Stander Symposium abstract book - University of Dayton

9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Study of developmental interaction of chip and L during DV patterning of Drosophila eye
Presenter(s): Greg F Mancini, Katrina L Staker, Meghana Tare
Advisor(s): Amit Singh
Biology - Honors Thesis
Axial patterning is crucial for organogenesis to transform a single layer of cells into a three dimensional organ. Axial patterning involves generation
of Dorsal (D) Ventral (V), Anterior (A) , Posterior (P), and Proximal (P) and Distal (D) axes. We are using the Drosophila melanogaster eye
model to understand the mechanism of axis specification during organogenesis. The DV axis is the first axis established by function of a number
of specific DV genes. Two important proteins, Lobe (L) and Serrate (Ser), are responsible for defining the ventral default state of the eye. A newly
identified gene chip, a transcriptional co-factor, is involved in defining the boundary of ventral eye. Here I present the results from my study on
developmental interaction of L and chip during DV development and patterning of eye. We are trying to understand if L interacts with chip during
eye development in order to define the DV axes. Since genetic machinery is conserved from flies to humans, our studies will shed light onto the
basic mechanism of axis specification during organogenesis.
Tapered Optical Fibers for Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds
Presenter(s): Branden J King
Advisor(s): Karolyn M Hansen, Peter E Powers
Biology - Graduate Research
Optical fibers have been used for detection of analytes in aqueous and vapor phases by assessing changing light transmission parameters resulting
from biomolecular interactions occurring on fiber surfaces. The primary objective of this study is to refine the optical fiber design by tapering the
fiber to modify the light path for enhanced detection of vapor phase analytes at very low concentrations, particularly volatile organic compounds
(VOCs). The typical light path through a single mode fiber with cladding results in low loss of light from the fiber. Tapering the fiber removes the
cladding, thins the diameter of the fiber core, and results in net loss of light from the core of the fiber. Lost light (photons) exists as a wave along
the surface of the tapered fiber. Molecular binding events on the surface of the taper result in disruption of the light path which is measurable as
a change in refraction/intensity.Single mode optical fibers have been tapered from 125 microns to 10-15 microns in diameter via heat treatment
and pulling of fibers. Tapered regions serve as the sensing interface, such that the light propagating through/around the fiber can interact with
molecules tethered to the surface. Tapered regions will be functionalized with biomolecules for capture/detection of analytes in both aqueous
(antibody) and vapor phase (DNA, peptide recognition molecules). Interaction of recognition molecules with analytes will cause a change in the
molecular structure at the tapered surface. We posit that these changes will affect light passing through the fiber and will result in a characteristic
spectral fingerprint indicative of the analyte. Future work will focus on refinement of surface chemistry to maximize molecular interactions for
detection of low concentrations of analytes. We envision the use of tapered optical fibers in array format for detection of multiple analytes in
complex samples.
Temporal and Spatial Distribution of an Anuran Chytrid Fungus: Comparison of the
Amphibians from Fragmented Forests in Hardin County, Ohio
Presenter(s): Lauren L Charbonneau
Advisor(s): Patrick K Williams
Biology - Honors Thesis
Chytridiomycosis disease, caused by the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), has contributed to anuran population declines and
extinctions worldwide. The disease is known from Africa, Asia, N. America, and Australia. In Ohio the geographic distribution of the fungus and
the impact on amphibian species is unknown. The impact of this pathogen, however, varies markedly among amphibian species and populations.
This project is focused on the detection of Bd in amphibian populations located in Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve and fragmented forest
woodlots in Hardin Country, Ohio. The project investigates the temporal change in infection by season and species. Comparison of populations
within and between isolated populations will provide geospatial assessment of the distribution of the disease.
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