the dependent variable. The parental attachment of the participant was measured using a modified version of the ECR-RS- Relationship Structures Measure (Fraley et. al., 2011). Love language was measured through a modified version of The Language Profile developed by Chapman (2015). We did not find a significant association between attachment style and love language in the initial study. However, in the current study, we explored the most common attachment style (72% of initial study data), Secure attachment further. We thought it would be interesting to understand the different love language expressions of those who are securely attached. The data has also been analyzed by gender, to illustrate men vs women's propensity toward the different love languages. Overall, we can conclude that early positive attachments with caretakers are related to love expression via language, which could lead to happier and healthier relationships. Current limitations and recommendations are also provided for future research.

• 10:50 a.m. - Kobe Christensen - A review of stem cell dynamics in zebrafish for stem cell therapy

  Mentor: Elizabeth Sandquist
  College: Science
  Department: Zoology
  Abstract:  An estimated 19.8 million Americans aged 40 or older are living with degenerative retinal diseases like macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Stem cell transplantation provides a promising outlook on potentially curing these diseases and restoring vision. A considerable challenge of stem cell therapy is the survival and migration of newly transplanted cells into the host retina, as only a minute fraction of the stem cells survive. Modifying the environment into which these cells are placed may promote better integration of transplanted stem cells. This environment, called the extracellular matrix (ECM), is a sophisticated system of biomolecules that can regulate signaling between cells, such as those for stem cell migration and maturation into cell types needed after injury. Zebrafish provide an insightful model for investigating stem cell therapy because, unlike humans, they have a remarkable ability to regenerate their retina after injury. It is likely that this repair process involves modification of the ECM to promote stem cell migration and development. Unfortunately, very little is known about how this environment changes after injury and during the regeneration process in zebrafish. This literature review aims to characterize the zebrafish retinal ECM, highlighting the need for further research. We will a) summarize previous studies to create a comprehensive description of the retinal environment in healthy, injured, and regenerating zebrafish, b) compare and contrast zebrafish vs human extracellular matrix, and c) identify components of the ECM that could be modified to enhance stem cell migration and maturation, processes that are essential for successful integration of transplanted cells. Understanding zebrafish-specific ECM remodeling pathways may offer insight for potential strategies in improving stem cell therapy outcomes in humans.

• 11:10 a.m. - Kenley Stanger - Discovering Behavioral Consistency in Bornean Orangutans

  Mentor: John Mull
  College: Science
  Department: Zoology
  Abstract:  This study examines the consistency of activity patterns in a female Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), essentially asking the question: How long must we study the same individual until their behavior becomes indicative of their long term, everyday behaviors? Over a three-day period, we followed a focal female and her infant in their natural habitat, recording her behavior at two-minute intervals to create an updated activity budget. Activities such as eating, resting, and moving were documented, and specific feeding behaviors were noted, including the types of food consumed. This short-term dataset was then compared to long-term activity data collected over six years, providing valuable insights into behavioral stability over time. The results indicate consistency in activity and behavior, with the focal orangutan's recent activity patterns aligning closely with her historical averages. This suggests a high degree of behavioral predictability in female Bornean orangutans. In wild orangutan research, the length of a "follow" is somewhat arbitrary and is chosen based mostly on logistics and the research question itself. Little to no analysis has been done to determine what length of follow is sufficient for behavioral studies. Findings from our study contribute to our understanding of orangutan behavior and will help to determine the appropriate length of a focal orangutan follow.