Bowie State University Grants Expo and Research Week

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs

GRANTS EXPO & RESEARCH WEEK PROGRAM

&

ABSTRACT

April 19 to April 23, 2021

BOOK

Table of Contents Meet the Team!.......................................................................................3

Monday, April 19 Agenda.........................................................................4

Tuesday, April 20 Agenda.......................................................................6

Wednesday, April 21 Agenda...................................................................8

Thursday, April 22 Agenda.....................................................................13

Friday, April 23 Agenda..........................................................................18

Presenters' Bios.....................................................................................20

Abstracts...............................................................................................27 Computer Science, Business and Human Services Research Abstracts...............................................29

Natural Sciences Research Abstracts.............................................35

Semester-based Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) Abstracts................................................................46

Meet the Team!

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs & Office of Undergraduate Research

Dr. Anika Bissahoyo Assistant Vice President for Research

Dr. Artelia Covington Pre-Award Services Manager

Mrs. Pamela Moses Research Compliance Manager

Ms. Sonya Osei Administrative Assistant

Ms. Ayobami Awe Program Management Specialist

Ms. Julian Olanbiwonnu Program Coordinator

Ms. Dominique Lawrence Technical Student Assistant

Ms. Aniah Watkins Technical Student Assistant

Mr. Eddie Crosby Grants & Contracts Manager

Mrs. Jhovita Williams Program Management Specialist

Mr. Denis Yokam Technical Graduate Assistant

Faculty & Staff Planning Committee Members

Dr. Jesse Bemley Professor Department of Technology & Security

Dr. Euwanna Heard Assistant Professor Department of Nursing

Dr. Latanya Brown-Robertson Professor Department of of Accounting, Finance & Economics

Dr. Jacqueline Smith Ms. Annette Wedderburn Assistant Professor University Events Department Natural Coordinator Sciences

Program Agenda Monday, April 19, 2021

The 5 W's of Undergraduate Research 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM The Office of Undergraduate Research Ambassadors discuss the 5 W's of obtaining undergraduate research opportunities off-campus and on-campus with the Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) Program, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, and the Summer & Semesterbased Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI).

Kirk Williams II is a graduating

Maame Ackon is a rising

senior majoring in Business

senior, majoring in Biology. Her

Information Systems. His

favorite part of undergraduate

favorite aspect of

research is seeing all the

undergraduate research is the

different studies and research

ability to branch off into any

that occur at symposiums. Her

field of study. Mr. William's goal

goals after graduation are to

is to utilize the skills and

pursue medical school and

knowledge learned in

become a physician in

undergraduate research and

Anesthesiology.

apply it to the sports industry.

Program Agenda Monday, April 19, 2021

The 5 W's of Undergraduate Research 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Continued)

Dr. Chimdimnma Esimai is the

Mr. Matthias Seisay is the

Course-based Undergraduate

Assistant Director of Bowie

Research Experience (CURE)

State University Ronald E.

Coordinator at Bowie State

McNair Scholars Program. He

University. Dr. Esimai has

has provided many first

participated in multiple

generation and low-income

biological and multi-disciplinary

TRIO participants with

research activities. Dr. Esimai is

academic and post-

dedicated to building

baccalaureate opportunities

sustainable STEM communities

during his nearly 15-year

of scholarship and excellence

career.

and with helping students soar within and outside the classroom, helping them chart their trajectory for future success.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 NSF Funding Opportunities and Strategies 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Dr. Claudia Rankins of PRISSEM Academic Services, LLC presents: " NSF Funding Opportunities and Strategies" for Faculty and staff.

Session Moderators: Dr. Artelia Covington-

Pre-Award Services Manager

Dr. Claudia Rankins is a senior research associate for PRISSEM Academic Services, LLC, where she conducts faculty development and research development consulting activities, specifically aimed towards faculty at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) pursuing National Science Foundation (NSF) funding in STEM and STEM education fields.

Dr. Rankins recently retired from the National Science Foundation where she served as a Program Director in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources. She directed the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program and the HBCU Excellence in Research program. Prior to this post, Dr. Rankins served at Hampton University for 22 years in a number of capacities, including endowed university professor, chair of the department of physics, assistant dean for research, and dean of the School of Science. She is also a proud HBCU graduate, having obtained masters and PhD degrees in Physics from Hampton University.

Dr. Rankins is an advocate for STEM education and research at HBCUs. Her current research interests center around the history of STEM at these institutions. Her research in theoretical particle physics focused on the development of a model to describe distribution amplitudes and form factors of pseudoscalar mesons. Dr. Rankins is the co-founder of the Society of STEM Women of Color, Inc.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021 Computer Science, Business and Human Services Research Presentations 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM Session Moderators: Dr. Jesse Bemley- Department of Technology and Security Mr. Kirk Williams II- Department of Management

Session Evaluators:

Information Systems Dr. Daryl Stone- Department of Technology and Security Dr. Chimdimnma Esimai- Department of Natural Sciences

12:00 PM

Welcome & Introductions Dr. Anika Bissahoyo- Assistant Vice President for Research Ms. Ayobami Awe- Program Management Specialist

12:05 PM

Scholar: Mr. James Harris & Ms. Iyana Downie Mentor: Dr. Marja Humphrey Project Title: School Counselors' Perceptions of Leadership in Elementary Students

12:17 PM

Scholar: Ayodeji Ogundiran Mentor: Dr. Jie Yan Project Title: Blockchain in IoT: A decentralized Smart contract Architecture among Devices in a Smart Home

12:30 PM

12:42 PM

Scholar: Eman Allogmani Mentor: Dr. Darsana Josyula Project Title: Learning with noisy inconsistent data Faculty: Dr. Tibebe Assefa, Dr. Sunando Sungupta, & Dr. Satina Williams

Project Title: Stock Price Reactions to Announcements of Mergers and Acquisitions

12:54 PM

Faculty: Dr. Thaddee Badibanga Project Title: Capital Markets’ Development: Are African Countries Lagging?

1:06 PM

Closing

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Seeking Funding Opportunities 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM ASCU Grants Resource Center presents: "Services offered to Faculty and Staff in Seeking Funding Opportunities" Session Moderators: Dr. Artelia Covington- Pre-Award Services Manager

Erika Thompson is the Director of

Richard Wellons is Program

the Grants Resource Center

Manager for the Grants Resource

(GRC), a premium service of the

Center (GRC) at the American

American Association of State

Association of State Colleges and

Colleges and Universities. Erika’s

Universities (AASCU). As program

tenure at GRC began in 2003 as a

manager, Richard tracks and

staff associate and she moved up

assembles federal and private

the ranks over the years. Erika’s

funding opportunities for member

vast knowledge of GRC services

institutions and their faculties,

and its members aids her in

visits member institutions to

developing GRC’s continued

conduct grants workshops, trains

success with helping sponsored

new staff, and manages the

researchers stay competitive in an

workflow of services to GRC’s

ever-changing grants landscape.

Category A group of smaller

Erika directs a small staff and

institutions. Richard is the editor of

oversees strategic initiatives,

GRC’s GrantWeek, a weekly news

coordination of member support,

publication, and a contributor to

and management of office

GRC’s Bulletin and Deadlines

workflow. Additionally, Erika

publications. He has conducted

represents GRC at professional

faculty workshops and webinars on

meetings and planning activities.

federal funding, foundation

Prior to joining GRC, Erika worked

funding, proposal development,

for various non-profit

and proposal review. He also

organizations that focus on

manages GRC social media

education and as a high school

content.

English teacher in Prince George's County, Maryland.

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Natural Sciences Research Presentations 12: 00 PM to 1:45 PM Session Moderators: Dr. Jacqueline Smith- Department of Natural Sciences Session Evaluators:

Ms. Joan Sobo- Department of Natural Sciences Dr. Daryl Stone- Department of Technology and Security Dr. Chimdimnma Esimai- Department of Natural Sciences

12:00 PM

Welcome & Introductions Dr. Anika Bissahoyo- Assistant Vice President for Research Ms. Pamela Moses- Research Compliance Manager

12:05 PM

Scholar: Christian Elcorrobarrutia Mentor: Dr. Anne Osano Project Title: Development of High-Performance ThinLayer Chromatography (HPTLC) methods for characterizing Neem - derived botanicals.

12:15 PM

Scholar: Benvindo Chicha Mentor: Dr. Jacqueline Smith Project Title: BITI-VCP Docking Simulations and Dynamics analysis

12:25 PM

Scholar: Jazmyne Scott Mentor: Dr. Jacqueline Smith Project Title: Synthesis of Novel Meta- and Para-aldehyde Analogs of 5-Aminoimidazole using Microwave Protocols

12:35 PM

Scholar: John Adeleye, Dennis Monderas, & Michelle Ananym

Mentor: Dr. Eric Bonsu Project Title: A Facile Total Synthesis of Toyocamycin

12:45 PM

Scholar: Victor Amadu, Kaishea White, & Maame Ackon Mentor: Dr. Kari Debbink Project Title: Identification of the CYVaV Encapsidation Sequence

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Natural Sciences Research Presentations (Continued) 12:55 PM

1:05 PM

Scholar: Mayowa Osunsanya Mentor: Dr. Jacqueline Smith Project Title: Chromatography Demo Scholar: Nayanna Hemphill Mentor: Dr. Devyn Gillette Project Title: Investigating the Effect of Time on the Growth of HeLa Cells

1:15 PM

Scholar: David Miller &Nyiah Jordan Mentor: Dr. George Ude Project Title: Longitudinal Study of Seasonal Effects on Soil Microbial Communities at Bowie State University Campus Using A Metagenomic Approach

1:25 PM

Scholar: Camelia Youayou Mentor: Dr. Devyn Gillette Project Title: Investigating Ibuprofen: Understanding the Effect on Growth of HeLa Cells

1:35 PM

Scholar: Alvine Momo Azobou Mentor: Dr. Anne Osano Project Title: Metabolomic Approaches for the Analysis of Phytochemicals of Indigenous Leafy Vegetables of Kenya, Africa

1:45 PM

Closing

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Introduction to Kuali Research 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Victor Kizer of Kuali Research presents: "Introduction to Kuali Research" open to Faculty and staff.

Session Moderators: Mr. Eddie Crosby- Grants & Contracts Manager Mr. Denis Yokam- Technical Graduate Assistant

Victor Kizer has over a decade of experience working in higher education supporting both sponsored programs and compliance businesses. He started his work in Research Administration at Indiana University and transitioned to supporting Research Administration and Compliance systems before moving to Kuali as a Customer Success Manager. He has worked on over 30 successful research administration and compliance implementations. When not building out smart forms he is a passionate home cook and dog lover.

Wednesday, April 21, 2021 Student Opportunities & Employer Engagement in a Virtual Environment 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Red River presents: "Opportunities for students and tips on engaging employers in a Virtual Environment" Session Moderators: Dr. Anika Bissahoyo- Assistant Vice President for Research

Richard Ackerman Business leader

Tariq Abdullah Starting at a young

with over 25 years of industry

age I knew I wanted to go against

experience – ownership and delivery

the grain of being a product of the

of P&Ls for IT, Professional Services,

environment around me and not

Project Management & Managed

being expected to do much. Growing

Services practices. Currently

up as a gamer I became very

operating Red River’s Workforce

interested in technology and I was

Development Strategy. Red River

always open to learning new things. I

serves customers in the commercial,

obtained experience in basic

civilian, defense, intelligence,

Information Technology related

healthcare, and SLED markets.

courses such as Cisco and Windows Server. Through this education I obtained an internship where I got to see some real world experience at Prince George's Community College.

This propelled me to attend Bowie State University through transfer scholarships where I obtained my Bachelor's in Business Administration Concentrating in Information Systems while accruing no debt for my education. Currently I am pursuing development of my understanding of the Information Technology world with Red River Technologies and understand better my placement in the Information Technology world and develop personally and professionally.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 Innovation and Tech Transfer: What is in it for me?

10:00 AM to 11:00 AM The Commercializer, LLC presents: "Innovation and Tech Transfer"

Session Moderators: Dr. Anika Bissahoyo- Assistant Vice President for Research Ms. Johnetta Hardy- Executive Director, Entrepreneurship Academy

Janeya Griffin, The Commercializer™ -

Nona Cheeks, MBA is founder/CEO

a strategy consultant, serial and social

of Innovatyr, LLC an applied science

entrepreneur, advocate for Intellectual

and technology consulting firm and

property, ownership, inclusive

former Chief of the Strategic

innovation, social justice, and

Partnerships Office at

generational wealth, specifically within

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center.

underserved communities. A HBCU

In this role she directed the

STEM graduate, member of Delta

Technology Transfer, Small Business

Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated,

Innovation Research/Small Business

and the daughter of two formerly

Technology Transfer Research, and

incarcerated individuals; at the young

Global Partnerships initiatives. Nona

age of 16 she and her younger brother

has been an invited speaker to many

of 6 were introduced into the world of

domestic and international

what it meant to experience hardship.

conferences on the topic of

Not knowing it would be a catalyst in

technology commercialization. Nona

helping her to fulfill her purpose.

is a graduate of the University of

In addition, she is Co-founder and the

Maryland and Loyola University of

Chief Strategy Officer of a creative

Maryland. She also studied and

agency called ConCreates, focused on

earned certificates in leadership and

serving the men, women, and children

management at the University of

both behind and beyond bars, including

Chicago’s School of Business and

changing the narrative and stigma

Simmons College. Nona enjoys

behind how society views people with

working with youth and young adults

criminal histories and how people with

in exploring technology

criminal histories view themselves.

commercialization and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 Innovation and Tech Transfer: What is in it for me?

(Continued)

Dr. Michael L. Curry currently

Donald H. White, Ph.D., is a

serves as an Associate Professor in

chemist from Richmond, Ca. and a

the Department of Chemistry and

graduate of John F. Kennedy High

Adjunct Associate Professor in the

School located on Richmond’s

Department of Materials Science

Southside in the heart of the San

and Engineering at Tuskegee

Francisco Bay Area.

University. He received his Bachelor

Dr. White earned his bachelor’s and

of Science degree in Chemistry

Master’s in Chemistry and his PhD in

with a minor in Mathematics from

Material Science & Engineering

the University of West Alabama and

from the illustrious Tuskegee

earned his PhD in Analytical

University. As a Tri-Alumnus, his

Chemistry from The University of

research includes the synthesis,

Alabama. As a university professor

derivation, and incorporation of

and researcher focused on building

nanocellulose into synthetic

a more sustainable future, Dr. Curry,

polymers. As a graduate student at

President, founder and CEO of

Tuskegee he was a part of one of

Eco-friendly Plastic Materials and

the largest multidisciplinary

The Color of STEM Foundation,

consortia funded by The National

dedicates his lifework to creating

Science Foundation: The Center for

the next wave of minority

Sustainable Nanotechnology (CSN).

innovators. His goal is to increase

Dr. White’s passion in research has

the number of highly trained

led him into his mission of STEM

minority professionals within the

education under the trade name Da

STEM and entrepreneurship

Chemist he goes into the public-

pipelines, strategically move the

school system to teach kids in

needle forward on minority-inspired

middle and high school the

innovation, and powerfully influence

importance of chemistry. This has

the movement of STEM diversity.

led Dr. White to author a children’s chemistry book which teaches basic laboratory skills and chemical concepts.

Thursday, April 22, 2021 Semester-based Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) Research Presentations 12: 00 PM to 1:30 PM Session Moderators: Ms. Ayobami Awe- Office of Undergraduate Research Ms. Maame Ackon- Department of Natural Sciences

12:00 PM

Welcome & Introductions Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou- Associate Provost Julian Olanbiwonnu- Program Coordinator

12:10 PM

Scholar: Sayeeda Jordan Mentor: Dr. Sheneese Thompson Project Title: Black Women’s Representations in the U.S. Media Industry

12:20 PM

12:30 PM

Scholar: Michelle Ananym & Vincent Osekwe Mentor: Dr. Jacqueline Smith Project Title: Tryptophan analog synthesis & fluorescence Scholar: Leia Wedge, Shakira Miles, & Sudan Smith Mentor: Dr. Uchenna Onuzulike Project Title: College Students and Body Image: An Analysis of Self-Presentation and Comments Left by Instagram Followers

12:40 PM

Scholar: Dainese Smothers, Mical Lindsay, Rahmat Husain Mentor: Dr. Supriyo Ray Project Title: Elucidate functions of uncharacterized proteins from Staphylococcus aureus

12:50 PM

Scholar: Danae Stewart Mentor: Dr. Ella Carter Project Title: Black Student Experiences in Majority vs.

Minority Institutions

Thursday, April 22, 2021 Semester-based Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) Research Presentations (continued) 1:00 PM

Scholar: Tiffany Cunningham Mentor: Dr. Kim Barnett and Dr. Ruth Leslie Project Title: Advancing the Demarginalization of Students of Color

1:10 PM

Scholar: Anwar Rochee & Clarissa Smith Mentor: Dr. Emory Perkins & Dr. Sharon Wilks Project Title: HIV/AIDS and Risk-taking Behaviors with the HIV Positive and Negative Status of African-American Women

1:20 PM

Closing Remarks

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Resume Writing for Federal Jobs and Internships 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM Linda Gray presents: "Resume Writing for Federal Jobs and Internships" Session Moderators: Ms. Sonya Osei- Administrative Assistant Ms. Pamela Moses- Research Compliance Manager

Ms. Linda Gray is a Native Washingtonian with an extensive 29-year career in Human Resources in the federal government. She has served in various leadership roles in seven federal agencies to include the Federal Aviation Administration; Transportation Security Administration; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Defense, and the Small Business Administration. She is currently a senior executive at the Environmental Protection Agency where she serves as a human resources consultant as the Workforce Development Executive in the Office of Land Emergency Management (OLEM).

Her human resources experience includes strategic leadership of all policy, planning, and oversight activities associated with human resources programs and policies, to include: recruitment and staffing; training and development; diversity and inclusion; labor and employee relations; workforce planning; retirement and benefits, policy and accountability; and worklife programs.

Some of her human resources highlights include: transforming and streamlining the frontline hiring process; instituting process improvements in all area of human resources through technology; and standing up a benefits operations center. Ms. Gray recently had the opportunity to serve on a detail at Bowie State University where she mentored and led the next generation of federal employees and leaders. She taught various sessions on leveraging strengths and aligning majors to federal employment.

Friday, April 23, 2021

Program Agenda Recognizing Innovation and Scholarly Activities through Research, Training, and Technology Development.

11:30 AM to 1:00 PM Welcome & Introductions........................................Dr. Anika Bissahoyo Assistant Vice President for Research

Opening Remarks......................................................Dr. Aminta H. Breaux President

Presentation of Millionaire's Club Awards.................................................................Dr. Aminta H. Breaux Introduction of Dr. Claudia Rankins...............................Dr. Devyn Gillette Assistant Professor, Dept. Natural Sciences

Remarks..........................................................................Dr. Claudia Rankins Senior Research Associate for PRISSEM Academic Services, LLC

Introduction of Dr. Carl B. Goodman...........................Dr. Anika Bissahoyo Remarks..................................................................... ..Dr. Carl B. Goodman Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

Faculty Awards..............................................................Dr. Anika Bissahoyo Introduction of Dr. Grant Warner..................................Ms. Johnetta Hardy Executive Director, Entrepreneurship Academy

Remarks..............................................................................Dr. Grant Warner Director of Innovation for the College of Engineering & Architecture at Howard University

Remarks by students....................................................................................

Research Participant Awards...............................Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou Semester-based Undergraduate Research Institute

Associate Provost

Grants Expo & Research Week Participants

Closing Remarks............................................................Dr. Anika Bissahoyo

Friday, April 23, 2021 Recognizing Innovation & Scholarship Recognizing Innovation and Scholarly Activities through Research, Training, and Technology Development. (continued) Guest Speakers:

Dr. Grant M. Warner is the

Dr. Claudia Rankins is a senior

Director of Innovation for the

research associate for PRISSEM

College of Engineering &

Academic Services, LLC, where she

Architecture on Howard University’s

conducts faculty development and

campus. Dr. Warner serves as an

research development consulting

instructor in the nation’s largest

activities, specifically aimed

deep technology accelerator, the

towards faculty at Historically Black

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

I-Corps program, which focuses on

pursuing National Science

lab-to-market innovations across

Foundation (NSF) funding in STEM

NSF’s portfolio. He directs the

and STEM education fields.

Howard University – Hampton

Dr. Rankins recently retired from the

University I-Corps Site that focuses

National Science Foundation where

on commercializing university

she served as a Program Director in

research from HBCUs, in particular.

the Directorate for Education and

Dr. Warner has also had the

Human Resources. She directed the

opportunity to support Lab-to-

Historically Black Colleges and

Market activities in Africa via the

Universities Undergraduate Program

Innovate Egypt and GIST-Senegal

and the HBCU Excellence in

programs. Bowie State University

Research program. Dr. Rankins is

was awarded an I-Corps

an advocate for STEM education

supplement from NSF through the

and research at HBCUs. Her current

Accelerate George Washington

research interests center around the

University I-Corps program in

history of STEM at these institutions.

partnership with Howard University

Her research in theoretical particle

and Dr. Warner trained four BSU

physics focused on the development

faculty members and an industry

of a model to describe distribution

partner in an intense “Train the

amplitudes and form factors of

Trainer” program. He is the co-

pseudoscalar mesons. Dr. Rankins is

founder of ConnectYard, a social

the co-founder of the Society of

analytics platform integrated into

STEM Women of Color, Inc.

leading learning management systems and e-learning platforms.

Biographical Sketches

Dr. Jesse Bemley- Professor Department of Technology & Security

Bio: Dr Bemley, a professor in the

Dr. Latanya Brown-RobertsonProfessor Department of of Accounting, Finance & Economics

Department of Technology and

Bio: Dr. Brown-Robertson is a full

Security, has a long history of

professor of Economics at Bowie

working with precollege and

State University. Her research and

undergraduate in STEM disciplines,

fields include Data

primarily in computing and

Science and Analytics, Urban

mathematics. He takes pride in

Economics, Housing Economics,

preparing his students for making

and Stratification Economics. She

presentations within the local

holds publications in

community as well as at national

various peer-reviewed journals,

and international conferences and

including the American Economic

professional meetings. The young

Review, Eastern Economic

men and women are encouraged

Association Journal, Review

to participate in student-initiated

of the Black Political Economy,

projects for which they learn to

and Journal of the Community

undertake research and complete

Development Society. Dr. Brown-

in a timely fashion. As a project is

Robertson has worked on

in progress, the next step is

funded grants through the

learning to present it before an

Carnegie and Ford Foundations to

audience. For many of his students,

address issues facing underserved

Dr. Bemley represents a surrogate

communities in the United

father. He can convince any

States. Dr Brown currently serves

student over time to accept

as Principal Investigator for two

challenges and strive to do well. All

Data Science and Analytics

of the young people grow as a

Grants and leads the Data

result of being trained and

Science Analytics Initiative at

coached by him.

Bowie State University.

Dr. Euwanna Heard -Assistant Professor Department of Technology & Security

Bio: Dr. Euwanna A. Heard is an Assistant Professor and the Graduate Program Coordinator in the College of Professional Studies, Department of Nursing (DON), Graduate Nursing program at Bowie State University since February 2019. Dr. Heard has a long history at Bowie State University (BSU). She served as adjunct faculty in the DON at BSU for fourteen years before joining the rank of Assistant Professor. She is also a Bowie Alumna, receiving her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner at BSU. Dr. Heard was employed as a family nurse practitioner in the Henry Wise Wellness Center for eight years and continues to serve on the Wellness Committee. She received her Associate in Applied Science, Nursing (AAS, Nursing) Degree from the University of the District of Columbia. She earned her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education and Adult Learning from Walden University.

Dr. Jacqueline Smith-

Assistant

Professor Department of Natural Sciences

Bio: Dr. Jacqueline Smith is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences. At Bowie, Jacqueline is developing a research program focused on small molecule therapeutics to target resistant breast cancer. She is also using organic synthesis to develop bioanalytical tools that will ultimately be used for drug delivery. Since arriving at Bowie in 2016, Dr. Smith has mentored over 30 undergraduate students in her lab. Several of Dr. Smith's students continue to pursue research in graduate school or post baccalaureate programs while many others enter professional school. Dr. Smith has a passion for outreach and works with local schools to enhance K-12 exposure to STEM. Dr. Smith’s research is supported by NSF.

Dr. Jie Yan- Professor

Dr. Marja Humphrey

Department of Computer

Department of Counseling

Sciences

Presentation ID: 15

Presentation ID: 4

Bio: Dr. Jie Yan, is a professor in

Bio: Dr. Marja Humphrey, an

the Department of Computer

assistant professor in the School

Science and the Director of

Counseling program, prepares

Machine Perception & Animation

graduate students to work

lab and Cybersecurity Application

professionally with students,

Lab at Bowie State University. Her

families and individuals in urban

areas of expertise include

communities. Her research interests

Computer Graphics, Computer

include Counselor preparation,

Vision, Machine Learning, and

Leadership, Wellness, and Online

Cybersecurity Education. She has

Learning. She has taught, advised

published about 50 peer-

and counseled K-12 students,

reviewed papers in international

college students with disabilities,

journals and conference

and adults with depression, anxiety

proceedings and held two US

and substance use disorders. A

patents. Before joining BSU, she

coauthor of Elements of Culture in

was a researcher at Microsoft

Counseling, a multicultural

Research Asia and University of

counseling text, and several

Colorado at Boulder. Since joining

published articles, Dr. Humphrey

BSU, she was successfully

has also presented at state,

awarded over $1M from NSF.

regional and national conferences.

Currently Dr. Yan is conducting

She is currently serving as the co-

two major NSF projects: 1) LUCID:

chair for the Emerging Leaders

A Spectator Targeted

program with the Maryland

Visualization System to Broaden

Counseling Association and

Participation at Cyber Defense

represents Bowie State University

Competitions (Award ID: 1303424,

with the Maryland Consortium for

893K) 2) Targeted Infusion Project:

Adjunct Faculty Professional

Developing a Cloud-based

Development.

Cryptographic Simulator for Enhancing Undergraduates' Learning Experience in Cybersecurity Education (Award ID: 1714261, 399K).

Mr. James Harris

Ms. Iyana Downie

Department of Counseling

Department of Counseling

Presentation ID: 4

Presentation ID: 4

Bio: Hello. My name is James

Bio: Hello. My name is Iyana

Harris. I am currently a

Downie. I am a graduate student at

professional school counselor in

Bowie State University in the

Maryland. I am a recent graduate

School Counseling program.

of Bowie State University.

Leadership is an important topic for

Leadership is an important topic

me because I believe everyone

for me as we prepare students for

should have an opportunity for their

success. This article was

voice to be heard no matter their

important to participate in as an

age or size. When we place

upcoming school counselor to

ourselves in leadership positions,

know what tools to use for my

the opportunities, and positive

students to develop them into

experiences one gains and offers

leaders.

to others is limitless. This article was important to participate in as an upcoming school counselor because being a school counselor and a leader go hand and hand. It gave me insight on the various programs and opportunities that are already available in elementary schools. The article inspired me in more ways than one and further strengthened my passion for school counseling.

Dennis Monderas-

Benvindo Chicha-

Undergraduate

Undergraduate

Department of Natural Sciences

Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 8

Presentation ID: 6

Bio: I am a student pursuing a

Bio: I am Ben Chicha, a junior

career in medical field and

Bioinformatics major from

planning to apply for MD/PhD

Brockton, MA. I absolutely love

program. I was also a member

research and science. It's been my

of the SURI program (Semester

dream since I was little to be a

Undergraduate Research

genetic engineer.

Institute) during the Spring of 2020 as a research assistant in University. During my first year in Bowie State, I was part of student leadership program which help students perform a leadership role.

David Miller- Undergraduate

Camelia Youayou-

Department of Natural Sciences

Undergraduate

Presentation ID: 13 Bio: David Miller is a Graduating

Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 14

Senior at Bowie State University.

Bio: I am Camelia Youayou, a

Since Transfering in Spring 2020

junior Biology major at Bowie

David has shown a love of the

State University. I'm very excited

Natural Science Department

to be working alongside Dr.

and Bowie State. He has

Gillette and to be presenting my

become a TA and is an active

hard work to you all. I am

member of Army ROTC. In the

originally from Newark, Delaware

future, David Plans to

and I aspire to one day work

commission in the United States

within the pharmaceutical science

Army as a 2nd Luitenant. He

field. Making a difference in my

then go to medical school where

community and others alike

he will obtain his MD/MPH. His

around the world. Once again, I

career goal is to become an

am very excited to take part in

OB/GYN to drastically reduce

this opportunity and to share my

the mortality rate of black

findings!

mothers during delivery and increase the fertility rate of black mothers.

Jazmyne Scott- Undergraduate

Eman Allogmani

Department of Natural Sciences

Department of Computer

Presentation ID: 7 Bio: Hello All, My name is

Sciences

Presentation ID: 16

Jazmyne Scott and I am a senior

Bio: Eman Allogmani is a doctoral

chemistry major. I enjoy creating

candidate in the computer

compounds and completing

science department at Bowie

research as I have experience

State University. She is a faculty

working in the lab under Dr.

member in the department of

Jacqueline Smith. I am also a

computer science at Majmaah

student-athlete, playing for

University, Saudi Arabia.

Bowie State’s women’s

Allogmani's research interest lies

basketball team. When I

in the fields of machine learning,

graduate, I intended on

Data Science, and Natural

becoming a pharmaceutical

Language Processing.

scientist – studying cures for cancers and diseases.

Ayodeji Ogundiran Department of Computer Sciences

Presentation ID: 15 Bio: Ayodeji Ogundiran is a Doctoral Candidate in the department of Computer Science. His research areas include Biometrics, Internet-ofThings, and Blockchain Technology. He is currently working on his dissertation in developing a decentralized architecture for decision making among smart devices in a smart home environment. He also worked on the Targeted Infusion project, developing a Cryptographic Simulator for Enhancing Undergraduates’ Learning Experience in Cybersecurity Education.

ABSTRACTS

Presentation Sessions 1. Computer Science, Business and Human Services Research Presentations 2. Arts & Sciences Research Presentation 3. Semester-based Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) Research Presentation

Session 1: Computer Science, Business and Human Services Research Presentations Tuesday, April 20, 2021 12:00 PM- 1:30 PM

Dr. Marja Humphrey Department of Counseling

James Harris Department of Counseling

Iyana Downie Department of Counseling

Presentation ID: 4 Project Title: School Counselors' Perceptions of Leadership in Elementary Students

Abstract School counselors implement the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Model in their daily work with students. The ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors (learning strategies, self-management skills, and social skills) build the foundation for students’ leadership. Yet, there is a gap in the literature; many elementary schools lack an intentional leadership development program. In this study, seven elementary school counselors shared their perceptions of developing elementary student leaders. Results indicate that while school counselors are already cultivating students’ leadership characteristics through social-emotional lessons, they desire more targeted leadership language and tools to develop leadership traits in all elementary students.

Keywords: leadership, elementary students, SEL learning

Ayodeji Ogundiran Department of Computer Sciences

Dr. Jie Yan- Professor Department of Computer Sciences

Presentation ID: 15 Project Title: Blockchain in IoT: A decentralized Smart contract Architecture among Devices in a Smart Home

Abstract In the consumer market, Internet of Things (IoT) technology is most synonymous with products pertaining to the concept of the "smart home", covering smart devices and appliances that support one or more common ecosystems, and can be controlled via devices associated with that ecosystem. One of the technical challenges of having such a smart ecosystem is the ability to manage the devices that are part of these ecosystems. Even though access management technologies exist in IoT, they are usually based on centralized architecture which introduce varieties of technical limitations to manage them globally. In this paper, we propose a new aspect oriented designed architecture for arbitrating connectivity in an IoT ecosystem. The architecture is a fully distributed system based on blockchain technology and smart contracts. The results show that blockchain technology can be used as a technology in specific scalable IoT scenarios.

Keywords: Internet of Things, Smart Contracts

Eman Allogmani Department of Computer Sciences

Dr. Darsana Josyula- PROFESSOR Department of Computer Sciences

Presentation ID: 16 Project Title: Learning with noisy inconsistent data Abstract Most Deep Learning algorithms are more beneficial when learning from large amounts of data. The quality of the data plays an important role in the performance of classifiers. Mislabeled data instances exist in the training data and often degenerate the performance of the classification models.

Identifying and eliminating mislabeled training instances can noticeably improve the trained classifiers. We introduce a new approach to detect such noise and eliminating them based on analysis of the loss function throughout the variance of k-fold cross-validation.

Keywords: Machine learning Noise reduction

Dr. Tibebe Assefa Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics

Dr. Sunando Sungupta Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics

Dr. Satina Williams Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics

Presentation ID: 18 Project Title: Stock Price Reactions to Announcements of Mergers and Acquisitions

Abstract This paper investigates whether abnormal returns exist around the announcements for Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) that occurred from 2000 to 2019. We analyze the impact of the M&A announcements on the stock price of acquiring and acquired firms. Earlier research has shown that M&A events related to stock-generated investor reactions tend to affect the stock price of the companies involved in the M&A transactions, usually on a very short basis. When a company acquires another company, the stock price of the target company typically will rise, and the stock price of the acquiring company declines, in the short term. It is predicted, in prior research, that the target company’s stock will rise because the acquiring company pays a premium for the acquisition. Amazon, Facebook, General Electric, Google and Cisco are examples of well-known companies that have participated in M&As. Our sample consists of 200 pairs of firms that announced M&As over twenty-years period from 2000-2019. We first identify the announcement or event dates and then utilize Event-Study methodology Eventus, from the Wharton Research Database (WRDS), to test for the presence of abnormal returns around the event dates. Our results show significant positive 11. 10 percent Cumulative Abnormal Returns (CAR) for the acquired firms one day before the announcement date up to the announcement date for acquired firms. On the contrary, the results show significant negative CAR of 1.63 percent for the acquiring firms from 1 days before the announcement date, which could be due to the premium paid to acquire.

Keywords: Abnormal Returns, Mergers and Acquisition

Dr. Thaddee Badibanga Department of Accounting, Finance, and Economics

Presentation ID: 19 Project Title: Capital Markets’ Development: Are African Countries Lagging?

Abstract African countries have been known until recently as the least developed and poorest countries on earth. In the 1990s, the African economy grew annually on average at a rate of about 1.2 percent while its population annual growth rate was 3 percent on average, contributing to increasing the poverty rate to 56 percent.

However, that poor growth performance was reversed in early 2000s.

Indeed, the African economy grew annually on average between 2003 and 2007 at a rate of 5 percent. Such growth rate was not only greater than the annual average population growth rate for the first time in decades but also, it was greater than the world annual growth rate. This strong but short growth performance was ended by the 2007-2009 financial crisis, revealing thus the vulnerability of the African economy to external shocks and raising at the same time the needs for developing internal mechanisms of fund raising in order to finance investments.

In this paper, we investigate the performance of the capital markets in African countries. African countries have made some progress but their bond markets are either underdeveloped or are in their infant stage. The stock markets are a little bit developed in a few African countries.

However, they are still experiencing serious issue including low capitalization, low liquidity, and a short list of participating companies on the stock exchange.

More realistic policies have the potential of speeding the development of capital markets. The most urgent ones are those that emphasize the reinforcement of institutional capacity to enforce contracts and commercial regulations, the creation of electronic registry systems of property ownership, the reinforcement of monetary policy, the diversification of financial portfolio options, and the creation of secondary markets.

Keywords: Capital Markets Development

Session 2: Natural Sciences Research Presentations Wednesday, April 21, 2021 12:00 PM- 1:45 PM

Christian Elcorrobarrutia- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Anne Osano- Professor Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 3 Project Title: Development of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) methods for characterizing Neem - derived botanicals.

Abstract Azadirachta indica A Juss, commonly known as Neem (Neemtree), is a world-renowned plant famous for its use in non-pesticidal pest control.

Also, in Indian and South East Asian traditional medicines Neem is widely used for treating a variety of ailments. While azadirachtin and salannin are associated with insecticidal properties, the constituents responsible for the medicinal properties are still under study. For use as a herbal drug or as raw material for the production of herbal medicines, it is important to characterize the chemical profile of the plant material and assure adherence of certain quality parameters.

HPTLC is a suitable technique for identification and quality control of herbal materials. Several accessions of Neem leaf, root, and bark from Kenya were used for developing an HPTLC method that allows the investigation of natural variability of a broad range of constituents including flavonoids, plant acids and limonoids in the different plant drugs. The method is also suitable for discriminating related plant drugs derived from Melia azedarach L. (Chinaberry tree) which is a common adulterant. Because the proposed method can also quantitatively assess several markers, it is a suitable starting point for establishing quality criteria for raw materials and extracts.

Keywords: HPTLC Neem Medicinal Plants

Benvindo Chicha- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Dr. Jacqueline Smith Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 6 Project Title: BITI-VCP Docking Simulations and Dynamics analysis Abstract Valosin-containing protein (VCP) is an integral enzyme essential to cell growth and development, retained in nearly all organisms. The enzyme consists of 6 identical subunits each containing an N terminal cofactor binding region and D1 and D2 ATPase domains. Studies revealing some of the many and varied functions of the enzyme have suggested it may be a good target for anti-cancer drugs. Later studies confirmed this with the discovery of allosteric inhibitors that reduce cancer cell viability. One such inhibitor is UPCDC30245 which binds to each subunit in the linker region between the D1 and D2 domains. This prevents a very minute but critical conformational change which prevents the transition to active state. Despite its usefulness in decoding some of the mechanisms of the enzyme, UPCDC30245 has not proven to be a suitable drug. This study aims to assess the validity of novel compounds as specific allosteric inhibitors of VCP using docking calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. These novel compounds are imidazoles known at BITIs. Each of which is predicted to be bound to VCP in different states using docking programs such as PyRx and LigPlot. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations will be used to evaluate binding in life-like conditions.

Keywords: Docking, Bioinformatics, Cancer

Jazmyne Scott- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Jacqueline Smith Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 7 Project Title: Synthesis of Novel Meta- and Para-aldehyde Analogs of 5-Aminoimidazole using Microwave Protocols

Abstract Synthesis of Novel Meta- and Para-aldehyde Analogs of 5Aminoimidazole using Microwave Protocols The Valosin containing protein, or VCP, enables protein homeostasis in cells. Cancer cells use the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway as an alternative means for homeostasis and growth.Therefore, inhibiting VCP would result in accumulation of misfolded proteins or toxic protein aggregation in the cell. This research aims to synthesize compounds that can bind to an allosteric site of VCP, in order to inhibit the protein.

The structural requirements of the compound informed the synthetic goals, as 5 membered rings are more selective than 6 membered rings.

The first step is the synthesis of Schiff bases, the method used is a multicomponent reaction that involves a nucleophilic addition and dehydration to form the imine. This is in contrast to other 5 membered ring inhibitors which require up to 7 steps for synthesis. Due to the nature of the first step, we predict that the yields will be greater for the m- and p- constituents with electron donating groups. Synthesis of the aldehyde analogs involved a reaction setup utilizing the microwave to increase the temperature to 220 degrees Celsius, with an overall reaction time of 10 minutes. Fourteen compounds were synthesized overall. Future work will involve the reduction of the nitrogen double bond at the 5-C position of the imidazoles to enable more flexibility increasing the chances of attaching to the allosteric site.

Keywords: Chemistry

John Adeleye- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Eric Bonsu- Professor Department of Natural Sciences

Dennis Monderas- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Michelle Ananym- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 8 Project Title: A Facile Total Synthesis of Toyocamycin Abstract The purpose of our project is to develop a simple method to synthesize an anti-cancer, antiviral compound named Toyocamycin. Toyocamycin and its analogues have shown potential for being anti-tumor, antiviral and antimicrobial agents. This compound is a potent inhibitor of RNA self-cleavage in mammalian cells. Even though toyocamycin and some of its analogues have shown to be potent anti-tumor compounds, they show high cytotoxicity to normal human cells, thus, making them clinically worthless. We have designed an approach for toyocamycin synthesis where modifications are made on the sugar and base to increase efficacy and reduce cytotoxicity. In addition, this trial, we have increased the efficiency of this experiment. Originally, it took us over a month to produce our desired product. We were able to greatly reduce the time required for this experiment by altering the procedure such as when we increased the temperature of the oil bath we used to combine our reactants. This project is very important because this will contribute to scientific knowledge about a potent anticancer compound and investigate easier ways of synthesizing it, perhaps in gram scale. The success of this project would allow us to run a scaled-up reaction to produce a greater amount of toyocamycin in less time. Once gram scale quantities of toyocamycin are acquired, the next phase/project will be several sugar and base modifications to obtain more efficacious analogues for cancer chemotherapy.

Keywords: Medicinal Chemistry, Synthesis, Health, Cancer

Victor Amadu- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Kari Debbink- Assistant Professor Department of Natural Sciences

Maame Ackon- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Kaishea White- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 9 Project Title: Identification of the CYVaV Encapsidation Sequence Abstract Huanglongbing (HLB) is an aphid-transmitted bacterial disease that prevents the ripening of citrus fruits and has devastated the citrus industry in Florida. Many approaches such as antibiotics, heat treatments, and aphid control have been used to combat this disease, but none of the current approaches is effective. Citrus yellow-vein associated virus (CYVaV) is a recently identified virus-like RNA that infects citrus, but is non-pathogenic. CYVaV has the potential to be used as a vector to deliver anti-HLB substances to citrus plants. One drawback to using an infectious particle for disease control is ensuring that CYVaV cannot be transmitted to other plants since its effects on non-citrus plants are unknown. By itself, CYVaV cannot be transmitted by an aphid vector because it does not contain a protective coat protein. However, CYVaV can be encapsidated by the coat protein of another virus, citrus vein enation virus (CVEV), giving it the potential to be transmitted from plant-to-plant by insect vectors. Our work aims to identify and ablate the CYVaV encapsidation sequence so that distribution of the therapeutic vector can be controlled. To do this, we made predictions about the location of the encapsidation sequence and are creating deletion mutants in different parts of CYVaV. We will then use agroinfiltration of N. benthamiana plants to determine which CYVaV mutants fail to be encapsidated by CVEV coat protein. Overall, this work will determine the specific nucleic acid sequence responsible for encapsidation, so that the CYVaV-CVEV coat protein interaction can be ablated, allowing CYVaV to be safely used as a delivery system for anti-HLB substances.

Keywords: virology, citrus

Mayowa Osunsanya- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

JacquelineSmith Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 11 Project Title: Chromatography Demo Abstract Column chromatography is a purification technique that relies on the difference in the speed of a compound through a medium based on it’s polarity. There are usually two mobile phases and a stationary phase, based on the polar properties of the compound being purified.

Traditional flash purification tends to be labour intensive and timeconsuming, with the process lasting hours and an increased possibility of making errors. With the use of the Biotage Selekt automated column, the run-time is reduced drastically, from hours to minutes. There are also improved results, as the usual sources of errors in manual columns are instead automated.

Keywords: Chromatography, Column, Polarity

Nayanna Hemphill- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Devyn Gillette- Assistant Professor Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 12 Project Title: Investigating the Effect of Time on the Growth of HeLa Cells

Abstract Maintaining proper cell conditions of cell lines is an imperative part of the cell culture process. In particular, understanding the density of cells in a culture environment is critical to ensure they can achieve proper polarity, morphology, and maintain healthy characteristics. In this project, we strive to understand how HeLa cells grow over time. HeLa cells, derived from Ms. Henrietta Lacks, are the world’s first human cell line. These cervical adenocarcinoma epithelial cells have laid the groundwork for many scientific achievements over the years. In this project, we seeded various densities of HeLa cells and observed their growth conditions over a 24-hour period. We were able to identify various confluency values during this time period and this work builds a framework for how to correctly seed cells to prepare for future experimentation.

Keywords: Hela, Confluency, Cell Culture,

David Miller- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

George Ude- Department Chair Department of Natural Sciences

Nyiah Jordan Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 13 Project Title: Longitudinal Study of Seasonal Effects on Soil Microbial Communities at Bowie State University Campus Using A Metagenomic Approach

Abstract Metagenomics is the application of modern genomic techniques to the study of communities of microbial organisms directly in their natural environments, which bypasses the need for isolation and lab cultivation of individual species. Using the metagenomic approach, soil microbial communities from three locations (Henry Circle Fountain, Loop Road Lake, and Loop Road Stream) on Bowie State University’s (BSU) campus were analyzed across all seasons (Fall 2019, Spring 2020, Summer 2020, and Winter 2021). Soil microbiome is one of the world’s largest collection of biodiversity; its microorganisms play critical roles in the regulation of soil fertility, carbon cycle, nitrogen fixation, etc., yet a vast majority of soil microorganisms are still unknown. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of seasonal change on the diversity of BSU’s soil microbiome and to identify its microbial diversity by season and location. DNA extraction was performed, followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using 16SrDNA index primers, and gel electrophoresis to determine successful amplification of PCR samples.

Samples were sequenced and analyzed using DNA Subway’s Purple line for metabarcoding used to identify microbial taxa and genetic variations within BSU's soil microbial community. Results determined Proteobacteria as the most abundant phyla across all seasons and locations. Other abundant phyla identified were Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Chloroflexi.

Keywords: Metagenomics, Metabarcoding, Soil diversity

Camelia Youayou- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Devyn Gillette- Assistant Professor Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 14 Project Title: Investigating Ibuprofen: Understanding the Effect on Growth of HeLa Cells

Abstract Ibuprofen is a commonly used drug to treat pain, inflammation, and fever. Many medical recommendations can be related to pain associated with uterine pains that accompany menstruation, a common system that many women face. In this project, we strive to understand how HeLa cells respond to the presence of Ibuprofen. HeLa cells, derived from Ms. Henrietta Lacks, are the world’s first human cell line.These cervical adenocarcinoma epithelial cells have laid the groundwork for many scientific achievements over the years. As a cell derived from the cervix, the opening of the uterus, we found it to be a model cell to complete these studies in. Here, we seeded HeLa cells and exposed them to various concentrations of Ibuprofen at a 48-hour time point. We were able to the effects of ibuprofen on cell health and this work builds a framework on future experiments and how ibuprofen can affect cell viability.

Keywords: Hela, Viability, Ibuprofen, Cell Culture,

Alvine Momo Azobou- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Anne Osano- PhD Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 17 Project Title: Metabolomic Approaches for the Analysis of Phytochemicals of Indigenous Leafy Vegatables of Kenya, Africa

Abstract An erosion of indigenous vegetables, traditional foods crops and agricultural production in Africa has dramatically changed the food system and agriculture focused on developing conventional cereal and horticultural crops. As a result, these foods became more popular and replaced many locally produced crops including indigenous vegetables.

The once widely used, indigenous vegetables and food crops have been replaced with lower nutrient foods, with an increase in health-related problems. We hypothesize that the plant components of the selected indigenous vegetables are the key drivers of health benefits in traditional food system. In this research, our goal was to use metabolomics approaches to study the phytochemicals profiles of five selected different leafy vegetables from Kenya, Basella alba, Cucumis sativus, Vigna unguiculata, Amaranthus viridis, and Corchorus olitorius.

The vegetables were collected from Kenya and air dried. We used the ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLCHRMS, Thermo Scientific, Waltham, MA), for data acquisition and MS-DIAL software for data analysis. The separation was carried out on an Agilent Poroshell EC-C18 column with a flow rate of 0.6mL/min. Data collected using Xcalibur 198 4.1 (Themo Scientific, Waltham, MA). Data analysis was done using MS-Dial software. HPTLC, Camag was used to analyze flavonoids and tannins. The results from targeted metabolomics, showed the presence of flavonoids in Basella and Corchorus, tannins in all four vegetables except Vigna. Using untargeted metabolomics, 1269 metabolites were identified and 104 were matched with compound libraries. We here report the presence of a specific type of flavonoid called quercetin-3,4’-o-di-betaglucoside.

Flavonoids health benefits are attributed to their anti-oxidative, antiinflammatory, antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties coupled with capacity to modulate key cellular enzyme function. We therefore conclude that flavonoid in these indigenous vegetables that drive their health benefits. Our future work will focus on identification of the remaining compounds from the untargeted metabolomics approach.

Keywords: ytochemicals, Antioxidants, Bioactivities, Kenya

Session 3: Semester-based Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) Research Presentations Thursday, April 22, 2021 12:00 PM- 1:30 PM

Sayeeda Jordan- Undergraduate Department of Language, Literature & Cultural Studies

Dr. SheneeseThompson Department of Language, Literature & Cultural Studies

Presentation ID: 26 Project Title: The Representation of Black Women in the U.S. Media Industry

Abstract This research projects takes a critical approach to exploring mediated representations of Black women in pop culture. It examines the conceptual limits of representations on Black women in US pop culture and media, and more specifically television, film, and music. The study also aims to critically analyze a couple of media artifacts to illustrate issues of representations of Black women in TV, film, and music. In doing so, this project strives not only to raise awareness on the impact of mediated representations of Black women on their perception in everyday life, but also attempts to provide “alternative ways” to promote a politics of self-definition for Black women, which celebrates Black women’s experiences through resilience and transformation.

Keywords: Black, Identity, Representation, Social Media

MichelleAnanym Dzeinse- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

JacquelineSmith- Mentor Department of Natural Sciences

Vincent Osekwe- Undergraduate Department of Natural Sciences

Presentation ID: 25 Project Title: TRYPTOPHAN ANALOG SYNTHESIS & FLUORESCENCE Abstract Targeted drug delivery has the potential to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy. LAT 1 is an amino acid transporter that can be used to transport compounds into cells and even across a blood brain barrier (BBB). Imaging has been widely used to monitor brain activity using methods such as MRI and PET. The goal of this research is to use LAT1 as a target for drug delivery and imaging. Tryptophan is substrate for LAT1 which is also fluorescent. We plan to use tryptophan as a carrier to deliver drugs to LAT1 and enhance its fluorescence by attaching a known fluorophore, coumarin. Coumarin, primarily found in plants, is a poly-phenolic compound that emits strong fluorescence even at low concentrations. We measured the effect of water and DMSO on the fluorescence of tryptophan and its analog. There was a positive correlation between the intensity and the concentration of tryptophancoumarin (try-cou) in DMSO and water. Also try-cou showed a more red-shifted fluorescence than tryptophan in the same solvents. This proves how coumarin derivatives in tryptophan can enhance its fluorescence properties. For further goals, these results can be used by introducing tryptophan-coumarin on biological systems such as cells and ultimately tested on BBB models.

Keywords: Tryptophan, BBB, LAT1, fluorescence

Sudan Smith- Undergraduate Department of Communications

Dr. Uchenna Onuzulike Department of Communications

Leia Wedge- Undergraduate Department of Communications

Shakira Miles- Undergraduate Department of Communications

Presentation ID: 27 Project Title: College Students and Body Image: An Analysis of SelfPresentation and Comments Left by Instagram Followers

Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze college students' Instagram pictures, the captions of the pictures, and the comments from Instagram followers within the context of body image.

Theory: This study employs uses and gratifications in order to understand how the college students and their followers gravitate toward Instagram pictures and body image. The first assumption of the uses and gratifications theory suggests that people knowingly use media for particular purposes.

Methods: This qualitative research utilizes textual analysis to uncover the themes and patterns of selected college student Instagram pictures, their captions, and audience comments within the context of body image. In addition, this study is supplemented with frequencies from qualitative analysis to capture words, decipher phrases, and illuminate emojis. Textual analysis is the best method for this study because it will capture comments, pictures, and the captions simultaneously. Hence, the audience comments, the pictures, and the captions will be analyzed within the context of body image. A total of 30 profiles were selected for this study. Then, three pictures were selected from each profile, making a total of 30 pictures.

Findings: Preliminary findings indicate that the college students used Instagram for various reasons, including body image, wellness, friendship, and connections. Emojis and likes were used for expression of feelings toward the pictures and their captions. The findings show that the students use Instagram to fulfill their needs of showcasing their image as they gravitate toward positive comments from the followers

Keywords: College students, Instagram, body-image, analysis

Danae Stewart- Undergraduate Department of Management, Marketing, and Public Administration

Dr. Ella Carter- Associate Professor of Marketing Department of Management, Marketing, and Public Administration

Mariah Wade- Undergraduate Trinity Jordan- Undergraduate Presentation ID: 21 Project Title: Black Student Experiences in Minority vs. Minority Institutions

Abstract Understand the experience of black students and the obstacles they face that negatively time to graduation Compare HBCU to PWI

Keywords: black, student, graduation, hbcu, Pwi

Tiffany Cunningham- Undergraduate Department of Behavioral Sciences and Human Services

Kim Barnett- Associate Professor Department of Behavioral Sciences and Human Services

Presentation ID: 22 Project Title: Advancing the Demarginalization for Students of Color Abstract In this chapter, we present theoretical discussions about advancing the de-marginalization of African American students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by bringing in insights from Afrocentric and symbolic-interaction perspectives. Here, we are especially interested to discuss de-marginalization related to certain intra-racial and intersecting class, gender and mental health issues emerging since Covid-19 and online learning. The ideas we present here are equally viable in student face-to-face and virtual learning environments. We begin by discussing what we mean by both marginalization and Afrocentric and symbolic-interaction theories. We then review relevant literature about the history of African American education since the American Civil War, including nineteenth and twentieth century reconstructions, Jim Crow, the rise of historical black colleges and institutions, the black student campus union and black power movements, and other relevant happenings in black American education. We review this history to observe not merely the accomplishments and obstacles that existed in the advance of education for African American students, but to theoretically examine how and why certain intra-racial and intersecting class, gender and mental health issues warrant our attention. Lastly, we present a discussion centered around ways Afrocentric and symbolic-interaction theories provide insight about advancing the education of African American students.

Keywords: Marginalization, demarginalization,

Clarissa Smith- Undergraduate Department of Social Work

Emory Perkins- Assistant Professor Department of Social Work

Anwar Rochee- Undergraduate Department of Communications

Presentation ID: 23 Project Title: A Comparative Investigation of the Risk-taking Behaviors Associated with the HIV Negative and Positive Status of African-American Women

Abstract Now entering its fourth decade, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) continues to present a public health crisis to the nation; indeed, to the entire world. The United States Census Bureau maintains that in 2010, Blacks/African-Americans account for 12.6% of the United States population but represent 42% of new HIV diagnoses. Centers for Disease Control (2018) maintains that African-American women have been identified as the fastest-growing segment at increased risk for HIV/AIDS infection, particularly those of childbearing ages. Of the 1.2 million people diagnosed with HIV in the U.S., 482,900 were AfricanAmerican.(CDC, 2018). Between 2014-2018, African-American women accounted for 57% of the total percentage of 19% of women with new HIV diagnosis. (CDC, 2018) This quantitative explanatory study is designed to investigate the risktaking behavior in the form of sexual practices associated with the HIV positive status among African-American women. The subject will include a random sample of 100 African-American women, ages 24 to 44, equally divided into two groups of 50 women.

This probability sample of 100 African-American women will be selected through the use of random sampling.

Data for this investigation will be obtained using self-assessment scales and questionnaires. Data will beanalyzed using the Window’s version of the Statistical Package for Social Science (27.0). The theoretical underpinning for this study will be cognitive-behavioral and cognitive dissonance theories.

Findings from this investigation will contribute new empirical knowledge to the existing social work database; document the experiences of African-American women who engage in risky sexual behaviors

, and

allow service providers, educators, researchers, public health officials, policymakers, and African- American women to know the risk-taking behaviors associated with having an HIV positive or negative status.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, risk-taking behaviors, African-American women,

Office of Research & Sponsored Programs Bowie State University orsp@bowiestate.edu