Academic Preparation, Recruitment & Outreach

2025 MSRIP Symposium Photos

2025 Symposium Abstracts

• Aaron Hall, Computer Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Shawn Westerdale, UCR Department of Physics and Astronomy

   

  Simulating DarkSide-20k: Detector Geometry and Event Visualization Using ROOT and VIRTUE

   

  DarkSide-20k is an underground dark matter detector currently under construction at Gran Sasso National Laboratory in Italy, designed to identify Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) using a dual-phase liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC). At UCR, I contributed to the development of simulation infrastructure for this detector using SolidWorks, ROOT, and VIRTUE. I started by working with SolidWorks models of the detector's internal structure, including the stainless-steel vessel, time projection chamber, and outer veto system. Using this geometry as a reference, I ran and analyzed gamma ray particle simulations stored in ROOT files to study energy deposits, particle types, and spatial coordinates of each event. I developed Python scripts to extract this data and convert it into structured JSON files, which were used to render interactive 3D visualizations in the VIRTUE software environment. These visualizations allow researchers to track the movement of particles-such as neutrons or supernova neutrinos—through different detector volumes, and to observe how backgrounds are tagged by the outer veto system. The goal of this simulation work is to understand detector response, evaluate the effectiveness of background rejection techniques, and help prepare for real data collection when DarkSide-20k begins operations. This project allowed me to combine mechanical design, data science, and physics to bring complex particle interactions to life and contribute to the broader effort of dark matter detection and neutrino physics.

• Tiffany Ian, Bioengineering

  Faculty Mentor: Chung-Hao Lee, UCR Department of Bioengineering

   

  Tricuspid Valve Simulation Applied Through the Right Heart Simulator

   

  Every year, many diseases affect the tricuspid valve (TV), such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS). HLHS occurs in around 1 in 3,800 newborns and imposes a 30% mortality rate within the first two weeks of life [Ross et al., 2022]. The TV is not as commonly studied as the other heart valves and lacks sufficient in-vitro models to accurately represent how it functions under real flow and pressure conditions. The Right Heart Simulator (RHS) is a physical testing system that represents how the right-hand side of the heart pumps. The RHS includes multiple chambers, like the atrium, ventricle, and a bladder pump to mimic a heartbeat-like motion, and uses pulsatile flow by collecting flow and pressure data under controlled conditions. This project uses the RHS to compare the behavior of 3D-printed tricuspid valves made from two flexible materials: TPU 85A and TPU 90A, each printed in various thicknesses. Each valve is tested individually for how the material stiffness and flexibility affect the valve function using a removable valve slide that is built into the RHS. Flow rate and pressure measurements are collected on the atrial and ventricular pressure sides of the 3D printed artificial TV. Expected results should show that the TPU 85A valve allows greater forward flow but also leads to slightly higher atrial pressures during regurgitation. Additionally, the TPU 90A valve is expected to close more effectively, which will reduce backward flow. By using the RHS, we can improve potential applications in designing better future bioprosthetic valves.

• Rabyana Iqbal, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: John Franchak, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  Investigating Locomotor Behavior of Infants in their Homes

   

  IInfant locomotion has been studied to investigate how early motor development can influence exploratory behavior. Past studies have highlighted that infants tend to venture out past their mother’s reach more often when provided with objects in the laboratory than when the laboratory remains empty, showing that the presence of objects can induce independent exploratory behaviors (Bowlby, 1969; Hoch et al., 2019). Although these studies found significant differences, they have poor ecological validity since infants are not typically in an enclosed room with no objects lying around. Our study aims to eliminate this issue by investigating infant locomotor behavior in their own homes. Additionally, we want to test if there are any exploratory differences between infants aged 12, 18, and 24 months. We ran a correlational analysis to find the association between infants’ age and the percent of locomotor bouts that the infants spend locomoting away from their mothers. Our results showed a moderate positive correlation between infants’ age and time spent locomoting away. These results suggest that with age and the acquisition of greater motor skills, infants feel comfort in their ability to explore beyond their mother’s vicinity. Although results are highly reflective of how infants typically locomote in their homes on a day-to-day basis, future studies can capture random recordings of infants locomoting throughout the day, rather than recording a clip of the infants locomoting for one consecutive hour.

• Analeah Mafnas, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Lucia, Department for the Study of Religion

   

  Dysfunctional Dynamics in High-Control Ideological Groups: NXIVM, Sarah Lawrence College, The Peoples Temple, and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS)

   

  High-control ideological groups enforce isolated communities based on shared beliefs and often use coercion and intense emotional manipulation to gain the following of members (Coates, 2012). Whether fueled by religious commitment or other motivations, these groups create power dynamics and abusive interactions that form dysfunctional emotional ties between leaders and followers. When manipulation and coercion infiltrate relationships, emotional ties play a role in establishing unhealthy bonds. This research seeks to understand the psychological mechanisms that underlie “trauma bonding” in individuals exposed to prolonged stress or abuse in these settings. This study provides an interdisciplinary approach to identifying psychological factors that make individuals vulnerable to harmful, manipulative groups. The author analyzes memoirs, articles, survivor accounts, and documentaries to observe how these emotional ties motivate members to join and remain affiliated despite abuse. This study focuses on NXIVM, Sarah Lawrence College, The Peoples Temple, and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) to gain knowledge about concerns ranging from sexual abuse to indoctrination. It summarizes evidence of physical, spiritual, psychological, and societal impacts and analyzes psychological tactics that influence power differentials. Understanding these abusive cycles and fear dependency can help mental health practitioners and policymakers develop intervention and prevention strategies for people affected by high-control groups.

• Mindy Ngo, Political Science

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kim Yi Dionne, Department of Political Science

   

  Violence and anti-government attitudes: Evidence from Burkina Faso

   

  A state’s fundamental function is to provide security to its citizens. As such, citizens should hold the state accountable if it fails to ensure their safety. Prior research examined who civilians blame when they experience violence (Condra & Shapiro 2012) and how violence affects civilian loyalties (Schutte 2017). This paper builds on those earlier studies by examining how violence affects anti-government attitudes in Burkina Faso. Do Burkinabes hold their government accountable when they experience violence? I identify trends in where and when violence occurs and shifts in civilian attitudes by spatially joining data from round 9 of the Afrobarometer, a pan-African public attitude survey, and the Armed Conflict Location and Event Dataset (ACLED). I expect that Burkinabes in regions with higher concentrations of violence are more likely to develop and exhibit anti-government attitudes. My contribution to the scholarly literature is in examining through the Burkina Faso case whether states undermine their own legitimacy when they fail to protect their citizens.

• Charlette O'Connor, Data Science

  Faculty Mentor: Zhaowei Tan, UCR Department of Computer Science

   

  Detecting Data Poisoning Attacks by Malicious xApps in the 5G O-RAN Context

   

  Radio Access Network (RAN), widely known as base stations, is a critical component in cellular networks to provide wireless data services. 5G introduces a new approach to RAN, as Open RAN (O-RAN), allowing the traditional hardware base stations of RAN to be virtualized as Cloud supported software. O-RAN is disaggregated into multiple components, each a part of RAN functionality. Additionally, it introduces the RAN Intelligence Controller (RIC) as a new software component that allows the creation and deployment of xApps. These AI-powered components collect and process large amounts of data in order to train their configurations which are used to optimize some specific utilities.

   

  We studied a new cybersecurity concern regarding malicious 3rd party xApps that would abuse authorized privileges to perform data poisoning attacks on other deployed xApps. This would cause the xApps to make wrong decisions and degrade intended optimization, potentially denying service to users. In conducting a case study using a Traffic Steering xApp set-up, we discovered that the attacker could spoof messages to the xApp and initiate false handover. To evaluate how they execute these attacks, we set up srsRAN supported O-RAN test beds that utilizes ZeroMQ (ZMQ) radios that will allow the deployment of the setup and to simulate spoofing attacks. We propose streaming the real-time traffic to an anomaly detection algorithm called Isolation Forest which will be able to detect the unnecessary handover. From there, we will then implement a Decision Tree classifier to distinguish the malicious xApp that executed those spoofing attacks.

• Shubhra Singhal, Bioengineering

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Chung-Hao Lee, UCR Department of Bioengineering

   

  Investigator of the Time Dependent Mechanical Properties Due to Elastin Degradations in Porcine Mitral Valve Anterior Leaflets (MVAL)

   

  Mitral valve degeneration progressively disrupts heart function, reducing tissue flexibility and leading to structural failure as people age [Duca et al., 2016]. The mitral valve, which is located between the left atrium and left ventricle, ensures unidirectional blood flow and prevents valve dysfunction (e.g., regurgitation - the condition that the valve cannot fully close leading to blood back flow into the atrium). Elastin is a key component of the tissue extracellular matrix (ECM) that allows the valve leaflets to stretch and recoil under dynamic cyclic loading. As the elastin degrades, the mechanical load bearing shifts onto stiffer collagen fibers and causes conditions like mitral valve prolapse, disrupting normal circulation and reducing blood ejection efficacy. While previous studies have investigated how the complete removal of elastin affects tissue mechanical behavior, the effects of a progressive degradation on valve tissue mechanics remain unexplored [Ross et al., 2021]. This project aims to fill this gap by examining the time course of tissue mechanical property changes in porcine mitral valve anterior leaflets (MVAL) due to gradual removal of the elastin component in tissue ECM. The relationship between degradation and time will be studied using three experimental procedures: (i) biaxial tension and stress relaxation of an untreated MVAL sample, (ii) enzymatic treatment to selectively degrade elastin at controlled intervals, and (iii) biaxial tensile and stress testing at each stage. Ultimately, this study aims to advance our understanding of aging-related mitral valve degeneration and inform improved surgical techniques through its findings.

   

• Damien Solares Ruiz, Chemical and Environmental Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Ruoxue Yan, UCR Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

   

  Investigating Silver Nanocubes for Applications in Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

   

  Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive analytical technique that determines the identity and structure of a molecule based on intramolecular vibrations and their interactions with light. Since Raman signals are usually weak, a technique called surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) can be used to amplify Raman signals up to 11 orders of magnitude. (Blackie et al., 2009). This large enhancement factor makes SERS useful for biosensing applications, such as the detection of cancer biomarkers and even single molecules. (Xu et al., 2023). In this study, silver nanocubes (AgNCs) were used as SERS substrates because their sharp cube corners generate regions of intense electromagnetic fields, known as “hotspots,” which enhance Raman scattering. Purified AgNCs were functionalized with three different ligands: 4-aminothiophenol, 6-mercaptopyridine-3-carboxylic acid, and cysteamine using a ligand-exchange process. The functionalized AgNCs were drop-cast onto a silicon wafer to be analyzed by Raman spectroscopy. A preliminary Raman spectral analysis revealed a clear set of characteristic vibrational peaks for 4-aminothiophenol, suggesting strong adsorption and SERS enhancement. Spectra associated with the other ligands are currently being evaluated to determine their relative signal strengths and vibrational features. Future work aims to use a nano-sieve device to further increase the SERS enhancement effect by spatially confining the AgNCs.

• Kendall Sullivan, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Annie Ditta, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  Evaluating the Utility of GenAI as a Practice Testing Tool

   

  The testing effect posits that tested information is better remembered than restudied information. However, when instructors do not provide students with practice tests, they are required to generate their own questions. Prior research reveals that student-generated questions are not as effective as experimenter-provided questions for improving final test performance; this result may be explained by low content overlap between questions students generate and those on the final test. However, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) may be a useful tool for helping students generate effective test questions that overlap with content on the final test. The present study will examine the effectiveness of GenAI for this purpose by measuring the effects of testing type (student- vs. AI- vs. experimenter-generated) and question type (tested vs. untested) on final test performance. Participants will watch three brief lectures, then be tested with self-generated, AI-generated, or experimenter-provided questions. Forty-eight hours later, participants will take a final test on material from all lectures. We anticipate participants will perform better on the final test after testing with experimenter-provided questions, compared to AI-generated questions, and perform worst after testing with student-generated questions. A higher quantity of overlapping (i.e., tested) final test questions in the experimenter-provided and AI-generated testing conditions might explain the increased benefits of those two testing types, as compared to student-generated testing. The findings from this research may reveal GenAI to be a more effective practice testing tool than student-generated testing for improving learning outcomes.

• Silvia Anguiano Pimentel, Spanish

  Faculty Mentor: Carlos Varón Gonzaléz, UCR Department of Hispanic Studies

   

  Magical Realism: Means to Subaltern Representation or Western Market Commodity?

   

  Magical realism is a popular literary genre highly associated with Latin America. Presenting a narrative style that focuses on the fusion of the magical into realistic elements, it has managed to captivate the public, critics, and media, receiving enthusiastic acclaim on both regional and global scales since the 1960s. Despite having reached its peak in the last third of the 20th century (during the “Latin American Boom”), magical realism maintains a renewed relevance, as evidenced in its numerous works' adaptation on streaming platforms. This genre, although highly esteemed, has an ongoing academic debate centered on how “magical realism” has produced a “magical” global market commodity of Latin America (Bary 2021; Molloy 2005) and imposed literary limitations for Latin American writers by typecasting them into the genre (Bary 2021). However, other critics recontextualized “magic realism” to identify new, more productive ways to approach it. For example, Mariano Siskind introduces the potential of magical realism as a literary style, not only as Latin American but as a world literature; representing an opportunity for peripheral cultures to use this aesthetic to articulate and reinterpret their subalternity Siskind 2014). As a result, it creates a predicament whether “magical realism” serves as a potential means for subaltern representation, or is it merely confined to being a Western market commodity? For this research, I will analyze several works in the genre in conversation with Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak’s theoretical framework to understand the politics behind magical realism and how it can be used to explore the possibilities and challenges of representation, cultural translation, and decolonization.

• Manuel Bostock, Applied Physics and Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Miguel Arratia, Department of Physics and Astronomy

   

  Design and Evaluation of a sodium Iodide Scintillation Detector for Mobile Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy

   

  Gamma-ray detection by scintillation-based techniques is well established for security, environmental monitoring, and emergency response. Oour research addresses the implementation and preliminary evaluation of a sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) scintillation detection system suitable for mobile deployment and gamma spectroscopy. The detector is formed by a NaI(Tl) crystal optically coupled to a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), with embedded data acquisition electronics for real-time radiation counts. Installation of the system involved calibration of the energy resolution detector, background noise measurements, and assembly of the components into a portable, field-deployment enclosure. The detector was tested in open areas to examine its ability to detect, identify, and characterize radiation sources by spectra of energy under varied environmental conditions. While this work centers on the design and performance of the detector, the system is intended ultimately to be coupled with unmanned aerial vehicles in order to enable high-resolution, dynamic radiation mapping and spectroscopy in remote or inaccessible regions.

• Yesenia Contreras-Urrutia, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Tabea Springstein, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  Using Experience Sampling Methods to Examine the Effects Of Environmental Stimuli on Daily Mood

   

  The physical environment can influence human behavior and vice versa. Stress Recovery Theory (Ulrich, 1991) postulates that natural environments promote stress recovery and laid the foundation for studies examining the human-environment relationship with regard to health. In this study, we examine how air quality, temperature, and exposure to nature influence momentary well-being.

   

  Experience sampling methods (ESM) and passive mobile sensing will be utilized to assess the effects of environmental stimuli. Participants (aimed N = 200) report type and intensity of momentary emotions (e.g. "Relaxed", "Stressed", etc.) 6x/day for 3 weeks, within a 12-hour window of their choosing. Mobile sensors and GPS data paired with publicly available government data will be used to measure temperature, air quality, and exposure to nature. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and a newly developed coding scheme in which trained research assistants provide subjective estimates of green space will be used to measure green space. Multilevel modeling using R will be used to assess momentary relationships between these variables.

   

  Based on previous research, we expect temperature to be the most influential stimuli, which will begin to negatively impact participants' subjective well-being after reaching a certain threshold (e.g., 80° F). We also expect exposure to green space will positively influence participant mood. Lastly, we expect worse air quality may lead to poorer momentary well-being.

   

  As regional climates worsen due to climate change and poor urban planning, it is important to consider not only physiological impacts on health, but also mental impacts.

• Jennifer Garcia, Applied Mathematics

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Heather Ford, UCR Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences

   

  Measuring seismic attenuation across Iceland

   

  Within Iceland, complex volcanism can be explained by a combination of plate tectonics and the presence of a mantle plume. Although seismic studies have attempted to constrain the characteristics of the mantle plume (i.e., temperature, size, location), uncertainties remain. Researchers believe the Icelandic plume’s temperature ranges from 1300℃ to 1600℃ (Herzberg & Asimow, 2008; Putirka et al., 2018), and the plume’s radius may vary from 150 km to 200 km (Wolfe et al., 1997). Using seismic attenuation, a method more sensitive to variations in temperature than other seismic methods, we attempt to better determine the location and width of the Icelandic mantle plume. The data used in this project was recorded by broadband seismometers operating between 1996 and 2023 and are openly available through EarthScope’s Data Management Center. To measure seismic attenuation, we used P-wave arrivals from earthquakes of magnitude ≥5.8 and depths greater than 200 km to calculate differential attenuation (Δt*) of station pairs for each seismic event. In comparison to the only other study of attenuation conducted by Allen et al. (1999), which only used 30 stations and 4 events, we have measurements for over 150 stations and ten times as many events. With this increased dataset, the resulting map of inverted Δt* measurements will present improved (i.e., lower) uncertainty and provide a better understanding of mantle conditions, including temperature.

• Peter Garcia, Mechanical Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Yaofa Li, UCR Department of Mechanical Engineering

   

  Characterizing In-Situ Capillary Pressure in Porous Media using Membrane-Based Microfluidic Pressure Sensor

   

  Pressure measurement at the microscale plays a vital role in understanding fluid dynamics, particularly in microfluidic systems. However, direct measurement of capillary pressure in porous media remains inadequate due to the need for high spatial and temporal resolution. To address this, we developed an on-chip, membrane-based microfluidic pressure sensor that incorporates a thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane which deflects in response to fluid pressure.

   

  Our three-layer sensor design consists of: (1) a microchannel layer for fluid flow, (2) a thin PDMS membrane for pressure quantification, and (3) pressure taps that allow membrane deflection to be optically measured. The microchannel layer is fabricated through glass etching in a cleanroom; the membrane is created using a novel “Floating on Water” method; and the pressure tap layer is produced via soft lithography.

   

  We introduce a redesigned photomask featuring microchannels with centerline constrictions and a dense array of pressure taps, enabling multi-point spatial mapping. A spin-coated PDMS membrane is floated in deionized water, then carefully transferred and bonded onto the etched glass slide to form a flexible and optically clear sensing interface. This modified fabrication method improves membrane uniformity and alignment precision while preserving image quality for particle-based tracking.

   

  Our sensor is designed to provide valuable insights into microscale flow behavior, interfacial dynamics, and pore-scale transport phenomena. This work contributes to the advancement of high-resolution, in-situ pressure diagnostics for complex multiphase flow studies.

• Joshua Libiran, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Halle Dimsdale-Zucker, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  Memory Encoding and Organization in Naturalistic Free Recall

   

  This study investigates the way we organize our memory and whether it is associated with how we initially encounter it. Two ways people could organize their memories are through remembering in the order a person encodes information or through rearrangement of memory. I hypothesize that when recalling information, that people will reconstruct temporal order from encoding memory. However, an alternative hypothesis is that people will not respect temporal =order and will instead organize information based on the meaningful connections. There is a longstanding literature examining questions about free recall organization in standard list learning tasks, however free recall organization for real-world information is less well understood. To try to address this question, this study addresses free recall in the comparison between content in a naturalistic environment. In the encoding phase, participants watched videos of course content (math lecture) and social media content (Instagram reels). Following encoding, participants were asked to recall everything they could remember to the best of their ability. In order to test our hypothesis about recall organization, we created a scoring method to segment these videos into discrete events where we would score the participants' ideas into their own individual statements. Through these analyses, we aim to evaluate temporal organization as a focal idea in memory recall where in future studies this could be used to improve learning strategies among educators and students.

• Bobbi Monae Mandour, English

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Vorris Nunley, UCR Department of English

   

  From Dystopia to Depth: Reading Octavia Butler Through Myth and Psychology

   

  Twenty-seven years after its initial publication, Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower became a NYT best seller in 2020. Coincidentally, the novel’s envisioning of the future mirrors the turmoil in the contemporary American political, economic, social, and environmental landscape. What comfort does Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower, through its dystopian narrative and prophetic themes, offer contemporary American readers? Why might myth and the notion of change throughout the novel be important to contemporary readers? This project employs depth psychology as a lens for re-examining myth (Carl Jung, Dr. Steven Nouriani). It offers a critical literary analysis of Parable of the Sower as speculative fiction (Ursula K. Le Guin). The study illuminates how Parable of the Sower resonates with contemporary readers by challenging certainty, as uncertainty seemingly permeates American culture and consciousness. The novel’s popularity suggests that the American unconscious (repressed motives, assumptions, experiences) demands a different conscious American narrative. Contemporary polarization signals a pervasive political, social, and spiritual divide. Given depth psychology’s understanding of the unconscious, and Parable of the Sower’s contemporary resonance and power, it appears that the fear and uncertainty informing American polarization could be reduced through the novel’s reimagining of the meaning and function of myth, God, and change as they relate to conscious American life

• Pearl Perez, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Tuppett Yates, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  Early life stress and Adolescent Telomere Attrition as Moderated by Maternal Support: Evidence from a Dyadic Intergenerational Model

   

  Early life stress (ELS) activates stress-regulatory systems (e.g., hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) and accelerates cellular aging (i.e., shortened telomere length; Asok et al., 2013). Telomere length correlates negatively with stress exposure and positively with disease risk, and shows strong ties with ELS (Ridout et al., 2018). However, positive early caregiving quality may buffer ELS effects on telomere attenuation by supporting adaptive stress regulation (Asok et al., 2013).

   

  This study tested the hypothesis that negative relations between ELS (age 4) and adolescent telomere length (age 17) would be muted for children receiving higher maternal support (age 4). Participants were 172 biological mother-child dyads who completed laboratory assessments at ages 4 and 17. At age 4, mothers reported family life stress using the Parenting Stress Index (Abidin, 1995) and maternal support was assessed observationally during structured parent–child interaction tasks (Egeland, 1982). At age 17, telomere length was assessed using salivary DNA.

   

  A regression analysis (Table 1) revealed a negative pathway from ELS to telomere length (b = –.0194, SE = .0061, p = .0018) and a positive pathway from maternal support to telomere length (b = .0339, SE = .0168, p = .0452). However, a significant interaction (b = –.0165, SE = .0075, p = .0280) qualified these effects. As shown in Figure 1, ELS predicted greater telomere shortening at average or high levels of concurrent maternal support, but not at low levels.

   

  These findings challenge traditional buffering models suggesting maternal support may exacerbate children’s cellular aging in the wake of ELS.

• Trinity Stewart, Biochemistry

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Yaofa Li, UCR Department of Mechanical Engineering

   

  Effect of Micropillar Geometry on Capillary Wicking in Microfabricated Surfaces

   

  Wicking in the micropillar surface is gaining importance in a range of engineering applications, which include thermal management in electronics, medical diagnostics, microfluidics systems, and water harvesting. Despite numerous applications, the physics of this phenomenon at the microscale level is not yet understood and requires a detailed investigation. This study focuses on understanding of different pillar arrangements in micro scale surfaces and their effect on wicking behavior. Specifically, it investigates the influence of pillar spacing and aspect ratios on fluid transport efficiency. The pillar surfaces are created via microfabrication technique in cleanroom which consist of anodic bonding followed by photolithography, and deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). Through this process, several samples are created with different pitch-to-diameter and pitch-to-height ratios which are mounted on a vertical translation stage. The samples are dipped in a reservoir of fluid, and the liquid rises due to capillary pressure while the moving font is tracked via high-speed imaging systems. The performance for different pillar arrangements is monitored and fluid flow at the microscale is studied. The results illustrated that for sparse pillar arrays, viscous resistance is negligible and capillary pressure governs the flow. In contrast for dense pillar arrays, viscous resistance is significant which results in low wicking speed. These findings demonstrate that optimizing micropillar geometry is essential for tailoring capillary performance in microscale devices.

• Kora Dey, Data Science

  Faculty Mentor: Haofei Zhang, Department of Chemistry

   

  Using Large Language Models to Build a Research Knowledge Base

   

  This project investigates the potential of large language models (LLMs) in organizing and summarizing academic research papers. With the ever-increasing number of publications, it's becoming more challenging for researchers to keep up with the latest developments in their field. The objective of this work is to develop a system that can efficiently process and summarize collections of peer-reviewed papers, making it easier to identify and access relevant information. We will utilize tools such as LangChain and FAISS to connect LLMs to searchable databases of research documents. Furthermore, we will explore methods to fine-tune or adapt models like GPT or BERT to enhance their ability to identify key themes and group related studies. To evaluate the system, we will focus on a specific area of research, such as bioinformatics or environmental science, and assess its effectiveness in organizing papers and generating meaningful summaries. This project is based solely on published academic sources, ensuring the reliability and accuracy of the results. The ultimate goal is to determine whether LLMs can help researchers spend less time sifting through literature and more time engaging with ideas that are crucial to their work, providing confidence and reassurance in the reliability of the research.

• Katherine Espinoza Morelos, Chemistry

  Faculty Mentor: Vincent Lavallo, UCR Department of Chemistry

   

  Investigating Halogenated Boron Clusters for Cancer Research and Novel Bonding Chemistry

   

  When paired with photoactive organic cations, boron-based anions have played a significant role in cancer therapeutic research. Partially halogenated carborates ([CB11H6Cl6] - ) that were paired with cyanine cations were used to create photoactive cancer therapeutics.1 Inspired by the unique 3D structures, low toxicity, and high stability of these compounds, further research is being conducted on other boron clusters: decaborate ([B10H10] 2- ) and dodecaborate ([B12H12] 2- ). Through the chlorination of these clusters, they then become perchlorinated species, [B10Cl10] 2- and [B12Cl12] 2- , which exhibit enhanced inertness and weakly coordinating properties. Our focus now is to synthesize the chlorinated [B10Cl10] 2- and [B12Cl12] 2- anions starting from [B10H10] 2 and [B12H12] 2- using air-free conditions. The perchlorinated species will be provided to our collaborators, who continue to investigate boron cluster chemistry in cancer research.

   

  In parallel with this work, our group previously synthesized the fully chlorinated carborate ([HCB11Cl11] - ), which enabled a former graduate student to observe a rare C-B bond cleavage within the cluster. This base-induced transformation led to the formation of an oxoborate, creating a unique B=O functional group.2 Unlike the closed-cage boron clusters discussed earlier, oxoborates have the reactive oxygen functionality, which allows for unique bonding and coordination behavior. In future work, we aim to explore their reactivity further to better understand the novelty of this oxoborane species.

• Aadya Penchala, Bioengineering

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jun Sheng, Department of Mechanical Engineering

   

  Towards a Miniaturized Soft Hydraulic Robotic Catheter

   

  Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has become a new way to reduce complications and recovery time compared to traditional open surgeries. Endovascular surgery is a vital procedure for the treatment of a variety of cardiovascular diseases, which created a demand for catheters with a higher flexibility and precision. Current catheters are made of semi-rigid polymers which limit maneuverability through restricted bending radii and minimal steerability. To address these limitations, this research explores a robotic catheter with miniature soft hydraulic actuators made of two parts, one bending and one torsional. This combination of bending and torsional actuators would make the design more dexterous and able to maneuver through complex anatomical pathways and manipulate implants. Both actuators are made of silicone and reinforced with polyester fiber, while only the bending actuator is combined with a fabric on one side. They each have an outer diameter of 3 mm and an inner diameter of 1mm, and water is supplied to each part through two concentric PTFE tubing. The two actuators are connected with a flexible shaft using an adhesive. Preliminary tests showed a bending range of 60°-381°and torsional range of 437°. This work highlights the potential of soft robotic catheters to reduce surgical risks and improve general performance during MIS by offering more flexible navigation. Future work on this research will focus on refining the integration method between the two actuators, and demonstrate its clinical use using a phantom model.

• Alexa Rios, Neuroscience

  Faculty Mentor: Theodore Garland, Jr., Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

   

  Does Early-life Enrichment or Genetic Background Affect Anxiety-like Behavior in Laboratory Mice?

   

  Early-life enrichment has been shown to reduce depression and promote resilience in mice. Depression in mice has been measured by the forced swim test, which involves placing a mouse in a beaker filled with water and recording how much time they spend immobile, which is considered to represent despair-like behavior. This study uses a mouse model of 4 replicate lines selectively bred for voluntary wheel running (High Running, HR lines) and 4 non-selected Control lines. Environmental enrichment with Nestlets between weaning and sexual maturity is expected to reduce despair-like behavior in adulthood. Beginning after weaning at 3 weeks of age, half of the mice were provided a Nestlet (compressed cotton). Cages were cleaned, and a new Nestlet provided weekly for 3 weeks. After this, mice were administered a 6-minute forced swim test (FST) followed by 6 days of wheel access as in the routine breeder selection. FST videos were analyzed using CowLog by an experimenter blinded to both enrichment condition and linetype (Control and HR). Behavior was categorized as active swim (using 4 limbs), slow paddle (movement with fewer limbs) or float. Prior studies only looked at immobile versus active swim states. All mice that received Nestlets completely used it to build a nest, confirming treatment was effective. We observed no enrichment or sex differences in total swim time or float time. However, female Control mice had significantly more time in active swim than HR mice. HR mice have superior physical capabilities but may also experience higher anxiety or depression.

• Nabeeha Shaukat, Neuroscience

  Faculty Mentor: Scott Pegan, UCR School of Medicine Division of Biomedical Sciences

   

  Structurally Characterizing the Interaction Between Non-Neutralizing Antibodies and Epitopes of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV)

   

  Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV), a viral disease transmitted by ticks of the Hyalomma genus, is capable of inducing subcutaneous hemorrhage and can be fatal in upwards of 40% of cases. It is primarily endemic to Africa, the Middle East, the Balkans, Asia, and more recently Western Europe (courtesy of tick migration). It is on the radar of the World Health Organization (WHO) as a priority pathogen, and a licensed vaccination is yet to be available. This project intends to structurally characterize monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind to different regions, or “epitopes,” of the CCHF virus and thereby confer varying levels of protection. Traditionally, neutralizing antibodies have been leveraged as protection against foreign pathogens. However, CCHF, among other viruses, does not respond favorably to neutralizing antibodies. Recently, a non-neutralizing antibody (13G8) that targeted Glycoprotein 38 (GP38) on the CCHF virus was shown to confer protection in mice models. This implies that the interaction between a non-neutralizing antibody and a particular epitope of the CCHF virus is key. To resolve said antibody-epitope interactions, the Pegan Lab has traditionally leveraged X-ray crystallography which turns crystallized proteins into an atomic model. While mouse clinical trials have demonstrated the success of 13G8 as an anti-GP38 antibody, structurally characterizing other successful antibody-epitope interactions for the CCHF virus will ultimately allow us to determine what makes one antibody more protective than the other. From there, we are able to select for the antibodies that are most broadly protective against CCHFV strains.

• Marco Antonio Martinez Rivera, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Emma Wilson, UCR Department of Biomedical Sciences

  
  Investigating the genetic profile of neutrophils trapping and neutralizing Toxoplasma gondii by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) 

  
  Approximately one-third of the global human population harbors an infection with the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. A host defense mechanism involves neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), composed of DNA, myeloperoxidase (MPO), citrullinated histone H3 (CIT-H3), and elastase, which trap and neutralize pathogens. Traditionally, NET formation was believed to result in neutrophil death (suicidal NETosis). However, recent findings suggest the alternative process of vital NETosis, in which neutrophils release NETs while preserving membrane integrity and viability. While T. gondii is known to induce NETs, it remains unclear whether this occurs through vital NETosis, suicidal NETosis, or a mixed mechanism. This project investigates the cellular mechanisms behind NET release by neutrophils in response to T. gondii.

  
  Murine neutrophils were isolated from spleens and infected with either type I or type II T. gondii at a multiplicity of infection of 2. Cells were incubated for 30 minutes (vital NETosis) or 240 minutes (suicidal NETosis) and analyzed by flow cytometry using antibodies for plasma membrane integrity (Live/Dead staining), CITH3, MPO, CD11b, and Ly6G. RT-PCR assessed differential gene expression of pathways including MPO, PAD4, p47-PHOX, NADPH subunit, and ITGAM (CR3). Immunofluorescence microscopy was used to confirm the infection status of NETreleasing cells. A greater proportion of NET-releasing neutrophils is expected to retain membrane integrity, consistent with vital NETosis. Upregulation of genes like CR3 and PAD4 is anticipated in vital but not suicidal NETosis. These findings support the notion that neutrophils primarily utilize vital NETosis in response to T. gondii.

• Ximena Corona, Biomedical Sciences

  Faculty Mentor: Meera Nair 

  
  Investigating the Immunomodulatory Role of Human Resistin: Lentiviral Overexpression of h-RETN in THP-1 Macrophages 

  
  Human resistin (h-RETN), a macrophage secreted cytokine, has pleiotropic effects within the immune system. Emerging evidence suggests its function is complex and context dependent. Previously, we’ve shown resistin may also act in a homeostatic capacity by attenuating LPS signaling and protecting against endotoxic shock during sepsis. These findings suggest resistin may modulate inflammatory responses based on local microenvironment and disease-state. In mice, resistin like molecule alpha (RELMα) is a known signature gene of the anti-inflammatory M2-macrophage. Additionally, RELMα KO mice exhibit an obese phenotype, implicating a regulatory role in metabolic inflammation. Although RELMα and human resistin are not direct homologs, this raises the question of whether h-RETN exerts a similar anti-inflammatory effect in humans.  

  
  Obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are major health concerns in the United States. Obesity-related insulin resistance is characterized by low-grade inflammation following macrophage infiltration into adipose tissue. As h-RETN is both modulated by and capable of regulating responses to LPS, it may function as a homeostat during metabolic stress. In this study, we will generate h-RETN overexpressing THP-1 macrophages via lentiviral transduction. We will expose them to free fatty acids to model high-fat diet and assess macrophage polarization using RT-qPCR, ELISA, and flow cytometry. We hypothesize THP-1 derived macrophages with overexpressed h-RETN will have altered polarization profiles in a state dependent manner. Taking a closer look at the roles human resistin plays in response to high fat diets is imperative as it may provide insights to novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of T2DM.  
   

• Nadeem Halasah, Bioengineering

  Faculty Mentor: Iman Noshadi, Department of Bioengineering

   

  A Novel Bicontinuous Interconnected Porous Scaffold For Biologically Analogous 3D Neural Tissue Models

   

  The physiological relevance of neural 3D tissue-engineered platforms over traditional 2D culture has proven pivotal for neuroscience; however, faithfully recapitulating the extracellular matrix (ECM) within a durable 3D platform remains challenging. Microstructural motifs such as concave curvatures, surface roughness, and interconnected channels drive neuronal differentiation and maturation in vivo. Existing biomaterial-based models embody some of these features yet rarely integrate them into tissue-scale constructs while preserving long-term stability. Previously, we described a bicontinuous interconnected porous emulsion system (BIPORES) scaffold that supports rapid ligand-free adhesion and expansion of iPSC-derived human neural stem cells (i- HNSCs) while exhibiting negligible degradation over two months. Moreover, the fibrous scaffold’s hyperbolically curved, interconnected micropores enhanced nutrient exchange, promoted expansive neural network formation, robust differentiation, and elevated endogenous calcium oscillations relative to ECM-coated 2D controls. Such stability is essential for investigating chronic neurodegenerative processes, drug exposure, and activity-dependent plasticity. To further validate BIPORES as a neural tissue analog, we will monitor temporal expression of key genes unregulated in neurogenesis and synaptogenesis including Tuj1 (βIII- tubulin), MAP2, and SYN1 via RT-qPCR. Complementary analysis of protein expression by western blot will elucidate functional maturation and shifts in neural subpopulations as differentiation proceeds. Comparing these transcriptional and proteomic signatures with those of neurons in vivo will reveal the degree of physiological convergence. Collectively, these investigations, coupled with our earlier findings, should establish BIPORES as a biologically relevant 3D neural tissue model.

• Scout Ramirez, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Seán O’Leary, UCR Department of Biochemistry

   

  Binding and Unwinding: Investigating how m6A modifications impact eIF4F function

   

  Efficient regulation of gene expression and protein synthesis (“translation”) are vital to healthy function of human cells. Chemical modification of messenger RNA (mRNA), which serves as the template for translation, is an important determinant of post-transcriptional regulation. The most common modification is N6-methyladenosine (m6A). Translation initiation begins with mRNA binding of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4F, composed of subunits 4E, 4A, and 4G. eIF4E recognizes the mRNA m7G cap, which recruits eIF4A and 4G to the mRNA 5ʹ end. As an ATP-dependent DEAD-box helicase, eIF4A is thought to unwind 5ʹ cap-proximal mRNA structures to enable efficient mRNA–ribosome recruitment, while eIF4G acts as a scaffold for eIF4F– and ribosome–mRNA binding. Human mRNA m6A modification, which selectively increases in mRNA 5ʹ regions during cellular stress, is implicated in oncogenesis; however, extensive research has revealed deeply conflicting evidence regarding the interplay between m6A modification and eIF4F–mRNA interactions. Specifically, the relationship between m6A modification and efficiency of eIF4A– and eIF4G–mRNA binding and unwinding remains unknown. To elucidate whether m6A modification affects eIF4F function, RNA oligonucleotides with and without m6A modifications were incubated with purified human eIF4A and eIF4G. m6A modulated eIF4A helicase activity and eIF4F–mRNA binding in an eIF4G-dependent manner. Our findings suggest eIF4F acts as a functional “reader” of mRNA m6A modification. They highlight the need to comprehensively characterize m6A effects on eIF4F function, and to more broadly define its biological and biomedical importance for regulated gene expression.

• Anthony Temm, General Biology

  Dr. Scott Pegan, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA

   

  Structural characterization of non-neutralizing site 1 antibodies targeting Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus glycoproteins

   

  Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne, negative-sense RNA virus of the Nairoviridae family that causes severe hemorrhagic disease with mortality rates up to 40%. As Hyalomma ticks expand into new regions, the risk of CCHFV transmission increases, prompting the World Health Organization to classify it as a high-priority emerging pathogen. Despite its global threat, no licensed vaccines or targeted therapeutics currently exist. Recent studies have identified the non-structural glycoprotein GP38 as a promising target for antibody-based protection. Unlike the traditionally targeted neutralizing glycoproteins G_n and G_c, which have shown limited efficacy, GP38-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) such as CC5-17 (human) and 13G8 (mouse) confer protection in murine models through non-neutralizing mechanisms. Interestingly, antigen affinity alone does not fully account for their protective effects. To better understand the structural basis of protection, we characterized a non-protective site 1 mAb (CC5-12) using X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Our findings reveal distinct epitope engagement with GP38 compared to protective mAbs, suggesting that subtle differences in binding orientation and interface may influence protective outcomes. These results highlight the complexity of antibody-epitope interactions and the need for precise epitope mapping in therapeutic development. They also reinforce GP38 as a viable target for intervention and support the potential of non-neutralizing antibodies in expanding vaccine design strategies beyond traditional neutralization-focused approaches.

   

  Key Words: CCHF, GP38, mAbs, non-neutralizing

• Ashley Chiu, Environmental Studies

  Faculty Mentor: Juliann Allison, UCR Department of Society, Environment, Healthy Equity

   

  Energy Justice: An Approach to Policy-Making for a Just Transition in Inland Southern California

   

  Our current energy policies mostly focus on one part of the energy system—production and consumption—meaning that we should be considering other components such as distribution, recognition, and procedure (Jenkins et al., 2016). Energy justice is a newer theoretical concept that has not been adequately developed for incorporating into Inland Southern California’s current energy system. In addition to tackling issues such as underrepresentation in energy decision-making, equitable distribution of energy resources, and addressing environmental injustice, we must also consider the breadth of stakeholders in this region and the need for a just transition to low-carbon energy. This research project will identify alternative definitions of energy justice, and analyze what a just transition to a low-carbon energy system, or one that ensures a fair and equitable distribution of the costs and benefits, would require in Inland Southern California (García-García et al., 2020; Droubi et al., 2022). We review the literature on energy justice as a foundation for a just energy transition and analyze completed and new interviews with UCR faculty and staff and other regional experts in energy technologies and resources, public utilities, sustainability, and policy.

   

  This project emphasizes the relationship between early engagement with marginalized communities and effective energy policy change. We expect these findings to support policy-makers’ efforts to resolve longstanding environmental inequities in the course of transitioning to cleaner energy.

• Gerard Paredes, Bioengineering

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Tingting Xiang, UCR Department of Bioengineering

   

  Variation in Growth Responses of Symbiodinium Under Environmental Stress

   

  Coral–algal symbiosis, the mutualistic interaction between cnidarian hosts and photosynthetic dinoflagellates of the family Symbiodiniaceae, is important to the ecological success and resilience of coral reef ecosystems. Although reef occupancy of the ocean floor is less than a percentage, they foster over 25% of marine biodiversity while also protecting coastlines from erosion, and sustaining millions of people through fisheries, tourism, and numerous socio-economic resources. Yet, this integral partnership is highly vulnerable to environmental pressures caused by anthropogenic influences, particularly elevated sea temperatures, which can disrupt the symbiotic relationship and induce coral bleaching, a stress response that leads to coral death through the expulsion of algal symbionts by coral host cells.

   

  Despite its ecological importance, the molecular mechanisms that establish, maintain, and regulate this relationship remain insufficiently understood. To address this knowledge gap, characterization studies have been coupled with functional genomic tools for identifying Symbiodiniaceae algal responses at the molecular and genetic levels. The goal of our project focuses on the algal symbionts, examining the growth dynamics and physiological responses of heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive Symbiodinium species under increasing thermal stress.1 By conducting studies replicating relevant environmental conditions, we aim to identify species-specific stress responses that may serve as indicators of resilience or vulnerability, laying the groundwork for genetic and molecular research related to Symbiodiniaceae and, by extension, coral reefs. These insights will advance foundational knowledge of coral–algal biology and contribute to broader conservation strategies to mitigate the escalating impacts of climate change on coral reef ecosystems.

   

  1Xiang et al. J. Phycol. 49 (2013)

• Jacqueline Villanueva Nava, Sociology

  Faculty Mentor: Tanya Nieri, Department of Sociology

   

  A Review of the Literature on Border Policy and Climate Impacts on Immigrants’ U.S.-Mexico Border Crossing Experiences

   

  This literature review will examine what is known about how border enforcement policies and practices implemented since 1990 and climate change interact to influence Mexico-U.S. border crossing conditions in Southern California and in turn, migrants’ experiences of border crossing. For decades, climate change has been worsening environmental conditions throughout the globe. Beginning in the 1990s, U.S. policies increased border surveillance and restricted Mexico-US border crossings at urban points, redirecting migrants toward more hazardous desert areas. This change lengthened crossing times and increased the risks that migrants face. Most prior research has examined climate effects and policy effects as separate issues. Limited research has examined how these factors interact in the Southern California region and affect migrants’ crossing experiences.

   

  To address the need for research on this topic, I conducted a search of Google Scholar for research articles published since 2016 and focused on: 1) how climate change and border enforcement affect the danger of border conditions and the difficulty of crossing, and 2) how border conditions affect migrants’ crossing experiences. Fifteen eligible articles, including ten empirical works and one special communication, were identified and reviewed. These works indicate that climate change and immigration policy significantly hinder migrants’ ability to cross the border safely.

   

  This research contributes to the discourse on the need to consider environmental factors alongside immigration policy in addressing migrant safety and human rights at the border.

• Giovanni De La Luz, Computer Science

  Giovanni De La Luz, Computer Science

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Philip Brisk, UCR Department of Computer Science & Engineering

  Encoding DNA Duplex Structure to Predict Melting Temperature

  Experiments using DNA are ubiquitous in synthetic biology. Such experiments often involve bespoke primer design, which necessitates accurate prediction of the binding behavior of single- stranded DNA. The melting temperature (Tm) is a practical proxy for measuring binding affinity between DNA strands. Tm also has significance in emerging DNA-based nanotechnologies where precise Tm prediction enables predictable strand interactions. The nearest neighbor (NN) model is the standard method used to estimate Tm and makes two assumptions: Watson-Crick base pairing and uniform solution parameters. In dynamic experiments, the NN model becomes constrained by the former assumptions and will fail to generalize and produce inaccurate predictions. In addressing these limitations, we design and implement a machine learning framework to predict Tm that addresses imperfect Watson-Crick base pairing and variable solution parameters. Our approach is to create a new encoding schema that captures these limitations and train on richer thermodynamic experimental datasets. The resulting model aims to achieve a higher accuracy in the contexts mentioned, as measured by a lower mean absolute error (MAE) than NN and other baseline methods. With improvements in accuracy under non- ideal conditions, our results can support further advancement in DNA thermodynamics and technology.

• Damaris Sanchez Meraz, Computer Engineering

  Damaris Sanchez Meraz, Computer Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Dr.Philip Brisk, UCR Department of Computer Science and Engineering Accelerating Memcached with RDMA-enabled FPGAs

  Technology companies such as Google, Amazon, Pinterest, and Facebook utilize large-scale distributed systems that manage their back-end applications. One popular distributed application, Memcached, is responsible for replicating application data such as Facebook’s account information, Twitter's tweet statistics and/or shared Google documents; replication guarantees fast access latency and data safety by copying data to multiple servers, thereby increasing the number of unique locations at which clients can access the data, and providing data redundancy in case a server fails.

  Mu is a state-of-the-art consensus protocol that orders operations, replicates application state, and provides crash-fault tolerance, utilizing Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA) to achieve microsecond-scale latency. Our existing implementation of Mu achieves lower latency than the traditional software approach by implementing the logic on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) cluster. Memcached builds upon Key-Value (KV) Store operations “Put” and “Get” to provide its wide range of functionality. We utilize an existing FPGA hash table implementation for our KV Store and place it on the FPGA fabric alongside Mu and the RDMA network stack.

  Memcached can then directly interface with the FPGA to achieve low-latency and high- throughput data replication. Improved performance is achieved by pushing data and computation on the FPGA, achieving near-network computation and data storage. The elimination of PCIe communication between the KV-Store and network stack, as well as dedicating hardware for KV-Store operations, increases performance resulting in improvement in latency and throughput, respectively, and reduction in power consumption. These techniques can be further applied to other larger-scale distributions such as machine learning, AI, and databases.

• Maximillian Chau, Chemistry

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joya A. Cooley, CSUF Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

   

  Tuning thermal expansion with Ni substitution in Zn2V2O7

   

  Positive thermal expansion (PTE) is the conventional phenomenon in which a material expands when heated, whereas negative thermal expansion (NTE) is the unconventional phenomenon in which a material contracts when heated. The ability to control a material’s thermal expansion behavior could enable the development of new and robust materials. This is especially important in applications where dimensional stability is critical to preventing material failure as temperature changes.

   

  Framework oxide materials in the A2M2O7 family, where A is a divalent metal and M is a pentavalent element such as V or P, have exhibited NTE over a wide temperature range. Zinc pyrovanadate (Zn2V2O7) is a known NTE framework oxide material. Prior work has demonstrated that isovalent substitutions at the Zn and V sites influences thermal expansion behavior due to modifications in its crystal chemistry. Since NTE in Zn2V2O7 originates from its crystal structure, it is logical to tune its thermal expansion properties through chemical substitution.

   

  This study systematically investigates how Ni substitution for Zn in Zn2V2O7 affects its intrinsic thermal expansion behavior. The results show that Ni substitution can tune the volume thermal expansion coefficient of Zn2V2O7, from −17.6 ppm K−1 at x = 0.0 to −9.3 ppm K−1 at x = 0.2.

• Chris Nguyen, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Andre Obenaus, UCR SOM Division of Biomedical Sciences

   

  Observing cerebral vascularity changes in genetically altered mice models for Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease progression

   

  Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting over 7 million Americans and is associated with age and accumulation of Tau and Amyloid beta proteins. AD biomarker studies indicate abnormal cerebral vascularity emerging early and consistently throughout AD progression. It is currently unknown how the cerebrovasculature is altered in AD nor in current AD mouse models. To address this knowledge gap, AD transgenic mice models containing humanized amyloid beta (hAβ) and tau (MAPT) alleles are examined across their lifespan (4-24mo of age). The mice models are vessel-painted to label endothelial cells to visualize vascular features (vessel density, length, junction density) in wildtype (WT), hABKI.hMAPT, and hABKI.hMAPT.hAPOE4 male and female mice. Fluorescent microscopy was used to visualize the angioarchitecture differences between genotypes.

   

  At 4mo of age, we can observe differences between transgenic and wt mice. First, hABKI.hMAPT and hABKI.hMAPT.hAPOE4 male mice show an increasing trend in vessel density, vessel length, and junction density compared to WT. Female transgenic mice showed a decreasing trend compared to WT mice. Second, fractal analyses showed a decreasing complexity in transgenic female mice compared to WT. Male mice models showed no significant differences between genotypes. These early in life differences support that cerebrovasculature abnormalities may increase in severity as mice age, providing valuable insight into the potential mechanisms behind AD progression.

• Ashleigh Quiroz, Geology

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Eric Barefoot, Geology, UCR

  
  Examining controls that predict student success in introductory geoscience classrooms

  
  A common belief is that student demographics are the dominant control factors in student success or failure. This is referred to as a demographic performance gap. The three demographics perceived to be most responsible for success or failure are first generation status, under-represented minority status, and gender. Research conducted by Salehi et al. (2019) and others have begun challenging the claim that the predictive power of success lies in those demographics. Studies in other fields are using structural equation modeling (SEM) to show that incoming preparation can account for anywhere from 20-30% of the variation in student performance. Incoming preparation for geoscience students is not as straightforward as other majors as geoscience is a system-based subject, as well as a class that is only required to be taught in secondary schools in two states. As a result, the average university student takes an introductory-level geoscience course with no previous foundations to build upon. Without access to the same proxies as those used in other educational research fields, an alternative method of SEM interrogation was needed. To explore other forms of incoming preparation, a model is being built to analyze the data collected from twenty-eight classes, across five universities. Our aim is to use that model to see if geoscience classes have identifiable, non- demographic predictive variables of student success, and if so, what those variables might be.

• Claudia Ramos, Biochemistry

  Faculty Mentor: Andrew S. Petit, CSUF Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

   

  Exploring Structure-Function Relationships of Isoquinoline Photobases

   

  Photobases are compounds that increase in basicity when in an excited electronic state. For example, the pKa of 5-aminoquinoline jumps from 5.3 to 15.9 with electronic excitation, consistent with a 3.98x1010 increase in basicity strength.1 Electron density shifts towards the ring nitrogen atom in the electronic excitation, making it more basic.2 The experimental study of N-heterocycle photobases, performed by the Dawlaty group on the 5-R-quinolines. Demonstrated that photobasicity is strongly impacted by substituent identity.1 In our previous computational studies, we predicted that photobasicity strength is also strongly modulated by the position and number of substituents. For example, whereas 5-aminoquinoline is a strong photobase, electronic excitation decreases the basicity of 4-aminoquinoline by a factor of 0.025.2

   

  In this collaborative theory experimental study, we focus on bromo-substituted isoquinolines. Using fluorescence spectroscopy, the Hunt group from Loyola Marymount University reveals that all seven bromo-substituted isoquinolines are stronger bases in the excited state than in the ground state. However, the position of the bromine atom significantly modulates the size of the effect, with the ΔpKa ranging from 1.2 to 5.8 depending on the location of the bromine substituent. We use computational modeling to rationalize the ΔpKa for these systems at the ADC(2)/def2-TZVPPD//(ROKS)-ωB97X-D/def2-SVPD level of theory. In addition to analyzing the charge transfer character of the electronic excitation, we also explore other potential contributors to photobasicity. Specifically, using nucleus independent chemical shift (NICS) analysis, we determine the extent to which protonation relieves excited state anti-aromaticity. In addition, we use energy decomposition analysis for the hydrogen-bonding complex between the bromo-substitutes isoquinolines and H2O to disentangle various contributions for how electronic excitation affects hydrogen bond strength. Overall, our results give new insights into the origins of photobasicity and structure-function relationships involving substituent position for N-heterocycle photobases.

   

  • E. W. Driscoll, J. R. Hunt, J. M. Dawlaty, J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 7, 2093-2099 (2016)
  • S. F. Alamudun, K. Tanovitz, A. Fajardo, K. Johnson, Am Pham, T. J. Araghi, A. S. Petit, J. Phys. Chem. A. 13, 2537-2546 (2020)
• Megan Selecky, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Brian Tsukimura, California State University, Fresno Department of Biology

   

  Lunar Cycle Influence on Reproductive Output in the Rocky Intertidal Crab: Petrolisthes cinctipes

   

  Organisms living in the rocky intertidal system are exposed to daily thermal fluctuations due to tides and air exposure. The porcelain crab, Petrolisthes cinctipes (Decapoda: Anomura), can be found in the mid to upper zone of the rocky intertidal, ranging along the California coast (Haig, 1960). P. cinctipes are oviparous, and produce proteins used for reproduction (Tsukimura, 2001). Climate change causes organisms to experience thermal stress that negatively impacts reproductive systems. Reproductive success is dependent on the organism’s survival. Understanding the reproductive process of P. cinctipes can show us how an organism responds to environmental change (Stillman, 2019). Previous research suggests that female P. cinctipes experience seasonal and lunar reproductive variability (Delmanowski et al., 2017; Salas et al., 2017). This project investigates their daily reproductive output through a full cycle. Gravid females will be collected throughout the course of a year and kept under controlled conditions throughout a complete lunar cycle (28 days). An average of 3-5 individuals will be sacrificed each day to obtain their hemolymph and gonadosomatic index (GSI) to measure reproductive activity. All hemolymph samples will be analyzed for reproductive protein concentrations using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This data will establish a reproductive baseline where we can better understand how thermal stress negatively impacts reproduction in P. cinctipes.

• Sasha Marie Delfin Tafolla, Computational Applied Mathematics

  Sasha Tafolla, Master of Science Degree in Computational Applied Mathematics

   

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Kristin Kurianski, CSUF Department of Mathematics

   

  A flow-kick model for tumor, immune, and normal cell interactions under drug treatment

   

  Several studies of systems of differential equations modeling the interaction of normal, tumor, and immune cell populations have been conducted. However, our research differs by applying a flow-kick dynamic to the system, which consists of intervals of undisturbed cell growth and discrete applications of chemotherapy treatment. Our goal is to explore the combinations of strength and frequency of chemotherapy treatment that eliminate the tumor while preserving healthy levels of normal and immune cells. Starting with a scenario where tumor and normal cells would coexist in the absence of treatment, we compute the boundaries in the flow-kick parameter space that separate coexisting cell dynamics and the tumor-free state.

• Cheyenne Woods, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Emily Walter, CSU Fresno Department of Biology

  A Quantitative Exploration of the Impact of Culturally Responsive Teaching in an Upper- Division Microbiology Course

  Lack of inclusion within education limits the opportunity for diverse perspectives to contribute to solution-oriented thinking in the classroom. Research shows that individuals in demographically diverse groups demonstrate more productive communication behaviors during collaborative problem-solving tasks compared to those in majority dominated groups (Cavazos, 2024). Culturally sustaining, relevant, and responsive teaching (CSRR) can offer a method to improve postsecondary students’ retention and sense of belonging. While CSRR has shown positive outcomes in primary and secondary education, there is limited research on the effectiveness of CSRR in postsecondary settings especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classrooms. Existing studies in higher education use qualitative methods to explore students’ and professors’ experiences with CSRR, leaving a gap in understanding its impact on quantitative outcomes for students such as a sense of belonging or knowledge of particular science content. Moreover, few well-described CSRR interventions exist for instructors to implement or adapt. This study examines the impact of CSRR intervention in an upper-division microbiology course, using a pre- and post-instruction control group in Spring 2025 and an experimental group in Fall 2025. A convenience sample of students in the course will complete two valid and reliable surveys, a measure of sense of belonging due to culturally responsive teaching (SMCRT; Dickson et al., 2016) and knowledge of microbiology (Paustian et al. 2017). We anticipate that students that participate in the CSRR intervention will report an increased feeling of belonging and microbiology knowledge than those in a traditional lecture group. These results would help integrate CSRR into STEM courses and support inclusive learning environments influencing equity in higher education.

• Gelysia Anderson, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: M. Alejandra Arce, PhD; Department of Psychology

   

  The Impact of Immigration Policy Concerns on the Self-Esteem of Immigrant-Origin Emerging Adults: The Moderating Role Ethnic-Racial and American Identity

   

  Increasingly restrictive immigration policies have contributed to hostile environments for immigrant communities in the U.S., negatively impacting their physical and psychological well-being (Vargas et al., 2017). Such policies are likely to impact young immigrants’ evaluations of their own worth (Cadiz et al., 2023; Harmenta & Hunt 2009). Ethnic-racial identity— a multidimensional construct that involves an individual’s efforts to explore and learn about their ethnic-racial identity (i.e., exploration) as well as their sense of belonging and positive feelings towards that identity (i.e., affirmation; Robert et. al, 1999)—has been identified as a protective factor that could buffer the negative consequences of restrictive immigration policies on the self-esteem of immigrant-origin youth (e.g., Rivas-Drake et al., 2021). Parallel dimensions of American identity may similarly buffer or exacerbate these effects; however, American identity has received less attention in the literature (Schwartz et al., 2012). This study investigated unique and interactive effects of concern over anti-immigrant policies and dimensions of both ethnic-racial and American identity on self-esteem among immigrant-origin emerging adults of color (N = 196; 73% female). Bivariate correlations revealed significant associations between self-esteem and both ethnic-racial and American identity affirmation. In moderation analyses, we found a significant interaction between immigration policy concerns and American identity exploration: Higher levels of American identity exploration exacerbated the negative effects of immigration policy concerns on self-esteem. Our findings seem to highlight the ecological and transactional nature of development, with the interplay between sociopolitical context and identity processes dynamically shaping the self-esteem of immigrant-origin emerging adults.

• Iris Lazo-Cruz, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Bernardette Pinetta, Department of Psychology

   

  Propelling Youth Towards Anti-Racist Action: The Role of Family and School Ethnic Racial Socialization

   

  Parent anti-racism socialization (i.e., the way caregivers talk with youth about race, racial discrimination, and racial justice) plays an important role in shaping how adolescents challenge racism (Bañales et al., 2021). Schools can further support parents' messages by engaging with issues of race and equality. This study examines three forms of parent messaging: preparation for bias (i.e., conversations that help youth recognize and cope with racial discrimination), familial sociopolitical discussions (i.e., conversations about current events, inequality, and injustice)(Pinetta et al., 2020), and familial anti-racism socialization (i.e., guidance on challenging racism and dealing with racial situations)(Aldana et al., 2019), and how it informs adolescents' anti-racist political action (i.e., protesting or advocating for racial justice).

   

  Participants include 396 Black and Latinx high school students from a public charter school located in Los Angeles. We hypothesized that all three parent messages would be positively and significantly associated with political action, and these associations would be stronger for students who report higher levels of critical consciousness socialization at school.

   

  Three stepwise multiple regressions were conducted to examine how parent anti-racism messages and school critical consciousness socialization were associated with youth anti-racist political action among a sample of Black and Latinx high school students. All three forms of parent anti-racism messages: preparation for bias (t= 3.499, p < .001, β = .212), family sociopolitical discussions (t= 4.883, p < .001, β = .293), and family anti-racist socialization (t= 4.143, p < .001, β = .248), were positively and significantly associated with youth’s political action. Although school critical consciousness had a significant main effect, there were no significant interaction effects between parent anti-racism messages and school critical consciousness socialization.

• Yanique Mckenzie, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Holly O’Rourke, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  The Mediating Role of Attachment on the Relation between Racial Discrimination and Self-Esteem in Adolescents

   

  Racial discrimination is a social stressor that has been historically linked to psychological problems in marginalized communities. Prior literature has also shown that racial discrimination is linked to insecurity in adolescents' relationships and causes them to exhibit anxious and avoidant behaviors. Several studies have explored the relationship between racial discrimination and insecure attachment styles, where these experiences with racial discrimination may damage individuals' trust and emotional stability in relationships (Ayers Jr., 2024; Cénat et al.,2024). However, only a few have particularly looked at how attachment styles may be associated with racial discrimination and mental health issues related to self-esteem and self-perception. In addition, most of the existing literature was focused on white communities, which does not provide a broader understanding of how these experiences affect marginalized adolescents. This study will examine how attachment styles mediate the link between racial discrimination and adolescent self-esteem using a secondary data analysis of a racially and ethnically diverse sample of adolescents at age 17. It is predicted that adolescents who experience racial discrimination will develop insecure attachment styles in their relationships, and these insecure attachment styles can lead to lower self-esteem and the adolescent experiencing negative self-perception. Adolescents with more secure attachment might be able to better cope with racial discrimination and, in turn, have more positive self-esteem and self-perception. A statistical mediation analysis will be used to test whether attachment styles mediate the relationship between racial discrimination and self-esteem. This study will have important implications for how racial discrimination can cause adolescents to experience emotional insecurities and struggle to build relationships with others, which results in how the adolescents view themself and others.

• Neishalee Perez, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Halle Dimsdale-Zucker, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  Memory in Motion: Investigating Memory with Media Switching

   

  Event Segmentation is a cognitive process that helps make sense of continuous experiences by turning them into events. Boundaries are defined as contextual shifts form within these experiences. These event boundaries structure memory by creating signals that make beginnings and ends identifiable. Theories of event segmentation propose that the presence of event boundaries influences temporal memory. Specifically, memory for items within an event is perceived as subjectively closer in time, while memory for items spanning across event boundaries is perceived as occurring farther apart. To investigate how naturalistic task boundaries affect memory, a behavioral study was conducted where participants alternated between watching a lecture video and TikTok’s for 32 minutes. These media types served as event contexts and switching between them served as event boundaries. After completing this task, participants were instructed to recall everything they remembered for 10 minutes. Following free recall, participants completed objective and subjective temporal memory tasks by selecting which screenshot they saw first and estimating the perceived duration of time. This study investigates two central questions: (1) How do event boundaries created by shifts in media type affect the amount and accuracy of information recalled during free recall? and (2) Does the quantity of recalled information relate to performance on temporal memory tasks? First, we hypothesize that items presented within the same event type will be better remembered during free recall. Second, we hypothesize that items across boundaries will be perceived as occurring farther apart and will hinder temporal performance. This study examines how boundaries created by media switching shape memory.

• Natalia Perkins, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Megan Robbins PhD, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  The Myth of the “Primary” Love Language as Maintenance, Not Identity

   

  Pop Psychology has taken the world by storm through many avenues, notably social media networks. With the increasing accessibility of personality tests, mental health tests, and compatibility tests, it is no surprise that the concept of love languages has gained widespread popularity. Love languages are introduced generally through straightforward online tests that claim to reveal a user's primary language of giving and receiving love. Such simplification conceals the love languages' more active role in romantic relationships. Current research suggests that couples with the same primary love language show little to no improvement in relational satisfaction (Bunt & Hazelwood, 2017). In light of this, our study encourages a paradigm shift: rather than viewing love languages as fixed preferences to be discovered, we view them as habitual actions to produce relational satisfaction or relationship maintenance. The Relationship Maintenance Behaviour Measure (RMBM; Stafford, 2010) outlines eight key strategies (positiveness, assurances, openness, tasks, networks, management, advice, and understanding) that are theorized to be the behaviors couples must exercise to maintain a satisfactory relationship. In this study, we correlate these behaviors with Chapman's five love languages model (words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, gift-giving, and physical touch) to test whether love languages can predict relationship satisfaction better than the relationship maintenance measure. Using the EAR (Electronically Activated Recorder), we collected samples of 50-second audio clips that were recorded at roughly 9-minute intervals to paint a picture of couples living together for 2 weekends. These clips were analyzed for identifiable expressions of the five love languages to determine the frequency of demonstration and compared to their reported relationship satisfaction. We predict that couples who increasingly show a variety of love languages over time will score higher on overall relationship satisfaction. The research aims to broaden the understanding of love languages by highlighting their possible role in day-to-day relational activity outside individual preference matching.

• Dayna Thompson, Psychology

  Faculty Mentor: Cecilia Cheung, UCR Department of Psychology

   

  Examining the Role of Teacher Support in High School Students’ Science Learning Motivation

   

  Achievement motivation is essential for students’ engagement and persistence in STEM fields. However, adolescents often show a sharp decline in interest and participation in science (Wang & Degol, 2013), highlighting the need to identify factors that sustain science motivation. Grounded in self-determination theory, which posits that students are more motivated when their needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness are supported (Deci & Ryan, 2000), this study examines whether perceived teacher support predicts changes in students’ motivational goal orientations over time. Teacher support is conceptualized as students’ perceptions that teachers create an empowering and responsive learning environment that fulfills these needs. Such support is consistently linked to greater motivation and academic engagement (Patrick et al., 2007). The present study examines how perceived teacher support predicts changes in motivational goal orientations among high school students participating in a year-long, innovative science program. A total of 195 students completed surveys at the beginning of the program and again six months later, reporting on their perceptions of teacher support and their mastery, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance goal orientations. Multiple regression analyses examined whether perceived teacher support at Wave 1 predicted motivational orientations at Wave 2, controlling for baseline levels. Results indicated that higher perceived teacher support at the start of the program significantly predicted increases in mastery goals and decreases in performance-avoidance goals over time. However, teacher support did not significantly predict changes in performance-approach goals.Findings aim to inform science program design that fosters motivation and highlight the role of teacher support in promoting STEM engagement.

• Edward Romero, Education

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jorge Leal

  
  How Universities Shape and Change Urban Areas: An Analysis of the University of Southern California and South Los Angeles

  
  There is a Spatial Justice and Urban crisis existing within South Central Los Angeles. Specifically speaking, there is a clash between the University of Southern California and the surrounding community, the neighborhoods within the 90007 area code. The expansion and growth of the university as an institution (financially, territorially, and as an institution of prestige and power) has led to issues of discrimination, displacement, and policing/over-surveillance of South Central residents. This pattern, however, is not unique to USC and South LA; instead, there is a growing trend of universities shaping communities and remodeling cities through their influence. USC, due to its proximity to marginalized communities, has had a serious adverse effect on its own Black and Brown populations. Drawing from works within the fields of urban and ethnic studies of other marginalized areas negatively affected by institutional growth. Members of the community are affected through displacement, discrimination, and gentrification. As years pass and the institution grows and expands, there are documented instances of change and displacement in the community. Through archival articles, public reports, urban planning documents, and books detailing University gentrification, I track the process of gentrification in South Central to better understand what lies ahead for the neighborhood if these patterns continue. The main goal of this research is to accurately and effectively predict and analyze the future trajectory of South Central Los Angeles based on documents, articles, and books already available.

• Raquel Amrhein-Cervantes, Entomology

  Faculty Mentor: Bodil N. Cass, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside

   

  Varietal Susceptibility and Parasitoid Identification of an Emerging Avocado Pest

   

  California is the top producer of avocados in the United States, harvesting over 200 million pounds annually. Growers rely on integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to control several arthropod pests. In 2020, cone-roller moths (Caloptilia sp., Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) were first detected in San Diego County avocado orchards and have since spread north through Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. As larvae, these moths mine the inner layers of young avocado leaves and later roll the leaf tips into cone-shaped shelters using silk. This cone-roll protects the caterpillar during pupation but damages the tree’s tender flush. Growers report that substantial infestations can lead to defoliation and sunburned fruit. Nothing more was known about the moth. This study investigated: a) whether certain avocado varieties are more susceptible to damage by Caloptilia than others; and b) occurrence of parasitism in field-collected samples. A visual survey of 129 avocado varieties grafted onto two different rootstocks in a common garden experiment was conducted at the South Coast Research and Extension Center in Orange County, CA. Preliminary results show variation in infestation levels among varieties. Caloptilia larvae were collected from multiple commercial groves from Southern California coastal sites and reared in the lab to monitor parasitism. At least two species of parasitoid wasps in the family of Eulophidae (Hymenoptera) successfully emerged from field-collected samples. These findings provide insight into regional and varietal susceptibility, and parasitoid activity indicating the presence of potential natural enemies. This offers valuable guidance for growers and future development of integrated pest management strategies.

• Pablo Arias, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Maria Fernanda Gomez Mendez, UCR Department of Genomics

   

  Differential Contributions of COG Complex in Dark-Induced Senescence

   

  The aging process in plants, known as senescence, has been linked to the function of the Golgi apparatus—specifically through the Conserved Oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex—though this connection remains insufficiently explored. The COG complex mediates retrograde trafficking of enzymes from the trans-Golgi to the cis-Golgi and consists of eight subunits organized into two lobes: Lobe A (COG1–4) and Lobe B (COG5–8). A prior study from our lab demonstrated that a point mutation in cog7(E413K) accelerates dark-induced leaf senescence in Arabidopsis thaliana, whereas overexpression of COG5 particularly alleviates this phenotype. To investigate the contribution of other Lobe B subunits (COG6 and COG8to dark-induced senescence in the cog7 mutant background, we exploited COG6 and 8 overexpressor lines followed by molecular analyses of four senescence markers in the lines. Our data led to the conclusion that COG6 overexpression can partially mitigate early senescence, but COG 8 overexpression does not confer such an effect. These findings suggest that COG5, COG6, and COG7 share more closely related functions, whereas COG8 appears functionally distinct, due to its structural divergence from the other Lobe B subunits, as it may serve as a bridge between Lobes A and B rather than functioning as an integral component of Lobe B.

• Eric Bedolla, Biochemistry

  Faculty Mentor: Sihem Cheloufi, UCR Department of Biochemistry

   

  Examining Transcription Factors for the Expression of Endogenous Retroviruses by the mCherry Reporter System

   

  Transcription factors consist of proteins which regulate the expression of genes. Our study is an investigation on transcription factors and their potential role in the expression of endogenous retroviruses, which are viral remnants present in the host genome. To achieve this, we begin by inducing the activation of a DNA hairpin, therefore removing the effects of chromatin assembly factor 1 for the purpose of measuring the fluorescence of mCherry via flow cytometry. The reporter gene known as mCherry effectively replaces MMERVK10c and is bound to the LTR reporter system. Our study is achieved through the use of measuring the red fluorescence produced by mCherry. There are two key aspects which constitute our work, including DNA cloning and the harvesting of lentivirus. We maintain a cell culture and collect various plasmids via colony selection and PCR purification. Additionally, we ligate various shRNAs to a plasmid backbone, of which we use to insert into bacteria and harvest colonies for selection. From this, we ultizize viruses as vectors through a process known as viral transfection prior to running flow cytometry. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the roles that transcription factors have over the expression of ERVs. We aim to acquire a deeper understanding of potential new strategies against diseases associated with endogenous retroviruses.

• Michelle Buenstro, CMDB & Neuroscience

  Faculty Mentor: Weifeng Gu, UCR Department of Molecular Cell & Systems

   

  Investigating the Potential Role of the PIR-2 Gene in Viral Silencing Mechanisms within Caenorhabditis elegans

   

  Using Caenorhabditis elegans infected with the Orsay virus as our model, as well as modern forward genetic techniques, we determined that PIR-2 is not in fact, required for viral silencing. Rather, evidence suggests it may be a host factor that is necessary to establish meaningful infection. Successful viral infection often requires the presence of host factors to replicate. The Orsay virus is a naturally occurring positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus that infects C. elegans and is a commonly used viral model to study host-pathogen interactions. PIR-1 has recently been implicated in playing a role in RNA modifications and viral silencing. Thus, it was hypothesized that PIR-2, an ambiguous paralog of PIR-1, may play a role in viral gene silencing and host immune response as well. The purpose of this project is to examine whether PIR-2 is involved in viral gene silencing or amplification. We used reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) to compare the RNA expression in PIR-2 knockdown worms versus wild-type controls with and without viral exposure. We determined that viral mRNA load is increased when PIR-2 is knocked down. This is contrary to what was expected and suggests that PIR-2 may act as a proviral host factor rather than an antiviral effector.

• Mariah Contreras, Physics

  Faculty Mentor: Shawn Westerdale, UCR Department of Physics & Astronomy, University of California, Riverside

   

  OPTIMIZING LIGHT COLLECTION IN DARKSIDE-20K BY CHARACTERIZING REFLECTOR MATERIALS

   

  The ongoing search for dark matter’s identity has driven demand for experiments capable of directly detecting Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) candidates. One such experiment is DarkSide-20k, a dual-phase argon time projection chamber currently under construction. A key challenge in constructing these detectors is maximizing their sensitivity by minimizing background noise from cosmogenic events, a task handled by the outer veto system. While previous studies have shown that high-quality reflective materials (e.g., ESR films or equivalent specular reflectors) are highly effective, their cost becomes prohibitive at the kiloton scale required for modern detectors. This study investigates low-cost, scalable alternatives—such as Tyvek and Lumirror—that maintain sufficient reflectance while minimizing radioactive background. Additionally, we characterize other materials used in the detector setup (e.g., black foil) to optimize light yield efficiency. The experimental method involves placing material samples in a nylon case within a cryostat, irradiating them with lasers of varying wavelengths, and measuring photon counts using Silicon Photo Multipliers (SiPM’s).These results contribute to the development of cost-effective, large-scale particle detectors, demonstrating viable alternatives to high-cost reflectors. Furthermore, this work provides essential data on material performance, informing future detector designs and improving background rejection capabilities ultimately helping support the broader effort to advance dark matter detection.

• Briseida Cordero Garcia, Chemistry

  Faculty Mentor: Karthikeyan Chandrasegaran, UCR Department of Entomology

   

  Permethrin Exposure Effect on Recovery and Longevity in Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes

   

  Aedes aegypti mosquitoes play a major role in transmitting diseases such as yellow fever, dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. Insecticides, particularly pyrethroids like permethrin, are commonly used to control their populations. However, ongoing exposure has led to the rise of resistance, where some mosquitoes survive doses that would typically be lethal. This resistance threatens the effectiveness of the use of these insecticides, which affects public health greatly, especially in situations where mosquitoes encounter only sub-lethal doses through brief or degraded contact. To better understand how sub-lethal, short-term exposures influence survival, we examined whether recovery and longevity differ between resistant and susceptible mosquito groups, including both males and females. Our experiment involved two different exposures, one using a high dose of permethrin and the other using one-quarter of that dose. Exposure to these dosages was tested at three durations: 5 minutes, 2.5 minutes, and 1 minute alongside controls (no permethrin exposure). Mosquitoes were separated by genotype and sex to evaluate responses independently. Knockdown was recorded immediately after exposure, and recovery was tracked over time to assess its long-term effects on lifespan. Preliminary data suggest that recovery and longevity depend on genotype, sex, dose, and exposure time. These results raise concerns that surviving mosquitoes could continue to reproduce and transmit viruses, reducing the effectiveness of current insecticide strategies. Adjusting vector control plans to consider recovery after sublethal exposure may help reduce long-term public health risks.

• Ashley Duran, Microbiology & Plant Pathology

  Faculty Mentor: Nadia Murrieta, Cuong Hoang, Olakunle Olawole, Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside

   

  CHARACTERIZATION OF BROAD-HOST-RANGE BACTERIOPHAGES TARGETING THE PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE SPECIES COMPLEX

   

  The Pseudomonas syringae species complex comprises a diverse group of plantpathogenic bacteria that cause significant economic losses in crops through diseases such as bacterial speck, spot, and cankers. Traditional control methods, including copper-based bactericides and antibiotics, are losing effectiveness due to rising resistance and environmental concerns. In this study, we isolated and characterized virulent bacteriophages (phages) targeting multiple agriculturally important P . syringae strains from environmental samples collected from sewage and soil near the University of California, Riverside. Three phages were successfully isolated, and their host range was evaluated using spot assays against a panel of 12 bacterial strains. The results revealed that the isolated phages exhibited lytic activity against P . syringae pathovars infecting multiple vegetables and a tree crop. These findings highlight the potential of these phages as sustainable biocontrol agents. Future studies will focus on comprehensive characterization and greenhouse trials to evaluate phage efficacy under field-simulated conditions.

• Lisette Espino, Entomology

  Faculty Mentor: Laura Leger, Bodil N. Cass Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside

   

  Cottony Cushion Scale Survival on Citrus Fruits

   

  Icerya purchasi, (Hemiptera: Monophlebidae) commonly known as cottony cushion scale, is a highly polyphagous pest that feeds on plant sap and produces honeydew. Heavy infestation can cause defoliation or mold formation, which can inhibit photosynthesis. The cottony cushion scale was first accidentally introduced to California from Australia and nearly wiped out the citrus industry in the early 1900s. It has since been kept in check by two predators introduced in successful biological control programs. A recent study documented increasing outbreaks of cottony cushion scale in mandarins, raising concern among growers who have been switching from their traditional orange varieties (Citrus sinensis) to lunchbox mandarins (C. reticulata). Here we tested the hypothesis that mandarins are a preferred host plant. Data was collected by conducting three feeding preference experiments (short, medium and long term). The first experiment was conducted by taking different varieties of potted citrus plants, placing cottony cushion scale nymphs, and monitoring their settling and survival rates. A second experiment was conducted where cottony cushion scale nymphs were placed in choice arenas with a leaf from an orange tree and a leaf from a mandarin tree. We then monitored how many nymphs would prefer either leaf. The third experiment was a common garden field study for cottony cushion scale preference in a mixed block variety plot. The results of this research will help determine the reasoning behind the cottony cushion scale outbreaks on mandarin trees.

• Hayat Jalifa Reyes, Plant Pathology

  Faculty Mentor: Fatemeh Khodadadi, Valentina Valencia Bernal UCR Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology

   

  Tissue Preparation for Multi-Omic Analysis of ‘Gem’ Avocado Cultivar

   

  Postharvest stem end rot (SER), primarily caused by Botryosphaeriaceae fungi, is a leading contributor to avocado losses along global supply chains. Symptoms typically begin at the stem end of the fruit as sunken bruises that expand inward, often accompanied by tissue softening and decay. Despite its economic impact, the biochemical responses to SER, particularly in less-studied cultivars like ‘Gem’, remain obscure. Most existing research focuses on the widely cultivated ‘Hass’ avocado, leaving critical gaps in knowledge regarding cultivar-specific responses and postharvest resilience. To address these gaps, we aim to examine how infection and extended cold storage influence gene expression and metabolite profiles in ‘Gem’ fruit. To achieve this, we implemented the experimental design: avocados were either inoculated with Neofusicoccum luteum immediately after harvest or after 35 days of cold storage. Tissue from the stem end was sampled from three treatment groups, intact, wounded, and SER-infected, at four post-inoculation time points: 0, 24, 48, and 96 hours (hpi). All samples were flash-frozen in liquid nitrogen to preserve RNA and metabolite integrity. Given the lipid-rich, RNase-prone nature of avocado tissue, homogenization was performed under cryogenic conditions using liquid nitrogen and pre-chilled mortars and pestles to minimize enzymatic degradation. While our lab has previously conducted tissue preparation for the ‘Hass’ cultivar, this study extends those protocols to ‘Gem’. By adapting our methods to this alternative cultivar, we aim to preserve secondary metabolites and nucleic acids for downstream multi-omic analyses, laying the groundwork for deeper investigations into SER progression, storage-related effects, and cultivar-specific postharvest resilience.

• Allison Mahnken, Physics

  Faculty Mentor: Steve Choi, UCR Department of Physics and Astronomy

   

  Characterizing the Reflectivity of a Blackbody Calibrator for CCAT

   

  In order to study leftover radiation from the Big Bang, also known as the cosmic microwave background (CMB), Kinetic Inductance detectors (KID’s) are being developed to measure the CMB with high sensitivity. A key component of testing and calibrating the KID’s is the use of black epoxy resin, called Eccosorb CR110, as a controlled radiation source. We need to test the epoxy’s emissivity, which indicates how closely it behaves like a blackbody emitter, to quantify a coating’s effectiveness for calibration purposes. Two samples of epoxy resin are cast on a mirror-like aluminum sheet using an aluminum mold (76.2 mm width x 100 mm length x 3.5 mm height). An electromagnetic wave source, set to varying frequencies from 1 to 1200 GHz, will be directed by a mirror onto the samples. The measured reflectivity of the epoxy will be used to yield the emissivity of the epoxy, which is given by; emissivity = 1 - (epoxy reflectivity / aluminum reflectivity). The resulting emissivity value will show the effectiveness of our blackbody source—made of aluminum spikes coated in epoxy. The KIDs, once tested, will be used in the CCAT Observatory in the Atacama Desert, Chile, to advance observations and our understanding in cosmology and astrophysics.

• Giselle Martinez, Computer Science & Entomology

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Erin Wilson-Rankin² ¹Department of Computer Science, Riverside City College, ²Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside

   

  SUN, SHADE, AND SAGE: EFFECTS OF LIGHT CONDITIONS ON GRASSHOPPER HERBIVORY

   

  Environmental conditions, specifically light availability, can influence feeding behavior in insect herbivores. This study investigates how sun and shade exposure affect feeding rates in grey bird grasshoppers on Salvia’s ‘Bee’s bliss’. Each individual grasshopper was placed on one type of paired sage stems: one in full sun and one in full shade. Initial leaf area was measured using LeafByte before introducing the grasshoppers. After 24 hours, the grasshopper in the shade treatment was moved into the sun, and the grasshopper in the sun was moved into the shade. Thus, each grasshopper experienced both light conditions for 24 hours. We will quantify feeding damage across light conditions. This experiment aims to test whether immediate environmental changes, specifically sun versus shade exposure, influence grasshopper herbivory on a single host plant species. The results will provide insight into how microclimate factors shape insect feeding behavior in real time.

• Alex Marroquin-Bartolo, Mathematics

  Faculty Mentor: Jia Gou, UCR Department of Mathematics

   

  Comparison of the SIR Model Solved Using Traditional and Neural Network Approaches

   

  The Susceptible–Infected–Recovered (SIR) model is a classical framework used to describe the spread and containment of infectious diseases within a population. It consists of a system of three coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs), which govern the temporal evolution of the susceptible, infected, and recovered subpopulations. Traditionally, this system is solved using standard numerical methods from classical analysis, such as the forward Euler method. More recently, neural network–based approaches have been proposed for solving differential equations. In particular, Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) have emerged as a powerful tool, capable of incorporating both observational data and the underlying governing equations to produce approximate solutions. In this work, we solve the SIR model using both the classical numerical approach and the PINNs framework. We compare the resulting solutions in terms of computational time and approximation error. Additionally, we investigate the impact of various hyperparameters within the PINNs architecture and analyze their influence on solution accuracy and convergence behavior.

• Nadia Murrieta, Microbiology

  Faculty Mentor: Olakunle Olawole

   

  IMPROVING THE INFECTIVITY OF RAOULTELLA PLANTICOLA PHAGES THROUGH EVOLUTIONARY TRAINING

   

  Raoultella planticola, an opportunistic bacterium closely related to Klebsiella, has been increasingly reported in both clinical and environmental infections, with some strains exhibiting multidrug resistance. Bacteriophages (phages) offer a promising alternative to antibiotics due to their specificity and ability to lyse bacterial hosts. However, the natural host range and infectivity of phages can be limited, which constrains their therapeutic potential. This study explores how evolutionary training can enhance phage infectivity, broaden host range, and improve lytic efficiency. Phages φMur and φDur were serially passaged on R. planticola strains for 30 days at a multiplicity of infection of 1.0. Samples collected on days 0, 1, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 were analyzed using efficiency of plating assays and host range spot tests. Over the course of training, φMur titers increased steadily from days 1 to day 30, while φDur titers remained largely unchanged. Spot assays revealed that the evolved φMur phage effectively suppressed bacterial resistance. Collectively, these results demonstrate that evolutionary training can enhance phage infectivity and facilitate adaptation to resistant bacterial strains. Future genomic analyses will aim to identify mutations underlying these phenotypic improvements.

• Constantino Neri, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Ying-Hsuan Lin, Department of Environmental Sciences

   

  The leaching of heavy metals, nicotine, and other organic compounds from e-cigarette disposables under a simulated landfill leaching experiment with different aqueous media

   

  The use of e-cigarettes including disposables is widespread and increasing. In a report from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there was an 8.4 million increase in e-cigarettes sales from February 2020 to June 2024, with a 32.1% increase in disposables sales. Disposable e-cigarettes pose a greater environmental health hazard because they are designed to be single use devices that are discarded at a higher rate compared to other e-cigarettes. There is a lack of other research on the characterization of the hazardous chemicals leached from disposables into landfills and into the nearby surrounding environment. The aim of this study is to quantify the amount of heavy metals, nicotine and other unknown and possibly hazardous organic contaminants from these disposables. Leaching was simulated by immersing and rotating the NJOY Menthol disposable in deionized water, rain water and synthetic leachate spiked with deuterated nicotine as an internal standard. Samples were collected every 48-72 hours across 6 time points. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to quantify the metals and organic compounds, respectively. Across all conditions, there was an increase in nicotine and heavy metals, such as manganese, copper, iron, barium and nickel. Across these different conditions nicotine, acetamide and other metals leached at different rates. These findings imply that there can be an expected increase in the ecotoxicity, pollution and decline in ground water quality if there continues to be a lack of regulation on the use of disposable devices.

• Patrick Pascual, Material Science & Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Zepeng Cai, UCR Department of Chemistry; Yadong Yin, UCR Department of Chemistry

   

  TUNING SILICA SHELL FORMATION ON POLYSTYRENE MICROSPHERES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MAGNETIC STIRRING AND SONICATION

   

  Polystyrene-silica (PS@SiO2) core-shell microspheres are widely employed in applications ranging from drug delivery to photonic materials, owing to their tunable surface chemistry and structural integrity. A key factor influencing their performance in these applications is the uniformity of the silica shell, which is highly dependent on the coating conditions during synthesis. In this study, we investigate the synthesis of PS@SiO2 particles under two different approaches: magnetic stirring and sonication-assisted silica coating, to evaluate their effect on shell formation. Polystyrene microspheres were first synthesized using 6 mM ammonium persulfate (APS) as the initiator over a 19-hour reaction. The silica shell was subsequently deposited under either magnetic stirring or sonication, using a sol-gel method involving ethanol, aqueous ammonia, Milli-Q water, and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). By comparing magnetic stirring and sonication during the sol-gel process, this study enables the evaluation of the effect of reaction kinetics on the morphology, thickness uniformity, and surface coverage of the silica shell. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize particle morphology and size distribution, revealing distinct differences in coating homogeneity between the two methods.

• Nathan Ramsay, Mechanical Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Steve Choi, UCR Department of Physics and Astronomy

   

  Design and Assembly of an Infrared Calibration Source for the CCAT Observatory

   

  Kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) are a type of superconducting photon detectors that have become widely adopted for astronomical observation due to their ability to measure minute fluctuations in temperature and polarization of the sky. The Cerro Chajnantor Atacama Telescope (CCAT) Observatory in Chile will employ a large array of KIDs to measure the cosmic microwave background (CMB) and the submillimeter sky to ultimately provide further insights into the formation of the universe. Prior to their on-sky deployment on the telescope, the detectors require calibration to establish their response to known optical signals and ensure accurate distinction between radiation from the CMB and noise from other sources. In the laboratory we calibrate a 350 GHz detector using a modulating IR source within a cryogenic dilution refrigerator. The IR source is secured to the 4 K stage of the refrigerator on a 30 mm x 50 mm x 0.25-inch mount printed circuit board (PCB). The mount is machined out of oxygen-free high conductivity (OFHC) copper for effective thermal anchoring. The source is soldered onto a PCB attached to the mount and its output is controlled via a signal generator which varies parameters such as voltage, frequency, and pulse width.

• Salvador Toscano, Earth & Planetary Sciences

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Wei Liu, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of California, Riverside

   

  IMPACT OF FRESHWATER DISCHARGE FROM ANTARCTICA ICE SHEET MELT ON ANTARCTICA SEA ICE

   

  Antarctic ice sheets have been melting during the past decades, and the melt is projected to continue throughout the twenty-first century, which will significantly impact Earth’s climate components including Antarctic sea ice. To elucidate such impact, we use the NorESM2-MM antwater experiment from the Southern Ocean Freshwater Input from Antarctica (SOFIA) initiative, in which 0.1Sv of meltwater is added at the ocean surface evenly around Antarctica to mimic the Antarctica ice sheet melt and resultant meltwater discharge in the Southern Ocean. We find that Antarctic sea ice increases in the antwater experiment, in terms of both sea ice area and volume. The largest increases in sea ice concentration and thickness occur in the Weddell Sea, owing to a compensating effect of dynamic and thermo dynamic processes. In particular, northward winds carry ice towards the middle Southern Ocean, where ice melts primarily at the base due to warmer ocean water beneath.

• Gianella Zarate, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Kate Ostevik, UCR Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology

   

  Resource Allocation of Helianthus Annuus Measured Through Phenotypic Traits 

   

  Environmental stress on the wild sunflowers, Helianthus annuus, has favored genetic mutations that increase plant resilience. This study serves as an investigation into which H. annuus phenotypes assist the plant in overall survival, depending on climate factors such as aridity and humidity. The phenotypic data analyzed include sunflower head diameter and weight from 65 different populations found throughout California, grown in a common garden. Our results suggest that there is high growth variation among the various plants. Typically, plants in dry climates will use conservative energy techniques, displaying a smaller sunflower head overall. This research will contribute to the understanding of climate change factors affecting the growth of wild sunflowers that are abundant in California. It will also identify the phenotypic qualities, trade-offs, and eventually genes that strengthen survival among sunflowers. This information can be used to improve commercial sunflowers through genetic modification.

• James Jamieson XVIII, Computer Engineer

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Amir Verdi, Department of Environmental Sciences

   

  Evaluating Watering Systems Under Standardized ETo Conditions Using Soil Moisture Sensors

   

  California’s persistent droughts and depleting groundwater reserves have created an urgent demand for water conservation efforts. Autonomous Irrigation systems are a promising solution to this problem, with the ability to precisely water plants only when they need it, significantly reducing not only water use but also the cost of keeping plants irrigated.

   

  While autonomous irrigation may offer significant benefits, it is still a relatively new technology that requires further development. In this study, we aim to advance such development by testing a theoretical standardized operating parameter and evaluating two forms of watering applications: drip and sprinkler. Thirty-six experimental plots were equipped with eight soil moisture sensors at varying depths, ranging from 5 to 135 cm. Six plant species were assigned to six plots each, with three plots for the drip irrigation and three for the sprinkler irrigation. All the plots were watered at 60% reference evapotranspiration (ETo), which was provided by an on-site weather station.

   

  Preliminary results indicated that the drip treatment was more effective in achieving a higher soil moisture content compared to the sprinkler treatment. Furthermore, each plant species appeared to tolerate the 60% ETo watering treatment.

   

  By quantifying the interaction between soil moisture levels, ETo watering treatments, and delivery methods, this project provides a standardized framework that municipalities and homeowners can use to easily implement autonomous irrigation. A widespread implementation of this framework could lead to increased drought tolerance and yield significant long-term savings.

• Heather Mathews, Agriculture Plant Science

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Elia Scudiero, UCR Department of Environmental Science

   

  Using Portable L-band Radiometer (PoLRa) for crop water stress detection in Citrus Orchard

   

  Crop water stress detection tracks one of the major problems in the citrus industry. Early detection allows growers to know how to effectively manage water and nutrient levels. With increasing climate change, the frequency and intensity of drought also increases. Therefore, precision irrigation plays an important role in citrus production in California because of its drought-prone climate. To detect the water stress in citrus, growers use an instrument called a pressure chamber which measures stem water potential and leaf water potential. It gives accurate information; however, it is labor intensive, time consuming, and has to be used at a certain time of the day. The use of the pressure chamber is a manual procedure that requires checking each leaves moisture level which takes 1-2 minutes for a single leaf. Therefore, the need is a better alternative method to get a better ground truth reading of moisture content. In this experiment, a portable L-band radiometer (PoLRa) was used, measuring the microwave brightness temperature every 7 seconds. Microwave brightness temperature can be used as a proxy for canopy moisture content. This sensor has the potential to detect crop water stress more efficiently than the other method. This data was collected mostly from a time frame of 11AM to 2PM. PoLRa data was collected at 3 different angles using a Stop And Go method. Findings are expected to support scalable, real-time decision support systems for precision irrigation and crop water stress detection in specialty crops.

• Holly Parker, Mathematics

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Saverio Perri, Department of Environmental Science

   

  Modeling the Effect of Osmotic Potential on the Water and Carbon Budget

   

  Soil salinization is one of the major threats to agricultural production in arid and semi-arid regions such as Central and Southern California. Salinity influences the water and carbon budget by altering plant-available water through its impact on soil-water potential, particularly its osmotic component. Higher soil salinity limits plant water uptake by lowering the osmotic potential. However, carbon and water flux models often don’t account for soil salinity in their budgets. The carbon budget is a scientific way of keeping track of Carbon’s fluctuations throughout Earth’s ecosystems.

   

  This study investigates the impact of salinity on the carbon budget in California’s Central Valley by utilizing a program created by NASA’s JPL, called CARDAMOM. Using Bayesian inference, CARDAMOM estimates carbon fluxes across various ecosystems. We achieved this by incorporating osmotic potential under varying salt concentration into the model’s primary water potential equation. Before implementing this modification into CARDAMOM, we graphed osmotic potential using Python to examine its behavior under varying soil moisture levels.

   

  Results showed a significant correlation between salinity and water potential, with higher salinity leading to more negative potential. This suggests that osmotic potential plays a critical role in the water and carbon cycle, which in the long term, may influence overall productivity and carbon sequestration. We expect that including osmotic potential in future calculations of water potential would lead to more accurate representations of the carbon budget and plant water demand. While this research focused on California’s Central Valley, this equation can be applied to analyze any salt-impacted region.

• Oscar Ruiz, Computer Science

  Faculty Mentor: Nicholas Roque, UCR Department of Computer Science and Engineering

   

  Transformer-based Anomaly Detection for Cropland Monitoring via Satellite Imagery

   

  Anomalies in crop fields frequently result in significant yield losses and economic burdens for farmers. Early detection using satellite imagery presents a promising solution; however, this task is challenging due to the absence of labeled data, high computational requirements from processing large imagery files, weather-related disruptions limiting usable data, and the diversity of land covers such as cropland, urban areas, scrubland, and deserts. Additionally, models trained in one region may struggle to generalize effectively to other geographic areas. This research evaluates the effectiveness of the Segment Anything Model (SAM), a Vision Transformer (ViT)-based architecture known for strong anomaly detection performance in other domains, in addressing these challenges through unsupervised anomaly detection using high-resolution satellite imagery.

   

  Satellite images sourced from Planet Labs offer a spatial resolution of 3 meters, surpassing the granularity of images typically employed in related studies and potentially improving the detection of subtle anomalies. Current preprocessing efforts are dedicated to isolating spectral bands essential to vegetation health while excluding irrelevant visual noise such as clouds, shadows, and haze, thereby optimizing storage use and computational efficiency.

   

  SAM's anomaly detection capabilities will be evaluated against a range of state-of-the-art baselines, including U-Nets, autoencoder-based models, and other Vision Transformers. This research aims to deliver a practical tool directly usable by farmers, enabling timely interventions to reduce yield losses and financial risks. Furthermore, the findings could highlight the potential of transformer-based models for broader geospatial analysis tasks, encouraging their adoption beyond conventional computer vision applications.

• Sofia Tapia, Computer & Electrical Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Zhaowei Tan, Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering, University of California, Riverside

   

  Enhancing Drone Remote Sensing for Digital Agriculture

   

  Remote sensing via Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, has been revolutionary in modern day digital agriculture. In this project, drones are used to collect critical data from remote agricultural fields such as biomass levels, crop density, and soil moisture content. This project enhances UAV systems by enabling a new communication channel between sensors and mobile drones using LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) protocols. LoRaWAN has grown in popularity due to its long range and low power consumption that ensures security and reliable data routing.

   

  Our project uses sensors that include custom embedded protocols traversed along a field which sends signals back to a network server. These signals are sent via a gateway, and ultimately reach an end user. A critical component of this system is The Things Stack, a LoRaWAN network server, which I integrated into a Raspberry Pi 4B (a compact, single board computer). This server is intended to run on the drone, allowing it to manage and process sensor data in the field. By working collaboratively to develop this end to end system, this setup facilitates reliable, cost effective, and scalable platform for improving decision making and resourceful management in agriculture.

• Wang "Kassidy" Yu, Physics

  Faculty Mentor: Nan Li, UCR Department of USDA Salinity Lab

   

  In-Season Yield Estimation Using Time-Series Sentinel-2 Imagery

   

  Remote sensing—gathering information about land from satellites—offers a powerful, non-invasive way to monitor crops and predict crop yield. This method can cover large areas more efficiently than traditional approaches like plant sampling, which require physical labor and only provide local snapshots of the field. This study uses imagery from the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2 satellite to monitor broccoli, lettuce, celery, and cauliflower during the growing season in the Lower Colorado River Valley, near the Arizona–California border. Data was processed using Google Earth Engine (GEE)—a cloud-based platform for analyzing satellite imagery—and Python. A common vegetation formula called the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was calculated to estimate plant health by measuring how much red and near-infrared light the crops reflect. To avoid errors caused by cloud cover, low-quality pixels were filtered out using Sentinel-2’s Scene Classification Layer (SCL), which automatically labels features like clouds, water, and bare ground. Before analysis, NDVI data was cleaned by removing outliers, missing values, and any scores outside the valid range (-1 to 1). These cleaned values will be compared to actual crop yield records to explore correlations. If strong patterns are found, NDVI could help detect crop stress early—such as poor growth or drought—and improve real-time decision-making. This research supports precision agriculture efforts, especially in water-limited regions, by offering farmers scalable, low-cost tools to monitor and manage crop performance.

• Nicholas "Nick" Beattie, Aerospace Engineering & Physics

  Faculty Mentor: Shawn Westerdale, UCR Department of Physics & Astronomy

   

  Optical Characterization of Reflective Materials for Background Mitigation in DarkSide-20k

   

  Dark Matter remains one of the most persistent open questions in modern physics, with extensive theoretical and experimental efforts dedicated to uncovering its nature. Among the leading candidates are Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), which are predicted to interact with baryons via non-gravitational interactions of extremely low cross section, enabling potential detection through rare nuclear recoil events. The Darkside-20k experiment, a next-generation liquid argon Time Projection Chamber (TPC) aims to detect WIMP-nucleon interactions by directly observing low-energy nuclear recoils in an ultra-pure argon target. A critical component of the DarkSide-20k detector is the outer veto system, which mitigates backgrounds from cosmic-ray-induced muons and their secondary particles, such as neutrons, which can generate scintillation signals in the detector medium that are indistinguishable from WIMP-induced nuclear recoils in the absence of veto-based background discrimination. Our work focuses on the optical characterization of two candidate reflector materials, Lumirror and Tyvek, for this outer veto system to improve photon collection efficiency. Using a custom-built instrument, REFLECT, we illuminate target materials with LED light at 280nm, 340nm, 380nm, 395nm, and 470nm wavelengths via optical fiber and submerge the instrument in a cryostat filled with liquid nitrogen. The reflected light from the material is then detected by a silicon photomultiplier (SiPM), which detects the scintillation light from liquid argon. Data collection and analysis are currently ongoing. The results of this study will inform material selection for the Darkside-20k outer veto system and contribute to broader efforts in Dark Matter and neutrino detection.

• Samuel Garcia, Entomology

  Faculty Mentor: Jenni Garcia Quiceno, Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside

   

  BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF ASIAN CITRUS PSYLLID IN CITRUS TREES AT THE URBAN-AGRICULTURAL INTERFACE

   

  This project investigates the use of biological control to manage citrus pests particularly the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) Diaphorina citri in residential areas bordering commercial citrus groves in Hemet, California. ACP is the known vector of huanglongbing (HLB), a deadly and incurable citrus disease that has severely impacted global citrus production. Managing ACP populations in residential areas is especially critical, as unmanaged trees in urban zones can act as reservoirs, allowing pests to spread back into commercial groves. Chemical treatments are not always feasible in these areas, making biological control a potentially sustainable alternative. Over the 13-week study period, 32 residential citrus properties were assigned to one of four treatment groups: a no-release control, or biweekly releases of one of three predator species (Chrysoperla comanche, Rhyzobius lophanthae, or Diomus pumilo). Insect monitoring was conducted twice per month through tap sampling, yellow sticky traps, and visual inspection to record ACP presence on flush points. Based on results from visual and tap sampling, Rhyzobius lophanthae showed a preference preying on nymphs, while Diomus pumilo preferred adult ACP. Chrysoperla comanche resulted largely ineffective, potentially due to interference from ant activity. While for the yellow sticky traps results, ACP numbers increased across all treatments, including control sites, these findings highlight the need for continued monitoring and research. Future studies should explore the combined impact of biological control agents, ant interference, and non-target pests such as thrips. This work contributes to developing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies tailored for urban-agriculture interface zones.

• Noemi "Mimi" Medina, Physics

  Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrew Joe, UCR Department of Physics and Astronomy

   

  Enhanced Fabrication of Monolayered TMD Devices for Improved Optoelectronic Measures in Two-dimensional van der Waals Heterostructures

   

  Two-dimensional (2D) materials are atomically thin materials that opened a realm of research in fundamental physics and device applications due to the reduction of dimensionality. Among the 2D materials family (including metals, semiconductors, superconductors, and insulators), transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) attract attention due to their semiconductor band structure and optoelectronic applications. Stacking different 2D materials together creates 2D van der Waals heterostructures, which accommodate exotic physical properties because of the interaction between different layers. For example, by encapsulating a TMD device with boron nitride (BN) as the dielectric and graphite as the gate material, the band structure and optical response of TMD is tuned and explored with an applied electric field and carrier density. A high-quality device with clean interfaces between different layers is essential to get the best optical response.

   

  In this project, polypropylene carbonate (PPC) is used as a new transfer polymer to stack the bottom BN and graphite. Then we anneal the stack to achieve an ultraclean surface. Afterwards, we stack the top graphite, top BN, and monolayer TMD on the bottom layers to produce a high-quality device. Compared to most polymers in the stacking process, the thermoplastic properties of PPC film minimizes polymer contamination during the dry release transfer process and can be fully evaporated during the annealing, improving device quality. This project aims to provide a solution for obtaining higher quality photoluminescence (PL) and absorption spectrum signals of monolayer TMD devices, and discover exotic physics based on complicated, high- quality device structures.

• Valeria Rodriguez, Civil Engineering

  Faculty Mentor: Steve Choi, UCR Department of Physics and Astronomy

   

  Polarization Calibration using Rotating Wiregrids for the CCAT Observatory

   

  The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the faint afterglow of the Big Bang, holds vital clues to the universe’s origins, structure, and evolution. This project is to develop a polarization calibration source for the CCAT observatory, which will measure the microwave sky more precisely. Specifically, I designed an air bearing ring rotating system for wire-grid polarizers, which are used to calibrate the polarization response of the detectors for CCAT.

   

  The air bearing is to rotate a 390 mm diameter clear aperture steel ring with wire grids. These rotating grids will be used to generate a polarized signal into the cryogenic receiver to calibrate the response of the broadband polarization-sensitive detectors. This project used SolidWorks, FreeCAD, and ANSYS Discovery to model and test the modular ring rotator mechanism that uses a precision air bearing to float a lightweight rotor holding the wire-grid. This air bearing system will provide smooth, frictionless rotational motion and precise angular encoding to enable polarization calibration, which is needed for astrophysical and cosmological sciences with CCAT.

• Lisette Ruiz, Entomology

  Faculty Mentor: Jedeliza B. Ferrater, Paul Rugman-Jones and Matthew P. Daugherty, Crafton Hills College, Department of Entomology, University of California Riverside, 92521 California

   

  Evaluation of X-ray Irradiation on Survival and Wolbachia Prevalence in the Asian Citrus Psyllid

   

  The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama, is a vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), a pathogenic bacterium associated with the fatal citrus disease huanglongbing (HLB). ACP also harbors Wolbachia, a maternally inherited endosymbiont that modulates reproduction, immunity, and may play a role in vector competence. A method that involves releasing large numbers of psyllids that have been sterilized by exposure to X-rays (the sterile insect technique) is currently being evaluated for controlling ACP. It is currently unknown if Wolbachia within the ACP is impacted by sterilization. To evaluate the effects of X-ray irradiation on Wolbachia, without adversely affecting psyllid viability, newly emerged adult ACP were exposed to one of four X-ray doses: 0 (control), 80, 160, or 320 Gy. A sample from each treatment was immediately preserved in 95% ethanol. Irradiated females were then caged on detached shoots of curry leaf plant, Bergera koenigii, with one non-irradiated male. Female survival was recorded daily for 13 days, any dead females were collected and stored in 95% ethanol. A subset of females were collected and preserved on day 7, all remaining females were collected on day 13. Meanwhile, irradiated males were caged collectively on B. koenigii and ethanol-preserved samples were again collected on days 7 and 13. A survival analysis found that female mortality did not differ significantly among treatments, indicating that doses up to 320 Gy were sub-lethal over the test period. Ongoing quantitative PCR will determine Wolbachia infection frequency and load (titer) in male and female ACP collected over time, while oviposition assays will assess effects on female fecundity. These data will reveal whether X-ray exposure can selectively suppress Wolbachia and thereby potentially reduce CLas transmission, providing information on the potential integration of Sterile Insect Technique into area-wide HLB management programs.

• Denny Santoso, Applied Mathematics

  Faculty Mentor: Shawn Westerdale, UCR Physics and Astronomy Department

   

  Developing a New and Comprehensive Dataset for G4CASCADE

   

  Geant4 is a widely used framework for simulating nuclear and particle physic interactions. Within it, G4CASCADE was developed by UCR Dark Matter and Neutrino Lab specifically to model gamma ray de-excitation cascades after a neutron capture. Originally developed for Geant4-10, this module is currently incompatible with Geant4-11.

   

  The goal of this project is to enhance G4CASCADE’s performance as it is being updated to be compatible with Geant4-11. To achieve this goal, we are developing a pipeline to merge nuclear data, including but not limited to, half-lives, levels, gamma transitions, etc., from two primary sources: CapGam, which contains experimentally measured gamma-ray transitions, and NuDat3, which includes additional transition details for levels also found in CapGam. This integration helps cover the missing gamma transitions found in CapGam, if any.

   

  Currently, the work is developing a program that merges the two datasets together, so that complimentary information can be extracted from both. Although the new data structure is exclusive to G4CASCADE, the developers of Geant4 plan to adapt G4CASCADE into their upcoming version—leaving room for the new data structure to be used in other nuclear simulations, making it appealing for physicists worldwide to use.

• Jorge Trujillo, Computer Science

  Faculty Mentor: Andrew Joe, UCR Department of Physics and Anatomy

   

  Enhancement of Galvanometer Scanner User Interface and Transfer Stage Control Systems using Python

   

  The Joe Lab at UC Riverside fabricates two-dimensional (2D) material heterostructures in order to study physics at the nano scale. Fabricating and measuring devices at small scales requires various instruments that must be programmed. Two instruments that are beneficial to the lab are a Galvanometer scanner and the 2D materials transfer stage. The galvanometer controls mirrors in the optical setup to scan a laser across an area of the sample. The transfer stage is a microscope with a computer-controlled xyz stage that is important for the fabrication process. The software to control these instruments are home-built and there are additional features to be implemented and unoptimized code. Due to real-time measurements being performed with large arrays of data, the home-built software for both instruments consumes high amounts of cpu leading to subpar performance. We have implemented several changes to the galvanometer program to improve the user interface. Several changes include a timer, a drop down menu for parameters, a button to save data, and disabling buttons not in use. We have also implemented the threading of the multiple components of these instruments in order to reduce cpu usage, run multiple tasks at the same time, and minimize crashing. The software improvements will help allow new measurements to be taken and improve the fabrication tools in the lab.

• Dejah Davis, Biology

  Faculty Mentor: Karthikeyan Chandrasegaran, UCR Department of Entomology

   

  Mosquito Reproductive Potential Post-Exposure to Permethrin Insecticide in Aedes Aegypti

   

  Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are known vectors of many arboviruses including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. Controlling mosquito populations is critical to safeguard public health and maintain stable communities, which has become more difficult as mosquitoes are passing on insecticide resistant traits to the coming generations. Insecticide resistance is the ability of mosquitoes to survive exposure to doses of insecticides that would normally be lethal. This resistance develops over time through genetic changes caused by continual or sub-lethal exposure to insecticides. In this study, I examine how sub-lethal exposure to permethrin, a commonly used pyrethroid insecticide, affects reproduction potential in Aedes aegypti behavior, contributing to insecticide resistance. This trait can reduce reproductive success due to biological trade-offs or the surviving offspring can reinforce the resistance in the population. I exposed susceptible and resistant strains of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to sub-lethal doses of permethrin for varying durations to modulate the magnitude of sub-lethal exposure. Adult female mosquitoes, upon exposure, were tracked daily post-exposure for survival and were blood fed. Individual blood-fed females were isolated for at least seven days to evaluate their reproductive potential. Preliminary findings show that resistant Aedes aegypti females may have reproductive and survival advantages following sub-lethal permethrin exposure, which could contribute to the persistence and spread of insecticide resistance in mosquito populations in comparison to the susceptible strain. Assessing reproductive outcomes after sub-lethal insecticide exposure offers critical insights into residual insecticide effects and helps refine vector control strategies by accounting for potential recovery and continued transmission risk.