Presentations
The Presenter Directory is organized by last name. This is the best way to view the presenter’s project information.
The Symposium Schedule provides an overview of the agenda for the day. If you are looking for a specific session schedule, use the Session Schedule.
Understanding developmental and molecular changes that trigger floral organ abscission in Aquilegia coerulea
Session 6: Oral, Biological Sciences (NIH RISE)
Time: 9:45 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Ana Alcaraz
Faculty Mentor(s): Bharti Sharma
Abstract:While the flowers may be the most visually charismatic aspect of the plants, they are also highly complex. Post maturation, the flower organs shed through a highly regulated process of organ abscission. Genetic studies on organ abscission of economically important flowering plants are in their infancy. Using Aquilegia coerulea (Columbines) as a model system, the proposed project goals are to understand the following: 1) Morphological and developmental changes underlying floral organ expansion and maturation. 2) The genetic basis of floral organ maturation and identification of potential candidate genes that can delay the process of organ shedding. We are using histology and scanning electron microscopy to determine the exact timing of the abscission zone (AZ) formation in floral organs. The AZ area from the receptacle, petals, and sepals from young and matured flowers is collected for RNA-seq. The proposed experiment will help to capture differentially expressed genes in the early and late developmental stages of floral organs. Identified potential candidate genes can be tested through functional genetic studies in the future.
Health and Wellbeing of First-Generation Undergraduate Student Leaders
Session 3: Oral, Interdisciplinary
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Marina Alvarado
Faculty Mentor(s): Jose Aguilar Hernandez
Abstract:Student leaders have increased responsibilities compared to their peers due to the positions they hold. First-generation college students may carry additional responsibilities due to their limited social capital in the academic setting and perceived lack of resources. The stressors that first-generation student leaders face may impact the way that they prioritize their health in relation to their schoolwork and other responsibilities. Here, I investigate the ways that student leaders at Cal Poly Pomona utilize their time in relation to their health and wellbeing, looking specifically at first-generation college students and how holding that identity may impact their decision-making process. The results of this study can be used to inform higher education institutions to consider how the distribution of resources available to students ensures that they are reaching their intended population, including first-generation students.
Synthesis of Nickel Catalysis with Bidentate Carbene Ligands
Session 6: Oral, Biological Sciences (NIH RISE)
Time: 10:45 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Briana Arreaga
Faculty Mentor(s): Chantel Stieber
Abstract:Precious transition metals, such as ruthenium and palladium, are used as catalysts in the making of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals however, these elements oftentimes are expensive and not very Earth abundant. This has resulted in research into first row transition metals, including iron and nickel, which are more prevalent and less costly than many of the metals that are currently being used in catalysis. Nickel complexes have been synthesized where it is bounded to bidentate N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands. The NHC ligands were made by synthesizing mesitylimidazole and using it to make a bis(imidazolium)salt ligand precursor, [MesNHC2Me][Br]2. Following addition of KHMDS as a strong non-nucleophilic base, the free ligand was reacted with Ni(COD)2 to form the nickel complex, (MesNHC2Me)Ni(COD), which was recently reported by our group and crystallographically characterized. The complex was characterized by 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Nickel complexes, such as this, may be cost effective catalysts alternative for a variety of chemical transformations.
Understanding the Acculturation Processes of U.S. Born Latina/o/x Adults
Session 8: Poster, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Time: 1:05 PM
Location: Online
Authors: Ruben Arredondo
Faculty Mentor(s): Alejandro Morales
Abstract:The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore and understand the acculturation process in U.S. born Latinx adults who relocated, temporarily or permanently to any Latin American country during their childhood who later returned to the U.S. Circular migration in U.S born Latinx individuals, has received little attention in the psychological literature. This two-way, repetitive relocation may not fit in with the current models of migration and acculturation. Although the evidence for the impact of the acculturation process and acculturative stress on Latinx mental health is accumulating, we still know little about the processes that support positive adjustment. A better understanding of the potential protective processes that may alleviate the risks could provide valuable information for the development of interventions to mitigate the negative effects of stressors such the process of acculturation. Participants will be recruited using snowball sampling methods and the sample will consist of U.S. born Latinx individuals, who are 18 or older and engaged in the process of circular migration. A semi-structured interview protocol will developed consisting of questions focused around demographics and lived experiences. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom or any other video conference software available to the participants. Data will be analyzed through thematic analysis. We expect that 5-8 themes will emerge from the data analysis. These will be carefully analyzed to grasp a better understanding of the processes and experiences involved in this phenomena.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure for Stormwater Managment
Session 4: Oral, Engineering and Physical Sciences
Time: 11:45 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Jonathan Aviles
, Jason Diaz
, Eduardo Flores
Faculty Mentor(s): Ali Sharbat
, Jian Huang
Abstract:In recent years California has experienced severe drought and as a result the people of LA County have voted for Measure W. Measure W is a multi-benefit policy that provides cities with funding to capture, recycle and treat stormwater in preparation for drought. The policy results in increasing local water resources, cleaning contaminated water providing protection for the environment, and public health. Implementing Measure W will recreate and improve Los Angeles County's water infrastructure to save more rainwater. This study proposes implementing possible water conservation techniques in Cal Poly Pomona to improve the campus's stormwater management using Measure W funds. Potential methods that are suitable for Southern California's climate to collect stormwater are rain gardens and dry wells.The plan to improve Cal Poly Pomona's stormwater management is placing the previous conservation methods in large areas such as parking structures. The primary plan is to build three rain gardens and one dry well in the parking lot F near South University Drive since the structure has a notable change in elevation where runoff water could be collected. Implementing this plan could save an estimated value of 340,000 gallons of water annually. The total cost to execute this project was estimated to be $20,000 to $30,000. To further improve water conservation at Cal Poly Pomona these methods could also be applied to parking lots throughout the campus.
The California Lifer Paradox
Session 8: Poster, Behavioral and Social Sciences
Time: 1:10 PM
Location: Online
Authors: Victor Baserga
Faculty Mentor(s): Gabriele Plickert
Abstract:California has about 565,000 residents incarcerated in local jails, state/federal prisons, juvenile detentions, or under involuntary supervision. The latter comprises 90,000 formerly incarcerated persons on parole and another 236,000 on probation. Incarcerated persons experience significant challenges of managing and coping with long-term incarceration. Some survive prison by adopting risky behavior, while others find a middle ground by developing positive behavior through education and self-help programs. Because of these variant social-psychological pathways of incarcerated citizens, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms of recidivism before release and while on parole. In this mixed methods study, we investigate the mechanisms that drive low recidivism rates among paroled lifers. We aim to answer the following: 1)Why do paroled lifers recidivate in significantly lower rates than other returning citizens?, 2) Is the aging-out phenomena solely responsible for the lower recidivism rate?, 3) To what extent do resiliency, education, and self-development programs contribute to the lower recidivism rates?
First phylogenomic analysis of the nudibranch suborder Doridina, using RNA-sequencing data
Session 6: Oral, Biological Sciences (NIH RISE)
Time: 10:15 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Eric Breslau
Faculty Mentor(s): Angel Valdes
Abstract:Nudibranchia is a diverse group of sea slugs characterized by the lack of a protective shell, which is lost during metamorphosis to adult stage. This has hypothetically promoted the evolution of alternative defense mechanisms within Nudibranchia including chemical, visual (crypsis, mimicry), and cleptodefense; using cnidocytes from their cnidarian prey. Despite the wealth of information we have gained from this group, we have yet to understand how these defense strategies have evolved throughout the group due to a lack of sufficient genetic data. While traditional Sanger sequencing has been very successful in elucidating relationships at shallower taxonomic levels, it has been problematic for resolving deeper nodes necessary for large clade reconstructions. RNA-sequencing, a next generation sequencing (NGS) technique, provides a more cost-efficient method for producing larger datasets and has been successfully applied across many groups, including one of the two major clades within Nudibranchia, Cladobranchia. This study aims at resolving the second major group within Nudibranchia, Doridina, using RNA-sequencing data in order to understand evolutionary patterns within this clade.
Love learning about different cultures? It's good news for your creativity
Session 5: Oral, Business and Administration
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Jinfeng Chen
Faculty Mentor(s): Zeynep Aytug
Abstract:Globalization significantly contributes to increased interactions between individuals from various national cultural backgrounds. This trend continues to draw researchers' interest in national multicultural experiences (MCEs) and their impacts on creative performance. Studies have demonstrated that MCEs have a positive influence on creative thinking; however, current literature on the relationship between different types of MCEs and creativity is limited. This study examines the effects of two types of MCEs-multicultural exposures and multicultural interactions-on individual creative performance. The moderating effects of positivity/negativity of individual experience in this relationship will also be examined.
Culture’s Impact on How Consumers Use the Seven Functions of Social Media
Session 5: Oral, Business and Administration
Time: 11:30 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Grant Chic
, Jillian Munoz
, Daniel Chow
, Sarah Borsaly
Faculty Mentor(s): Jae Min Jung
, Mehrdad Koohikamali
Abstract:Social media has provided individuals and brands alike with a platform to form communities, cultivate relationships, and share content. Incorporating social social networking sites (SNS) and microblogging services has become essential for companies' digital marketing campaigns and the viable option for customer relationship management (CRM). In this research, we utilize a honeycomb framework with seven social media functions (Kietzmann et al., 2012) ― conversations, presence, groups, sharing, relationships, identity, and reputation ― as a guide to investigate social media user behaviors and draw on cross-cultural research literature as well as marketing literature. In existing social media marketing literature, there is very little theory-based research about the role of culture on consumers' social media use behaviors. Thus, we investigate the effects of individualism and collectivism cultural dimension on consumers' social media use behaviors. The insights gathered from observing natural, consumer behaviors will contribute to international advertising and marketing literature. Further, this study will benefit multinational companies by providing them with strategies appropriate for the culture of the host country in building brand equity and loyalty.
Infrared Thermal Imaging of Horses in Endurance Rides
Session 2: Oral, Biological and Ag Sciences
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Eric Cruz
Faculty Mentor(s): Cord Brundage
Abstract:The goal of this project is to use infrared thermal imaging to look at the surface temperature of horses before and after exertion after participating in an endurance ride. The horses would participate in either a 30 mile or 50 mile ride at the Fire Mountain Ride. This project looks at the color patterns of the surface temperature of the horses to determine if there are any changes after the 30 or 50 mile rides. Their surface temperatures would be measured before participating in the ride and after by capturing images of the front half, the back half, and the whole body of the horse. Surface temperature color patterns can change when an animal experiences stress or injury. Infrared thermal imaging is an alternative method to checking the surface temperature of animals because it is the least invasive method and is less likely to cause stress. Stress can cause a change in temperature and can lead to an incorrect diagnosis if there is a potential injury.
Selected poetry
Session 7: Poetry (Pomona Valley Review)
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Online
Authors: John Danho
Faculty Mentor(s): n/a
Abstract:n/a
Managing Enhanced Risk through Contracts in the Mega-Project Era
Session 10: Poster, Engineering and Computer Science
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Online
Authors: Hajer Dawoody
Faculty Mentor(s): Ghada Gad
Abstract: The proper allocation and mitigation of risks on transportation projects is a necessity that can prevent millions of dollars in damage, litigation, and reduce project failures. This becomes even more evident as mega-scale projects, that have drastically increased in size and complexity, have become more common. Within these mega-projects, risk allocation is even more crucial as their time and cost implications are astronomical. This is especially true within contracts, which are used as vehicles to allocate a plethora of risks to different parties within these projects. There is a wealth of research and reports on risk management and allocation within transportation projects, in general (NCHRP Report 658; NCHRP LRD 74; NCHRP LRD 67). However, there is an evident gap in literature on research that focuses on risk management and allocation through contractual documents, specifically for varying project sizes, as well as project delivery methods. This research objective is, thus to provide guidance on contractual provisions designed to reduce and/or avoid claims and disputes within mega-transportation projects. This will be achieved through a review of literature, standard contract forms, and federal and statutory governing legislations, that address and are pertinent to mitigating risks through contractual provision. The paper will accordingly present recommendations on contractual provisions to address such risks given varying project size/complexity and project delivery method.
Synthetic Data Generation for Deep Learning-Based Object Detection
Session 10: Poster, Engineering and Computer Science
Time: 1:10 PM
Location: Online
Authors: Rebecca Gio
, Ameena Khan
, Alisha Islam
Faculty Mentor(s): Hao Ji
Abstract:Deep learning has proven as a technology that it is profoundly changing the world in many real-life applications, such as automatic driving or computer-aided cancer diagnosis. This great success can be attributed to a large amount of labeled data for training deep learning models. However, the creation of labeled data is a time-consuming and tedious process that is usually performed manually by humans. In this project, we are investigating the use of synthetic data to lower the cost of preparing labeled data for training deep learning models. In particular, an automated pipeline is designed to generate a large dataset of labeled images using realistic 3D models of real-world objects and train deep learning models for object detection tasks.
Investigating the Role of FcγRIIa on Neutrophil Ability to Perform Trogocytosis on Trichomonas vaginalis
Session 2: Oral, Biological and Ag Sciences
Time: 9:45 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Emely Giron Perdomo
Faculty Mentor(s): Frances Mercer
Abstract:Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the protozoan pathogen Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv). Tv affects more than 300 million men and women worldwide. It has been shown that neutrophils use a process called trogocytosis to kill Tv. Trogocytosis is a process in which a cell, such as a neutrophil, takes "bites" out of its neighboring target cell. It has been shown that the neutrophil trogocytosis may be regulated by antibody opsonization of its target cell. Opsonization is the coating of a pathogen with antibodies to crosslink cells to the pathogen using Fc surface receptors. Research has shown cell surface receptors, such as FcγRIIa (CD32a) can be important for the trogocytosis mechanism against cancer cells. We hypothesize that CD32a is also important for neutrophils to trogocytose and kill Tv. To test this, we will knock out the CD32a gene using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. We will generate CD32a knockout neutrophil-like cells (NLCs) and perform several assays that will show if trogocytosis was affected by that CD32a knock-out. The presence of CD32 in NLCs has been confirmed through antibody staining and flow cytometry and performed cytolysis assays under different inhibiting conditions of the CD32a receptor. We hope that our findings will give us more insight into the initiation process of trogocytosis of Tv by neutrophils that we can use to create prevention treatments in the future.
Prevention of Genital Herpes Using Adjuvanted Liposomal gD3pep Vaccines
Session 6: Oral, Biological Sciences (NIH RISE)
Time: 11:15 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Edgar Gonzalez
Faculty Mentor(s): Jill Adler-Moore
Abstract:Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2) are equally responsible for genital herpes infections that affect over 400 million people worldwide. Presently, there is no vaccine for either virus. We tested adjuvanted liposomes conjugated to gD3pep, an HSV-2 peptide, against HSV infection in BALB/c mice. Adjuvants included MPL, MTP-PE, LT1, or CDN for HSV-1 and QS-21, GPI-0100, and Pam3CAG, or no adjuvant for HSV-2, with PBS as the control. Mice (n=21/group HSV-1; n=17/group HSV-2) received vaccine or PBS subcutaneously d0, d14, d28. Serum/spleens were harvested d31 (n=7/group HSV-1; n=5/group HSV-2) to determine HSV neutralizing antibody titers, anti-gD3pep IgG isotype concentrations, and cytokine secretion. Mice (n=7/group) were challenged intravaginally d35 with either HSV-1 or HSV-2 and monitored for morbidity for four weeks. Viral burden was determined in spinal cord samples collected d42 (n=7/group). Survival was 86% with CDN, 71% with MPL, 57% with MTP-PE, and 14% with both LT1 and PBS in HSV-1 challenged mice. HSV-2 infected mice had 57% survival for QS-21 and GPI-0100, 29% for Pam3CAG or no adjuvant, and 0% for PBS. CDN and MPL (HSV-1) and QS-21, GPI-0100, and Pam3CAG (HSV-2) had significantly lower spinal cord viral burden compared to PBS (p≤0.0210 and p≤0.0079, respectively). CDN and MPL (HSV-1) and QS-21, GPI-0100, and Pam3CAG (HSV-2) stimulated a Th1 response, while MTP-PE and LT1 only stimulated Th2 cells, based on anti-gD3pep IgG isotyping and cytokine secretion. These results suggest that a cell-mediated immune response is necessary for optimal protection against either HSV-1 or HSV-2.
3D Reconstruction Using RGB-D Cameras
Session 10: Poster, Engineering and Computer Science
Time: 1:05 PM
Location: Online
Authors: Julio Juarez
, Warnakulasuriya Fernando
Faculty Mentor(s): Hao Ji
Abstract:RGB-D cameras are enabling new approaches to obtaining depth information of a scenery or object for 3D reconstruction. In this project, we are investigating a cost-effective way to reconstruct 3D objects using RGB-D data. With the RGB-D data captured by multiple depth cameras, a density-based clustering algorithm is employed to convert them to point clouds. Afterward, geometric registration is performed to generate a seamless 3D model from several overlapping point clouds.
The Effect of Environmental Enrichment on the Number of NADPH-d Positive Interneurons in the Dentate Gyrus of the Rat Dorsal Hippocampus
Session 2: Oral, Biological and Ag Sciences
Time: 10:15 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Zuhayr Khan
Faculty Mentor(s): Glenn Kageyama
Abstract:Exposure to an enriched environment has been shown to be beneficial to brain structure and cognition by preserving neuronal integrity and strengthening the functioning and plasticity of neural circuits [1]. These benefits derive from the added spatial, social, and sensory complexities in an enriched environment [2]. It has recently been established that physical exercise and enriched environments stimulate adult neurogenesis [3] and differentiation in dentate granule cells (DGCs) [4] in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. However, possible changes in other cell types, particularly interneurons, has remained elusive. Interneurons are an integral regulator in neurotransmission in the hippocampus. Damage to hippocampal interneurons have serious implications and lead to a decline in cognitive abilities [5]. Our study sought to elucidate possible changes in a subclass of interneurons affected by exposure to an enriched environment (EE) and enriched changing (EC) environment. The topographic arrangement of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) positive interneurons was studied in the dentate gyrus of the rat dorsal hippocampus. We observed an increase in the number of NADPH-d positive neurons found in both enrichment groups. The elevated level of NADPH-d activity was represented uniformly across all six layers of the dentate gyrus and was most significant in the expected granular cell layer (GRCL) and infragranular zone (infraGRZ). The overall results suggest that the brain has the ability to adapt to increased amounts of sensory stimulation. These changes highlight a new mechanism of physiological homeostasis; with an increased demand for energy from new-born DGCs and increased input, the brain will regulate its energy expenditure via an increase in either the activity of existing interneurons, or the actual number of interneurons. Further research will involve observing the differences to the ventral hippocampus, CA1, and CA3 regions, and the effects on other specific subpopulations of interneurons.
NISSL AS A COUNTERSTAIN FOR THE NADPH-DIAPHORASE HISTOCHEMICAL REACTION IN NEURAL AND EPITHELIAL TISSUE
Session 9: Poster, Bio, Ag, Health, and Physical Sciences
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: Online
Authors: Zuhayr Khan
, Aayushi Mardia
, Jordan Wong
Faculty Mentor(s): Glenn Kageyama
Abstract:Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd) histochemistry is used to study nitric oxide (NO) synthesizing, nitrergic, cells. NADPHd histochemistry stains discrete populations of interneurons that produce neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), nNOS Type 1 and nNOS Type 2, throughout the central nervous system, providing a Golgi-like appearance where the stained cells are shown in their entirety; including all of the dendrites, many axons, and the soma. Due to only specific subpopulations of cells being stained by this technique, it is not possible to know exactly where these neurons, axon arbors, or other nitrergic cells are located relative to other structures. It would be desirable to have a counterstain that provides a clear visualization between the stained nitrergic cells and the other cell types located in the same area. The NADPHd histochemical technique involves the formation of a soluble, dark blue formazan reaction product from nitro-blue tetrazolium (NBT). Unfortunately, formazan tends to be lost during standard procedures for Nissl counterstaining due to its soluble nature. By minimizing the exposure of the formazan reaction product to lower grades of ethanol and the Nissl dye, we have developed a Nissl counterstaining protocol that is suitable to use with the NADPHd reaction in both nervous and endothelial tissue. The new staining protocol will enable one to quantitate the percent of NADPHd stained cells or tissue in a given area, and determine how they relate to different neuronal nuclei, tissue layers and blood vessels.
Transitioning from Intention to Action: Nudging Consumers to Pre-Plan their After Death Arrangements
Session 5: Oral, Business and Administration
Time: 11:15 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Cailin Kuchenbecker
Faculty Mentor(s): Jae Min Jung
Abstract:The death service industry has a long history of misleading vulnerable consumers who are faced with the stressful, time sensitive, and costly task of laying their loved one to rest. Even though regulations were enacted in 1984 requiring more transparency in death industry businesses (e.g. funeral homes), laws protecting vulnerable consumers remain murky. One way to protect consumers is to encourage them to pre-plan their own after death arrangements while they are rational decision makers. Seeking death services before those services are needed will result in a less vulnerable consumer having more time to seek information and make deliberate decisions. While research shows that a majority of individuals believe that pre-planning their death arrangements is important, less than 10% do so. Previous research has identified a distinct gap between an individual's intention to pre-plan and actually taking the steps to pre-plan. This study identifies patterns and possible catalysts that bridge the gap between intention and actual pre-planning behavior. The expected contribution of this research is to contribute to existing transformative consumer research on the death service industry and provide a better understanding of consumers who will be more receptive to different pre-planning marketing strategies (e.g. nudge) for governmental and consumer advocate social programs.
Selected poetry
Session 7: Poetry (Pomona Valley Review)
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Online
Authors: Ryan Leack
Faculty Mentor(s): n/a
Abstract:n/a