University Honors

In traumatic brain injury (TBI), secondary injury involving neurological damage andedema negatively impacts recovery outcomes. Previous studies have shown that an osmotictransport device (OTD) significantly decreases severe TBI edema in rodent models. Because theOTD requires a craniectomy for direct contact to the brain, it is expected that the simultaneousdelivery of the neuroprotective drug, neuregulin-1 (NRG-1), may further improve neurologicaloutcomes. However, the release rate of NRG-1 must be controlled. In addition, becausehydrogel-drug interactions can be highly complex and impact overall delivery, the release ofNRG-1 from hydrogel must be analyzed. Previous research has shown that hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) may have the appropriate properties for this purpose. Here we test the release ofthe active EGF-like domain of NRG-1 from a hydrogel made up of 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5% HECand artificial cerebrospinal fluid. Concentrations of the EGF domain are measured via anenzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results show concentration dependent Fickiandiffusion behavior, with 2.0% HEC being the most promising of the hydrogels tested.Ultimately, the controlled delivery of NRG-1 integrated with an OTD will greatly improverecovery outcomes for victims of severe TBI.

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder and the leading known geneticcause of autism, resulting from the mutation of the Fmr1 gene which leads to a lack ofproduction of Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP), a key protein in neuronaldevelopment and maintenance. This lack of FMRP results in cognitive deficiencies and sensoryprocessing issues, notably auditory sensitivity which, in its most robust presentation, can induceseizures upon exposure to intense stimulus: Audiogenic seizures (AGS). Previous studies inFmr1 knock-out mice demonstrated that administering NLX-101–a postsynaptic serotonin 1A(5HT1A) agonist reduced AGS. To determine if the specificity of NLX-101 is necessary forreducing AGS, we tested two drugs that more broadly modulate serotonin activity: 8-OH-DPAT,a less specific serotonin 1A agonist that also acts on presynaptic receptors, and Fluoxetine, aserotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) which broadly and non-specifically increases serotoninactivity throughout the brain. Through exposing groups of combined drug-treated and untreatedFmr1 knockout mice to a loud (100-110 dB) modulating sound capable of triggering AGS inuntreated knockout mice, we found no significant differences in the severity of or the latency ofonset for AGS between untreated and drug-treated mice in both 8-OH-DPAT and Fluoxetinetreatments. Our findings indicate that the unique specificity of NLX-101 in modulating serotoninactivity due to only targeting postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors is necessary to reduce AGS. Theseresults suggest the use of NLX-101, and other specific 5HT1A receptor agonists, as a therapeuticavenue to treat sensory hypersensitivity in FXS and other autisms.

Asexuality is a sexual orientation in which someone may experience little, situational, or nosexual attraction. From its complicated existence in queer spaces to its complete invisibility insociety and media representation, why does it continue to lack an understanding even as queertopics continue to enter the mainstream conversation? How is this orientation, seeminglystraightforward, shrouded in confusion, mystification, and false stereotypes? As an asexual andaromantic woman, I believe that the cultural obsession with glamorizing sex and romance andportraying it as essential to a fulfilling life plays a part in confusing the general public on howone could live without the desire to participate fully or at all with these cultural norms andexpectations. To better represent these points and how they affect the lives of asexual people ofvarying intersecting identities, I intend to use an ethnographic approach in this study to betterunderstand these shared experiences and the diversity of the asexual subjectivity. My researchengages with an individual method, including descriptive survey, interview, interaction, andobservation, especially participant observation. My aim in this research is to establish a dialogueon asexuality for a better understanding of an orientation underdeveloped in theory. I identifythis as an opportunity to examine and better understand the spectrum of sexuality. In general, Iintend to interrogate the ways the mainstream norm of sexuality itself still seeps into media andqueer spaces and how to further encourage new forms of asexual inclusivity and acceptance invarious areas of society.

My project, R’Flow, aims to argue the insufficient effectiveness of menstrual cycle resources at the University of California, Riverside along with identifying types of further allocation of resources towards menstrual cycle education and awareness. Focusing on the current campus organizations and resources that provide menstrual cycle awareness, education, and products such as the Women’s Resource Center, the Well, and PERIOD, a student-led chapter, I examine the level of student awareness surrounding these resources and determine if a more integrated approach is necessary. Based on my initial findings in my thesis, I aim to present specific proposals that will progress towards destigmatization and menstrual education becoming a part of the array of organizations and spaces that make up the university rather than existing solely in women or health spaces. My methodology consists of conducting interviews with 18+ undergraduate females and other sexes/genders who experience a menstrual cycle. I aim to take a well-rounded approach by considering how students feel about whether or not their menstrual needs are addressed, as well as their comfort level in discussing their cycle with peers and campus organizations. I also want to gain insight into how cisgender men and individuals of other sexes perceive their own role in menstrual education, including the extent to which they wish to be informed or engaged in conversations about biological female anatomy and menstrual health. From the insights I gain, I would like to conduct more initiative action at a university level to push for the awareness and adoption of further menstrual education and awareness.

Undocumented undergraduate students face distinct challenges—legal and financial obstacles, insufficient assistance, and social stigma—that can adversely impact on their mental health. Services or programs for undocumented students at universities seek to alleviate these challenges, with studies indicating they enhance academic achievement and retention rates. This paper examines the relation between these services and students’ mental health. Specifically, it assesses students’ perceptions of the relation of their engagement with University of California Riverside’s (UCR) Undocumented Student Programs (USP) to mental health. It also examines the programming components that may be responsible for this relation. The sample consisted of 13 undocumented full-time-enrolled undergraduate students who have been at UCR for at least one year. Interviews were conducted online or in person using Zoom as an audio recorder. They lasted about one hour and covered the following topics: engagement in undocumented student programming, mental health, and perceptions of the relation between the two. Thematic analysis identified that undocumented students strongly associated USP programming with improved mental health, including decreased psychological distress and enhanced emotional well-being. Furthermore, three mechanisms for this relation were identified: enhanced self-efficacy, an increased sense of belonging, and reduced stigma. Survey data on self-reported last 30-day psychological distress and well-being indicated positive correlations between specific USP services and participants’ mental health. The findings underscore the value of institutional initiatives such as USP for more than academic outcomes; USP also has value for student mental health.

Across the country, one in eight visits to the emergency department involves psychiatric or substance use concerns, and the frequency of such visits continues to rise (Zhang et al., 2021). The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) was created to make substance use and mental disorder information, services, and research more accessible (Myers & Wodarski, 2015). SAMHSA collects data through multiple sources and surveys and provides access to public-use data files and documentation to support a better understanding of mental illness and substance use disorders in America (Myers & Wodarski, 2015). Through the collection of data from various sources and surveys, SAMHSA facilitates a comprehensive understanding of mental illness and substance use disorders in America, providing valuable public-use data files and documentation to support informed decision-making and effective interventions (Brown et al., 2018). This study aims to analyze SAMHSA data to determine whether the frequency of psychiatric and substance use-related ED visits varies significantly across different patient demographics, such as age, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and insurance coverage. The methodology includes a comprehensive analysis of SAMHSA’s publicly available datasets, which contain information from surveys and administrative records. The study examined demographic trends in psychiatric and substance use-related ED visits, identifying potential disparities in healthcare utilization. Findings from this research informed healthcare policy and intervention strategies aimed at improving mental health and substance use disorder services, particularly for vulnerable populations. By addressing gaps in care and proposing targeted solutions, this study aims to contribute to a more equitable healthcare system for individuals facing psychiatric and substance use challenges.

Creatine supplementation in mice enhances brain energy metabolism through increased ATP production. This study compares creatine concentrations obtained from commercially available creatine monohydrate and microparticle-based delivery systems. The mice were treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), commercially available creatine monohydrate (13 mg/mL), microparticle creatine at 13 mg/mL, or microparticle creatine at 32.5 mg/mL. These treatments were administered intranasally to partially bypass the blood-brain barrier and provide direct transport to the brain. Using a colorimetric creatine assay kit, the olfactory bulb, cerebellum, and hippocampus were analyzed. The standard curve of absorbance values helped determine the creatine concentration in each respective brain region. The final creatine concentrations were adjusted for dilution, and tissue water content (0.8 mL/g) was taken into account. Brain creatine levels were lowest in the PBS-treated mice and gradually increased in both the commercially available creatine monohydrate and the microparticle creatine at 13 mg/mL. The microparticle-based delivery at 32.5 mg/mL resulted in the highest creatine concentrations. This enhancement in creatine concentration was observed across all three brain regions that were analyzed. There were regional differences in creatine elevation, with the hippocampus having a meaningful impact. The hippocampus is responsible for memory formation and spatial navigation, suggesting that creatine availability may have an impact on cognitive processes. The olfactory bulb also showed increased creatine, but this can be attributed to its proximity to the blood-brain barrier. These findings suggest that microparticle-based creatine delivery could improve brain energy metabolism in mice.

In recent days, we experience varying media entertainment presenting different languages and cultures through the assistance of subtitles. In particular, the rise of Korean dramas and films are attributed to the expansion of a more global audience with the help of English translations. While this enables viewers to interact with Korean culture and language, studies reveal that English translations frequently overlook nuances of the Korean language, producing inaccurate or misleading interpretations. Specifically, I look into what levels of formalities and social hierarchy standards in Korean society are revealed through its language but often left out of English version translations, and how this provides an analysis of power dynamics and cultural implications found in both Korean and American society. Through case studies and literature searches of different examples of Korean media and their related English subtitle translations, I make a comparison between the two societies and their language, and ultimately highlight the differences that provide translation challenges along with its possible implications. As Korean culture becomes a widely recognized and valued phenomenon, a deeper analysis into how its language translates onto a more global audience will allow viewers to gain a deeper understanding of how to communicate, socialize and empathize with Korean society and communities.

This study documents how individuals engage in out-loud self-talk (OLST) to understand the components that determine when, how, and to what extent people will verbally express their self-talk (ST). Previous research has demonstrated that ST can enhance athletic performance, improve self-efficacy, and alleviate unpleasant feelings. However, fewer studies focus on ìnaturallyî occurring ST. This study bridges that gap and lays a foundation for recorded instances of OLST and its real-world application. Providing an understanding of OLST and the relationship between behavior, emotional regulation, and cognitive functioning can aid in creating affordable and accessible regulation and coping strategies. A literature review guides current findings on OLST, acting as a framework for codes and themes that emerge from the data. Survey responses were gathered from a larger ST study conducted at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) in the Psychology Departmentís Observe Lab. Using data from open-response questions reporting instances of OLST, this review documents how many participants reported engaging with various ST strategies. Responses from 250 participants were collected and analyzed following Thematic Analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2006). Findings of this study indicate that OLST is expressed predominantly when feelings of anxiety or frustration emerge. Additionally, numerous participants reported applying emotion regulation strategies and improving cognitive processing through OLST practices. Valences indicate that the bulk of responses occur when the participant is experiencing or reflecting on a negative situation. However, OLST valences are more evenly distributed among positive, negative, and neutral, indicating different methods are used to combat negative experiences or emotions.