Roba Abbajabal – Computer Science
Counting Cellular Images in an Immunocytochemistry Dataset with Deep Learning Methods
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Wallapak Tavanapong | Advisor(s): Allyn Kolar
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Gavin Andres – Computer Science
Inertial and RF UWB Sensor Fusion for Indoor Localization
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Project Advisor(s): Yan-Bin Jia | Advisor(s): Sita Molacek
Abstract: Localization is crucial for autonomous systems, especially in motion planning and navigation, but the task can be difficult. Many existing algorithms have a very limited application range due to a lack of consistent landmarks in the robot’s operating environment, high hardware costs, and inaccurate and unwieldy sensors. This project develops a method for indoor localization based on a fusion of ultra-wideband (UWB) sensors and an inertial measurement unit (IMU), with the objectives of easy replication and integration with other projects. The methodology builds on an extended Kalman filter (EKF) that continuously tracks the state of the mobile robot based on the IMU readings and UWB ranges as the system output. Our localization method has achieved an accuracy within 20cm, capturing details of fine movements missed by UWB alone. Employing DWM1001-Dev UWB sensors, the project provides simple methods to integrate with any IMU sensor of choice. All the developed software is available in a public repository, accompanied by detailed documentation for hardware setup and software integration.
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Lexie Balkema – Biology (LAS)
World Food Issues Children's Book
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Project Advisor(s): Katherine Bangert | Advisor(s): Alexis Atkinson
Abstract: Children’s literature is an underutilized tool for teaching children about current world food issues like food insecurity, nutrition education, food waste, and obesity. After examining what books are available at the Ames Public Library and researching what is taught in public elementary schools, I concluded that nutrition education can be improved in my community. Ultra-processed foods are convenient and profitable for manufacturers but are high in calories and lack the nutritional contents children need. Educating on the impacts of ultra-processed foods early can help combat future negative attitudes toward nutritious foods and avoid health risks like childhood obesity. I wanted to empower the elementary school-aged children in my community to make healthy food decisions. I wrote a book with a storyline that educates on ultra-processed foods titled “The Day the Vending Machines Went on Strike.” The main character, Venny the Vending Machine, acknowledges that his ultra-processed foods are causing the students more harm than good. He takes charge and goes on strike until the food in the vending machines is replaced with nutritious items, kickstarting a school-wide clean food movement. Exposing children in this age range to nutrition education will help them build and foster a healthy relationship with food.
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Jacob Butler – Biology (LAS)
JIL-1’s effects on Embryogenesis and the Acheate-Scute Complex
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Kristen Johansen | Advisor(s): Alexis Atkinson
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Clarissa Carolan – Biology (LAS)
The Effects of Exercise on the Endocannabinoid System and Brain Health in Adults with and without Cannabis use
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Project Advisor(s): Angelique Brellenthin | Advisor(s): Alexis Atkinson
Abstract: Cannabis use is on the rise due to concurrent increases in social acceptance and legalization. The exposure of cannabis has been liked to possible cerebrovascular disease, yet limited research has led to insufficient data to address dose response and the potential of safe-usage guidelines. For that reason, the purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between cannabis usage rates and cerebrovascular health. Participants (n=14) were healthy young adults aged 18-40 years. Cannabis use was self-reported. Aortic stiffness (cfPWV) was assessed via applanation tonometry at the carotid and femoral arteries. Blood pressure was assessed with an automated monitor and used to calculate mean arterial pressure (MAP). Brain blood flow, measured from the middle cerebral artery (MCA), was assessed via 2-Hz transcranial doppler. Linear regression analyses were used to assess the association between cerebrovascular measures and cannabis usage rates. No significant associations were observed between cerebrovascular measures and cannabis usage except cfPWV (p=0.00218) which was likely due to blood pressure differences among participants. Once the blood pressure variable was controlled by dividing cfPWV/MAP we found no evidence to significant effects of cannabis use on cerebrovascular measures (cfPWV/MAP: p=0.52503, MAP: p=0.77813, MCA: p=0.36402).
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Michael Craighton – Political Science, Economics (LAS)
Investigation the Relationship between Natural Resource Abundance and State Fragility
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Project Advisor(s): Saul Abarca Orozco | Advisor(s): Jason Chrystal, Darin Wohlgemuth
Abstract: An established theory in development economics is that of the resource curse, which suggests that countries with an abundance of natural resources often have worse economic development outcomes. Existing research has established that natural resources play a role in uneven economic development and the onset of conflict, but their role in driving state fragility has not been explored. This prorject examines the relationship between resource wealth and state fragility in developing countries, testing the hypothesis that states with greater concentrations of natural resource wealth experience higher levels of fragility. This analysis uses regression analysis to estimate a model of the relationship between natural resource abundance and a state fragility. State fragility is represented by the Fragile States Index from the Fund for Peace, while natural resource abundance is represented by a natural resource rents as a percentage of GDP, obtained from the World Bank. A measure of trade openness, also from the World Bank, are used as a control variable. The analysis reveals that there is a statistically-significant positive correlation between resource wealth and fragility. The results suggest that resources alone are not a direct cause of fragility, but rather exacerbate other existing conditions.
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Allie Crowson – Public Relations
Trust in the Courts, Voting Behavior, and Political Attitudes in College-Aged Americans
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Project Advisor(s): Dave Peterson | Advisor(s): Jessica Hansen-Moench
Abstract: This research explores political attitudes and the factors that influence them, specifically how trust in the courts shapes political attitudes among college students. We surveyed a total of 1,512 ISU students via email.
The survey presented participants with a passage either praising or condemning the Supreme Court, followed by Likert scale questions regarding political attitudes.
The preliminary findings showed that most students felt the government needed to hear them more, and it wasn't meeting their standards. Many were indifferent to politics and their political role as citizens. Whether or not students trusted the courts produced statistically significant results regarding voter behaviors and relationships with institutions.
The study highlighted institutions' strong influence and sociopolitical relationship with citizens. Additionally, the statistically significant results revealed the potential impact of information exposure and how it shapes how we think and act politically.
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Pradyumna Dahal – Computer Science, Mathematics
Exploring Software Consulting
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Kevin Kimle | Advisor(s): Christina Brady, Christina Brady
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Ashlee England – Psychology
Mindfulness Impact on Intrinsically Motivated Physical Activity
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Project Advisor(s): Alison Phillips | Advisor(s): Grace Wolf
Abstract: Mindfulness practices have caught the attention of many researchers as a way to enhance well-being and reduce psychological distress. Similarly, physical activity has long been known to have similar effects. This study hypothesized that engagement in yoga as a form of mindfulness will be most positively associated with engagement in physical activity. Further, I hypothesize that mediators of this relationship will include intrinsic motivation for exercising and body image (i.e., that mindfulness is associated with greater engagement in physical activity because it is associated with more intrinsic (vs extrinsic) motivation to exercise and more positive body image, which prior research has shown is positively associated with physical activity engagement. A convenience sample of 210 participants completed a survey assessing their engagement in mindfulness practices and physical activity. The results indicated no significant relationship between yoga and moderate to vigorous physical activity. Considering there was no significant relationship between them, no mediating effects exist.
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Don Gill – Psychology
Noobs vs Pros: Comparing Coping Styles across Streamers
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Project Advisor(s): Douglas Gentile | Advisor(s): Whitney Baker
Abstract: IGD symptomatology is highly correlated with maladaptive avoidant coping strategies and social isolation (Gentile, 2011), while online communities have only continued to foster social connections for those who lack in-person social support (Hilvert-Bruce, 2018). The purpose of this study was then to examine the relationship between online streaming communities and maladaptive coping. Results found using an independent samples t-test comparing Twitch (an online streaming service) compared to non-Twitch users had significantly higher IGD symptomatology, with no significant differences between coping self-efficacy, flexibility or maladaptive coping strategies. A mediation analyses was also performed to determine whether in-person social interconnectedness was a mediating factor between IGD symptomatology and maladaptive coping. The mediation analyses was significant across IGD symptomatology and maladaptive coping, in addition to in-person social interconnectedness and maladaptive coping, but was not significant in predicting in-person social interconnectedness from IGD symptomatology. The total effect for the model was significant still. IGD symptomatology was overall effective in predicting maladaptive coping strategies, but was unable to predict adaptive facets of behavior. Future research should examine whether IGD symptomatology can accurately predict adaptive behaviors or is mediated by them.
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Jennifer Godbersen – Linguistics
“Jump Analysis”: An Approach to Analyzing Continuity in Written Text Production
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Project Advisor(s): Phillip Gauger | Advisor(s): Jennifer Owens
Abstract: Cognitive linguistics is a field that investigates the mental processes involved in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Of particular interest to this project is the field of writing research, which focuses specifically on the cognitive processes involved in text production and how they can inform literacy. While keyboard logging has historically been used to study patterns in typing, pausing, and re-reading, research on writing linearity (how a writer “moves around” when producing and editing a text) is more limited, and largely restricted to simply prescribing writing sessions as “linear” or “non-linear”. This has traditionally been done by determining how frequently a writer moves away from the “leading edge” (the furthest cursor point in the document where the majority of text production occurs). However, the “leading edge” approach has limitations, both in automation (it may be misidentified if there are a few spaces or characters at the end of the document) and in oversimplifying the actual behaviors happening (such as assuming that true text production is only happening at the leading edge and editing behavior is occurring at all other points).
This project introduces a novel approach called "jump analysis," which indexes all cursor locations where text is added or deleted, offering a more comprehensive view of linearity. Four main goals were pursued: developing a method to extract linearity-related variables from keystroke logs, demonstrating feasibility on a small dataset, conducting data analysis to identify variable significance and correlation, and exploring patterns between "linear" and "non-linear" sessions. Significant findings emerged, revealing distinct behavioral patterns between the two sample groups, prompting further investigation.
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Grace Hagedorn – Biology (LAS)
Impacts of Water Quality on G418 Antibiotic Effectiveness
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Project Advisor(s): Mohan Gupta | Advisor(s): Alexis Atkinson
Abstract: G418 is an antibiotic in the kanamycin family. It is an aminoglycoside that inhibits the 80S ribosome and prevents protein synthesis. It is effective against both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, making it an ideal selection marker for yeast cell transformations. Cells successfully transformed with both a target sequence and the KanR resistance gene will survive, while non-transformed cells will die from exposure to the antibiotic. Unfortunately, this antibiotic has been ineffective in the lab for many years for unknown reasons. It is known that G418 is highly sensitive to poor water quality and low pH, so different water sources and G418 concentrations were tested to see if it would have an effect on the antibiotic. Early tests using patch plating and replica plating methods showed little difference between the water sources and mild differences between concentrations, with all plates being ineffective. Later tests using dilution plating methods showed that both water types were highly effective down to 200 ug/ml, the original recommended concentration. When tested in a transformation, plates were slightly less effective, but more ideal conditions are being tested to optimize this process. It is now believed an external factor beyond the water source was affecting G418, perhaps seasonally.
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Sean Hartmann – English, Technical Communication
Exploring Experimental Film Firsthand
Poster not available online
Project Advisor(s): Justin Remes | Advisor(s): Christiana Langenberg, Samantha Robinson-Adams
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Alexandra Harwood – English
All Laid out like a Tarot (Original Screenplay)
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Project Advisor(s): Emily Golden | Advisor(s): Samantha Robinson-Adams
Abstract: "All Laid Out Like a Tarot" is an original feature-length screenplay about a young woman, Rosie, who is struggling to move on from being in love with her best friend, Iris. She imagines a future with her, but when the cracks begin to widen she realizes that Iris isn't who she thought she was. Rosie must grieve the loss of her future and look to the past to move on. Her past, present, and future will be all laid out before us.
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Mia Kawamitsu – Journalism & Mass Communication, International Studies
Diversity Dialogues: Success & Struggles at Iowa State University
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Project Advisor(s): Deni Chamberlin, Robert Reason | Advisor(s): Tyler Schoh, Patrick Johnson
Abstract: In response to legislative mandates, Iowa State University, along with other institutions under the Iowa Board of Regents, is undergoing a restructuring of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices. This project emerges amidst concerns from underrepresented students about the potential impact of these changes on their college experiences. Through a series of interviews, mobile photography, and audio documentation, this research aimed to illuminate the diverse pathways of success and struggle for students with underrepresented identities at Iowa State University, a Predominantly White Institution (PWI). The project revealed how various factors, including the student’s college and the names of programs and opportunities, intersect to shape their access to resources and sense of belonging. Despite available resources, challenges such as finding community and feeling marginalized by the campus climate persist for students from underrepresented backgrounds. These findings underscore the importance of amplifying underrepresented voices to understand the nuanced challenges and triumphs students encounter within the campus community and to identify institutional barriers. Moreover, the results highlight the necessity of advocating for inclusive policies and practices within higher education institutions to enhance the academic journey of underrepresented students.
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Michaela Lange – Psychology
A Study on Storytelling
Poster not available online
Project Advisor(s): Douglas Gentile | Advisor(s): Whitney Baker
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Elizabeth Larkin – Genetics (LAS)
Plasmalogen Supplementation and Lifespan Analysis in Female Drosophila Flies
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Ping Kang | Advisor(s): Alison Esser
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Julia Litecky – Journalism & Mass Communication, Political Science
To what Extent does the United Nation's Universal Declaration of Human Rights apply to American Constitutionalism
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Project Advisor(s): Susan Laehn | Advisor(s): Tyler Schoh, Jason Chrystal
Abstract: The United Nation’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was written to internationally recognize and protect human rights. The American Constitution is a framework of government that outlines the rights Americans are afforded. This essay examines the relationship between the UDHR and the applications of it to the Constitution. Jack Donnelley asserts that all countries can adopt the UDHR and provide people with human rights despite cross-cultural differences. Theorists such as Sen and Nussbaum suggested the capabilities approach, theorizing it is the government’s role to provide its members with the capability to enjoy human rights. This essay makes the argument that states in America have the power to expand certain human rights without infringing upon the rights of anyone else but that there is a limit to Donnelley and Nussbaum’s theories because different interpretations of the Constitution lead people to believe that if a particular right is awarded to one group of individuals, it takes away from another. This essay concludes by finding extent to which states can adopt the UDHR requires states not to violate individuals' human rights but rather expand their power to protect individuals’ human rights from the state itself.
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Carsyn Mueller – Physics
The Properties and Synthesis of Sr(Co1-xCux)2P2
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Paul Canfield | Advisor(s): Benjamin Noack
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Benjamin Niklasen – Computer Science
JVM vs LLVM Compiler
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Project Advisor(s): Andrew Miner | Advisor(s): Sita Molacek
Abstract: In COM S 440: Principles and Practices of Compiling, the class was tasked with creating a compiler to take in a c file and output JVM byte code. The outputted JVM byte code is able to be optimized by a plethora of existing JVM byte code optimization algorithms in order to make the algorithm run faster. This project altered the compiler that was made for COM S 440 to compile the c code to LLVM instead of JVM byte code. The purposes of this conversion was to test a couple questions: if building a compiler to LLVM is easier than building a compiler to JVM byte code with only a semester of class time, and if there is a noticeable difference between the optimizations of LLVM and JVM byte code. Using the same base of the JVM compiler and altering it to output LLVM allows for more accurate tests to be run for optimizations. This also allows for a similar comparison of the building of the compiler as the parsing and type checking are already implemented and are the same regardless of the compiler target language.
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Clay Peters – Psychology
Framing, Its Effects, and Mitigation
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Kevin Blankenship | Advisor(s): Isabella Perksen
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Danielle Robinson – English
A Modern Chapbook: Poems and Dialogues on Wellbeing in an Unwell World
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Project Advisor(s): Linda Shenk | Advisor(s): Christiana Langenberg
Abstract: "A Modern Chapbook: Poems and Dialogues on Wellbeing in an Unwell World" is a chapbook of poetry and dialogue that uses animal imagery to symbolize mental and emotional healing processes. It responds to the anxiety of trying to find one’s way in a difficult and confusing world, an anxiety that this piece of writing embraces and explores openly. Its distinctive imagery of the cautious prey animal and the confident predator represents different states of being that all humans experience. Synthesizing my personal strengths as a writer as well as the current literary interest in genre-blending and accessible works of fiction, my chapbook brings the genres of poetry and dialogue together to create a healing work that will be published and distributed free to community centers in the Ames area. Its contribution to the literary world at large may seem small, but the beauty of a small publishing process is the trust that the work will fall into the hands of people who will find some catharsis or hope in it.
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Rachel Rosonke – Biology (LAS), Psychology
Associations between Grip Strength and Cerebral Hemodynamics in Young and Middle-Aged Adults
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Project Advisor(s): Wesley Lefferts | Advisor(s): Em Kapler, Zack Bonner
Abstract: Aerobic fitness and aerobic exercise are widely accepted as having protective effects on cognitive function and brain health, with less understood regarding muscular fitness and resistance exercise. Strength is beneficially associated with cognitive function, but the mechanisms underlying this relationship remain understudied and may relate to cerebral hemodynamics. The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between strength and cerebrovascular hemodynamics in young and middle-aged men and women. It was hypothesized that greater strength would be associated with better cerebral hemodynamics (greater mean blood velocity, lower pulsatility, greater pulsatile damping). Ninety-two generally healthy adults between 18-64 years old (36±16 yrs; BMI 25.9±4.0 kg/m2; n=39 women) underwent a hand grip strength assessment and resting cerebrovascular measures. Grip strength was measured via dynamometer and recorded as the highest value of 6 attempts. Middle cerebral artery (MCA) mean velocity and pulsatility index (PI) were measured via transcranial Doppler. Pulsatile damping was calculated as the ratio between the common carotid artery and MCA PI. Mean arterial pressure was assessed via an oscillometric blood pressure cuff. No significant associations were observed between relative grip strength and MCA mean velocity (r=-0.15), MCA PI (r=0.05), or MAP (r=0.07) after adjusting for age. Greater relative grip strength, however, was associated with greater pulsatile damping after adjusting for age (r=0.21; p<0.05). This relationship appeared to be driven by weak associations within each sex (men, r=0.10; women, r=0.02) that were not statistically significant on their own. Our preliminary results suggest there are no strong relations between grip strength and cerebral hemodynamics among generally healthy young and middle-aged adults after accounting for the effects of age and sex. Future studies should examine sex-specific associations with a larger sample, consider.
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Addison Schmidt – Computer Science, Mathematics
Proofs and Automation for Chemical Reaction Network Verification
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Jim Lathrop | Advisor(s): Deborah Holmes, Christina Brady
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Gretchen Schwager – Psychology
Cycle of Empowerment: Psychological Impacts of Menstrual Health Education
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Project Advisor(s): Alissa Stoehr | Advisor(s): Grace Wolf
Abstract: This research project aimed to investigate the relationship between the quality of menstrual health education and individuals' feelings of self-concept and empowerment within society. Participants were asked to complete a comprehensive form measuring their experiences of menstrual health education, along with their general perceptions of self-concept and feelings of empowerment in relation to identity. Statistical analysis was conducted to identify correlations between specific experiences of menstrual education and feelings of insecurity or shame surrounding menstruation and identity. The study also collected open-ended responses to gather qualitative input on potential improvements to menstrual education, aiming to better meet the needs of menstruating individuals. By combining quantitative and qualitative data analysis methods, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between menstrual health education, self-concept, and empowerment. The findings of this study have the potential to inform the development of more effective menstrual education programs that promote positive self-concept as well as a sense of community and support among menstruating individuals. Additionally, the research contributes to the broader discourse on women's health and education, highlighting areas for improvement and advocating for inclusive and empowering approaches to menstrual education.
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Grace Schwarz – Psychology
Heuristic Based Deception Detection
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Elizabeth Elliott, Christian Meissner | Advisor(s): Grace Wolf
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Eliza Sherman – Sociology (LAS), International Studies
The Truth about Human Trafficking
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Project Advisor(s): Alissa Stoehr | Advisor(s): Jacque Parker, Jen Topp-Segar
Abstract: This project presents a creative collection of informational materials addressing human trafficking, including brochures, pamphlets, business cards, and coasters. By researching prevalent misconceptions, myths, and truths, these resources aim to recognize human trafficking and debunk all the myths and misconceptions that come with it. The overall objective was to empower and inform both my community and others about the complexities of human trafficking with the hopes of fostering awareness and action toward combating this crime.
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Kaitlyn Sievers – Psychology
Actual Play Medium Influences on Novelty, Surprise, Transportation, and Competence Needs and Effects of Expertise
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Project Advisor(s): Kristi Costabile | Advisor(s): Grace Wolf
Abstract: Tabletop role-playing games (TTRPG) have recently risen greatly in popularity. Players create a shared experience through improvised collaborative story-telling, which, when recorded, is called actual-play. This growing medium is the focus of our study. Participants (N=226) viewed approximately thirty minutes of Dimension 20: The Unsleeping City. The following questionnaires measured aspects of narrative experience and aspects of Self-Determination Theory, i.e., autonomy, relatedness, and competence needs. Players’ medium expertise was positively correlated with transportation (r = 0.43) and plot comprehension (r = 0.32). Novelty was positively associated with intrinsic viewing motivation (r = 0.33) and willingness to recommend to others (r = 0.34). Surprise was also positively associated with intrinsic viewing motivation (r = 0.31) and willingness to recommend to others (r = 0.31). We hypothesized that surprise would be negatively associated with competence need satisfaction but found a positive association instead (r = 0.18). Our exploratory analysis found a positive relationship between surprise and transportation (r = 0.26). All correlations were statistically significant. The complexity of the medium presents a great barrier to entry, yet it remains appealing to new users. This medium lends itself to creating surprise and novelty as the story is created in real time.
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Jesse Slater – Mathematics, Computer Science
A Verified Compiler Targeting Chemical Reactions In DNA Soup
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): James Lathrop | Advisor(s): Christina Brady, Christina Brady
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Seema Smadi – Anthropology
Testing the Efficacy of the Ultra-Filtration Centrifuge for the Stable Isotope Analysis of Bone Collagen
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Project Advisor(s): Andrew Somerville | Advisor(s): Jen Topp-Segar
Abstract: Stable isotope analysis (SIA) has become an essential tool in a range of studies, including in ecological and archaeological research. This project assesses the necessity of ultrafiltration units in purifying bone collagen for SIA. While the method results in the reduction of possible contaminants, it adds additional time to sample preparation and can result in greater sample loss. This study analyzes seven ancient bison bones from central Iowa, partitioning each bone into six sub-samples. Half of these sub-samples underwent standard treatment, while the other half received ultrafiltration. The 42 samples were analyzed for stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios at the Stable Isotope Laboratory at ISU. The data accuracy is evaluated based on comparisons with results previously obtained from the University of California, Irvine, and by assessing the standard deviations of the results from each bone. The significance of this research is its potential to improve data collection efficiency and reduce costs associated with outsourcing sample processing for radiocarbon dating. Additionally, it contributes to the understanding of whether ultrafiltration is essential for stable isotope analysis. The compilation of acquired knowledge on the ultrafilters gained from this study has been compiled into a manual for future use of the equipment.
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Natalie Sommervold – Psychology
Using Eyewitness Descriptions of Perpetrators to Forecast Lineup Identification Accuracy
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Andrew Smith, Rebecca Ying | Advisor(s): Terry Kruse
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Hailey Stone – Political Science
2024 Iowa Republican Caucus: Why isn't Donald Trump doing Better?
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Project Advisor(s): Dave Peterson | Advisor(s): Jason Chrystal
Abstract: The narrative in the media throughout the 2024 Republican primary was that the race was Trump’s to lose. Yet, support for him among the electorate appears to be weaker in 2024 than it was in 2020 and 2016. This study investigated what factors were leading about half of likely Iowa caucusgoers, almost all of whom voted for him in 2020, to oppose him this cycle. If Trump is the leader of the Republican Party and, in some ways, the incumbent in the race, why isn’t he doing better? 1,016 Iowans were surveyed with an oversample of likely Republican caucusgoers. We asked a series of questions to gauge prior support for Trump amongst our respondents and asked those not supporting Trump to report why from a list of options. Clear patterns emerged when looking at who respondents supported instead. Those who reported not supporting Trump because of his actions supported Haley or Christie to a lesser extent. Respondents who said they like another candidate better or think it is time for a change largely supported DeSantis. These results provide evidence of underlying factions among Republican voters and suggest that the divided field was a strength for Trump.
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Henry Thomas – Chemistry, Physics
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of High-Entropy Intermetallics
Poster not available
Project Advisor(s): Wenyu Huang | Advisor(s): Elizabeth Zimmerman, Benjamin Noack
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Davis Verhoeven – Biology (LAS)
Engineering an Improved mRNA Vaccine using Unique Secondary Structures
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Project Advisor(s): David Verhoeven | Advisor(s): Em Kapler
Abstract: mRNA vaccines were a pivotal component in the fight against COVID-19. mRNA technology enables faster vaccine development and may lead to improved immunity. However, high production costs due to inefficient manufacturing processes and expensive components prohibit global vaccinations. These costs also prevent the use of current mRNA vaccines in production animals. We designed a new mRNA-based vaccine that is far more economical. Where Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine costs $2 to manufacture, ours costs approximately $0.58. These lower costs expand vaccine accessibility, supporting vaccination in developing nations and underserved communities. Expanded vaccination may help prevent new viral variants and empowers everyone to safeguard their health. Our lower costs also allow our vaccine platform to be used in production animals, expanding the benefits of mRNA vaccines to the veterinary field. While research is ongoing, our vaccine shows promise at providing a safe, affordable, and effective bulwark in the battle against disease.
