Biosensors for the detection of thiol-containing biomacromolecules via cationic aromatic compounds

Investigator: Reza Abiri, University of Rhode Island  Mentor: Walter Besio, University of Rhode Island Theme: Neuroscience Title: Biosensors for the detection of thiol-containing biomacromolecules via cationic aromatic compounds Award: Early Career Development (2022-2024) Abstract: The ability to focus attention and encode the information are among the brain’s most important cognitive and perceptive functions. Different neurological […]

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Assessing the impact of harmful macroalgal blooms on coastal environmental health

INVESTIGATOR: Lindsay Green-Gavrielidis, Salve Regina University MENTOR: Marta Gomez-Chiarri, University of Rhode Island SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: Overall, the goal of this proposed research is to assess the impacts of harmful macroalgal blooms on higher trophic levels and coastal environmental health. The health of coastal ecosystems can impact public health by compromising food sources […]

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Mental health and the environment for unaccompanied children in the United States

Investigator: Robert Hasson, Providence College  Mentor: Thomas Crea, Boston College Theme: Neuroscience Title: Mental health and the environment for unaccompanied children in the United States Award: Early Career Development (2022-2024) Abstract: The proposed study examines mental health outcomes for unaccompanied children, a growing population of uniquely vulnerable immigrants who are resettled in the United States […]

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Functionalizable and Degradable Polymers for Disease Treatment

INVESTIGATOR: Elizabeth Kiesewetter, Rhode Island College MENTOR: Brenton DeBoef, University of Rhode Island SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences ABSTRACT: Multi-drug resistance represents a major hurdle in disease treatment. While some polymeric approaches aimed at overcoming multi-drug resistance have shown promise, they are largely based on synthetically costly procedures or materials that cannot be metabolized to benign […]

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Neuromuscular control and sensory feedback of fish fins

INVESTIGATOR: Anabela Maia, Rhode Island College MENTOR: Elizabeth Brainerd, Brown University SCIENTIFIC THEME: Neuroscience ABSTRACT: Problems with motor control strongly impact quality of life. Lack of control and the inability to adequate perceive sensory information and adjust muscle contraction are at the source of many pathologies including Parkinson, Multiple Sclerosis as well in a variety […]

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Photonic thin films for the colorimetric detection of waterborne pollutants

INVESTIGATOR: Benjamin McDonald, Brown University  MENTOR: Jason Dwyer, University of Rhode Island TITLE: Photonic thin films for the colorimetric detection of waterborne pollutants SCIENTIFIC THEME: Environmental Health Sciences AWARD: Early Career Development (2022-2024) ABSTRACT: Microbial and PFAS in drinking water, as well as marine and freshwater bodies of water, are persistent and increasing threats to […]

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Impacts of maternal PFOS exposure on neuronal development

Investigator: Belinda Barbagallo, Salve Regina University Theme: Neuroscience Title: Impacts of maternal PFOS exposure on neuronal development  Award: SURF PUI Training Award (2022-2024) Abstract: Neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities, affect approximately 15% of children in the United States, with the prevalence of multiple disorders rising over the last four decades. Most […]

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Neural correlates of visual statistical learning and morphological processing

Investigator: Joanna Morris, Providence College Mentor: James Morgan, Brown University Theme: Neuroscience Title: Neural correlates of visual statistical learning and morphological processing  Award: Early Career Development (2022-2024) Abstract: Dyslexia is a brain-based learning disorder that involves difficulty reading despite adequate sensory and perceptual ability, intelligence, and opportunities to learn. Recently, several research groups have shown […]

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Exploring the Relationship between Structure and Function in KmtR

Investigator: Khadine Higgins, Salve Regina University Theme: Environmental Health Sciences Title: Exploring the Relationship between Structure and Function in KmtR Award: SURF PUI Training Award (2022-2024) Abstract: The long-term goal of this work is aimed at understanding why Mycobaterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) requires two Ni(II)- and Co(II)-responsive metalloregulators associated with the export of Ni(II) and […]

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Analyzing the mechanisms of unique adherence phenotypes of super shedder E. coli

Investigator: Matthew Moreau, Salve Regina University Theme: Environmental Health Sciences Title: Analyzing the mechanisms of unique adherence phenotypes of super shedder E. coli  Award: SURF PUI Training Award (2022-2024) Abstract: Super shedding (SS) of Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from its cattle reservoir is responsible for producing most of the environmental burden of this bacterium. […]

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