Dr. Michael Whiting, Department of Biology Funding was received from the BYU ORCA mentorship program during 2011 to support undergraduates performing research in my lab, under the mentorship of postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and myself. During 2011, this funding provided direct support for 6 undergraduates who are in various stages of completing research projects. The […]
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The School Based Family: Coaches and Teachers as Parental Figures for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Ugandan Schools
Dr. Stacy Taniguchi, Department of Recreation Management and Youth Leadership The purpose of this study was to qualitatively examine the possible formation of surrogate families within Ugandan schools to potentially provide a context for positive development experiences, especially for orphans who lack positive development opportunities provided by parents. The sample for this study consisted of […]
Neurophysiological Substrates of Alcohol Addiction
Dr. Scott Steffensen, Department of Psychology Completion of Academic Objectives Research in my lab is dedicated to the elucidation of brain substrates underlying drug addiction. Elder Boyd K. Packer has stated, “It is my conviction, and my constant prayer, that there will come through research, through inspiration to scientists if need be, the power to […]
Amphibians and Reptiles as Model Systems: Phylogenetic Research for Undergraduates
Dr. Jack Sites, Department of Biology This award provided $20,000 to support of molecular phylogenetic work on a number of projects, including those related to my long-term focus on the “deep history” relationships of squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes), and the second more recent emphasis on phylogeographic (“shallow history”) studies of frogs and lizards. This […]
Development of Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (q-PCR) Assays for the Specific Detection and Characterization of Select Bacterial Pathogens
Dr. Richard Robison, Department of Microbiology & Molecular Biology The Specific aims for the project were as follows Develop q-PCR reactions for specific target genes of bacterial pathogens Primer generation software will be used to design primer and probe sequences that will theoretically perform optimally in PCR reactions. All sequences will be subjected to BLAST […]
Classical Singer University Vocal Competition
Dr. Diane Reich, School of Music The annual convention of Classical Singer, a premier trade journal for singers and singing teachers, began in 2009 to hold a competition for university students. This is strictly for classical singers age 18-25, who are training and aspiring to become professional singers. The initial proposal was intended for the […]
Cytokine Signaling in the Microenvironment May Aid in Tumor Development and Progression
Dr. Kim O’Neill, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology Studies have indicated that in breast tumors a high number of tumor associated macrophages (TAM’s) is indicative of a poor prognosis. TAM’s in the breast tumor microenvironment generally have a compromised immune response and focus their energy toward tissue repair which leads to angiogenesis, tumor growth, […]
A Randomized-Controlled Trial of the Effects of Resistance Training on Body Composition, Strength, Physical Activity, and Body Satisfaction in Postpartum Women
Dr. James LeCheminant, Department of Exercise Sciences Evaluation of how well the academic objectives of the proposal were met The purpose of this study, as submitted to the IRB, was to determine the effects of flexibility or resistance training on body composition, strength, spontaneous physical activity, cardiovascular disease risk factors, bone density, and body satisfaction, […]
BYU Students identify Genetic Factors that Modulate Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Levels and Influence Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease
Dr. John Kauwe, Department of Biology Project Justification and Overview Successful enrollment in and completion of graduate programs requires a constellation of skills. Students must be prepared to plan and execute experiments, present their findings both verbally and in manuscript form and interact effectively with senior scientists in the field of their choice. In this […]
Using Cooperative Learning Groups to Research Speciation in Central American Fishes: Integrating Field Work, Molecular Phylogeography, and Video-Playback Behavior Assays
Dr. Jerry Johnson, Department of Biology This mentoring environment grant was awarded in 2010 and was intended to spent over a two year period. The purpose of the project was to provide up to six students with an opportunity to participate in three different research aspects of a single research problem related to understanding speciation. […]