The Road from Undergraduate Research to a Career as a Researcher

David Dausey, Ph.D.Provost, Duquesne University

Thank You for Participating!Biola University

Birmingham-Southern College

Boston University

Case Western Reserve University

Chatham University

City Colleges of Chicago

Depauw University

Dickinson College

Duquesne University

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Franklin Regional High School

Freeport High School

Grove City College

Harvard University

Harvey Mudd College

Lebanon Valley College

Lincoln University

Lipscomb University

Marlboro University

Mt. Lebanon High School

Ohio University

Otterbein University

Pittsburgh Sci-Tech Academy

Rice University

Rutgers University

Saginaw Valley State University

San Francisco State Univeristy

Seton Hill University

Skidmore College

Slippery Rock University

Taylor Allderice High School

The George Washington University

The Ohio State University

University of Central Oklahoma

University of Dayton

University of Massachusetts – Lowell

University of Minnesota, Morris

University of North Carolina

University of Notre Dame

University of Pittsburgh

University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras

University of Rochester

University of South Carolina

Vassar College

Washington & Jefferson College

Waynesburg University

Western Michigan University

Westminster College

Grant Supported Research Groups• Dr. Joseph Ayoob (TecBio REU) Computational Biology, University of Pittsburgh • Drs. Taryn Bayles and Joseph McCarthy (PFM) Chemical and Petroleum Engineering,

University of Pittsburgh• Dr. David Boone (Hillman Academy) University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute• Dr. Russell Clark Physics and Astronomy, University of Pittsburgh • Dr. Jeffrey Evansek (NSF-REU) Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University• Dr. Robbie Iuliucci Chemistry, Washington & Jefferson College. • Drs. Ben Kolber, Kevin Tidgewell, Rita Mihailescu and Michael Cascio (PURE and NURE

NIH) Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Applause for Faculty Mentors!Allyson O'DonnellJeffrey BecksteadFatiha BenmohktarMichael CascioJane CavanaughTheodore CorcovilosJames DrennenJeffrey EvanseckEllen GawaltBenjamin GoldschmidtRobert IuliucciJan JaneckaDavid KahlerWook KimHoward "Skip" KingstonBenedict KolberMatthew KostekLauren O'DonnellDavid Lampe Rehana Leak

Joseph MacNeilDevika ManickamJoseph McCormickMenon GopalakrishnaRita MihailescuRebecca MorrowRachael NeilanJana Patton-VogtJohn PollockBrady PorterMichael SeamanKyle SelcerDavid SeybertJohn StolzMelikhan TanyeriKevin TidgewellMichael Van StipdonkJohn ViatorStephanie Wetzel

Generating Forbidden 10-Fold Symmetry Quasicrystals using an Optical SystemMittal, Jahnavee; Corcovilos, Theodore A.Department of PhysicsDuquesne University

Quasicrystals are non-periodic arrangements of atoms, first discovered in the 1980s, that possess no translational symmetry but still maintain long-range order. The empirical mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties of quasicrystals match neither those of true crystals non amorphous materials, making these properties difficult to predict theoretically. We will study the quantum mechanical properties of quasicrystals by building analogs to them using atoms at nanokelvin temperatures in an optical potential equal to that of a quasicrystal. We numerically simulated a quasicrystal with 10-fold symmetry built by the interference of five nearly co-propagating laser beams using Fresnel propagation software written in Python and constructed a simple optical setup to demonstrate the potential. The quasicrystal structure of the laser interference pattern is experimentally verified using the Fourier transform of a photograph of the pattern, which clearly shows “forbidden” 10-fold rotational symmetry.

Generating Forbidden 10-Fold Symmetry Quasicrystals using an Optical SystemMittal, Jahnavee; Corcovilos, Theodore A.Department of PhysicsDuquesne University

Quasicrystals are non-periodic arrangements of atoms, first discovered in the 1980s, that possess no translational symmetry but still maintain long-range order. The empirical mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties of quasicrystals match neither those of true crystals non amorphous materials, making these properties difficult to predict theoretically. We will study the quantum mechanical properties of quasicrystals by building analogs to them using atoms at nanokelvin temperatures in an optical potential equal to that of a quasicrystal. We numerically simulated a quasicrystal with 10-fold symmetry built by the interference of five nearly co-propagating laser beams using Fresnel propagation software written in Python and constructed a simple optical setup to demonstrate the potential. The quasicrystal structure of the laser interference pattern is experimentally verified using the Fourier transform of a photograph of the pattern, which clearly shows “forbidden” 10-fold rotational symmetry.

Does resveratrol prevent sarcopenia and preserve oxidative capacity with aging?Martinez, Wenceslao1, Omstead, Kailey2, Kostek, Matthew21Undergraduate Program of Exercise Science, Western Michigan University, 2Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University

Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength with age, has a negative correlation with life expectancy. In addition to years of life lost, quality of life is also negatively associated with muscle loss. Muscle oxidative capacity is the capacity for a muscle to use oxygen to generate ATP and is a marker of mitochondrial function. Oxidative capacity decreases with age, and coupled with mitochondrial dysfunction, contributes to sarcopenia. Maintaining or increasing oxidative capacity could be a means of slowing sarcopenia and prolonging life. Here, we hypothesize that an antioxidant compound, resveratrol, may protect muscle from damage and enhance oxidative capacity. In the current study, we treated aging mice with resveratrol and quantified oxidative capacity and mitochondrial function after treatment. We have optimized the histochemical technique of succinate dehydrogenase (marker of oxidative capacity and mitochondrial function) activity and are currently analyzing the experimental muscle samples.

You All Did Great Work!Generating Forbidden 10-Fold Symmetry Quasicrystals using an Optical SystemMittal, Jahnavee; Corcovilos, Theodore A.Department of PhysicsDuquesne University

Quasicrystals are non-periodic arrangements of atoms, first discovered in the 1980s, that possess no translational symmetry but still maintain long-range order. The empirical mechanical, thermal, and electronic properties of quasicrystals match neither those of true crystals non amorphous materials, making these properties difficult to predict theoretically. We will study the quantum mechanical properties of quasicrystals by building analogs to them using atoms at nanokelvin temperatures in an optical potential equal to that of a quasicrystal. We numerically simulated a quasicrystal with 10-fold symmetry built by the interference of five nearly co-propagating laser beams using Fresnel propagation software written in Python and constructed a simple optical setup to demonstrate the potential. The quasicrystal structure of the laser interference pattern is experimentally verified using the Fourier transform of a photograph of the pattern, which clearly shows “forbidden” 10-fold rotational symmetry.

Determining the External Loop Conformations of the Rat Serotonin Transporter through Single Cysteine Point Mutations and Cross-Linking Mass Spectrometry (CX-MS).Gargano, Adam1,2 ; Castellano, Elizabeth1,2 ; Tomcho, Kayce1,2 ; Cascio, Michael1,21Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Duquesne University.2Chronic Pain Consortium, Duquesne University

The serotonin transporter (SERT) is a transmembrane protein in neurons. It is responsible for the re-uptake of serotonin, a monoamine neurotransmitter, from the synapse to the pre-synaptic neuron. Dysregulation of serotonin in the synapse results in psychological disorders such as depression. Hypothetically, understanding the structure of SERT could lead to better drug design to fight depression. To understand the allostery and structure of the external loops of the rat serotonin transporter (rSERT), single cysteines were inserted systematically at specific points (V310C and R564C) into a cys-null background. A crosslinker can be used to form a disulfide bond to the introduced cysteine. Subsequent UV radiation resulted in non-specific crosslinks with benzophenone to the local protein. After in-gel trypsin digest, Mass Spectrometry (MS) studies can identify which amino acids were non-selectively bound by the cross-linker and therefore probe the local environments of V310C and R564C. MS results are currently pending.

Method Development for Remote Sensing of River Flow with Limited Ground-Based Measurements

Martin, Mackenzie L.; Glancey, Kathleen M.; Krebs, Nicholas C.; and Kahler, David M.Center for Environmental Research and EducationDuquesne University

Water resource management requires accurate collection of water data over time, including river flow, but these data have been deficient in rural regions. Rural areas generally depend on smaller river systems, often where no remote-gaging capabilities exist. This is especially true in low- and middle-income countries. A relationship between flow and river width has been previously demonstrated in attempts to record and monitor this data remotely using satellite measurements; however, current methods have focused on rivers with a width of > 30m and have shown extreme errors when compared to historical gaging records. A new technique for monitoring river flow remotely is presented here, allowing for the creation of an improved river flow record (given historical satellite data), which uses minimum ground-based measurements for calibration. Buffalo Creek, located in Freeport Pennsylvania, and the Mutale River, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, were used as preliminary testing sites for this method.

Exploring the Fragmentation of Copper (II) Cationized, N-terminally Modified Peptides using Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Density Functional Theory CalculationsKline, Susan; Bubas, Amanda; Metzler, Luke J.; Van Stipdonk, Michael J.Department of Chemistry and BiochemistryDuquesne UniversityTandem mass spectrometry is one of the most useful tools for identifying peptides and proteins. Our group has found that derivatization to create N-terminal imines may significantly improve de novo peptide sequencing/identification by enhancing ion yields and sequence coverage. In this study, N-terminally modified peptides cationized using Cu2+ were examined by multiple-stage mass spectrometry to determine if metal cationization also enhances de novo sequencing of peptides. A group of small model peptides were used to establish general fragmentation patterns using the N-terminal modification and Cu2+ cationization. For each peptide, losses of 44 mass units (loss of CO2) and 46 mass units (loss of H2O and CO) were observed, and sequence of fragmentation pathways for the two dissociation channels were investigated. A range of sequence ions and non-sequence ions were observed and density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to identify probable structures of precursors and products.

I Had to Google Some of Your Topics

Interesting Themes Emerged…

Fast and FuriousDaniel Gray, Riley Workman, Dr. Matthew Srnec and Dr. Jeffrey Evanseck

Monte CarloMercedes-Benz

Breaking BadErica Maney, Logan Miller, Sean Fischer, Dr. Stephanie Wetzel and Dr. Jeffrey Beckstead

Illicit Drugs Correctional Facilities

Star Wars?Jahnavee Mittal and Dr. Theodore Corcovilos

Forbidden 10-Fold Symmetry Quasicrystals

But Seriously…Never doubt the capacity of any research project to change lives and change the world.

I, too, Participated in a URP…

How Did I Get From There to Here?

How Much Time Do You Have?

My 13 Year Old Son’s AdviceStick to the time-lapsed YouTube version of the story…

My Talk is Already Uploaded to YouTube.

Enjoy the Rest of Your Day.

Best Keynote Address Ever

Award

Five Steps to Get From Point A to B 1. Decide where you are going2. Find a reliable map, choose a path and take it3. Expect unplanned traffic and deviations 4. If lost, stop and ask for directions5. Follow open doors; avoid closed ones

Five Steps to Get From Point A to B 1. Decide where you are going2. Find a reliable map, choose a path and take it3. Expect unplanned traffic and deviations 4. If lost, stop and ask for directions5. Follow open doors; avoid closed ones

What Motivates You?

Solving Problems Helping People Being Creative

What Interests You?

Health and Disease Math and Science Social Problems

Solve for Y

Where:y = Dependent variable = Point B = field(s) you should pursueX = ∑(𝑋𝑋1 − 𝑋𝑋𝑋𝑋) = Predictor variable = Sum of key motivationsZ = ∑(𝑍𝑍1 − 𝑍𝑍𝑋𝑋) = Predictor variable = Sum of key interestse = Error term = How sure you are about X and Z

𝑦𝑦 = 𝛽𝛽0 + 𝛽𝛽1𝑋𝑋 + 𝛽𝛽2𝑍𝑍 + 𝑒𝑒

Don’t Assume a Linear Equation*

*This talk offers no guarantees. Mathematical models are for illustrative purposes only. You may need a quadratic variable in your model. You may have collinear variables. Etc. Worse--you may be entirely non-linear (think Divergent) and require non-parametric model. Consult your mentor for help before settling on any model.

Planned Actual

For Me “Y” Solved for EpidemiologyGreek word meaning:

Five Steps to Get From Point A to B 1. Decide where you are going2. Find a reliable map, choose a path and take it3. Expect unplanned traffic and deviations 4. If lost, stop and ask for directions5. Follow open doors; avoid closed ones

Maps and Paths1. Get a lay of the land—carefully study what you think

your are interested in.2. Take a few road trips—kick the tires on the car and

make sure you are ready for the journey—this URP is a good example.

3. Chart a course—talk to people who have already traveled on the path you want to take (e.g. faculty mentors, graduate students, others).

Lay of the Land for Epidemiology

Road Trips (Literally & Figuratively)

MOVIES Study Altruism and Bone Marrow Transplants

Psychiatric EpidemiologyOutcomes Research Cancer Epidemiology

Pain Management for Cancer Patients

I Charted a Course to Yale

Five Steps to Get From Point A to B 1. Decide where you are going2. Find a reliable map, choose a path and take it3. Expect unplanned traffic and deviations 4. If lost, stop and ask for directions5. Follow open doors; avoid closed ones

To Degree or Not to DegreeMDMD, MPHMD, PhDPhDPhD, MPHJD, PhD

Which Path is the Right One?

Initially I wanted to pursue a PhD and MD

Life Events Can Change Your Plans

Marriages, births, deaths and other life events can cause you to change course.

Chance Favors the Prepared Mind

Five Steps to Get From Point A to B 1. Decide where you are going2. Find a reliable map, choose a path and take it3. Expect unplanned traffic and deviations4. If lost, stop and ask for directions5. Follow open doors; avoid closed ones

You Need Mentors at Every Stage

Listen to Good AdviceThe Whale that Spouts Gets the Harpoon

Duck Your Head Down and Do Good Work

Five Steps to Get From Point A to B 1. Decide where you are going2. Find a reliable map, choose a path and take it3. Expect unplanned traffic and deviations4. If lost, stop and ask for directions5. Follow open doors; avoid closed ones

Land Ho!

Parting AdviceI expect to pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness or abilities that I can show to any fellow human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again. --William Penn

Thank You!