Andrei Abarientos
Majors: Pathobiology, Sociology
Project Title: Investigating Immune Characteristics of a Vaccine Candidate against two Tickborne Bandaviruses
Committee: Paulo Verardi, Pathobiology; Edan Tulman, Pathobiology; Ryan Talbert, Sociology
Project Summary: Dabie Bandavirus (formerly SFTS virus) and Heartland Virus are two emerging tick borne viruses in East Asia and the US respectively. Despite the severe disease cases and the potential to become public health burdens, there are currently no approved vaccines or therapeutics. This study aims to investigate the immune characteristics and immune cell subtypes of a novel heterologous vaccine regimen consisting of a DNA-prime and vaccinia viral-vector boost. Results have the potential to better elucidate mechanisms of immunity and lay the foundation for more effective vaccines.
Andrei Abarientos is a junior honors student majoring in Pathobiology and Sociology. He is a 2023 Holster Scholar and was a 2024 NIH Summer IRTA student. Outside of the lab, Andrei is a Leader for Kids & UConn Bridging Education. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and reading.
Nicholas Bailey
Majors: Management and Engineering for Manufacturing and Applied Math
Project Title: Cost Effective Unmanned Aerial Vehicle-based inspections of Photovoltaic Systems for Small-to-Medium Manufacturers
Committee: Liang Zhang, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Farhad Imani, Mechanical Engineering; Erin Rizzie, Mathematics
Project Summary: Many small-to-medium manufacturers (SMMs) have solar panel installations but lack the necessary data for effective monitoring and maintenance. With the recent decline in the cost of drones equipped with thermal cameras, these technologies are becoming a viable option for SMMs to conduct their own solar inspections. This project focuses on adapting utility-scale drone inspection technology for smaller manufacturers by demonstrating its feasibility. Machine learning is used for object detection and defect classification, complemented by financial analysis to assess economic viability.
Nicholas Bailey is an honors dual-degree student majoring in Management and Engineering for Manufacturing and Applied Math. He currently works at the Southern New England Industrial Training and Assessment Center where he performs energy assessments for small-to-medium manufacturers. After graduation, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering.
Micah Banschick
Majors: Physics and Mathematics
Project Title: Stochastic Methods for Measuring Circumbinary Accretion Disk Luminosity
Committee: Jonathan Trump, Physics; Lea Ferreira dos Santos, Physics; Cara Battersby, Physics
Project Summary: Supermassive black holes in binary systems generate complex interactions within their surrounding circumbinary accretion disks, leading to variability in their observed luminosity. This project employs stochastic methods, including stochastic differential equations and Monte Carlo simulations, to model and analyze light curve data from these systems. By developing a probabilistic framework, this research aims to extract key physical parameters such as black hole mass, orbital separation, and accretion disk density. The findings will enhance our understanding of supermassive black hole growth and evolution while contributing to the broader field of time-domain astrophysics.
Micah Banschick is an honors student and aspiring mathematical-physicist from Stamford, CT. Outside of research, he co-leads UConn’s Science Technology and Astronomy Recruits (STARs), and runs a 200+ member Stamford-based social network focused on board games as its founder and organizer.
Isabella Bruzzese
Majors: Mathematics/Physics
Project Title: Optical Observation of Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) Effect in Ordered Molecular Qubits
Committee: Tomoyasu Mani, Chemistry; Lea Ferreira dos Santos, Physics; Cara Battersby, Physics
Project Summary: Spin is a fundamental quantity in the quantum realm. It determines how electrons can decay back to ground state and emit light. The CISS effect allows a chiral molecule to filter electron spin populations to achieve spin-polarization. Using liquid crystals and surface anchors, I am to optically observe this effect in organic Donor-Bridge-Acceptor systems. Using a magnetic field, I can indirectly measure the spin populations for spin-correlated radical pairs via emission intensity in the ordered qubit system. Spin-polarization could be used for new catalysis methods as well as quantum information science and technologies.
Isabella Bruzzese is a Mathematics/Physics major from Windham, NH, who plans to pursue a Ph.D. In Mathematical Physics after her bachelor’s degree, with the end goal of working in academia. In her free time, she enjoys reading philosophy and listening to brutal death metal.
Mehr Chhatre
Major: Chemical Engineering
Project Title: Modulation of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminant Toxicity to Soil Protists via Co-Exposure with Microplastics and the Broader Societal Impacts of Microplastics
Committee:Leslie Shor, Chemical Engineering; Carol Atkinson-Palombo, Geography, Sustainability, Community & Urban Studies; Daniel Gage, Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Summary: Microplastic pollution is ever-increasing, but the impact of these particles is little known, especially within the soil environment. My project aims to analyze the impact of both clean and contaminated microplastics on the abundance and motility of soil microorganisms, known as soil protists. The goal is to understand if the microplastics can serve as accumulators in the soil, being able to section off potential harmful contaminants away from the soil protists, or if their presence will further aggregate the impact of these contaminants as the microorganisms ingest the plastic. In addition, my project will explore current microplastic regulation policy within the US.
Mehr Chhatre is a Nutmeg Scholar from Hamden CT, studying chemical engineering with minors in mathematics and global Studies. She’s passionate about environmental research and is involved on campus working as an Honors GPS, co-president of UConn iGEM, DEI Chair for UConn SWE, and a dancer on Husky Bhangra.
Emily Finch
Majors: English and Individualized (Creating and Educating for the Stage and Screen)
Project Title: Project Title: In Search of “The Search for the Lost Husband”: Playwriting as a Window into the Oral Tradition of the Aarne-Thompson-Uther Index’s Tale Type 425
Committee: Darcie Dennigan, English; Gregory Semenza, English; Sandi Carroll, Dramatic Arts
Description: The Aarne-Thompson-Uther (ATU) Index is an international catalogue of folktale types, tracking shared stories and motifs across geographical and temporal distance. As many of these tales began their histories exclusively within their native culture’s oral traditions, this project seeks to return them to a setting of visual and auditory transmission more in line with their original tellings than their currently more popular written forms. This project unites four unique versions of the ATU Type 425 myth (“The Search for the Lost Husband”), adapting them into a play cycle which interweaves human and puppet performances to bring to life the fantastical elements of the tale type, as well as to investigate the distinctly human narrative at its center.
Emily Finch is an honors student majoring in English and Individualized (Creating and Educating for the Stage and Screen). She is a Babbidge Scholar, and is the secretary of both TEDxUConn and UConn’s Honors Arts Collective. After graduation, she intends to pursue a PhD and continue her work in writing.
Wyeth H. Haddock
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Project Title: Developing a Copper-Based Medium Entropy Alloy with Enhanced Mechanical Properties for Space Applications
Committee: Seok-Woo Lee, Materials Science and Engineering; Yuanyuan Zhu, Materials Science and Engineering; Bryan Huey, Materials Science and Engineering
Project Summary: Medium-entropy alloys exhibit unique mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms, making them promising candidates for deep-space exploration where materials must endure extreme temperatures and stresses. The project aims to synthesize a copper-based alloy consisting of copper, dysprosium, and yttrium by taking advantage of their tendency to form an intermetallic phase. I plan to analyze microstructures, phase stability, and mechanical properties using advanced characterization and mechanical testing techniques. Given the deformation mechanisms observed in similar alloys, I hypothesize that the DyYCu alloy will demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties at cryogenic temperatures. If successful, this material could contribute to further space exploration.
Wyeth Haddock is an honors student from Fairfax, VT, majoring in Materials Science and Engineering. On campus, he’s the president of the club running team, a campus tour guide, and involved in materials science outreach. In the future, he plans to get his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering.
Noen Jian
Major: Chemistry
Project Title: Synthetic Tuning to Achieve Air-Stable Molecular Qubits
Committee: Tomoyasu Mani, Chemistry; Alfredo Angeles-Boza, Chemistry; Eugene Pinkhassik, Chemistry
Project Summary: Quantum information science (QIS) is a field with the potential to develop solutions to classically unsolvable problems through the exploitation of quantum bits (qubits). The Mani lab seeks to develop an effective molecular qubit based on spin-correlated radical pairs that can be used for such QIS applications. My project seeks to address a limitation of our molecular qubits-stability in the presence of oxygen. Using synthetic tuning, a molecular qubit will be produced capable of functioning in atmospheric conditions. This accomplishment will broaden potential applications and improve the ease of use of this new technology.
Noen Jian is a chemistry student from Southbury CT. He works night-shift in the ER as a technician. After graduation he will obtain an MD and pursue radiology.
Anja Kearney
Major: Physiology and Neurobiology
Minor: Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Title: Enhancement of Axon Regeneration After Optic Nerve Injury in Inducible Mature and Immature Oligodendrocyte-Deficient Mice
Committee: Feliks Trakhtenberg, Neuroscience, UCHC (chair); Rahul Kanadia, Physiology and Neurobiology; Joanne Conover, Physiology and Neurobiology
Project Summary: After white matter damage to central nervous system (CNS) structures including the optic nerve, axons cannot regenerate. Optic neuropathies from injury or disease damage optic nerve axons, resulting in irreversible vision loss and even complete blindness. A major inhibitory factor to CNS regeneration is myelin, produced by mature oligodendrocytes. My research uses the Cre-LoxP system to deplete mature and immature oligodendrocytes by targeting myelin regulatory factor (Myrf) with LoxP sites under cell type specific Cre expression. This study will investigate whether depletion of oligodendrocyte lineage cells prevents premature myelination and promotes axon regeneration in the optic nerve after injury.
Anja Kearney is an honors Physiology and Neurobiology major from Franklin Lakes, NJ, planning to attend medical school after graduation. On campus, Anja is a student-athlete as a coxswain on the UConn Women’s Rowing Team. She also is a HuskyTHON Morale Captain, SASP tutor, and secretary of PATH.
Nora Lippai
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Title: Investigating the Influence of Genomic Elements on Readthrough Transcription
Committee: Leighton Core, Molecular and Cell Biology; Jelena Erceg, Molecular and Cell Biology; Kenneth Campellone, Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Summary: Proper regulation of gene expression requires that transcription of genes terminates at specific sites which promote RNA transcript release and maturation. Readthrough transcription occurs when RNA Polymerase fails to terminate at the proper site; this occurs in response to various stress states and exhibits considerable gene-by-gene variability. My project seeks to characterize genomic determinants that influence this variability through a wet lab and bioinformatics approach. My project will address a knowledge gap regarding the full picture of genome-wide readthrough fluctuation and may point to therapeutic approaches to maintain host gene expression in processes such as disease development and viral infection.
Nora Lippai is an honors student pursuing a major in Molecular and Cell Biology with a minor in Bioinformatics. She is also a Presidential Scholar, SURF Award recipient, and New England Scholar. After graduation, she aspires to earn a Ph.D. in Genetics and Genomics and become a research professor.
Jose Matute
Major: Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Title: Calcium Modulation: Photoswitchable ML-9 Derivatives
Committee: Michael Kienzler, Chemistry; Amy Howell, Chemistry; Christopher Malinoski, Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Summary: The development of photoswitchable ML-9 derivatives is aimed at achieving precise control over calcium signaling. By incorporating azoaryl moieties into ML-9 derivatives, light-dependent modulation of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) via the STIM1-Orai1 pathway can be achieved. This light-controlled inhibition will reduce the broad off-target effects observed with traditional inhibitors, offering a more targeted approach to controlling calcium influx. By applying photoswitching to control calcium signaling with high specificity, this research could have significant implications for therapeutic and research strategies. It may bring forth novel approaches to treat and understand diseases that are associated with dysregulated calcium signaling such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Jose Matute is an honors student majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology, originally from Ica, Peru. With a strong foundation in research and clinical practice, Jose plans to attend dental school and specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Outside of school, he balances working as a dental assistant and spending time with his family.
Mukrim Rahman
Major: Individualized – Behavioral and Developmental Neuroscience
Project Title: To Stress, or not to Stress? Investigating the relationship between testing anxiety and working memory capacity in college students: An Inverted-U theoretical approach
Committee: Jeffrey Pella, Department of Psychiatry, UCHC; Xinnian Chen, Physiology and Neurobiology; Umay Suanda, Psychological Sciences; James Chrobak, Psychological Sciences
Project Summary: People who experience anxiety during a testing situation can have consequences that limit the retrieval of information from their working memory capacity, ultimately affecting their ability to perform optimally. My research will investigate the relationship between self-reported testing anxiety and working memory capacity as a function of the Inverted-U theory. Through the completion of neurocognitive measures, I will assess the application of this theory in an educational setting, hoping to bridge our understanding of anxiety and cognitive performance relationships.
Mukrim is an Honors and Global Distinction Scholar majoring in Behavioral and Developmental Neuroscience with a minor in Psychology. He is president of the UConn Alzheimer’s Awareness Club, a member of the CLAS Student Leadership Board, and an IMJR mentor. Outside of class, Mukrim is passionate about soccer and trying new food.
Teddy Smith
Major: Physics
Project Title: Mapping the Inner Environments of Supermassive Black Holes
Committee: Jonathan Trump, Physics; Chris Faesi, Physics; Cara Battersby, Physics
Project Summary: It is widely known that all galaxies have a supermassive black hole at their centers. Only a few of these black holes are “active.” To understand how these “active galactic nuclei” function, astronomers probe the regions closest to the black hole with many different analytical techniques. Previously, I have observed an interesting correlation between coronal line emission and black hole mass. This project aims to use reverberation mapping to explore the unstudied coronal line region and further study the relationship between coronal line emission and black hole activity. This work will hopefully provide astronomers with more ways to classify and study supermassive black holes.
Teddy Smith is a Junior from Sacramento, CA, pursuing a major in physics with a minor in astrophysics. On campus, he is a member of the alpine ski team and a backpacking enthusiast. After graduation, he hopes to pursue a Ph. D. in astrophysics to continue studying black holes and their environments.
Laxmi Chinmaya Vobbineni
Majors: Biomedical Engineering, Molecular and Cell Biology
Project Title: The Synergic Role of Electrical and Chemical Stimulation in Wound Healing of Diabetic Patients
Committee: Syam Nukavarapu, Biomedical Engineering; David Daggett, Molecular and Cell Biology; Sangamesh Kumbar, Biomedical Engineering
Project Summary: Diabetes, characterized by high blood sugar levels, can often significantly impair the wound healing process due to factors such as a weakened immune response and poor circulation. These elevated blood glucose levels often cause damage to blood vessels, leading to reduced oxygen supply to the wound site, and are often paired with an impaired immune response such as the delayed arrival of white blood cells to the wound environment. These factors, as well as others such as delayed replacement of collagen and high rates of inflammation, can lead to chronic wounds with a tendency to scar, causing pain and financial burden to patients. It is proposed that the use of chemical stimulation, such as ion channel blockers, in conjunction with electrical stimulation, to improve cellular functions like cell proliferation/migration, can improve the wound healing process for diabetic patients. Combining these treatments with a delivery platform such as an ionically conductive scaffold can allow for the development of a system with high potential for clinical use.
Laxmi Vobbineni is an honors student pursuing majors in Biomedical Engineering and Molecular and Cell Biology. Outside of academics, Laxmi serves as a robotics mentor for several local teams, is the chief of the undergraduate research assistant program at Connecticut Children’s Hospital, and volunteers as a nursing aide at the Hospital for Special Care. After graduation, Laxmi plans to attend medical school.
Zhengyang Wei
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Project title: Stability Analysis on 9D Shear Flow Model by Small-Signal Finite-Gain Lp Stable Theorem
Committee: Chang Liu, School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering; Reza Sheikhi, School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering; Jason Lee, School of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Manufacturing Engineering
Project Summary: Turbulence is chaotic and challenging to control, but mitigating its transition to turbulence in shear flows is vital. This project applies the Small-Signal Finite-Gain Lp Stable Theorem to analyze the 9D shear flow model’s input-output stability, focusing on external disturbances and varying Reynolds numbers. Identifying conditions for stability aims to mitigate the transition to turbulence and improve flow control. The findings have applications in aerodynamic design and industrial systems, providing insights into enhancing stability and performance. This work contributes to developing effective strategies for controlling shear flows and advancing fluid dynamics research.
Zhengyang Wei is an Honors student majoring in mechanical engineering, with a minor in math. After graduation, He plans to pursue a PhD in fluid stability or optimization. In his free time, he enjoys playing volleyball.
Michelle Zhu
Majors: Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education
Project Title: Bidirectional Syntactic Priming Between Language and Mathematical Reasoning in Bilinguals
Committee: Adrián Garcia-Sierra, Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences (SHLS); Megan Staples, Mathematics Education; Erin Rizzie, Mathematics
Project Summary: Mathematical and linguistic expressions both follow structured patterns, with strong evidence that exposure to a specific structure in one domain can influence the processing in the other. Bidirectional structural priming suggests that both domains utilize a common level of structural representation. If two languages, English and Spanish, share similar syntactic structures, it is possible that similar priming effects could be observed, which would further strengthen the hypothesis that cognitive representations are shared between language and mathematical reasoning. Additionally, an EEG study will examine how language acquisition influences neural processing of both language and mathematics.
Michelle Zhu is an honors student from Storrs, CT, pursuing dual degrees in Pure Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education. Through the School of Education, she explores her interest in sheltered instruction and supporting bilingual learners. In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking, traveling, and baking.