Home --> Awards and Investments --> (RSP) Research Scholars Program
2010 Kentucky NSF EPSCoR Research Scholars Program (RSP)
Influence of Within- and Among-Stream Dispersal on Population Structure of Two-Lined Salamanders
Faculty Mentor: Stephen C. Richter
Awarded: June 2010
EPSCoR Support: $5,000
Student: Schyler O. Nunziata
Institution: Eastern Kentucky University
Hometown: Richmond, KY/ La Plata, MD
Classification: Graduate
By understanding how amphibians utilize the landscape, land planning can be established to maintain healthy populations. Population connectivity is critical in maintaining dispersal and corresponding gene flow in amphibian populations. Stream salamanders, e.g. the southern two-lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera), can disperse either along the stream channel or over land. This study aims to (1) estimate population boundaries of E. cirrigera along stream channels, (2) estimate dispersal patterns both within the stream and across land, and (3) estimate distance travelled by individuals into the upland habitat. To accomplish these aims, I will combine a mark-recapture study with a genetic study involving microsatellite DNA. This study will provide data on the aquatic and terrestrial spatial ecology of E. cirrigera and will have application to land-use planning in and around streams aiming to maintain viable amphibian populations.
Microfluidic Cardiac Cell Culture Model for Evaluation of Cardiac Endothelial Cells
Faculty Mentor: Palaniappan Sethu
Awarded: April 2010
EPSCoR Support: $5,000
Student: Thanh Huong T Luong
Institution: University of Louisville
Hometown: Louisville, KY
Classification: Undergraduate
Physiological heart development and cardiac function rely on the response of cells to mechanical stress signals during hemodynamic loading and unloading. These stresses manifest themselves via changes in cell structure, contractile function and gene expression. Disruption of this well balanced stress-sensing machinery due to various pathological conditions results in contractile dysfunction, cardiac remodeling and heart failure. In order to study signaling mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of various manifestations of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), there is a need for physiologically relevant in vitro models. These models recreate pathological conditions that can be represented via appropriate changes in mechanical loading in response to cardiomyocyte dysregulation. To accomplish this goal, we have developed a micro fluidic system that for the first time allows in vitro stimulation of cardiac cells by directly coupling cell function with fluid induced loading. I will work with a post-doc and a graduate student on fabrication, cell culture and evaluate structure and function of cardiac endothelial cells exposed to varying flow conditions (continuous vs. pulsatile).
Determination of Insitu Moisture Content from Measurements of the Complex Dielectric Constant in Soils
Faculty Mentor: L. Sebastian Bryson
Awarded: February 2010
EPSCoR Support: $5,000
Student: Melinda Jean-Louis
Institution: University of Kentucky
Hometown: Lexington, KY/Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Classification: Undergraduate
The Hydra Probe II measures the complex dielectric constant of a soil and water mixture to obtain the moisture content. As the dielectric constant of water is four to eight times greater than most aggregates, changes in water content directly affect the sensor output. Soil models specific to the various soil types are developed by plotting measurements of complex dielectric constant versus oven-derived moisture contents. The subsequent linear regression line then becomes the soil model. The proposed research is to develop a universal model for the Hydra Probe. The universal model will allow moisture content to be determined insitu, regardless of the soil type.
Study of Carbon Uptake on Reclaimed Mining Lands
Faculty Mentor: James Fox
Awarded: January 2010
EPSCoR Support: $5,000
Student: Peter Acton
Institution: University of Kentucky
Hometown: London, KY
Classification: Undergraduate
Estimates of soil organic carbon density and fluxes have been a recent topic of uncertainty when budgeting the carbon footprint of coal extraction and burning. My project focuses on estimating the uptake of carbon from the atmosphere to the soil pool after reclamation of surface coal mining lands in southeastern Kentucky. Soil data will be collected in the field and analyzed for its soil organic carbon density from sites in different stages of reclamation. Importantly, my research makes use isotope ratio mass spectrometry to analyze the carbon stable isotopic signature of reclaimed soil in order that new soil carbon can be separated from carbon associated with coal fragments. The results of my research will be used to estimate the coal carbon footprint for Appalachian Kentucky.