biology thesis examples

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Senior thesis examples.

Graduating seniors in Biological Sciences have the option of submitting a senior thesis for consideration for Honors and Research Prizes .  Below are some examples of particularly outstanding theses from recent years (pdf):

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Molecular and Cellular Biology Masters Theses Collection

Theses from 2024 2024.

The Impact of a Non-ionic Adjuvant to the Persistence of Pesticides on Produce Surfaces , Daniel Barnes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating the Role of Got2 in Murine Organogenesis and Placenta Development , Olivia Macrorie, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Chromatin Accessibility Impacts Knockout of Mt-Bell4 Transcription Factor , Thomas Redden, Molecular & Cellular Biology

UNDERSTANDING THE FUNCTIONAL IMPACT OF DISEASE-ASSOCIATED PHOSPHORYLATION SITES ON THE NEURODEGENERATIVE PROTEIN TAU , Navya T. Sebastian, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2023 2023

Elucidating the Priming Mechanism of ClpXP Protease by Single-Domain Response Regulator CpdR in Caulobacter crescentus , Kimberly E. Barker, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Discovery of a Novel Bacteria from a Large Co-assembly of Metagenomes , Matthew Finkelberg, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating Diterpene Biosynthesis in Medicago Truncatula , Sungwoo Hwang, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Combining Simulation and the MspA Nanopore to Study p53 Dynamics and Interactions , Samantha A. Schultz, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Caulobacter ClpXP Adaptor PopA’s Domain Interactions in the Adaptor Hierarchy of CtrA Degradation , Thomas P. Scudder, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Climate Change, Giant Viruses and Their Putative Hosts , Sarah K. Tucker, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2022 2022

Changes in Gene Expression From Long-Term Warming Revealed Using Metatranscriptome Mapping to FAC-Sorted Bacteria , Christopher A. Colvin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Determining CaMKII Variant Activities and Their Roles in Human Disease , Matthew J. Dunn, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Developmental Exposures to PFAS Mixtures Impair Elongation of the Exocrine Pancreas in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) , Emily M. Formato, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Metatranscriptomic Analysis of the Long-Term Effects of Warming on the Harvard Forest Soil Microbiome , Brooke A. Linnehan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of the Poly (ADP-Ribose) Polymerase Family in the Fusarium oxysporum Species Complex , Daniel Norment, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2021 2021

Exploring Knockdown Phenotypes and Interactions between ATAD3 Proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana , Eli S. Gordon, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Development of a Site-Specific Labeling Assay to Study the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion Translocon in Native Membranes , Kyle A. Mahan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Liposomal Nanoparticles Target TLR7/8-SHP2 to Repolarize Macrophages to Aid in Cancer Immunotherapy , Vaishali Malik, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Hsp70 Phosphorylation: A Case Study of Serine Residues 385 and 400 , Sashrika Saini, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Activation of Nrf2 at Critical Windows of Development Alters Protein S-Glutathionylation in the Zebrafish Embryo (Danio rerio) , Emily G. Severance, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Utilizing Fluorescence Microscopy to Characterize the Subcellular Distribution of the Novel Protein Acheron , Varun Sheel, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2020 2020

The Association Between Sperm DNA Methylation and Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number , Emily Houle, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Gene Expression Regulation in the Mouse Liver by Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complexes I and II , Anthony Poluyanoff, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Biomarkers as a Measure of Male Fecundity and Overall Sperm Quality , Allyson Rosati, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Exploration of the Association between Muscle Volume and Bone Geometry Reveals Surprising Relationship at the Genetic Level , Prakrit Subba, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2019 2019

Studies on the Interaction and Organization of Bacterial Proteins on Membranes , Mariana Brena, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigating The Role Of LBH During Early Embryonic Development In Xenopus Laevis , Emma Weir, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2018 2018

Exploring the Influence of PKC-theta Phosphorylation on Notch1 Activation and T Helper Cell Differentiation , Grace Trombley, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2017 2017

Partial Craniofacial Cartilage Rescue in ace/fgf8 Mutants from Compensatory Signaling From the Ventricle of Danio Rerio , Douglas A. Calenda II, Molecular & Cellular Biology

THE FAR C-TERMINUS OF TPX2 CONTRIBUTES TO SPINDLE MORPHOGENESIS , Brett Estes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of Calcium Homeostasis Parameters in TRPV3 and CaV3.2 Double Null Mice , Aujan Mehregan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Microtransplantation of Rat Brain Neurolemma into Xenopus Laevis Oocytes to Study the Effect of Environmental Toxicants on Endogenous Voltage-Sensitive Ion Channels , Edwin Murenzi, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Regulation of Katanin Activity on Microtubules , Madison A. Tyler, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2016 2016

The Role of MicroRNAs in Regulating the Translatability and Stability of Target Messenger RNAs During the Atrophy and Programmed Cell Death of the Intersegmental Muscles of the Tobacco Hawkmoth Manduca sexta. , Elizabeth Chan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

An in Vivo Study of Cortical Dynein Dynamics and its Contribution to Microtubule Sliding in the Midzone , Heather M. Jordan, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Genetic Analysis of Cichlid Scale Morphology , Kenta C. Kawasaki, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Modulation of Notch in an Animal Model of Multiple Sclerosis , Manit Nikhil Munshi, Molecular & Cellular Biology

One-Carbon Metabolism Related B-Vitamins Alter The Expression Of MicroRNAS And Target Genes Within The Wnt Signaling Pathway In Mouse Colonic Epithelium , Riccardo Racicot, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterizing the Inhibition of Katanin Using Tubulin Carboxy-Terminal Tail Constructs , Corey E. Reed, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Identification of Notch1 Functional Domains Responsible for its Physical Interaction with PKCθ , Wesley D. Rossiter, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Dynamics of Microtubule Networks with Antiparallel Crosslinkers , Kasimira T. Stanhope, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Modifications of Myofilament Structure and Function During Global Myocardial Ischemia , Mike K. Woodward, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2015 2015

Regulation of Jak1 and Jak2 Synthesis through Non-Classical Progestin Receptors , Hillary Adams, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Antineoplastic Effects of Rhodiola Crenulata on B16-F10 Melanoma , Maxine Dudek, Molecular & Cellular Biology

RNAi Validation of Resistance Genes and Their Interactions in the Highly DDT-Resistant 91-R Strain of Drosophila Melanogaster , Kyle Gellatly, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of Protein-Protein Interactions for Therapeutic Drug Design Utilizing Mass Spectrometry , Alex J. Johnson, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Promoting Extracellular Matrix Crosslinking in Synthetic Hydrogels , Marcos M. Manganare, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Characterization of the Reconstituted and Native Pseudomonas aeruginosa Type III Secretion System Translocon , Kathryn R. Monopoli, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Thermocycle-regulated WALL REGULATOR INTERACTING bHLH Encodes a Protein That Interacts with Secondary-Cell-Wall-Associated Transcription Factors , Ian P. Whitney, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2014 2014

Engineering Camelina sativa for Biofuel Production via increasing oil yield and tolerance to abiotic stresses , Kenny Ablordeppey, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Designing a Pore-Forming Toxin Cytolysin A (ClyA) Specific to Target Cancer Cells , Alzira Rocheteau Avelino, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Role of the Novel Lupus Antigen, Acheron, in Moderating Life and Death Decisions , Ankur Sheel, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Expression and Purification of Human Lysosomal β-galactosidase from Pichia Pastoris , Sarah E. Tarullo, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Properties of Potential Substrates of a Cyanobacterial Small Heat Shock Protein , Yichen Zhang, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2013 2013

Characterizing the Heavy Metal Chelator, Tpen, as a Ca2+ Tool in the Mammalian Oocyte , Robert A. Agreda Mccaughin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sustainable Biofuels Production Through Understanding Fundamental Bacterial Pathways Involved in Biomass Degradation and Sugar Utilization , James CM Hayes, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Stiffness and Modulus and Independent Controllers of Breast Cancer Metastasis , Dannielle Ryman, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2012 2012

The Pyrethroid Deltamethrin, Which Causes Choreoathetosis with Salivation (CS-Syndrome), Enhances Calcium Ion Influx via Phosphorylated CaV2.2 expresssed in Xenopus laevis oocytes , Anna-maria Alves, Molecular & Cellular Biology

A Test of the Hypothesis That Environmental Chemicals Interfere With Thyroid Hormone Action in Human Placenta , Katherine Geromini, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Analyzing the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species in Male-Female Interactions in Arabidopsis thaliana. , Eric A. Johnson, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Rhythmic Growth And Vascular Development In Brachypodium Distachyon , Dominick A. Matos, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Polymer Prodrug Conjugation to Tumor Homing Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Nick Panzarino, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Investigation of Differential Vector Competence of Bartonella quintana in Human Head and Body Lice , Domenic j. Previte, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Downregulation of Cinnamyl Alcohol Dehydrogenase or Caffeic Acid O-Methyltransferase Leads to Improved Biological Conversion Efficiency in Brachypodium distachyon , Gina M. Trabucco, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2011 2011

Evolutionary Relationship of the ampC Resistance Gene In E. cloacae , Shanika S. Collins, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Sex Difference in Calbindin Cell Number in the Mouse Preoptic Area: Effects of Neonatal Estradiol and Bax Gene Deletion , Richard F. Gilmore III, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Investigations of Polymer Conjugates as Therapeutics , Elizabeth M. Henchey, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Examination of Sexually Dimorphic Cell Death in the Pubertal Mouse Brain , Amanda Holley, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Human Niemann-Pick Type C2 Disease Protein Expression, Purification and Crystallization , Yurie T. Kim, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Revealing the Localization of the Class I Formin Family in the Moss Physcomitrella patens Using Gene Targeting Strategies , Kelli Pattavina, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Connecting Motors and Membranes: A Quantitative Investigation of Dynein Pathway Components and in vitro Characterization of the Num1 Coiled Coil Domain , Bryan J. St. Germain, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2010 2010

The Protective Effects A Full-term Pregnancy Plays Against Mammary Carcinoma , Matthew p. Carter, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Analysis Of An Actin Binding Guanine Exchange Factor, Gef8, And Actin Depolymerizing Factor In Arabidopsis Thaliana. , Aleksey Chudnovskiy, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The Role of Ykl-40, a Secreted Heparin-Binding Glycoprotein, in Tumor Angiogenesis, Metastasis, and Progression: a Potential Therapeutic Target , Michael Faibish, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Visualization of Hedgehog Signaling in Zebrafish , Christopher J. Ferreira, Molecular & Cellular Biology

An In Vivo Study of the Mammalian Mitotic Kinesin Eg5 , Alyssa D. Gable, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Identification of Dynein Binding Sites in Budding Yeast Pac1/LIS1 , Christopher W. Meaden, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Functional Characterization of Arabidopsis Formin Homologues Afh1, Afh5, Afh6, Afh7 and Afh8 , Shahriar Niroomand, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Regulation of Crbp1 In Mammary Epithelial Cells , Stacy L. Pease, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Labeling Of A Model β-Clam Protein With A Fluorescent Amino Acid , Mangayarkarasi Periasamy, Molecular & Cellular Biology

In Vivo Characterization of Interactions Among Dynein Complex Components at Microtubule Plus Ends , Karen M. Plevock, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Anti-Diabetic Potentials of Phenolic Enriched Chilean Potato and Select Herbs of Apiaceae and Lamiaceae Families , Fahad Saleem, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Interconversion of the Specificities of Human Lysosomal Enzymes , Ivan B. Tomasic, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Deletions of Fstl3 and/or Fst Isoforms 303 and 315 Results in Hepatic Steatosis , Nathan A. Ungerleider, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2009 2009

A New Laser Pointer Driven Optical Microheater for Precise Local Heat Shock , Mike Placinta, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2008 2008

Cysteine Dioxygenase: The Importance of Key Residues and Insight into the Mechanism of the Metal Center , Jonathan H. Leung, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Invertebrate Phenology and Prey Selection of Three Sympatric Species of Salmonids; Implications for Individual Fish Growth , Jeffrey V. Ojala, Wildlife & Fisheries Conservation

Paralemmin Splice Variants and mRNA and Protein Expression in Breast Cancer , Casey M. Turk, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Stability of the frog motor nerve terminal: roles of perisynaptic Schwann cells and muscle fibers , Ling Xin, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Theses from 2007 2007

Antioxidant Response Mechanism in Apples during Post-Harvest Storage and Implications for Human Health Benefits , Ishan Adyanthaya, Molecular & Cellular Biology

Progress Towards A Model Flavoenzyme System , Kevin M. Bardon, Molecular & Cellular Biology

The effect of Rhodiola crenulata on a highly metastatic murine mammary carcinoma , Jessica L. Doerner, Molecular & Cellular Biology

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Digital Commons @ USF > College of Arts and Sciences > Molecular Biosciences > Theses and Dissertations

Molecular Biosciences Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Exploring strain variation and bacteriophage predation in the gut microbiome of Ciona robusta , Celine Grace F. Atkinson

Distinct Nrf2 Signaling Thresholds Mediate Lung Tumor Initiation and Progression , Janine M. DeBlasi

Thermodynamic frustration of TAD2 and PRR contribute to autoinhibition of p53 , Emily Gregory

Utilization of Detonation Nanodiamonds: Nanocarrier for Gene Therapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer , Allan E. Gutierrez

Role of HLA-DRB1 Fucosylation in Anti-Melanoma Immunity , Daniel K. Lester

Targeting BET Proteins Downregulates miR-33a To Promote Synergy with PIM Inhibitors in CMML , Christopher T. Letson

Regulated Intramembrane Proteolysis by M82 Peptidases: The Role of PrsS in the Staphylococcus aureus Stress Response , Baylie M. Schott

Histone Deacetylase 8 is a Novel Therapeutic Target for Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Preserves Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxic Function , January M. Watters

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Regulation of the Heat Shock Response via Lysine Acetyltransferase CBP-1 and in Neurodegenerative Disease in Caenorhabditis elegans , Lindsey N. Barrett

Determining the Role of Dendritic Cells During Response to Treatment with Paclitaxel/Anti-TIM-3 , Alycia Gardner

Cell-free DNA Methylation Signatures in Cancer Detection and Classification , Jinyong Huang

The Role Of Eicosanoid Metabolism in Mammalian Wound Healing and Inflammation , Kenneth D. Maus

A Holistic Investigation of Acidosis in Breast Cancer , Bryce Ordway

Characterizing the Impact of Postharvest Temperature Stress on Polyphenol Profiles of Red and White-Fruited Strawberry Cultivars , Alyssa N. Smith

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Multifaceted Approach to Understanding Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formation and Drug Resistance , Jessie L. Allen

Cellular And Molecular Alterations Associated with Ovarian and Renal Cancer Pathophysiology , Ravneet Kaur Chhabra

Ecology and diversity of boletes of the southeastern United States , Arian Farid

CircREV1 Expression in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer , Meagan P. Horton

Microbial Dark Matter: Culturing the Uncultured in Search of Novel Chemotaxonomy , Sarah J. Kennedy

The Multifaceted Role of CCAR-1 in the Alternative Splicing and Germline Regulation in Caenorhabditis elegans , Doreen Ikhuva Lugano

Unraveling the Role of Novel G5 Peptidase Family Proteins in Virulence and Cell Envelope Biogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus , Stephanie M. Marroquin

Cytoplasmic Polyadenylation Element Binding Protein 2 Alternative Splicing Regulates HIF1α During Chronic Hypoxia , Emily M. Mayo

Transcriptomic and Functional Investigation of Bacterial Biofilm Formation , Brooke R. Nemec

A Functional Characterization of the Omega (ω) subunit of RNA Polymerase in Staphylococcus aureus , Shrushti B. Patil

The Role Of Cpeb2 Alternative Splicing In TNBC Metastasis , Shaun C. Stevens

Screening Next-generation Fluorine-19 Probe and Preparation of Yeast-derived G Proteins for GPCR Conformation and Dynamics Study , Wenjie Zhao

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Understanding the Role of Cereblon in Hematopoiesis Through Structural and Functional Analyses , Afua Adutwumwa Akuffo

To Mid-cell and Beyond: Characterizing the Roles of GpsB and YpsA in Cell Division Regulation in Gram-positive Bacteria , Robert S. Brzozowski

Spatiotemporal Changes of Microbial Community Assemblages and Functions in the Subsurface , Madison C. Davis

New Mechanisms That Regulate DNA Double-Strand Break-Induced Gene Silencing and Genome Integrity , Dante Francis DeAscanis

Regulation of the Heat Shock Response and HSF-1 Nuclear Stress Bodies in C. elegans , Andrew Deonarine

New Mechanisms that Control FACT Histone Chaperone and Transcription-mediated Genome Stability , Angelo Vincenzo de Vivo Diaz

Targeting the ESKAPE Pathogens by Botanical and Microbial Approaches , Emily Dilandro

Succession in native groundwater microbial communities in response to effluent wastewater , Chelsea M. Dinon

Role of ceramide-1 phosphate in regulation of sphingolipid and eicosanoid metabolism in lung epithelial cells , Brittany A. Dudley

Allosteric Control of Proteins: New Methods and Mechanisms , Nalvi Duro

Microbial Community Structures in Three Bahamian Blue Holes , Meghan J. Gordon

A Novel Intramolecular Interaction in P53 , Fan He

The Impact of Myeloid-Mediated Co-Stimulation and Immunosuppression on the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of Adoptive T cell Therapy , Pasquale Patrick Innamarato

Investigating Mechanisms of Immune Suppression Secondary to an Inflammatory Microenvironment , Wendy Michelle Kandell

Posttranslational Modification and Protein Disorder Regulate Protein-Protein Interactions and DNA Binding Specificity of p53 , Robin Levy

Mechanistic and Translational Studies on Skeletal Malignancies , Jeremy McGuire

Novel Long Non-Coding RNA CDLINC Promotes NSCLC Progression , Christina J. Moss

Genome Maintenance Roles of Polycomb Transcriptional Repressors BMI1 and RNF2 , Anthony Richard Sanchez IV

The Ecology and Conservation of an Urban Karst Subterranean Estuary , Robert J. Scharping

Biological and Proteomic Characterization of Cornus officinalis on Human 1.1B4 Pancreatic β Cells: Exploring Use for T1D Interventional Application , Arielle E. Tawfik

Evaluation of Aging and Genetic Mutation Variants on Tauopathy , Amber M. Tetlow

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Investigating the Proteinaceous Regulome of the Acinetobacter baumannii , Leila G. Casella

Functional Characterization of the Ovarian Tumor Domain Deubiquitinating Enzyme 6B , Jasmin M. D'Andrea

Integrated Molecular Characterization of Lung Adenocarcinoma with Implications for Immunotherapy , Nicholas T. Gimbrone

The Role of Secreted Proteases in Regulating Disease Progression in Staphylococcus aureus , Brittney D. Gimza

Advanced Proteomic and Epigenetic Characterization of Ethanol-Induced Microglial Activation , Jennifer Guergues Guergues

Understanding immunometabolic and suppressive factors that impact cancer development , Rebecca Swearingen Hesterberg

Biochemical and Proteomic Approaches to Determine the Impact Level of Each Step of the Supply Chain on Tomato Fruit Quality , Robert T. Madden

Enhancing Immunotherapeutic Interventions for Treatment of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia , Kamira K. Maharaj

Characterization of the Autophagic-Iron Axis in the Pathophysiology of Endometriosis and Epithelial Ovarian Cancers , Stephanie Rockfield

Understanding the Influence of the Cancer Microenvironment on Metabolism and Metastasis , Shonagh Russell

Modeling of Interaction of Ions with Ether- and Ester-linked Phospholipids , Matthew W. Saunders

Novel Insights into the Multifaceted Roles of BLM in the Maintenance of Genome Stability , Vivek M. Shastri

Conserved glycine residues control transient helicity and disorder in the cold regulated protein, Cor15a , Oluwakemi Sowemimo

A Novel Cytokine Response Modulatory Function of MEK Inhibitors Mediates Therapeutic Efficacy , Mengyu Xie

Novel Strategies on Characterizing Biologically Specific Protein-protein Interaction Networks , Bi Zhao

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Characterization of the Transcriptional Elongation Factor ELL3 in B cells and Its Role in B-cell Lymphoma Proliferation and Survival , Lou-Ella M.m. Alexander

Identification of Regulatory miRNAs Associated with Ethanol-Induced Microglial Activation Using Integrated Proteomic and Transcriptomic Approaches , Brandi Jo Cook

Molecular Phylogenetics of Floridian Boletes , Arian Farid

MYC Distant Enhancers Underlie Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility at the 8q24.21 Locus , Anxhela Gjyshi Gustafson

Quantitative Proteomics to Support Translational Cancer Research , Melissa Hoffman

A Systems Chemical Biology Approach for Dissecting Differential Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Clinical Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer , Natalia Junqueira Sumi

Investigating the Roles of Fucosylation and Calcium Signaling in Melanoma Invasion , Tyler S. Keeley

Synthesis, Oxidation, and Distribution of Polyphenols in Strawberry Fruit During Cold Storage , Katrina E. Kelly

Investigation of Alcohol-Induced Changes in Hepatic Histone Modifications Using Mass Spectrometry Based Proteomics , Crystina Leah Kriss

Off-Target Based Drug Repurposing Using Systems Pharmacology , Brent M. Kuenzi

Investigation of Anemarrhena asphodeloides and its Constituent Timosaponin-AIII as Novel, Naturally Derived Adjunctive Therapeutics for the Treatment of Advanced Pancreatic Cancer , Catherine B. MarElia

The Role of Phosphohistidine Phosphatase 1 in Ethanol-induced Liver Injury , Daniel Richard Martin

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Changing the Pathobiological Paradigm in Myelodysplastic Syndromes: The NLRP3 Inflammasome Drives the MDS Phenotype , Ashley Basiorka

Modeling of Dynamic Allostery in Proteins Enabled by Machine Learning , Mohsen Botlani-Esfahani

Uncovering Transcriptional Activators and Targets of HSF-1 in Caenorhabditis elegans , Jessica Brunquell

The Role of Sgs1 and Exo1 in the Maintenance of Genome Stability. , Lillian Campos-Doerfler

Mechanisms of IKBKE Activation in Cancer , Sridevi Challa

Discovering Antibacterial and Anti-Resistance Agents Targeting Multi-Drug Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens , Renee Fleeman

Functional Roles of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Bone Metastatic Prostate Cancer , Jeremy S. Frieling

Disorder Levels of c-Myb Transactivation Domain Regulate its Binding Affinity to the KIX Domain of CREB Binding Protein , Anusha Poosapati

Role of Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 in Ovarian Cancer Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Drug Sensitivity , Chase David Powell

Cell Division Regulation in Staphylococcus aureus , Catherine M. Spanoudis

A Novel Approach to the Discovery of Natural Products From Actinobacteria , Rahmy Tawfik

Non-classical regulators in Staphylococcus aureus , Andy Weiss

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

In Vitro and In Vivo Antioxidant Capacity of Synthetic and Natural Polyphenolic Compounds Identified from Strawberry and Fruit Juices , Marvin Abountiolas

Quantitative Proteomic Investigation of Disease Models of Type 2 Diabetes , Mark Gabriel Athanason

CMG Helicase Assembly and Activation: Regulation by c-Myc through Chromatin Decondensation and Novel Therapeutic Avenues for Cancer Treatment , Victoria Bryant

Computational Modeling of Allosteric Stimulation of Nipah Virus Host Binding Protein , Priyanka Dutta

Cell Cycle Arrest by TGFß1 is Dependent on the Inhibition of CMG Helicase Assembly and Activation , Brook Samuel Nepon-Sixt

Gene Expression Profiling and the Role of HSF1 in Ovarian Cancer in 3D Spheroid Models , Trillitye Paullin

VDR-RIPK1 Interaction and its Implications in Cell Death and Cancer Intervention , Waise Quarni

Regulation of nAChRs and Stemness by Nicotine and E-cigarettes in NSCLC , Courtney Schaal

Targeting Histone Deacetylases in Melanoma and T-cells to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy , Andressa Sodre De Castro Laino

Nonreplicative DNA Helicases Involved in Maintaining Genome Stability , Salahuddin Syed

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Functional Analysis of the Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility Locus at 9p22.2 Reveals a Transcription Regulatory Network Mediated by BNC2 in Ovarian Cells , Melissa Buckley

Exploring the Pathogenic and Drug Resistance Mechanisms of Staphylococcus aureus , Whittney Burda

Regulation and Targeting of the FANCD2 Activation in DNA Repair , Valentina Celeste Caceres

Mass Spectrometry-Based Investigation of APP-Dependent Mechanisms in Neurodegeneration , Dale Chaput

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Recent Submissions

Super-resolution imaging of proteins in live cells using reversibly interacting peptide pairs , understanding the role and function of spocd1 in pirna-directed de novo dna methylation , sequencing b cell receptor repertoires in human disease: applications in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and in experimental malaria infection , role of tyrosine phosphatase ptpn22 in ctl responses to tumours and t cell exhaustion , rna editing ligases as novel drug targets in trypanosomatid parasites , pifs as a novel target in soybean to modulate the shade avoidance syndrome , structure and function of microtubule nucleation proteins , evaluation of the structural, functional, cellular and molecular basis of heart pathophysiology in mouse models of spinal muscular atrophy , understanding and utilising bacterial growth rate changes at high external osmolarities , origin and maintenance of diversity in british euphrasia (orobanchaceae) , single-cell time-series analysis of metabolic rhythms in yeast , ectopic heterochromatin provides an alternative route to fungal resistance , understanding adaptive immunity using immune receptor repertoire sequencing , mapping inbreeding depression in wild red deer (cervus elaphus) , transcription-only cell-free systems and their application in biosensing , encapsulin engineering for metal nanoparticle production , adaptive genomics and phylogeography of guazuma ulmifolia (malvaceae) , structural and functional characterization of cenp-v: a novel glutathione-binding protein , chromosome rearrangements and population genomics , quantitative genetics of gene expression: regulatory complexity and patterns of variation .

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• Thesis Guidelines

A thesis for Distinction in Biology is a wonderful way for you to close the loop on your undergraduate research experience and showcase your scientific scholarship. Your thesis will be evaluated by the Faculty in Biology and answers the following questions: What did you do? Why did you do it? What is the significance of your results? What else would you do, were you to continue the project?

In answering the above questions, you have an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding and intellectual ownership of a project; not simply your productivity in the lab. The volume of results or completeness of the study is not critical for a successful thesis. Instead, we will be looking for the following:

• An argument for the significance of your research, contextualized within the scientific literature;
• A review of appropriate literature as evidence in support of claims you make in your argument;
• A statement of your research goals, i.e., a meaningful question of biological importance;
• A description of experimental approaches and methods ;
• Appropriate presentation of results through tables, figures, and images;
• A discussion of the meaning and significance of your results;
• A description of limitations and future directions for the project.

Expanded guidelines can be found in the Biology Thesis Assessment Protocol (BioTAP):

Format of the Thesis

The basic format of the thesis should resemble that of any scientific journal article that is common in your subdiscipline. It generally includes the following sections: Introduction & Background; Methods; Results; Discussion; Acknowledgements; and References. In some instances, it may be useful to sub-divide the Methods & Results section to correspond to multiple aims. However, if you chose to take this route, remember that there should still be a general Introduction and Discussion sections that address the project as a whole. The thesis should not consist of several "mini-papers" that are unconnected.  

Submission Guidelines

The format of the final copy should follow these guidelines:

• Cover Page ( sample ): Title; student's name; supervisor's name; date of submission; 3 signature lines at bottom right (Research Supervisor, DUS, Reader). Please follow the format and language of the sample.
• Abstract Page: single-spaced, roughly 250 words.
• Thesis should be double-spaced
• Pages should be numbered at the top right corner of the page
• It is preferred that figures are embedded within the document instead of all at the end
• There is no minimum page requirement or limit, although most are approximately 25 pages. 

Sample Theses

Examples of Distinction papers from previous years are available for examination in the Undergraduate Studies Office (Rm 135 BioSci).  Several samples are also available below as PDF files.

• Tracing the origins of antimalarial resistance in Plasmodium vivax
• Interaction network optimization improves the antimicrobial efficacy of phage cocktails
• Identifying how ufmylation of RAB1B regulates IFN-β signaling

Additional Resources

• Library Resources for Students Writing Theses
• How to write and publish a scientific paper by Barbara Gastel and Robert A. Day
• Biology 495(S): Scientific Argument in Writing . This course is particularly appropriate for seniors working on an undergraduate thesis or major research paper and is recommended, although not required, for all candidates for Graduation with Distinction in biology. The course is writing intensive and carries a “W” designation and, in the fall semester only, is a seminar and carries an “S” designation.
• Biology Writes  offers writing resources, feedback, one-on-one consultations, and more.  
• Duke Biology’s Mission Statement
• AJED Annual and Semester Reports
• AJED Meeting Notes
• Biology Cultural Association (BCA)
• Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism Committee (IDEA)
• Learning from Baboons: Dr. Susan Alberts
• Extremophiles and Systems Biology: Dr. Amy Schmid
• How Cells Manage Stress: Dr. Gustavo Silva
• Predator-Prey Interactions in a Changing World: Dr. Jean Philippe Gibert
• Exploring the Extracellular Matrix: Dr. David Sherwood
• Cell Division's Missing Link: Dr. Masayuki Onishi
• Listening in to Birdsong: Dr. Steve Nowicki
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Home > Life Sciences > Microbiology and Molecular Biology > Theses and Dissertations

Microbiology and Molecular Biology Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Elucidating the Architecture of the TclIJN Complex that Converts Cysteine to Thiazoles in the Biosynthesis of Micrococcin , Diana G. Calvopina Chavez

Manipulating and Assaying Chromatin Architecture Around Enhancer Elements in vivo , John Lawrence Carter

Halophilic Genes that Impact Plant Growth in Saline Soils , Mckay A. Meinzer

Characterizing Stress Granule Regulation by PAS Kinase, Ataxin-2 and Ptc6 and Investigating the Lifespan of Covid-19 Virus on Currency , Colleen R. Newey

Changes in RNA Expression of HuT78 Cells Resulting From the HIV-1 Viral Protein R R77Q Mutation , Joshua S. Ramsey

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Biofilm Characterization and the Potential Role of eDNA in Horizontal Gene Transfer in Hospital and Meat Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus and Their Biofilms , Ashley Lynne Ball

Novel Patterns for Nucleosome Positioning: From in vitro to in vivo , David Andrew Bates

The Effects of Polymorphisms of Viral Protein R of HIV-1 on the Induction of Apoptosis in Primary Cells and the Characterization of Twelve Novel Bacillus anthracis Bacteriophage , Jacob D. Fairholm

Analysis of the Cytopathogenic Effect of Different HIV-1 Vpr Isoforms on Primary Human CD4+ T Cells and a Model Cell Line , Jonatan Josue Fierro Nieves

The Role of Chitinase A in Mastitis-Associated Escherichia coli Pathogenesis , Weston D. Hutchison

Big Data Meta-Analyses of Transcriptional Responses of Human Samples to Orthohantavirus Infection and Shotgun Metagenomics From Crohn's Disease Patients. , John L. Krapohl

An Exploration of Factors that Impact Uptake of Human Papillomavirus Vaccines , David Samuel Redd

Genomic Analysis and Therapeutic Development of Bacteriophages to Treat Bacterial Infections and Parasitic Infestations , Daniel W. Thompson

The Use of Nucleotide Salvage Pathway Enzymes as Suitable Tumor Targets for Antibody-Based and Adoptive Cell Therapies , Edwin J. Velazquez

Comparative Sequence Analysis Elucidates the Evolutionary Patterns of Yersinia pestis in New Mexico over Thirty-Two Years , M. Elizabeth Warren

Regulation of T Cell Activation by the CD5 Co-Receptor and Altered Peptides, Characterization of Thymidine Kinase-Specific Antibodies, and Integrating Genomics Education in Society , Kiara Vaden Whitley

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Evolution and Selection: From Suppression of Metabolic Deficiencies to Bacteriophage Host Range and Resistance , Daniel Kurt Arens

Identifying Sinorhizobium meliloti Genes that Determine Fitness Outcomes , Alexander B. Benedict

Pushing the Limits of SARS-CoV-2 Survival: How SARS-CoV-2 Responds to Quaternary Ammonium Compounds and Wastewater , Benjamin Hawthorne Ogilvie

Mutations in HIV-1 Vpr Affect Pathogenesis in T-Lymphocytes and Novel Strategies to Contain the Current COVID-19 Pandemic , Antonio Solis Leal

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Staphylococcus aureus Metal Acquisition in Milk and Mammary Gland Tissue , Shalee Killpack Carlson

Antimicrobial Peptide Development: From Massively Parallel Peptide Sequencing to Bioinformatic Motif Identification , Alexander K. Erikson

A Comparison of Chikungunya Virus Infection, Dissemination, and Cytokine Induction in Human and Murine Macrophages and Characterization of RAG2-/-γc-/- Mice as an Animal Model to Study Neurotropic Chikungunya Disease , Israel Guerrero

The Effects of Immune Regulation and Dysregulation: Helper T Cell Receptor Affinity, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Cancer Risk, and Vaccine Hesitancy , Deborah K. Johnson

Identification of Genes that Determine Fitness, Virulence, and Disease Outcomes in Mastitis Associated Eschericia coli , Michael Andrew Olson

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Investigation of Thymidine Kinase 1 in Cancer Progression , Eliza Esther King Bitter

Ribosomally Synthesized and Post-Translationally Modified Peptides as Potential Scaffolds for Peptide Engineering , Devan Bursey

Bioaerosols Associated with Evaporative Cooler Use in Low-Income Homes in Semi-Arid Climates , Ashlin Elaine Cowger

PAS Kinase and TOR, Controllers of Cell Growth and Proliferation , Brooke Jasmyn Cozzens

Regulation of Immune Cell Activation and Functionby the nBMPp2 Protein andthe CD5 Co-Receptor , Claudia Mercedes Freitas

Characterizing Novel Pathways for Regulation and Function of Ataxin-2 , Elise Spencer Melhado

Interactions Between the Organellar Pol1A, Pol1B, and Twinkle DNA Replication Proteins and Their Role in Plant Organelle DNA Replication , Stewart Anthony Morley

SNFing Glucose to PASs Mitochondrial Dysfunction: The Role of Two Sensory Protein Kinases in Metabolic Diseases , Kai Li Ong

Characterizing the Function of PAS kinase in Cellular Metabolism and Neurodegenerative Disease , Jenny Adele Pape

Isolation, Characterization, and Genomic Comparison of Bacteriophages of Enterobacteriales Order , Ruchira Sharma

Isolation, Genetic Characterization and Clinical Application of Bacteriophages of Pathogenic Bacterial Species , Trever Leon Thurgood

Investigation of Therapeutic Immune Cell Metabolism , Josephine Anna Tueller

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Innate Immune Cell Phenotypes Are Dictated by Distinct Epigenetic Reprogramming , Kevin Douglas Adams

Bacteriophages for Treating American Foulbrood and the Neutralization of Paenibacillus larvae Spores , Thomas Scott Brady

Methods for Detection of and Therapy for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae , Olivia Tateoka Brown

The Diversity Found Among Carbapenem-Resistant Bacteria , Galen Edward Card

Exploration of Antimicrobial Activity in Natural Peptides and High-Throughput Discovery of Synthetic Peptides , Emma Kay Dallon

Gut Microbiota Regulates the Interplay Between Diet and Genetics to Influence Insulin Resistance , Jeralyn Jones Franson

The Antimicrobial Properties of Honey and Their Effect on Pathogenic Bacteria , Shreena Himanshu Mody

The Ability of Novel Phage to Infect Virulent Bacillus anthracis Isolates , Hyrum Smith Shumway

Galleria Mellonella as an Alternate Infection Model for Burkholderia Species and a Comparison of Suspension and Surface Test Methods for Evaluating Sporicidal Efficacy , Joseph D. Thiriot

The Clinical Significance of HPRT as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Biomarker for Hematological and Solid Malignancies , Michelle Hannah Townsend

Biomarker Analysis and Clinical Relevance of Thymidine Kinase 1 in Solid and Hematological Malignancies , Evita Giraldez Weagel

Hospital and meat associated Staphylococcus aureus and Their Biofilm Characteristics , Trevor Michael Wienclaw

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Comparison of Cytokine Expression and Bacterial Growth During Periparturient and Mid Lactation Mastitis in a Mouse Model , Rhonda Nicole Chronis

Influence of Epstein-Barr Virus on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Development and the Role of Depression on Disease Progression , Caleb Cornaby

The Effects of Nucleosome Positioning and Chromatin Architecture on Transgene Expression , Colton E. Kempton

Phosphate Signaling Through Alternate Conformations of the PstSCAB Phosphate Transporter , Ramesh Krishna Vuppada

Acetobacter fabarum Genes Influencing Drosophila melanogaster Phenotypes , Kylie MaKay White

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

The Path to Understanding Salt Tolerance: Global Profiling of Genes Using Transcriptomics of the Halophyte Suaeda fruticosa , Joann Diray Arce

Genetic and Biochemical Analysis of the Micrococcin Biosynthetic Pathway , Philip Ross Bennallack

Characterizing Interaction Between PASK and PBP1/ ATXN2 to Regulate Cell Growth and Proliferation , Nidhi Rajan Choksi

The Activity of Alkaline Glutaraldehyde Against Bacterial Endospores and Select Non-Enveloped Viruses , Justen Thalmus Despain

The Role of Viral Interleukin-6 in Tumor Development of Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Lymphomas , Rebecca A. Fullwood

The Role of the Transcriptional Antiterminator RfaH in Lipopolysaccharide Synthesis, Resistance to Antimicrobial Peptides, and Virulence of Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Yersinia pestis , Jared Michael Hoffman

A CryAB Interactome Reveals Clientele Specificity and Dysfunction of Mutants Associated with Human Disease , Whitney Katherine Hoopes

The pmrHFIJKLM Operon in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis Enhances Resistance to CCL28 and Promotes Phagocytic Engulfment by Neutrophils , Lauren Elizabeth Johnson

Characterization of Five Brevibacillus Bacteriophages and Their Genomes , Michael Allen Sheflo

Analysis of Nucleosome Isolation and Recovery: From In Silico Invitrosomes to In Vivo Nucleosomes , Collin Brendan Skousen

Human Herpesvirus 6A Infection and Immunopathogenesis in Humanized Rag2 -/-γc-/- Mice and Relevance to HIV/AIDS and Autoimmunity , Anne Tanner

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Identifying and Characterizing Yeast PAS Kinase 1 Substrates Reveals Regulation of Mitochondrial and Cell Growth Pathways , Desiree DeMille

The Detection and Molecular Evolution of Francisella tularensis Subspecies , Mark K. Gunnell

Isolation and Host Range of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophages and Use for Decontamination of Fomites , Kyle C. Jensen

The Antioxidant and DNA Repair Capacities of Resveratrol, Piceatannol, and Pterostilbene , Justin Ryan Livingston

High Salinity Stabilizes Bacterial Community Composition and Activity Through Time , Tylan Wayne Magnusson

Advancing Phage Genomics and Honeybee Health Through Discovery and Characterization of Paenibacillaceae Bacteriophages , Bryan Douglas Merrill

Specialized Replication Operons Control Rhizobial Plasmid Copy Number in Developing Symbiotic Cells , Clarice Lorraine Perry

Gene Networks Involved in Competitive Root Colonization and Nodulation in the Sinorhizobium meliloti-Medicago truncatula Symbiosis , Ryan D. VanYperen

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Snf1 Mediated Phosphorylation and Activation of PAS Kinase , Bryan D. Badal

Studies of PhoU in Escherichia coli: Metal Binding, Dimerization,Protein/Protein Interactions, and a Signaling Complex Model , Stewart G. Gardner

Pharmacologic Immunomodulation of Macrophage Activation by Caffeine , Ryan Perry Steck

Analysis of Nucleosome Mobility, Fragility, and Recovery: From Embryonic Stem Cells to Invitrosomes , Ashley Nicolle Wright

Enhancing Protein and Enzyme Stability Through Rationally Engineered Site-Specific Immobilization Utilizing Non-Canonical Amino Acids , Jeffrey Chun Wu

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Thymidine Kinase 1: Diagnostic and Prognostic Significance in Malignancy , Melissa Marie Alegre

Promoter Polymorphisms in Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 , Daniel N. Clark

Modulators of Symbiotic Outcome in Sinorhizobium meliloti , Matthew B. Crook

Evidences for Protein-Protein Interactions Between PstB and PhoU in the Phosphate Signaling Complex of Escherichia coli , Kristine Dawn Johns

Identification of the Binding Partners for HspB2 and CryAB Reveals Myofibril and Mitochondrial Protein Interactions and Non-Redundant Roles for Small Heat Shock Proteins , Kelsey Murphey Langston

A Quadruplex Real-Time PCR Assay for the Rapid Detection and Differentiation of the Burkholderia pseudomallei Complex: B. mallei , B. pseudomallei , and B. thailandensis , Chinn-woan Lowe

The Role of Nuclear BMP2 in the Cell Cycle and Tumorigenesis , Brandt Alan Nichols

Nuclear BMP2 and the Immune Response , Daniel S. Olsen

Hypersaline Lake Environments Exhibit Reduced Microbial Dormancy , Joshua Christopher Vert

Theses/Dissertations from 2012 2012

Characterization of the Cellular and Organellar Dynamics that Occur with a Partial Depletion of Mitochondrial DNA when Arabidopsis Organellar DNA Polymerase IB is Mutated , John D. Cupp

Effect of Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress on Different Cancer Cell Types , Gaytri Devi Gupta Elera

Effects of Chemical Stimulation and Tumor Co-Incubation on Macrophage Activation and Aggressiveness, Measured Through Phagocytosis and Respiratory Burst , Bo Marcus Gustafsson

Loss of the Lipopolysaccharide Core Biosynthesis rfaD Gene Increases Antimicrobial Chemokine Binding and Bacterial Susceptibility to CCL28 and Polymyxin: A Model for Understanding the Interface of Antimicrobial Chemokines and Bacterial Host Defense Avoidance Mechanisms , Cynthia S. Lew

Partial Characterization of the Antimicrobial Activity of CCL28 , Bin Liu

Characterizing the Role of HspB2 in Cardiac Metabolism and Muscle Structure Using Yeast and Mammalian Systems , Jonathan Paul Neubert

Humanized Mice as a Model to Study Human Viral Pathogenesis and Novel Antiviral Drugs , Freddy Mauricio Sanchez Tumbaco

Transgene Delivery via Microelectromechanical Systems , Aubrey Marie Mueller Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2011 2011

Antioxidants in Cancer Research and Prevention: Assay Comparison, Structure-Function Analysis, and Food Product Analysis , Andrew Robert Garrett

Characterization of the Role Nuclear Bmp2 (nBmp2) Plays in Regulating Gene Expression , Fialka Grigorova

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

Effects of Diabetic State and Gender on Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Secretion by Human Macrophages Infected with Burkholderia pseudomallei , Annette J. Blam

Organellar DNA Polymerases Gamma I and II in Arabidopsis thaliana , Jeffrey M. Brammer

Determining the Function of Nuclear Bmp4 , Trina Jane Loos

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Home > FACULTIES > Biology > BIOLOGY-ETD

Biology Theses and Dissertations

This collection contains theses and dissertations from the Department of Biology, collected from the Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Biosynthesis of a Novel O-methylhydroxy Isoflavone in Soybean: Expression Analysis and Identification of Isoflavone O-methyltransferases , Elizabeth Copley

The role of fruitless P3 and P4 transcripts in Drosophila melanogaster , Sara A. Kulinski

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

SUFU in SHH signalling mediated myogenesis , Suleyman Abdullah

Effect of rearing conditions on the allocation of larval and adult acquired essential and nonessential fatty acids to flight in two adult Lepidoptera: Danaus plexippus and Mythimna unipuncta , Libesha Anparasan

The effect of dietary thiaminase on cardiac function and morphology in lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) , Peter Baker

The introduction of nursery seedlings and their fungi to a spruce-fir forest in Newfoundland , Alicia G. Banwell

Evaluating Phosphorylation as a Potential Regulator of ADT5 in Arabidopsis thaliana , Eileen Barac

Elucidating the neural circuitry underlying social spacing in Drosophila melanogaster through the lens of neuroligin 3 , Abigail T. Bechard

Development of reverse genetics tools in the two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae , Nivitha Bhaskar

Post-breeding survival of adult and hatch-year Bank Swallows (Riparia riparia) in the Great Lakes region: a radio telemetry study , Christian M.M Buchanan-Fraser

Effects of 11-KT and Prolactin on Gene Expression, Parental Care Behaviour and Immune Response in Male Bluegill Sunfish. , Adriano A P da Cunha

Differential Migration Timing and the Form and Function of Avian Wings , Jessica E. Deakin

Unraveling The Evolution And Diversity Of Giant Plastid Genomes In Chlamydomonadalean Green Algae , Hager Gaouda

Elucidating the Relationships Between Spider Size, Joint Stiffness, and the Mechanical Frequency Response of the Body , Reese L. Gartly

The effects of elevated carbon dioxide and warming on photosynthesis and growth in five boreal tree species , Julia M. Hammer

Molecular Characterization of Osmotin and Four Plasmodesmata Callose Binding Protein Homologs from Arabidopsis in Turnip Mosaic Virus Infection , Rongrong He

The effects of warming on floral traits , Kiana J. Lee Ms.

The Adaptor Protein p66Shc Governs Central Nervous System Cell Metabolism and Resistance to Aβ Toxicity , Asad Lone

The detectability of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) microsatellite and mitochondrial environmental DNA , Simone N. Miklosi

Changes in peatland soil fauna biomass alter food web structure and function under warming and hydrological changes , Trevor L. Pettit

Mouse Genotyping Array-Based Analysis of Variation at Single Nucleotide Polymorphic Loci in the Context of Macro- and Micro-environments , Freda Qi

Investigating the Soil Mycobiome of American Ginseng , Rachel Amelia Rajsp

Age and Sex Differences in Stopover Behaviours and Flight Performance in Black-throated Blue Warblers , Patricia Rokitnicki

Freezing tolerance of herbaceous legumes within southwestern Ontario: evidence of disproportionate freezing sensitivity , Samuel L. Rycroft

Short-term versus long-term effects of nitrogen addition and warming on ecosystem N dynamics in a grass-dominated temperate old field , Benjamin F. A. Souriol

Characterization of Etoxazole Resistance in Tetranychus urticae Populations Collected from Commercial Greenhouses & Fields in Ontario , Jeremy Spenler

Molecular identification and characterization of Heat shock protein 70 family proteins essential for Turnip mosaic virus infection in Arabidopsis thaliana , Ziwei Tang

Role and regulation of galectin-12 in the context of cellular differentiation , Rada Tazhitdinova

Random Mating in the Face of Balancing Selection at the Major Histocompatibility Complex Class I in Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) , Scout R.L Thompson

Investigating soil microbiome changes during Panax quinquefolius cultivation in new gardens , Pok Man Paul Wan

Recovery from social isolation in Drosophila: The role of dopamine and the autism-related gene nlg3. , Ryley T. Yost

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Effects of the Brain Nonapeptides Arginine-Vasotocin and Isotocin on Shoaling Behaviour in the Guppy (Poecilia reticulata) , Babak Ataei Mehr

Effects of methylmercury and unpredictable food stress exposure on songbirds’ physiology and seasonal transition , Claire L.J. Bottini

Gene Regulatory Context of Honey Bee Worker Sterility , Rahul Choorakkat Unnikrishnan

The Sequence-Function Relationship of Arabidopsis AROGENATE DEHYDRATASES , Emily J. Clayton

Characterization of SPL4's role in drought stress and trichome development in alfalfa , Matei A. Dan-Dobre

Cadmium Uptake in Plants as Influenced by Selenium Uptake and Sulphate Availability , Marnie J. Demand

Nitrogen transfer from cover crops to the subsequent grain crop and the influence of variability in winter conditions , Spencer Heuchan

Effects of Experimental Malaria Infection On Migration of Yellow-rumped Warblers (Setophaga coronata) , Rebecca J. Howe

Understanding the molecular mechanism of postharvest seed coat darkening in pinto beans , Nishat Shayala Islam

Characterization of galectin-16 expression and function in placental cells , Jennifer Kaminker

Using conservation genetics to inform reintroduction of the endangered Mottled Duskywing (Erynnis martialis) , Shayla Kroeze

Mechanisms of Diapause and Cold Tolerance in the Colorado Potato Beetle , Jacqueline E. Lebenzon

Effects of spatial and temporal heterogeneity on the genetic diversity of the alpine butterfly Parnassius smintheus , Mel Lucas

The Biosynthesis of Non-protein Sulfur Amino Acid in Developing Seeds of Common Bean , Zixuan Lu

Additional Sulfur Does Not Alleviate Cadmium Toxicity In Soybean , Spencer Matt

From Individuals To Communities: The Effect Of Climate Change On Ectothermic Predators , Matthew Lawrence Meehan

Temperature-Dependent Developmental Plasticity in the Cardiorespiratory System of Atlantic Salmon , Carlie A. Muir

Characterization of the Role of miR156-SPL12 Regulatory Module in Root Architecture and Stress Response in Medicago sativa (alfalfa) , Vida Nasrollahi

The impact of long-term artificial removal experiment and natural local extinctions on the genetics of an alpine butterfly , Keon Young Park

Role of HXXXD-motif acyltransferases in suberin biosynthesis , Yudelkis Indira Queralta Castillo

Spatiotemporal characterization of the prr12 paralogues in zebrafish , Renee Jeannine Resendes

Manipulating the root mycobiome to improve plant performance and reduce pathogen pressure in corn (Zea mays) , Noor F. Saeed Cheema

The role of galectins in differentiation of acute myeloid leukemia cells , Jolaine Smith

Regulation of Hedgehog and Wnt Signaling in Neural Differentiation of P19 Embryonal Carcinoma Cells , Danielle Margaret Spice

Biochemistry of trehalose accumulation in the spring field cricket, Gryllus veletis , Alyssa R. Stephens

Investigation of HD2 family histone deacetylases relationship in drought stress response and root growth in Arabidopsis thaliana , Muhammad Sufyan Tahir

Western diet-like culture conditions and oxidative stress on a cell model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease , Celina M. Valvano

Root-Inhabiting and Rhizosphere Mycobiomes and Crop Yield of Corn and Wheat , Marianna E. Wallace

MT1-MMP enhances cell survival and proliferation via roles unrelated to metabolic transcript levels in MCF7 breast cancer cells , Rachel A. Wise

Using Stable Isotope Techniques To Complement Existing Northern Pintail Management. , Dariusz Wojtaszek

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

The Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Soybean (Glycine max) Growth and Nodulation , Paul J. Boersma

Response of the Soil Bacterial Community, Resistome, and Mobilome to a Decade of Macrolide Antibiotic Contamination , Liam Paul Brown

Screens for Phenotypic Non-Specificity of Transcription Factor Function in Drosophila melanogaster , Sheng Cheng

A genetic perspective on social insect castes: A synthetic review and empirical study , Anna M. Chernyshova

Investigating social dynamics using automated radiotracking of winter flocks of Black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus) , Christopher J. Course

Long-term vs. Short-term Plant Responses to Warming and Nitrogen Addition in a Temperate Old Field , Breanna Craig

Diversity and drivers of oribatid mites (Acari: Oribatida) in boreal peatlands , Carlos Rafael de Araujo Barreto

Effects of Gene-Environment Interactions on the Evolution of Social Behaviours , Vonica J. Flear

Fear of the Human "Super-Predator" In African Mammals , Nikita R. Frizzelle

Metabolic regulation during extraembryonic endoderm differentiation , Mohamed Gatie

Hibernation is super complex: dynamics of electron transport system supercomplexes , Amalie J. Hutchinson

The Analysis of Ginsenosides in Ginseng Garden Soil , Karina Marie Kaberi

Dynamics of the Soil Microbiome in Ginseng Gardens , Megan E. Lambert

Metschnikowia mitochondria , Dong Kyung Lee

Food Caching Decisions in Canada Jays (Perisoreus canadensis) , Robert J. Martin

Insights into O-GlcNAc-mediated regulation of galectin expression and secretion in promyelocytic HL-60 cells , Adam J. McTague

Developing a toolbox to engineer quantitative trait variation in legume species using CRISPR/Cas technologies. , Petar Miletic

Kindlin-1 is involved in spreading, migration, and protein regulation in epidermal SCC-13 cells , Naomi Mishan

Evaluation of two mouse models of high genetic variation for suitability to test a heterozygote instability hypothesis , Hailie Pavanel

Evaluation of the Bioactive Properties of Peptides Derived From the Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) , Zhujun Qiu

Mitigation of Replant Disease using Solarization in American Ginseng (Panex quinquefolius) , Andrew G. Rabas

Functional Characterization of Arogenate Dehydratase Isoforms in Soybean , Ramtin Sirjani

Short-term vs. Long-term Warming and Nitrogen Treatment Effects on Soil Carbon and Microbial Activity in a Temperate Old Field , Erica Stroud

Production of self-assembling protein nanocages and virus-like particles displaying porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus epitopes in Nicotiana benthamiana , Jordan T. VanderBurgt

Establishment of a pesticide resistance monitoring tool for the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae , Hanna Varonina

Microplastics in White Sucker (Catostomus commersonii) and Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) from the Upper Thames River, Ontario. , Colleen Wardlaw

Investigating mycelial-crop residue mat application to reduce early-colonizing weeds in row-crop agriculture , Donald T. Watson

Sequencing and Assembling the Nuclear Genome of the Antarctic Psychrophilic Green Alga Chlamydomonas sp. UWO241: Unravelling the Evolution of Cold Adaptation , Xi Zhang

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Behavioural And Molecular Consequences Of Postnatal Stress In A Mouse Model Of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder , Bonnie Alberry

Foliage Type Controls Mercury Input, Storage, and Release in the Boreal Forest , Madelaine J R Anderson

The effects of legacy sulphur deposition on methylmercury production in northern peatlands; geochemical and biological considerations , Jennifer L. Blythe

Heterozygosity: An Inconspicuous Meiosis-Linked Intrinsic Mutagen in Mice , Nicholas A. Boehler

Mass spectrometry identification of membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) binding partners following co-immunoprecipitation in MCF-7 cells , Bradley Bork

Niche segregation among three sympatric species of swallows in southern Ontario , Kaelyn H. Bumelis

Yield improvement of a plant-made antibody against Enterohemorrhagic E. coli , Adam S. Chin-Fatt

The Role of V-ATPase in Regulating pH in the Digestive Tract of Tetranychus urticae Koch , Zoran Culo

Reactive oxygen species damage and consequences for mitochondrial function in the hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus , Brynne Duffy

microRNA156: A Short RNA with a Major Role in Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Alfalfa , Biruk Ayenew Feyissa

Chemical Communication in Songbirds , Leanne A. Grieves

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Home > USC Columbia > Medicine, School of > Biomedical Science > Biomedical Science Theses and Dissertations

Biomedical Science Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Gluten Free Diet Ameliorates SI Enteropathy in IGA Deficient Mice , Ryan Albert William Ball

Aortopathies: Mechanism of Pathogenesis and Therapy , Mengistu G. Gebere

Leptin, Serotonin, and the Control of Food Intake , Nicholas David Maxwell

Targeting Macrophages in Cancer Models Using Natural Compounds , Sierra Jordan McDonald

Neurodevelopmental and Transient Impacts of Brain Kynurenic Acid Elevation and Sleep-Wake Behavior , Katherine Rentschler

Exploration Into the Relationship Between Colitis and Depression: A Potential Role for the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor , Kasie Lynn Roark

B-Cell-Specific MHCII Promotes Host-Microbiome Symbiosis , Mary Melissa Roland

Cardiac Imaging in Mice With Micro-Computed Tomography: An Assessment , Kyle Porter Stegmann

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Role of Epigenome in Regulation of Inflammation By AHR Ligands 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin and 6-Formylindolo[3,2-B] Carbazole , Alkeiver Cannon

Neurochemical, Molecular, and Behavioral Effects of Intranasal Insulin , Jennifer Marie Erichsen

Sex Differences and Potential Non-invasive Treatments for Calcific Aortic Valve Disease , Henry Pascal Helms

Decellularization Strategies of Naturally Derived Biomaterials for Tissue Engineering Applications , Julia Elizabeth Hohn

Role of AhR in the Epigenetic Regulation of Immune Cells in Lungs During Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome , Bryan Latrell Holloman

The Submission of a Section 513(g) Request For Information , Morgan Ashley Lano

Engineering and Optimization of an AAV Based Viral Vector to Limit the In-Vitro Expression of SARS-CoV-2 Spike-Protein , Ronald Anderson Smithwick

In Vitro and in Vivo Studies of Mediator Kinase , Lili Wang

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Role of AhR Ligands in Immune Modulation to Suppress Inflammation Through the Regulation of Microrna and Gut Microbiome , Osama Azeldeen Abdulla

Role of Estrogen in Regulating Diet-Induced Obesity in Females , Ahmed Aladhami

Impact of Acetylcholine on Internal Pathways To Basal Amygdala Pyramidal Neurons , Tyler Daniel Anderson-Sieg

Pseudomyxoma Peritonei Derived Cancers: A Novel Study on Growth and Growth Suppression Utilizing Common Colorectal Cancer Agents , Raymond Kennith Bogdon

Impact of Acetylcholine on Amygdala Network Oscillations , Joshua Xavier Bratsch-Prince

Real Time Neurochemical Analysis of the Brain For Pharmacological Treatments in Mood Disorders And Neurodegeneration , Anna Marie Buchanan

Regulation of Inflammatory Processes by Tryptamine, Cannabidiol and 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-P-Dioxin , Nicholas Dopkins

Study of the Effect of B-Cell-Intrinsic Mhcii Antigen Presentation on Germinal Center B Cell Evolution Using The Brainbow Mouse Model , Nia Hall

Mechanism of Therapeutic Efficacy of New Drugs in Glioblastoma , Firas Hameed Khathayer

The Effect of Low Dose Penicillin on Tumor Development in Apc Min/+ Mice , Kinsey Ann Sierra Meggett

Defining the Pathophysiology of Gut Humoral Immunodeficiency , Ahmed Dawood Mohammed

The Role PDE11A4 Signaling and Compartmentalization in Social Behavior , Kaitlyn Pilarzyk

Anatomical Correlates of Age-Related Basal Forebrain Dysfunction , Brandy Lynn Somera

A Novel Model to Study Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Differentiation , Austin N. Worden

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Molecular Mechanisms of Loss of E7 Expression in HPV16 – Transformed Human Keratinocytes , Fadi Farooq Abboodi

17 β-Estradiol and Phytoestrogens Attenuate Apoptotic Cell Death in HIV-1 Tat Exposed Primary Cortical Cultures , Sheila Marie Adams

Helicobacter’s Effects on Colitis/Colon Cancer and the Response to Indole 3-Carbinol , Rasha Raheem Abdulhamza Alkarkoushi

A Comparative Study of Cannabinoids & CB1 Receptor GI Signaling , Haley Kristen Andersen

Expansion Microscopy: A New Approach to Microscopic Evaluation , Ashley Ferri

The Role of Acute and Chronic Neuroinflammation in Depression: Uncovering the Relationship Between Histamine and Serotonin Transmission , Melinda Hersey

The Use of Natural Anthraquinone Emodin as a Primary and Complementary Therapeutic in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer , Alexander-Jacques Theodore Sougiannis

The Effects of Super-Resolution Microscopy on Colocalization Conclusions Previously Made With Diffraction-Limited Systems in the Biomedical Sciences , Madison Emily Yemc

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Role of Epigenome and Microbiome in Cannabinoid and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases , Zinah Zamil Al-Ghezi

Tissue-Specific Roles of Transforming Growth Factor Beta Ligands in Cardiac Outflow Tract Malformations and Calcific Aortic Valve Disease , Nadia Al-Sammarraie

Role of Epigenetic, Molecular and Cellular Pathways in the Regulation of Inflammation , William James Becker

Neurochemical and Behavioral Outcomes of Intranasal Orexin Administration in Young and Aged Animals , Coleman Blaine Calva

Interdependent Mechanisms of Stress Susceptibility , Julie Elaine Finnell

Astrocyte Sensitivity to Dopamine in Culture and Ex Vivo , Ashley L. Galloway

Three-Dimensional Plasma Cell Survival Microniche in Multiple Myeloma , Katrina A. Harmon

Role of Epigenome and Microbiome in Endocannabinoid-Mediated Regulation of Inflammation During Diet-Induced Obesity , Kathryn Miranda

Epigenetic and Purinergic Regulation of Mast Cells Mediator Release , Zahraa Abdulmohsin Mohammed

Effect of TCDD, an Environmental Contaminant, on Activation of AHR Leading to Induction of Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCS) and the Ability of Resveratrol, a Botanical, to Neutralize this Effect , Wurood Hantoosh Neamah

An Anatomical Basis of the Differential Cholinergic Modulation of Valence-Specific Pyramidal Neurons in the Basolateral Amygdala , Nguyen Vu

Analysis of Cellular Interactions Within a Collagen Hydrogel , Austin N. Worden

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Role of Mammary Microenvironment in Promoting Left-Right Differences in Tumor Progression, Metastasis, and Therapeutic Response , Huda Issa Atiya

Enhancements in Alginate Microencapsulation Technology & Impacts on Cell Therapy Development , Marwa Belhaj

Effect Of Resveratrol On The Development Of Eczema , Christopher Carlucci

The Nervous System And Cancers Of The Head And Neck , Christian A. Graves

Turning Up Antitumor Immunity Against Breast Cancer , Johnie Hodge

Exploring Alternative Therapeutic Interventions For The Treatment Of Leigh Syndrome , Stephanie Martin

Regulation Of Prostaglandin D2 And Angiogenesis-Related Factors From Human Skin Mast Cells By Interleukin-6 And Resveratrol , Cody Cody McHale

Advanced Clearing Methods and Imaging Techniques for Optimized Three- Dimensional Reconstruction of Dense Tissues , Caleb A. Padgett

Role Of MIR-489 In HER2 Positive Breast Cancer , Yogin Patel

Operation Of The Leica SP8 Multiphoton Confocal System Using Single Or Multiple Fluorochromes , Amy E. Rowley

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Garlic Inhibits Inflammation during Dengue Infection , Alex R. Hall

Functional Role of the Homeobox Transcription Factor Six1 in Neoplastic Transformation of Human Keratinocytes , Maria Hosseinipour

Individual Differences in Markers of Cholinergic Signaling Correlating to Fear and Extinction Learning , Grace C. Jones

The Role Of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 8 In Vascular Disease , Desiree Leach

Succination Impairs Protein Folding and Promotes Chop Stability in the Adipocyte during Diabetes , Allison Manuel

Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M1’s Impact on Fear Extinction Learning , Joshua R. McElroy

Hemodynamic Regulation Of Cardiac Valve Development , Vinal Menon

The Role Of Inflammation In Atherosclerosis , Fatma Saaoud

Synergism of Quercetin and Sodium Butyrate for Controlling Growth of Glioblastoma , Matthew Alan Taylor

Mast Cells and Lipid Cross-Talk in Skin Inflammation , Piper Alexandra Wedman

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Tumor Suppressor p53 Response To UV Light In Normal Human Keratinocyte Strains From Different Individuals , Fadi Farooq Abboodi

Vitamin D and Stress Fractures in Collegiate and Professional Athletes , Christian Michael Askew

Linking Obesity & Breast Cancer: Role Of Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 And High Fat Diet-Induced Inflammation On Mammary Tumorigenesis , Taryn L. Cranford

The Identification Of The Direct And Indirect Pathways Through Which Leptin Facilitates Synaptic Plasticity In The Hippocampus , Catherine Van Doorn

Morphogenic Effects Of Dopamine In Cultured Rat Hippocampal Astrocytes , Ashley L. Galloway

Emodin Regulates Macrophage Polarization: Application In Breast Cancer Treatment , Stephen Iwanowycz

Differences In Resting-State Functional Connectivity Of Chronic Migraine, With And Without Medication Overuse Headache, And The Effectiveness Of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block As A Treatment For Repairing Dysfunctional Connectivity. , Kaitlin Krebs

Prospective Assessment Of Health Disparities And Injury Risk Factors At Basic Combat Training At Ft. Jackson , Kristin Lescalleet

Transcriptional And Post-Transcriptional Regulation Of NRF2 In The Heart By The Deubiquitinase CYLD , Bryan J. Mathis

Regulation of Chronic and Acute Inflammatory Disease by microRNA and Microbiota , Pegah Mehrpouya-Bahrami

The Effect of Arsenic on Type 2 Diabetes and Inflammation , Kayla Penta

Factors Influencing The Collagen Fiber Angle Distribution in The Mouse Aorta , Shana Roach Watson

The Role of Epidermal Stem/Progenitor-Like Cells In HPV-Mediated Pre-Neoplastic Transformation , Yvon L. Woappi

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Extensive Genome Rearrangements of Caulobacter K31 and Genomic Diversity of type B3 Bacteriophages of Caulobacter Crescentus , Kurt Taylor Ash

Evaluating Muscle Fiber Architecture , Morgan Ashley Flahive

Characterization of STARD4 and STARD6 Proteins in Human Ovarian Tissue and Human Granulosa Cells and Cloning of Human STARD4 Transcripts , Aisha Shaaban

Cannabinoid-mediated Epigenetic Regulation of Immune Functions , Jessica Margaret Sido

The Effect of 3D Collagen Scaffolds on Regulating Cellular Responses , Chad Simmons

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Metformin Arrests Growth and Induces Apoptosis of Neuroblastoma Cells , Nadia Al-Sammarraie

Cellular and Biochemical Effects of Sparstolonin B on Endothelial Cells to Inhibit Angiogenesis , Marwa Belhaj

An Evolutionary Perspective on Infectious and Chronic Disease , John Eberth

Status Epilepticus Induced Alterations in Hippocampal Anatomy and Neurotransmission , Denise K. Grosenbaugh

The Cardio-Protective Effects of Substance P in Both Ischemia/Reperfusion and and Short-Term Hypoxia Rat Models , Shaiban Jubair

MUSCARINIC MODULATION OF BASOLATERAL AMYGDALA , Lei Liu

MCP-1 In Colorectal Cancer: Benefits of Exercise , Jamie Lee McClellan

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) mediates immune suppression via modulation of microRNA expression in mice , Martine Menard

Effects of cPLA-2 on the Migration and Proliferation of Human Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and the 2-D Migratory Patterns of Tropomyosin in Femoral and Abdominal Aorta Tissue , Jaimeson Thomas Powell

The Role of MicroRNA in Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B-Induced Inflammation and Acute Lung Injury , Roshni Rao

ENHANCING PERIPHERAL OPIOID ANALGESIA: DEVELOPMENT OF VIRAL VECTOR AND SMALL PEPTIDE THERAPIES , Sherika Smith

ROLE OF APELIN AND ENDOTHELIN SYSTEMS IN THE PAIN ASSOCIATED WITH SICKLE CELL DISEASE , Terika Smith

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Thesis proposal example 2

Senior Honors Thesis Research Proposal

Albert B. Ulrich III Thesis Advisor: Dr. Wayne Leibel 11 September 1998

Introduction:

Neotropical fish of the family Cichlidae are a widespread and diverse group of freshwater fish which, through adaptive radiation, have exploited various niches in freshwater ecosystems. One such evolutionary adaptation employed by numerous taxa is miniaturization, an evolutionary process in which a large ancestral form becomes reduced in size to exploit alternative niches. A considerable amount of research has been conducted on the effects of miniaturization on amphibians (Hanken 1983), but although miniaturization has been found to occur in 85 species of freshwater South American fish, little has been done to investigate the effects which miniaturization imposes on the anatomy of the fish (Hanken and Wake 1993).

Background:

Evolution is the process by which species adapt to environmental stresses over time. Nature imposes various selective pressures on ecosystems causing adaptive radiation, where species expand and fill new niches. One such adaptation for a new niche is miniaturization. Miniaturization can be defined as “the evolution of extremely small adult body size within a lineage” (Hanken and Wake 1993). Miniaturization is observed in a variety of taxa, and evolutionary size decreases are observed in mammals and higher vertebrates, but it is more common and more pronounced in reptiles, amphibians and fish (Hanken and Wake 1993). Miniaturization evolved as a specialization which allowed the organisms to avoid selective pressures and occupy a new niche. Miniaturization as a concept is dependent on the phylogenetic assumption that the organism evolved from a larger predecessor. Over time, the miniature organism had to adapt to the new conditions as a tiny species. All of the same basic needs had to be met, but with a smaller body.

In miniature species there is a critical relationship between structure of the body and body size, and frequently this downsizing results in structural and functional changes within the animal (Harrison 1996). Within the concept of miniaturization is the assumption that the species evolved from a larger progenitor. It is necessary then to explore the effects of the miniaturization process. “Miniaturization involves not only small body size per se, but also the consequent and often dramatic effects of extreme size reduction on anatomy, physiology, ecology, life history, and behavior” (Hanken and Wake 1993).

Hanken and Wake 1993 found that the adult skulls of the salamander Thorius were lacking several bones, others were highly underdeveloped, and many species within the genus were toothless. Several invertebrate species display the wholesale loss of major organs systems as a result of the drastic reduction in body size (Hanken and Wake 1993). Hanken and Wake also have shown that morphological novelty is a common result of miniaturization. Morphological novelty, in essence, is the development of new structures in the miniature organism. For example, as body size decreases, certain vital organs will only be able to be reduced by a certain amount and still function. As a result organs such as the inner ear remain large relative to the size of the miniature skull, and structural innovations have to occur in order to support the proportionately large inner ear.

In 1983, James Hanken, at the University of Colorado determined that the adult skull of the Plethodontid salamanders could be characterized by three observations: 1) there was a limited development or even an absence of several ossified elements such as dentition and other bones; 2) there was interspecific and intraspecific variability; 3) there were novel mophological configurations of the braincase and jaw (Hanken 1983).

In his experiments, Hanken found that cranial miniaturization of the Thorius skull was achieved at the expense of ossification. Much of the ossified skeleton was lost or reduced, especially in the anterior elements, which are seen typically in larger adult salamanders (Hanken 1983). In contrast to this ossified downsizing, many of the sensory organs were not diminished in size — therefore present in greater proportion to the rest of the reduced head. He also reported that due to the geometrical space availability, there is a competition for space in reduced sized skulls, and the “predominant brain, otic capsules, and eyes have imposed structural rearrangements on much of the skull that remains” (Hanken 1983).

Hanken proposed that paedomorphosis was the mode of evolution of the plethodontid salamanders (Hanken 1983). Paedomorphosis is the state where the miniaturized structures of the adult salamanders can be described as arrested juvenile states. To support this theory, Hanken showed data where cranial skeletal reduction was less extreme in the posterior regions of the skull. One of the hallmarks of paedamorphosis is the lack of conservation in structures derived late in development. Early developed structures are highly conserved, and the latter derivations become either lost, or greatly reduced. Again, Hanken has shown that elements appearing late in development exhibit greater variation among species than do elements appearing earlier in ontogeny (Hanken 1983). But the presence of novel morphological features cannot be accounted for merely by truncated development and the retention of juvenile traits. Miniature Plethodontid salamanders display features that are not present in other species, juvenile or adult. These novel morphological features are associated with the evolution of decreased size and are postulated to compensate for the reductions occurring in other areas (Hanken 1983).

In 1985, Trueb and Alberch published a paper presenting similar results in their experiments with frogs. They explored the “relationships between body sizes of anurans and their cranial configurations with respect to the degree of ossification of the skull and two ontogenetic variables‹shape and number of differentiation events” (Trueb and Alberch 1985). Trueb and Alberch examined three morphological variables: size, sequence of differentiation events, and shape changes in individual structures. Size and snout length were measured, and the data showed that the more heavily ossified frogs tended to be smaller, whereas the less-ossified species were of average size, contrary to what was hypothesized. But Trueb and Alberch also attributed the diminution in size to paedomorphosis, citing that the smaller frogs lacked one or more of the elements typically associated with anuran skulls‹these missing elements were typically late in the developmental sequence. It is significant to note, however, that although there was an apparent paedomorphic trend, it could not be “applied unequivocally to all anuans” (Trueb and Alberch 1985). Very little research has been done on the effects of miniaturization on fish. In 1993, Buckup published a paper discussing the phylogeny of newly found minature species of Characidiin fish, but the extent of the examination was merely an acknowledgment that the species were indeed miniatures so that they could be taxonomically reclassified ( Buckup 1993). It is this deficit of knowledge with regard to miniaturization in fish that prompts this research.

Statement of the Problem:

How does miniaturization affect other vertebrates, such as fish? There are over 85 species of freshwater South American fish which are regarded as miniature, spanning 5 orders, 11 families and 40 genera (Hanken and Wake 1993). One such species, Apistogramma cacatuoides, is a South American Cichlid native to Peru. It lives in shallow water bodies in the rainforests, where miniature size is necessary. Males in this species reach approximately 8cm, and females only 5cm. This makes A. cacatuoides an ideal specimen for examination. In this senior honors thesis, I intend to examine the effects of miniaturization on cranial morphology of A. cacatuoides.

Plan of Research:

In this thesis, I will compare the cranial anatomy of A. cacatuoides to that of “Cichlasoma” (Archocentrus) nigrofasciatum, a commonly bred fish reared by aquarists known as the Convict Cichlid, a “typical” medium-sized cichlid also of South American origin. The Convicts will be examined at various stages in development, from juvenile to adult, and will be compared to A.cacatuoides.

The first part of this project will involve whole mount preparation of A. cacatuoides, utilizing the staining and clearing procedures described by Taylor and Van Dyke, 1985. This procedure involves the use of Alizarin Red and Alcian Blue to stain bone and cartilage, and takes into account the adaptations and recommendations Proposed in an earlier paper (Hanken and Wassersug 1981). The Taylor and Van Dyke procedure is specifically for the staining and clearing of small fish and other vertebrates. I tested the procedure during last semester¹s Independent Study and made a few minor adjustments to the protocol.

First, the specimens will be placed serially into an absolute ethyl alcohol solution and stained with Alcian Blue. The fish will then be neutralized in a saturated borax solution, transferred to a 20% hydrogen peroxide solution in potassium hydroxide, and then bleached under a fluorescent light. The unwanted soft tissues will then be cleared using trypsin powder, and then stained in KOH again with alizarin red. The final preparation of the fish involves rinsing the fish, and placing them serially into 40%, 70%, and finally 100% glycerin.

Following the above preparation of the specimens, the crania of the A. cacatuoides specimens will be examined for morphological variation and compared to the cranial anatomy of the Convict cichlid as a progenitor reference point examined at various developmental stages to see if paedomorphosis in indeed the mechanism of miniaturization in A. cacatuoides.

Expected Costs:

The project is estimated to cost no more that five hundred dollars for chemicals and supplies for the entire year.

Literature Cited:

Hanken, J., 1983. Miniaturization and its Effects on Cranial Morphology in Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Thorius (Amphibia: Plethodontidae). I. Osteological Variation”. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society (London) 23: 55-75.

Hanken, James, 1983. Miniaturization and its Effects on Cranial Morhology in Plethodontid Salamanders, Genus Thorius (Amphibia, Plethodintidae): II.The Fate of the Brain and Sense Organs and Their Role in Skull Morphogenesis and Evolution . Journal of Morphology 177: 255-268.

Hanken, James and David Wake, 1993. Miniaturization of Body Size: Origanismal Consequences and Evolutionary Significance. Annual Review of Ecological Systems 24: 501-19.

Harrison, I. J., 1996. Interface Areas in Small Fish. Zoological Symposium No. 69. The Zoological Society of London: London.

Miller, P. J., 1996. Miniature Vertebrates: The Implications of Small Body Size. Symposium of the Zoological Society of London. No. 69: 15-45.

Taylor, William R. and George Van Dyke, 1985. Revised Procedures for Staining and Clearing Small Fishes and Other Vertebrates for Small Bone and Cartilage Study. Cybium. 9(2): 107-119.

Trueb, L. and P. Alberch, 1985. Miniaturization and the Anuran Skull: a Case Study of Heterochrony. Fortschritte der Zoologie. Bund 30.

Williams, T. Walley, 1941 Bone and Cartilage. Stain. Tech. 16:23-25.

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• Honors Thesis Examples

EBIO student's Honors Thesis submissions from past years are archived here with abstracts from the student's respective papers. Peruse several of the submissions to get a sense of the area's of study our students delve into for their Honors Thesis projects.

Landscape Patterns of Litter Decomposition in Alpine Tundra - H. A. O'Lear and T. R. Seastedt - 1994

Effects of Mobile Tree Islands on Soil Carbon Storage in Tundra Ecosystems - Sheridan J. Pauker and T. R. Seastedt - 1996

Effects of Sequestered Iridoid Glycosides on Prey Choice of the Prairie Wolf Spider,  Lycosa carolinensis  - Demetri Hilario Theodoratus and M. Deane Bowers - 1998

Effects of Soil Nitrogen Reduction on Nonnative Plants in Restored Grasslands - K.J. Reever Morghan & T. R. Seastedt - 1999

Phylogeny of hammerhead sharks (Family Sphyrnidae) inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear genes -  Douglas D. Lim, Philip Motta, Kyle Mara, Andrew P. Martin - 2010

Beyond immunity: quantifying the efects of host anti-parasite behavior on parasite transmission -  Elizabeth W. Daly & Pieter T. J. Johnson - 2011

Land Use and Wetland Spatial Position Jointly Determine Amphibian Parasite Communities - Richard B. Hartson,  Sarah A. Orlofske,  Vanessa E. Melin,  Robert T. Dillon Jr., and Pieter T. J. Johnson - 2011

Effects of fuels reductions on plant communities and soils in a Piñon-juniper woodland - M.R. Ross, S.C. Castle, N.N. Barger - 2012

Investigating the dispersal routes used by an invasive amphibian, Lithobates catesbeianus , in human-dominated landscapes - Anna C. Peterson & Katherine L. D. Richgels & Pieter T. J. Johnson & Valerie J. McKenzie - 2012

Incorporation of an Introduced Weed into the Diet of a Native Butterfly: Consequences for Preference, Performance and Chemical Defense - Angela Knerl & M. Deane Bowers 

Quantifying the biomass of parasites to understand their role in aquatic communities - Jason Lambden & Pieter T. J. Johnson - 2013

Conceptual Revision and Synthesis of Proximate Factors Associated with Age-Related Improvement in Reproduction - Rachel J Bradley & Rebecca J. Safran - 2014

Patterns and ecological predictors of age-related performance in female North American barn swallows,  Hirundo rustica erythrogaster    -  R. J. Bradley & J. K. Hubbard & B. R. Jenkins & R. J. Safran - 2014

Assessing The Harmful Impacts Of Increased Commercial Shipping On Arctic Marine Mammals: A Systematic Literature Review - Hayley Wuestenberg - 2021

June 27, 2021

Read more about Assessing The Harmful Impacts Of Increased Commercial Shipping On Arctic Marine Mammals: A Systematic Literature Review - Hayley Wuestenberg - 2021

Harmful Algal Blooms As A Possible Cause Of Late Cretaceous Vertebrate Mortality Events In Northwestern Madagascar - Christopher Mulligan - 2021

Read more about Harmful Algal Blooms As A Possible Cause Of Late Cretaceous Vertebrate Mortality Events In Northwestern Madagascar - Christopher Mulligan - 2021

Population Structure Of The Endangered Mud Shrimp Upogebia Pugettensis - Madeleine Horan - 2021

Read more about Population Structure Of The Endangered Mud Shrimp Upogebia Pugettensis - Madeleine Horan - 2021

Exploring The Biogeographic Relationship Between Variation In Parasites And Pathogens And Host Plant Dispersal Traits - Patrick Heffernan - 2021

Read more about Exploring The Biogeographic Relationship Between Variation In Parasites And Pathogens And Host Plant Dispersal Traits - Patrick Heffernan - 2021

Flowering Time And Related Genes In Cannabis - Zachary Girard - 2021

Read more about Flowering Time And Related Genes In Cannabis - Zachary Girard - 2021

May Physical Activity Ameliorate Symptoms And Comorbidities Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) Infection? - Elizabeth Enichen - 2021

Read more about May Physical Activity Ameliorate Symptoms And Comorbidities Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Hiv) Infection? - Elizabeth Enichen - 2021

Nest Insulative Capacity Varies Between Chickadee Species But Not Along An Elevation Gradient - Shay Ding - 2021

Read more about Nest Insulative Capacity Varies Between Chickadee Species But Not Along An Elevation Gradient - Shay Ding - 2021

The Impact Of Early Snowmelt, Warming, And Microtopography On In Situ Geum Rossii Germination Rates In The Alpine - Nyika Campbell - 2021

Read more about The Impact Of Early Snowmelt, Warming, And Microtopography On In Situ Geum Rossii Germination Rates In The Alpine - Nyika Campbell - 2021

Entomology Education Since 2000: Methods, Outcomes, Challenges, and Suggestions for Practice - Elizabeth Woolner - 2020

Dec. 3, 2020

Read more about Entomology Education Since 2000: Methods, Outcomes, Challenges, and Suggestions for Practice - Elizabeth Woolner - 2020

Loss of Microbial Biodiversity: Implications for Human Health and Food Security - Shannon Ross - 2020

Dec. 2, 2020

Read more about Loss of Microbial Biodiversity: Implications for Human Health and Food Security - Shannon Ross - 2020

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Home > Biological Sciences > Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Biological Sciences, School of

School of biological sciences: dissertations, theses, and student research.

The Developmental Process for Adenoviral Vectored Canine Influenza Vaccines , Nicholas Jeanjaquet

Exploring The Interactions Between SARS-CoV-2 and Host Proteins. , Sojan Shrestha

Evaluating Assessment Score Validity and Characterizing Undergraduate Biology Exam Content , Crystal Uminski

Discovering Novel Polyextremotolerant Fungi, and Determining their Ecological Role Within the Biological Soil Crust Consortium , Erin Carr

METHANOGEN METABOLIC FLEXIBILITY , Sean Carr

A Tale of Two Genomes: The Complex Interplay Between the Mitochondrial and the Nuclear Genomes , Abhilesh S. Dhawanjewar

Transcriptome Assembly and Characterization of Chemoreceptors for Corn Rootworms , Bailee Egan

Mitochondrial Functions are Major Targets of Isocyanide Activity in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Morgan A. Siemek

Access to Online Formative Assessments in Introductory Biology Courses: Investigating Barriers to Student Engagement , Allison Upchurch

Characterization of a novel glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD2) in the alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , Itzela A. Cruz Powell

Mitochondrial Genome Structure and Double Strand Break Repair in Arabidopsis thaliana , Sterling Ericsson

Characterization of Novel Chlorovirus Glycosyltransferases That Synthesize Atypical Glycans , Eric Noel

Studies of the dUTPase of the Western Corn Rootworm , Carlos Riera-Ruiz

BIOINFORMATIC ANALYSIS OF THE GUT MICROBIOTA DERIVED FROM THE OIL FLY HELAEOMYIA PETROLEI FROM THE LA BREA TAR PITS , Brian Dillard

Functions of Vocal Mimicry in the Complex Song of the European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris , Maria Goller

POLEROVIRUS GENOMIC VARIATION AND MECHANISMS OF SILENCING SUPPRESSION BY P0 PROTEIN , Natalie Holste

The Relationship Between the Cervical Microbiome and Cervical Cancer Risk in Sub-Saharan Africa , Cameron Klein

Identification of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) Surface Glycoprotein Targets of Human KSHV-specific Neutralizing Antibody Responses , Yasaman Mortazavi

Prey Selection by Birds of Prey , Anisha Pokharel

Metagenomic, Viral and Host Genetic Analyses of Congenital Tremor in Pigs , Kylee Sutton

DGTS Production as a Phosphate Starvation Response in the Human Fungal Pathogen Candida albicans , Caleb Wehling

Regulation of Vaccinia Virus Replication: a Story of Viral Mimicry and a Novel Antagonistic Relationship Between Vaccinia Kinase and Pseudokinase , Annabel T. Olson

Plant mitochondrial genome evolution and structure has been shaped by double-strand break repair and recombination , Emily Wynn

Contributions of the gp120 Variable Loops to Envelope Glycoprotein Trimer Stability in Primate Lentiviruses , Dane Bowder

CONDITION-DEPENDENT LIFE HISTORY STRATEGIES , Shivani V. Jadeja

EVALUATION OF A HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS GENOTYPING ASSAY FOR CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING IN TANZANIA , kandali kapie

Influenza D Virus M2 Protein Exhibits Ion Channel Activity in Xenopus laevis Oocytes , Evan Daniel Kesinger

Establishing Benchmark Criteria for Single Chromosome Bacterial Genome Assembly , Timothy Krause

Behavioral Plasticity Across Non-Social Contexts in Female Green Swordtails, Xiphophorus Hellerii , Lindsey M. Coit

Resource allocation for acorn production: A comparison across species pairs of oaks with contrasting acorn production patterns and water use strategies , Kyle A. Funk

Variation in Density Dependent Seedling Survival Across Forests of Different Successional Age and Hunting Protection Status , Nohemi Huanca-Nunez

Phytohormone signaling in Chlorella sorokiniana: perspectives on the evolution of plant cell-to-cell signaling , Maya Khasin

Small RNA-Dependent Gene Silencing in the Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii : Functions and Mechanisms , EUN JEONG KIM

Nitrogen Addition and Ecosystem Functioning: Changes in Species Composition Leaf Traits Amplify Increases in Leaf Area Index and Canopy Chlorophyll , Anna R. Tatarko

Examination of Contribution of Pentose Catabolism to Molecular Hydrogen Formation by Targeted Disruption of Arabinose Isomerase ( araA ) in the Hyperthermophilic Bacterium, Thermotoga maritima , Derrick White

The Roles of Biotin in Candida Albicans Physiology , Nur Ras Aini Ahmad Hussin

The Plasticity of Functional Traits in the Dipterocarps of Borneo , Ju Ping Chan

Proximate and Evolutionary Causes of Sexual Size Dimorphism in the Crab Spider Mecaphesa celer , Marie Claire Chelini

Inter- and Intra-individual Variation in Predator-related Behavioral Plasticity Expressed by Female Green Swordtails ( Xiphophorus hellerii ) , Rachael A. DiSciullo

POPULATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN AMERICAN KESTRELS THROUGH SPACE AND TIME , Teresa E. Ely

Evaluation of the Effects of Radiation on the Positioning of Histones and Other Proteins , Ashley Elizabeth Foster

THE JOINT EFFECT OF PHENOTYPIC VARIATION AND TEMPERATURE ON PREDATOR-PREY INTERACTIONS , Jean P. Gibert

Sequencing and Comparative Analysis of de novo Genome Assemblies of Streptomyces aureofaciens ATCC 10762 , Julien S. Gradnigo

Investigation of Lipid Profile Patterns Along Latitude in an Eastern Australian Cline and After Stress Selection in the Laboratory, and Experiments on Stress Tolerance with RNAi Knockdown of Lipid Biosynthesis Genes , Li Ko

Characterization of the Role of Host and Dietary Factors in the Establishment of Bacteria in the Gastrointestinal Tract , Janina A. Krumbeck

Identification and Characterization of Ion Channel Activity of the M2 Protein from Influenza Virus D (DM2) , Jianing Liu

No Nonsense: The Protection of Wild-Type mRNAs From Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay in Saccharomyces cerevisiae , Krista Patefield

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MORPHOGENESIS AND SECRETION IN THE FILAMENTOUS FUNGUS ASPERGILLUS NIDULANS , Lakshmi Preethi Yerra

Observational Learning in the Jumping Spider Phidippus audax , Robert M. Adams

Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Transmission and Infection among Young Zambian Children , Landon Olp

Expansion of the Chlorovirus Genus by Studies on Virus Natural History and Chlorella Host Metabolism , Cristian F. Quispe

A Lipidomics Approach to the Viral-Host Dynamics of the Unicellular, Eukaryotic Alga Chlorella variabilis and its Viral Pathogen, PBCV-1 , Suzanne Rose

Plasticity in Female Mate Choosiness: A Result of Variation in Perceived Predation Risk and the Interaction of Female Age and Male Density , Ashley Atwell

Placental HPV Infection in HIV Positive and HIV Negative Zambian Women , Chrispin Chisanga

Stress Responses and Energy Storage in Drosophila melanogaster Selected for Resistance to a Gram-Positive Bacillus cereus Spores , Zhen Hu

FUNCTIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE BAF-B1 AXIS DURING THE VACCINIA VIRUS LIFE CYCLE , Nouhou Ibrahim

Costs of Female Mating Behavior in the Variable Field Cricket, Gryllus lineaticeps , Cassandra M. Martin

Chlorovirus Skp1 and Core Ankyrin-Repeat Protein Interplay and Mimicry of Cellular Ubiquitin Ligase Machinery , Eric Andrew Noel

The equitable contributions of environment, management and restoration status on grassland diversity and composition , RaeAnn C. Powers

Investigations into Sensory Ecology and Gene Evolution of the pea aphid ( Acyrthosiphon pisum ) , Swapna R. Purandare

Biosorption of Heavy Metals onto the Surface of Bacteriophage T4 , Zheng Huan Tan

THE ROLE OF THE N-TERMINUS ON THE ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY OF dUTPase FROM DICTYOSTELIUM DISCOIDEUM , Kyle C. Varon

Investigating the Role of MicroRNAs in the Response to Nitrogen Deprivation in the Green Alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , Adam Voshall

The Mechanism of Small RNA Biogenesis, Degradation, and Function in Arabidopsis , Meng Xie

THE PREDICTION OF B-CELL EPITOPE VIA BIOSTATISTICAL AND BIOINFORMATIC METHODOLOGY AND APPLICATIONS , Bo Yao

Regulation of Phialide Morphogenesis in Aspergillus nidulans , Hu Yin

Trade-offs in Male Lek Behavior , Sarah A. Cowles

THE EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HUMAN HERPESVIRUS-8: TRANSMISSION OF INFECTION TO CHILDREN IN ZAMBIAN HOUSEHOLDS , Kay L. Crabtree

THE ORIGIN AND MOLECULAR EVOLUTION OF TWO MULTIGENE FAMILIES: G-PROTEIN COUPLED RECEPTORS AND GLYCOSIDE HYDROLASE FAMILIES , Seong-il Eyun

Analysis of Human Papillomavirus Capsid Proteins: Insights into Capsid Assembly , Willie A. Hughes

Coccidia of Gerbils from Mongolia , Ethan T. Jensen

Investigation of the life history and lipid content consequences of reduced abundance of delta-9 Desaturases in Drosophila melanogaster , Li Ko

Small Interfering RNA-Mediated Translation Repression Alters Ribosome Sensitivity to Inhibition by Cycloheximide in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , Xinrong Ma

PREDATION AND BEHAVIORAL PLASTICITY IN GREEN SWORDTAILS: MATE CHOICE IN FEMALES AND EXPLORATORY BEHAVIOR IN MALES , Andrew J. Melie

Telomere-Related Factors and Human Papillomavirus Genome Maintenance , Adam Rogers

Spontaneous male death and monogyny in the dark fishing spider Dolomedes tenebrosus Hentz, 1843 (Araneae, Pisauridae) , Steven K. Schwartz

EVOLUTION OF HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS TYPE 1 CLADE C ENVELOPE V1-V5 REGION DURING DISEASE PROGRESSION IN NON-HUMAN PRIMATE MODEL , For Yue Tso

The Roles of Phenotypic Plasticity and Genotypic Specialization in High Altitude Adaptation , Danielle M. Tufts

Transcriptional analysis of cervical epithelial cell responses to HIV-1 , Andrew A. Block

THE PSEUDOMONAS SYRINGAE TYPE III SECRETION SYSTEM: THE TRANSLOCATOR PROTEINS, THEIR SECRETION, AND THE RESTRICTION OF TRANSLOCATION BY THE PLANT IMMUNE SYSTEM , Emerson Crabill

Gene Duplication and the Evolution of Hemoglobin Isoform Differentiation in Birds , Michael T. Grispo

Foraging Challenges: Unsuitable Prey and Limited Information , Travis M. Hinkelman

ASSESSING PATTERNS OF HYBRIDIZATION AND MULTIPLE MECHANISMS OF REPRODUCTIVE ISOLATION BETWEEN ERYTHRONIUM ALBIDUM AND ITS CONGENER E. MESOCHOREUM , Kathy Roccaforte

Characterization of Binding and Fusion Efficiencies Mediated by the V1-V5 Env Derived from Transmitted and Non-transmitted Viruses Isolated from a Perinatal Transmission Cohort from Zambia , Mackenzie Waltke

Herbivory affects patterns of plant reproductive effort and seed production , Natalie M. West

COMPARATIVE STUDIES OF DIFFERENTIAL GENE CALLING METHODS FOR RNA-SEQ DATA , Ximeng Zheng

Population Genetics of Cell to Cell Movement of Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus , Melissa S. Bartels

EXPLORING SOURCES OF SELECTION ON THE MULTIMODAL COURTSHIP DISPLAYS OF TWO SISTER SPECIES OF WOLF SPIDERS: SCHIZOCOSA CRASSIPALPATA AND SCHIZOCOSA BILINEATA , Mitch Bern

The Role of Human Ubc9 During the Human Immunodeficiency Virus Replication Cycle , Christopher R. Bohl

EFFECT OF DIET QUANITITY AND QUALITY ON FEMALE SAMPLING BEHAVIOUR AND MATING PREFERENCES IN A FIELD CRICKET , Heidi L. Bulfer

ANALYSIS OF TURNIP CRINKLE VIRUS EFFECTS ON THE INNATE AND ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA , Teresa J. Donze

Investigation of Bovine Herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) Encoded Infected Cell Protein 0 (bICP0) , Natasha N. Gaudreault

Characterization of RNAi-defective mutants -- Mut13-2 and Mut20 -- in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii , Arit Ghosh

THE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL CONTEXT & CACHE SURVIVAL ON PINYON JAY CACHING BEHAVIOR , Christine L. Keefe

HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS GENOTYPE CONCORDANCE WITHIN ZAMBIAN COUPLES , Kgomotso Makhaola

Life history tradeoffs and phenotypic plasticity: The tale of a flight polyphenic field cricket , Chandreyee Mitra

Truncated dUTPase of Dictyostelium discoideum is active and likely to form trimers , Phuoc V. Nguyen

Functional Classification of Divergent Protein Sequences and Molecular Evolution of Multi-Domain Proteins , Pooja K. Strope

MSH1 INFLUENCE ON PLANT MITOCHONDRIAL GENOME RECOMBINATION AND PHENOTYPE IN TOBACCO , Peibei Sun

The Complexities of Wolf Spider Communication Exploring Courtship Signal Function in Rabidosa rabida , Dustin J. Wilgers

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Biology Hypothesis

Delve into the fascinating world of biology with our definitive guide on crafting impeccable hypothesis thesis statements . As the foundation of any impactful biological research, a well-formed hypothesis paves the way for groundbreaking discoveries and insights. Whether you’re examining cellular behavior or large-scale ecosystems, mastering the art of the thesis statement is crucial. Embark on this enlightening journey with us, as we provide stellar examples and invaluable writing advice tailored for budding biologists.

What is a good hypothesis in biology?

A good hypothesis in biology is a statement that offers a tentative explanation for a biological phenomenon, based on prior knowledge or observation. It should be:

• Testable: The hypothesis should be measurable and can be proven false through experiments or observations.
• Clear: It should be stated clearly and without ambiguity.
• Based on Knowledge: A solid hypothesis often stems from existing knowledge or literature in the field.
• Specific: It should clearly define the variables being tested and the expected outcomes.
• Falsifiable: It’s essential that a hypothesis can be disproven. This means there should be a possible result that could indicate the hypothesis is incorrect.

What is an example of a hypothesis statement in biology?

Example: “If a plant is given a higher concentration of carbon dioxide, then it will undergo photosynthesis at an increased rate compared to a plant given a standard concentration of carbon dioxide.”

In this example:

• The independent variable (what’s being changed) is the concentration of carbon dioxide.
• The dependent variable (what’s being measured) is the rate of photosynthesis. The statement proposes a cause-and-effect relationship that can be tested through experimentation.

100 Biology Thesis Statement Examples

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Biology, as the study of life and living organisms, is vast and diverse. Crafting a good thesis statement in this field requires a clear understanding of the topic at hand, capturing the essence of the research aim. From genetics to ecology, from cell biology to animal behavior, the following examples will give you a comprehensive idea about forming succinct biology thesis statements.

Genetics: Understanding the role of the BRCA1 gene in breast cancer susceptibility can lead to targeted treatments.

2. Evolution: The finch populations of the Galápagos Islands provide evidence of natural selection through beak variations in response to food availability.

3. Cell Biology: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a central factor in the onset of age-related neurodegenerative diseases.

4. Ecology: Deforestation in the Amazon directly impacts global carbon dioxide levels, influencing climate change.

5. Human Anatomy: Regular exercise enhances cardiovascular health by improving heart muscle function and reducing arterial plaque.

6. Marine Biology: Coral bleaching events in the Great Barrier Reef correlate strongly with rising sea temperatures.

7. Zoology: Migration patterns of Monarch butterflies are influenced by seasonal changes and available food sources.

8. Botany: The symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots enhances nutrient absorption in poor soil conditions.

9. Microbiology: The overuse of antibiotics in healthcare has accelerated the evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

10. Physiology: High altitude adaptation in certain human populations has led to increased hemoglobin production.

11. Immunology: The role of T-cells in the human immune response is critical in developing effective vaccines against viral diseases.

12. Behavioral Biology: Birdsong variations in sparrows can be attributed to both genetic factors and environmental influences.

13. Developmental Biology: The presence of certain hormones during fetal development dictates the differentiation of sex organs in mammals.

14. Conservation Biology: The rapid decline of bee populations worldwide is directly linked to the use of certain pesticides in agriculture.

15. Molecular Biology: The CRISPR-Cas9 system has revolutionized gene editing techniques, offering potential cures for genetic diseases.

16. Virology: The mutation rate of the influenza virus necessitates annual updates in vaccine formulations.

17. Neurobiology: Neural plasticity in the adult brain can be enhanced through consistent learning and cognitive challenges.

18. Ethology: Elephant herds exhibit complex social structures and matriarchal leadership.

19. Biotechnology: Genetically modified crops can improve yield and resistance but also pose ecological challenges.

20. Environmental Biology: Industrial pollution in freshwater systems disrupts aquatic life and can lead to loss of biodiversity.

21. Neurodegenerative Diseases: Amyloid-beta protein accumulation in the brain is a key marker for Alzheimer’s disease progression.

22. Endocrinology: The disruption of thyroid hormone balance leads to metabolic disorders and weight fluctuations.

23. Bioinformatics: Machine learning algorithms can predict protein structures with high accuracy, advancing drug design.

24. Plant Physiology: The stomatal closure mechanism in plants helps prevent water loss and maintain turgor pressure.

25. Parasitology: The lifecycle of the malaria parasite involves complex interactions between humans and mosquitoes.

26. Molecular Genetics: Epigenetic modifications play a crucial role in gene expression regulation and cell differentiation.

27. Evolutionary Psychology: Human preference for symmetrical faces is a result of evolutionarily advantageous traits.

28. Ecosystem Dynamics: The reintroduction of apex predators in ecosystems restores ecological balance and biodiversity.

29. Epigenetics: Maternal dietary choices during pregnancy can influence the epigenetic profiles of offspring.

30. Biochemistry: Enzyme kinetics in metabolic pathways reveal insights into cellular energy production.

31. Bioluminescence: The role of bioluminescence in deep-sea organisms serves as camouflage and communication.

32. Genetics of Disease: Mutations in the CFTR gene cause cystic fibrosis, leading to severe respiratory and digestive issues.

33. Reproductive Biology: The influence of pheromones on mate selection is a critical aspect of reproductive success in many species.

34. Plant-Microbe Interactions: Rhizobium bacteria facilitate nitrogen fixation in leguminous plants, benefiting both organisms.

35. Comparative Anatomy: Homologous structures in different species provide evidence of shared evolutionary ancestry.

36. Stem Cell Research: Induced pluripotent stem cells hold immense potential for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

37. Bioethics: Balancing the use of genetic modification in humans with ethical considerations is a complex challenge.

38. Molecular Evolution: The study of orthologous and paralogous genes offers insights into evolutionary relationships.

39. Bioenergetics: ATP synthesis through oxidative phosphorylation is a fundamental process driving cellular energy production.

40. Population Genetics: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium model helps predict allele frequencies in populations over time.

41. Animal Communication: The complex vocalizations of whales serve both social bonding and long-distance communication purposes.

42. Biogeography: The distribution of marsupials in Australia and their absence elsewhere highlights the impact of geographical isolation on evolution.

43. Aquatic Ecology: The phenomenon of eutrophication in lakes is driven by excessive nutrient runoff and results in harmful algal blooms.

44. Insect Behavior: The waggle dance of honeybees conveys precise information about the location of food sources to other members of the hive.

45. Microbial Ecology: The gut microbiome’s composition influences host health, metabolism, and immune system development.

46. Evolution of Sex: The Red Queen hypothesis explains the evolution of sexual reproduction as a defense against rapidly evolving parasites.

47. Immunotherapy: Manipulating the immune response to target cancer cells shows promise as an effective cancer treatment strategy.

48. Epigenetic Inheritance: Epigenetic modifications can be passed down through generations, impacting traits and disease susceptibility.

49. Comparative Genomics: Comparing the genomes of different species sheds light on genetic adaptations and evolutionary divergence.

50. Neurotransmission: The dopamine reward pathway in the brain is implicated in addiction and motivation-related behaviors.

51. Microbial Biotechnology: Genetically engineered bacteria can produce valuable compounds like insulin, revolutionizing pharmaceutical production.

52. Bioinformatics: DNA sequence analysis reveals evolutionary relationships between species and uncovers hidden genetic information.

53. Animal Migration: The navigational abilities of migratory birds are influenced by magnetic fields and celestial cues.

54. Human Evolution: The discovery of ancient hominin fossils provides insights into the evolutionary timeline of our species.

55. Cancer Genetics: Mutations in tumor suppressor genes contribute to the uncontrolled growth and division of cancer cells.

56. Aquatic Biomes: Coral reefs, rainforests of the sea, host incredible biodiversity and face threats from climate change and pollution.

57. Genomic Medicine: Personalized treatments based on an individual’s genetic makeup hold promise for more effective healthcare.

58. Molecular Pharmacology: Understanding receptor-ligand interactions aids in the development of targeted drugs for specific diseases.

59. Biodiversity Conservation: Preserving habitat diversity is crucial to maintaining ecosystems and preventing species extinction.

60. Evolutionary Developmental Biology: Comparing embryonic development across species reveals shared genetic pathways and evolutionary constraints.

61. Plant Reproductive Strategies: Understanding the trade-offs between asexual and sexual reproduction in plants sheds light on their evolutionary success.

62. Parasite-Host Interactions: The coevolution of parasites and their hosts drives adaptations and counter-adaptations over time.

63. Genomic Diversity: Exploring genetic variations within populations helps uncover disease susceptibilities and evolutionary history.

64. Ecological Succession: Studying the process of ecosystem recovery after disturbances provides insights into resilience and stability.

65. Conservation Genetics: Genetic diversity assessment aids in formulating effective conservation strategies for endangered species.

66. Neuroplasticity and Learning: Investigating how the brain adapts through synaptic changes improves our understanding of memory and learning.

67. Synthetic Biology: Designing and engineering biological systems offers innovative solutions for medical, environmental, and industrial challenges.

68. Ethnobotany: Documenting the traditional uses of plants by indigenous communities informs both conservation and pharmaceutical research.

69. Ecological Niche Theory: Exploring how species adapt to specific ecological niches enhances our grasp of biodiversity patterns.

70. Ecosystem Services: Quantifying the benefits provided by ecosystems, like pollination and carbon sequestration, supports conservation efforts.

71. Fungal Biology: Investigating mycorrhizal relationships between fungi and plants illuminates nutrient exchange mechanisms.

72. Molecular Clock Hypothesis: Genetic mutations accumulate over time, providing a method to estimate evolutionary divergence dates.

73. Developmental Disorders: Unraveling the genetic and environmental factors contributing to developmental disorders informs therapeutic approaches.

74. Epigenetics and Disease: Epigenetic modifications contribute to the development of diseases like cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.

75. Animal Cognition: Studying cognitive abilities in animals unveils their problem-solving skills, social dynamics, and sensory perceptions.

76. Microbiota-Brain Axis: The gut-brain connection suggests a bidirectional communication pathway influencing mental health and behavior.

77. Neurological Disorders: Neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s have genetic and environmental components that drive their progression.

78. Plant Defense Mechanisms: Investigating how plants ward off pests and pathogens informs sustainable agricultural practices.

79. Conservation Genomics: Genetic data aids in identifying distinct populations and prioritizing conservation efforts for at-risk species.

80. Reproductive Strategies: Comparing reproductive methods in different species provides insights into evolutionary trade-offs and reproductive success.

81. Epigenetics in Aging: Exploring epigenetic changes in the aging process offers insights into longevity and age-related diseases.

82. Antimicrobial Resistance: Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind bacterial resistance to antibiotics informs strategies to combat the global health threat.

83. Plant-Animal Interactions: Investigating mutualistic relationships between plants and pollinators showcases the delicate balance of ecosystems.

84. Adaptations to Extreme Environments: Studying extremophiles reveals the remarkable ways organisms thrive in extreme conditions like deep-sea hydrothermal vents.

85. Genetic Disorders: Genetic mutations underlie numerous disorders like cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and muscular dystrophy.

86. Conservation Behavior: Analyzing the behavioral ecology of endangered species informs habitat preservation and restoration efforts.

87. Neuroplasticity in Rehabilitation: Harnessing the brain’s ability to rewire itself offers promising avenues for post-injury or post-stroke rehabilitation.

88. Disease Vectors: Understanding how mosquitoes transmit diseases like malaria and Zika virus is critical for disease prevention strategies.

89. Biochemical Pathways: Mapping metabolic pathways in cells provides insights into disease development and potential therapeutic targets.

90. Invasive Species Impact: Examining the effects of invasive species on native ecosystems guides management strategies to mitigate their impact.

91. Molecular Immunology: Studying the intricate immune response mechanisms aids in the development of vaccines and immunotherapies.

92. Plant-Microbe Symbiosis: Investigating how plants form partnerships with beneficial microbes enhances crop productivity and sustainability.

93. Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells offers new avenues for cancer treatment.

94. Evolution of Flight: Analyzing the adaptations leading to the development of flight in birds and insects sheds light on evolutionary innovation.

95. Genomic Diversity in Human Populations: Exploring genetic variations among different human populations informs ancestry, migration, and susceptibility to diseases.

96. Hormonal Regulation: Understanding the role of hormones in growth, reproduction, and homeostasis provides insights into physiological processes.

97. Conservation Genetics in Plant Conservation: Genetic diversity assessment helps guide efforts to conserve rare and endangered plant species.

98. Neuronal Communication: Investigating neurotransmitter systems and synaptic transmission enhances our comprehension of brain function.

99. Microbial Biogeography: Mapping the distribution of microorganisms across ecosystems aids in understanding their ecological roles and interactions.

100. Gene Therapy: Developing methods to replace or repair defective genes offers potential treatments for genetic disorders.

Scientific Hypothesis Statement Examples

This section offers diverse examples of scientific hypothesis statements that cover a range of biological topics. Each example briefly describes the subject matter and the potential implications of the hypothesis.

• Genetic Mutations and Disease: Certain genetic mutations lead to increased susceptibility to autoimmune disorders, providing insights into potential treatment strategies.
• Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems: Elevated microplastic levels disrupt aquatic food chains, affecting biodiversity and human health through bioaccumulation.
• Bacterial Quorum Sensing: Inhibition of quorum sensing in pathogenic bacteria demonstrates a potential avenue for novel antimicrobial therapies.
• Climate Change and Phenology: Rising temperatures alter flowering times in plants, impacting pollinator interactions and ecosystem dynamics.
• Neuroplasticity and Learning: The brain’s adaptability facilitates learning through synaptic modifications, elucidating educational strategies for improved cognition.
• CRISPR-Cas9 in Agriculture: CRISPR-engineered crops with enhanced pest resistance showcase a sustainable approach to improving agricultural productivity.
• Invasive Species Impact on Predators: The introduction of invasive prey disrupts predator-prey relationships, triggering cascading effects in terrestrial ecosystems.
• Microbial Contributions to Soil Health: Beneficial soil microbes enhance nutrient availability and plant growth, promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
• Marine Protected Areas: Examining the effectiveness of marine protected areas reveals their role in preserving biodiversity and restoring marine ecosystems.
• Epigenetic Regulation of Cancer: Epigenetic modifications play a pivotal role in cancer development, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for precision medicine.

Testable Hypothesis Statement Examples in Biology

Testability hypothesis is a critical aspect of a hypothesis. These examples are formulated in a way that allows them to be tested through experiments or observations. They focus on cause-and-effect relationships that can be verified or refuted.

• Impact of Light Intensity on Plant Growth: Increasing light intensity accelerates photosynthesis rates and enhances overall plant growth.
• Effect of Temperature on Enzyme Activity: Higher temperatures accelerate enzyme activity up to an optimal point, beyond which denaturation occurs.
• Microbial Diversity in Soil pH Gradients: Soil pH influences microbial composition, with acidic soils favoring certain bacterial taxa over others.
• Predation Impact on Prey Behavior: The presence of predators induces changes in prey behavior, resulting in altered foraging strategies and vigilance levels.
• Chemical Communication in Marine Organisms: Investigating chemical cues reveals the role of allelopathy in competition among marine organisms.
• Social Hierarchy in Animal Groups: Observing animal groups establishes a correlation between social rank and access to resources within the group.
• Effect of Habitat Fragmentation on Pollinator Diversity: Fragmented habitats reduce pollinator species richness, affecting plant reproductive success.
• Dietary Effects on Gut Microbiota Composition: Dietary shifts influence gut microbiota diversity and metabolic functions, impacting host health.
• Hybridization Impact on Plant Fitness: Hybrid plants exhibit varied fitness levels depending on the combination of parent species.
• Human Impact on Coral Bleaching: Analyzing coral reefs under different anthropogenic stresses identifies the main factors driving coral bleaching events.

Scientific Investigation Hypothesis Statement Examples in Biology

This section emphasizes hypotheses that are part of broader scientific investigations. They involve studying complex interactions or phenomena and often contribute to our understanding of larger biological systems.

• Genomic Variation in Human Disease Susceptibility: Genetic analysis identifies variations associated with increased risk of common diseases, aiding personalized medicine.
• Behavioral Responses to Temperature Shifts in Insects: Investigating insect responses to temperature fluctuations reveals adaptation strategies to climate change.
• Endocrine Disruptors and Amphibian Development: Experimental exposure to endocrine disruptors elucidates their role in amphibian developmental abnormalities.
• Microbial Succession in Decomposition: Tracking microbial communities during decomposition uncovers the succession patterns of different decomposer species.
• Gene Expression Patterns in Stress Response: Studying gene expression profiles unveils the molecular mechanisms underlying stress responses in plants.
• Effect of Urbanization on Bird Song Patterns: Urban noise pollution influences bird song frequency and complexity, impacting communication and mate attraction.
• Nutrient Availability and Algal Blooms: Investigating nutrient loading in aquatic systems sheds light on factors triggering harmful algal blooms.
• Host-Parasite Coevolution: Analyzing genetic changes in hosts and parasites over time uncovers coevolutionary arms races and adaptation.
• Ecosystem Productivity and Biodiversity: Linking ecosystem productivity to biodiversity patterns reveals the role of species interactions in ecosystem stability.
• Habitat Preference of Invasive Species: Studying the habitat selection of invasive species identifies factors promoting their establishment and spread.

Hypothesis Statement Examples in Biology Research

These examples are tailored for research hypothesis studies. They highlight hypotheses that drive focused research questions, often leading to specific experimental designs and data collection methods.

• Microbial Community Structure in Human Gut: Investigating microbial diversity and composition unveils the role of gut microbiota in human health.
• Plant-Pollinator Mutualisms: Hypothesizing reciprocal benefits in plant-pollinator interactions highlights the role of coevolution in shaping ecosystems.
• Chemical Defense Mechanisms in Insects: Predicting the correlation between insect feeding behavior and chemical defenses explores natural selection pressures.
• Evolutionary Significance of Mimicry: Examining mimicry in organisms demonstrates its adaptive value in predator-prey relationships and survival.
• Neurological Basis of Mate Choice: Proposing neural mechanisms underlying mate choice behaviors uncovers the role of sensory cues in reproductive success.
• Mycorrhizal Symbiosis Impact on Plant Growth: Investigating mycorrhizal colonization effects on plant biomass addresses nutrient exchange dynamics.
• Social Learning in Primates: Formulating a hypothesis on primate social learning explores the transmission of knowledge and cultural behaviors.
• Effect of Pollution on Fish Behavior: Anticipating altered behaviors due to pollution exposure highlights ecological consequences on aquatic ecosystems.
• Coevolution of Flowers and Pollinators: Hypothesizing mutual adaptations between flowers and pollinators reveals intricate ecological relationships.
• Genetic Basis of Disease Resistance in Plants: Identifying genetic markers associated with disease resistance enhances crop breeding programs.

Prediction Hypothesis Statement Examples in Biology

Predictive simple hypothesis involve making educated guesses about how variables might interact or behave under specific conditions. These examples showcase hypotheses that anticipate outcomes based on existing knowledge.

• Pesticide Impact on Insect Abundance: Predicting decreased insect populations due to pesticide application underscores ecological ramifications.
• Climate Change and Migratory Bird Patterns: Anticipating shifts in migratory routes of birds due to climate change informs conservation strategies.
• Ocean Acidification Effect on Coral Calcification: Predicting reduced coral calcification rates due to ocean acidification unveils threats to coral reefs.
• Disease Spread in Crowded Bird Roosts: Predicting accelerated disease transmission in densely populated bird roosts highlights disease ecology dynamics.
• Eutrophication Impact on Freshwater Biodiversity: Anticipating decreased freshwater biodiversity due to eutrophication emphasizes conservation efforts.
• Herbivore Impact on Plant Species Diversity: Predicting reduced plant diversity in areas with high herbivore pressure elucidates ecosystem dynamics.
• Predator-Prey Population Cycles: Predicting cyclical fluctuations in predator and prey populations showcases the role of trophic interactions.
• Climate Change and Plant Phenology: Anticipating earlier flowering times due to climate change demonstrates the influence of temperature on plant life cycles.
• Antibiotic Resistance in Bacterial Communities: Predicting increased antibiotic resistance due to overuse forewarns the need for responsible antibiotic use.
• Human Impact on Avian Nesting Success: Predicting decreased avian nesting success due to habitat fragmentation highlights conservation priorities.

How to Write a Biology Hypothesis – Step by Step Guide

A hypothesis in biology is a critical component of scientific research that proposes an explanation for a specific biological phenomenon. Writing a well-formulated hypothesis sets the foundation for conducting experiments, making observations, and drawing meaningful conclusions. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a strong biology hypothesis:

1. Identify the Phenomenon: Clearly define the biological phenomenon you intend to study. This could be a question, a pattern, an observation, or a problem in the field of biology.

2. Conduct Background Research: Before formulating a hypothesis, gather relevant information from scientific literature. Understand the existing knowledge about the topic to ensure your hypothesis builds upon previous research.

3. State the Independent and Dependent Variables: Identify the variables involved in the phenomenon. The independent variable is what you manipulate or change, while the dependent variable is what you measure as a result of the changes.

4. Formulate a Testable Question: Based on your background research, create a specific and testable question that addresses the relationship between the variables. This question will guide the formulation of your hypothesis.

5. Craft the Hypothesis: A hypothesis should be a clear and concise statement that predicts the outcome of your experiment or observation. It should propose a cause-and-effect relationship between the independent and dependent variables.

6. Use the “If-Then” Structure: Formulate your hypothesis using the “if-then” structure. The “if” part states the independent variable and the condition you’re manipulating, while the “then” part predicts the outcome for the dependent variable.

7. Make it Falsifiable: A good hypothesis should be testable and capable of being proven false. There should be a way to gather data that either supports or contradicts the hypothesis.

8. Be Specific and Precise: Avoid vague language and ensure that your hypothesis is specific and precise. Clearly define the variables and the expected relationship between them.

9. Revise and Refine: Once you’ve formulated your hypothesis, review it to ensure it accurately reflects your research question and variables. Revise as needed to make it more concise and focused.

10. Seek Feedback: Share your hypothesis with peers, mentors, or colleagues to get feedback. Constructive input can help you refine your hypothesis further.

Tips for Writing a Biology Hypothesis Statement

Writing a biology alternative hypothesis statement requires precision and clarity to ensure that your research is well-structured and testable. Here are some valuable tips to help you create effective and scientifically sound hypothesis statements:

1. Be Clear and Concise: Your hypothesis statement should convey your idea succinctly. Avoid unnecessary jargon or complex language that might confuse your audience.

2. Address Cause and Effect: A hypothesis suggests a cause-and-effect relationship between variables. Clearly state how changes in the independent variable are expected to affect the dependent variable.

3. Use Specific Language: Define your variables precisely. Use specific terms to describe the independent and dependent variables, as well as any conditions or measurements.

4. Follow the “If-Then” Structure: Use the classic “if-then” structure to frame your hypothesis. State the independent variable (if) and the expected outcome (then). This format clarifies the relationship you’re investigating.

5. Make it Testable: Your hypothesis must be capable of being tested through experimentation or observation. Ensure that there is a measurable and observable way to determine if it’s true or false.

6. Avoid Ambiguity: Eliminate vague terms that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Be precise in your language to avoid confusion.

7. Base it on Existing Knowledge: Ground your hypothesis in prior research or existing scientific theories. It should build upon established knowledge and contribute new insights.

8. Predict a Direction: Your hypothesis should predict a specific outcome. Whether you anticipate an increase, decrease, or a difference, your hypothesis should make a clear prediction.

9. Be Focused: Keep your hypothesis statement focused on one specific idea or relationship. Avoid trying to address too many variables or concepts in a single statement.

10. Consider Alternative Explanations: Acknowledge alternative explanations for your observations or outcomes. This demonstrates critical thinking and a thorough understanding of your field.

11. Avoid Value Judgments: Refrain from including value judgments or opinions in your hypothesis. Stick to objective and measurable factors.

12. Be Realistic: Ensure that your hypothesis is plausible and feasible. It should align with what is known about the topic and be achievable within the scope of your research.

13. Refine and Revise: Draft multiple versions of your hypothesis statement and refine them. Discuss and seek feedback from mentors, peers, or advisors to enhance its clarity and precision.

14. Align with Research Goals: Your hypothesis should align with the overall goals of your research project. Make sure it addresses the specific question or problem you’re investigating.

15. Be Open to Revision: As you conduct research and gather data, be open to revising your hypothesis if the evidence suggests a different outcome than initially predicted.

Remember, a well-crafted biology science hypothesis statement serves as the foundation of your research and guides your experimental design and data analysis. It’s essential to invest time and effort in formulating a clear, focused, and testable hypothesis that contributes to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

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Prize-Winning Thesis and Dissertation Examples

Published on September 9, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

It can be difficult to know where to start when writing your thesis or dissertation . One way to come up with some ideas or maybe even combat writer’s block is to check out previous work done by other students on a similar thesis or dissertation topic to yours.

This article collects a list of undergraduate, master’s, and PhD theses and dissertations that have won prizes for their high-quality research.

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Award-winning undergraduate theses, award-winning master’s theses, award-winning ph.d. dissertations, other interesting articles.

University : University of Pennsylvania Faculty : History Author : Suchait Kahlon Award : 2021 Hilary Conroy Prize for Best Honors Thesis in World History Title : “Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the “Noble Savage” on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807”

University : Columbia University Faculty : History Author : Julien Saint Reiman Award : 2018 Charles A. Beard Senior Thesis Prize Title : “A Starving Man Helping Another Starving Man”: UNRRA, India, and the Genesis of Global Relief, 1943-1947

University: University College London Faculty: Geography Author: Anna Knowles-Smith Award:  2017 Royal Geographical Society Undergraduate Dissertation Prize Title:  Refugees and theatre: an exploration of the basis of self-representation

University: University of Washington Faculty:  Computer Science & Engineering Author: Nick J. Martindell Award: 2014 Best Senior Thesis Award Title:  DCDN: Distributed content delivery for the modern web

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University:  University of Edinburgh Faculty:  Informatics Author:  Christopher Sipola Award:  2018 Social Responsibility & Sustainability Dissertation Prize Title:  Summarizing electricity usage with a neural network

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty:  Education Author:  Matthew Brillinger Award:  2017 Commission on Graduate Studies in the Humanities Prize Title:  Educational Park Planning in Berkeley, California, 1965-1968

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty: Social Sciences Author:  Heather Martin Award:  2015 Joseph De Koninck Prize Title:  An Analysis of Sexual Assault Support Services for Women who have a Developmental Disability

University : University of Ottawa Faculty : Physics Author : Guillaume Thekkadath Award : 2017 Commission on Graduate Studies in the Sciences Prize Title : Joint measurements of complementary properties of quantum systems

University:  London School of Economics Faculty: International Development Author: Lajos Kossuth Award:  2016 Winner of the Prize for Best Overall Performance Title:  Shiny Happy People: A study of the effects income relative to a reference group exerts on life satisfaction

University : Stanford University Faculty : English Author : Nathan Wainstein Award : 2021 Alden Prize Title : “Unformed Art: Bad Writing in the Modernist Novel”

University : University of Massachusetts at Amherst Faculty : Molecular and Cellular Biology Author : Nils Pilotte Award : 2021 Byron Prize for Best Ph.D. Dissertation Title : “Improved Molecular Diagnostics for Soil-Transmitted Molecular Diagnostics for Soil-Transmitted Helminths”

University:  Utrecht University Faculty:  Linguistics Author:  Hans Rutger Bosker Award: 2014 AVT/Anéla Dissertation Prize Title:  The processing and evaluation of fluency in native and non-native speech

University: California Institute of Technology Faculty: Physics Author: Michael P. Mendenhall Award: 2015 Dissertation Award in Nuclear Physics Title: Measurement of the neutron beta decay asymmetry using ultracold neutrons

University:  Stanford University Faculty: Management Science and Engineering Author:  Shayan O. Gharan Award:  Doctoral Dissertation Award 2013 Title:   New Rounding Techniques for the Design and Analysis of Approximation Algorithms

University: University of Minnesota Faculty: Chemical Engineering Author: Eric A. Vandre Award:  2014 Andreas Acrivos Dissertation Award in Fluid Dynamics Title: Onset of Dynamics Wetting Failure: The Mechanics of High-speed Fluid Displacement

University: Erasmus University Rotterdam Faculty: Marketing Author: Ezgi Akpinar Award: McKinsey Marketing Dissertation Award 2014 Title: Consumer Information Sharing: Understanding Psychological Drivers of Social Transmission

University: University of Washington Faculty: Computer Science & Engineering Author: Keith N. Snavely Award:  2009 Doctoral Dissertation Award Title: Scene Reconstruction and Visualization from Internet Photo Collections

University:  University of Ottawa Faculty:  Social Work Author:  Susannah Taylor Award: 2018 Joseph De Koninck Prize Title:  Effacing and Obscuring Autonomy: the Effects of Structural Violence on the Transition to Adulthood of Street Involved Youth

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Biology 194A,B: Experimental Thesis

The laboratory/field experimental research thesis.

The experimental thesis option requires that you complete an original research project, either in the laboratory or in the field, and submit a scientific paper describing that research. You will spend most of your efforts in this option testing and modifying your experimental design, conducting your experiments, and analyzing your results. The written product of this work will be similar in format to formal lab reports you have written in biology classes, although all aspects of your thesis will be much more extensive than a lab paper for a class.

Outline of Research

(included in the senior exercise contract):  For an experimental thesis, you must arrange for a place to carry out your research.  Typically, this would be in the lab of (one of) your reader(s).  You must discuss with your reader(s) what your needs will be for such things as facilities, equipment, supplies, and field sites.  In fact, you should give these matters considerable thought prior to approaching a potential experimental thesis reader. You will submit a list of your research needs along with the senior exercise contract so that the department can determine how we can best meet these needs.  The department will provide modest funding for expenses incurred in research ($500)/student), but it is unlikely that we will purchase specialized equipment just for senior projects.  You may NOT use department vehicles for regular transportation to a field site. For several reasons it is essential that you discuss your research needs with your thesis advisor(s) first and use his/her suggestions in drafting your list of research requirements.  You may be able to use equipment and/or supplies available through your reader(s), and all reimbursements must be approved prior to purchase by your thesis advisor(s).   In addition to a list of your research needs, you must also write an abstract that describes the problem you plan to address, the experimental approach you plan to take and a proposed calendar (time-line) for your research.

Progress Report

This is a non-graded (P/NC), written report that describes the early progress you have made in obtaining experimental results and is due part way through the fall semester (see Deadlines, p. 14).  The purpose of this report is to demonstrate to your reader(s) that you have made reasonable progress in tackling your proposed thesis problem, have clearly identified any unforeseen obstacles, and have a plan to resolve them over the course of the remaining weeks of the semester.  We want to know in detail how successful your experimental design has been to date and any problems you have encountered.  You must receive a passing grade on this progress report in order to proceed with your thesis for the rest of the semester.

1 st Semester Draft

This is a graded, written report that is a permanent grade on your transcript for Bio 194A and is due on the last day of classes, Fall Semester.  This paper must include a complete, critical literature review of your topic, your materials and methods section, results to date along with any conclusions that can be drawn from the data you report, and the literature cited section.  Your readers will expect the Introduction, Materials and Methods and Literature Cited sections to essentially complete and polished.  You will report results of experiments in progress, so the Results and Discussion sections will be considerably less complete than those in the final, second semester version. You will receive one credit for this course and a letter grade. It will appear on your transcript as “Experimental Thesis (1 st half).” A passing grade in Bio 194A is a requirement for enrollment in Bio 194B.

Complete Draft/Final Revised Version

These are both graded final reports of your research, written in the format of a scientific paper, which includes an abstract, introduction with literature review and analysis, materials and methods, results, discussion with conclusions, and a complete literature cited section.  You will receive one credit for this course and a letter grade. It will appear on your transcript as “Experimental Thesis (2nd half).”

Public Presentation

All experimental thesis students are required to deliver a public presentation to students and faculty in a forum at the end of the Spring Semester, usually held on the last Friday of classes.

You must write your thesis in the format of a scientific journal paper, the sections of which are described below.

A good title is brief and informative. Try to encapsulate the research topic and objectives – i.e. what your thesis is about.  Humor is not appropriate in a thesis title.

This short paragraph summarizes the entire thesis: the question you asked, the hypothesis you proposed, the approach you took, the results you predicted, the most important, specific (quantitative) results that you obtained, and the conclusions you drew.  Refer to your experimental organism(s) by scientific name(s).  The reader should be able to understand the purpose and conclusions of your study by reading this brief statement: it must be able to stand alone.  Often a reader reads only your abstract.  It is always best to write the abstract last, but it should not be merely a duplicate of your conclusions.  Do not just cut and paste from other sections; write the abstract in its own, very concise style.

Introduction

In a typical research paper, this section briefly covers the general nature of the problem and the significance of the study; that is, why you undertook the study and what you hoped to learn. For a thesis, however, it is necessary to include an historical overview of your problem, its background, and its significance. This section will consist of a critical review of the work that has already been carried out in the field and define the question and hypothesis you propose to test. Critically discuss the background information relevant to the problem you have chosen to study; show why this problem is scientifically interesting and worth investigating experimentally. You should not merely state the conclusions of the work you are reviewing; instead, briefly describe the experiments, the actual results (in quantitative terms whenever possible), and THEN what the results mean.  Do you agree with the interpretation of the results?  Did the investigators use the most appropriate approach(es) to address their question?  Taken together, the background information you present should lead the reader to the inevitable conclusion that it is important to know the answer to the question you have posed and that your hypothesis must be tested.  The relevance of this background information to your research question and hypotheses should be made clear throughout the entire section.

Materials and Methods

What did you do?  Using the past tense, describe your methods concisely but in sufficient detail that your reader could duplicate your techniques.  For field projects, you should describe your study area, how you selected the specific areas sampled or studied, and how you identified your organisms, etc.  Be sure to include scientific names of species studied, your sample sizes, and the types of statistical tests used (if any). Scientific names should be given in full at the first mention, and thereafter the genus (but not the species) can be abbreviated to the initial, e.g., C. annuum.

What did you find out?  Concisely present the results of your experiments and observations in words.  Also include tables, graphs, diagrams, maps, etc., where appropriate. Be sure that all figures and tables are numbered, and referred to in the text by their numbers.  Your text should describe the content of figures and tables, and the significance levels resulting from statistical analyses, but it should not attempt to explain these results; leave this for your Discussion.  Biology is a quantitative science, so be as quantitative as possible: it is much more informative to state that "species X has density of 34 + 5 m -2  at site A and 5 + 2 m -2  at site B" than "species X is more abundant at site A than at site B".  Tables should include pertinent summarizing data such as mean values (± Standard error), and not merely exhaustive lists of primary data.  All numerical data must abide by the significant digits allowed by the measurements themselves and subsequent calculations using measured values.   Insert your Tables and Figures at the appropriate places in the text.

What does it all mean?  In this section you evaluate and explain your data and other results, and discuss them in relation to other similar studies reported in the literature.  As always, when you make a statement of fact beyond common knowledge, you must give a reference to that statement in the form of a text citation, using proper format (see TEXT CITATIONS on pp. 9-10 for details).  In the text of your paper, the literature should be referred to as follows:  "Lopez (2004) stated that . . ..", or, "The animals were observed to blah blah blah (Kuwahara and Schmidt, 1999)".  Examine your data carefully, and then make the most informative and informed statements about them that you can.  Distinguish between clear conclusions that derive from your study, and what is merely indicated or suggested.  Discuss specific items of interest, such as (in the above example) why you think Species X is more abundant at site A than at site B.  Discuss the significance of your study, both in relation to the specifics of your experimental system, and to more general principles of biology.  You may find it appropriate to include brief comments on the accuracy, adequacy, and limitations of your own study, difficulties encountered, possible ways to circumvent these in the future, and ideas for future work, etc.

Conclusions

The Conclusions section is not the same as the Abstract.  Rather, it should contain a brief summary of your results, stated as conclusions, and nothing more.  Listing them as bulleted points is one convenient way to present them.  Be certain that these conclusions are fully justified by your data.

Acknowledgements

In this section you acknowledge help you received during any aspect of your project, including data and suggestions you received from others, as well as funding you or your advisor may have received from outside the department.  It is always acceptable to discuss laboratory and field activities with others and to analyze data as a group, and you are free to discuss your ideas with others; scientists do this all the time.  It is very important, however, that the final thesis document represent your own original thoughts, organization, and expression.  It is always appropriate to recognize and thank those who have significantly assisted you with laboratory or fieldwork, calculations, or the formulations of ideas, e.g., "I thank my roommate Al Gnowing for many stimulating discussions and my advisor Dr. Nobel for teaching me how to use high explosives safely."

Literature Cited

This section is always the last of your thesis, and must include every paper you have cited in the text, and only those papers.  See pp. 9-10 for a description of how to present your literature citations.

Fall Experimental Thesis 194A

Spring experimental thesis 194b.

*** Turn a hard copy of the final version to each reader. You must also turn in the complete drafts, with the reader's comments, when you turn in the final draft.   Also submit the final version on a CD in either pdf or Word format to Dr. Karnovsky.  Links to the abstracts may be put on the Department web page, and the full electronic version of your thesis will be available to future students for several years. Please remember to put page numbers on ALL written material given to readers for feedback.  When handing in your draft and final version to your readers, you should determine when you can pick up the graded and critiqued copy.  Be sure to get your graded progress report back from faculty readers before the course drop deadline.

Please remember to put page numbers on ALL written material given to readers for feedback. When handing in your draft and final version to your readers, you should determine when you can pick up the graded and critiqued copy. Be sure to get your graded progress report back from faculty readers before the course drop deadline.

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An thesis examples on biology statement is a prosaic composition of a small volume and free composition, expressing individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue and obviously not claiming a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.

Some signs of biology statement thesis:

• the presence of a specific topic or question. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems in biology, by definition, cannot be performed in the genre of biology statement thesis topic.
• The thesis expresses individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue, in this case, on biology statement and does not knowingly pretend to a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
• As a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work may have a philosophical, historical, biographical, journalistic, literary, critical, popular scientific or purely fiction character.
• in the content of an thesis samples on biology statement, first of all, the author’s personality is assessed - his worldview, thoughts and feelings.

The goal of an thesis in biology statement is to develop such skills as independent creative thinking and writing out your own thoughts.

Writing an thesis is extremely useful, because it allows the author to learn to clearly and correctly formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight causal relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and substantiate his conclusions.

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