Principal Investigator: Jessing, Jeff
Title: Fabrication, Optimization, and Validation of a Novel Lung-on-a-Chip Microfluidic Device
Abstract: The use of conventional in vitro and preclinical animal models often fail to properly recapitulate the complex nature of human diseases and hamper the success of translational therapies in humans. Consequently, research has moved towards organ-on-chip technology to better mimic human tissue interfaces and organ functionality. By combining well-established methods in the semiconductor industry, we have developed a novel way of producing thin (~5 microns), freestanding PSi biocompatible nanoporous (15nm to 200nm pore diameter) membranes that can be incorporated into a functional lung-on-a-chip microfluidic system that provides key advantages when modeling complex tissue interfaces seen in vivo.
Dates of Award: 07/01/2021 - 06/30/2023
Institution: Fort Lewis College
Email: jrjessing@fortlewis.edu
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Principal Investigator: Thompson, Missy (Melissa)
Title: The Role of Plantar Sensory Feedback in Plantar Pressure and Plantar Pressure Variability
Abstract: Individuals with diabetic peripheral neuropathy may exhibit increased plantar pressures and reduced plantar pressure variability, and these mechanical alterations may lead to abnormal tissue loading and subsequent foot ulceration. The aim of the proposed study is to understand the role of superficial and deep plantar sensory feedback in controlling plantar pressure and plantar pressure variability when walking. This project will examine changes in these metrics following 1. intradermal anesthetic injections, which eliminate superficial cutaneous sensory feedback from the feet, and 2. tibial nerve blocks, which eliminate both superficial and deep sensory feedback from the soles of the feet.
Dates of Award: 007/01/2021 - 06/30/2023
Institution: Fort Lewis College
Email: mathompson@fortlewis.edu
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Principal Investigator: Kulesza, Caroline
Title: Transcriptional Regulation in HCMV Models of Latency
Abstract: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infections cause life-threatening illness in the immunocompromised, including bone marrow and solid organ transplant recipients, AIDS patients and patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy. Primary complications associated with HCMV infection include pneumonia, hepatitis and retinitis. In transplant recipients, HCMV infections also indirectly exacerbate graft-versus-host disease and transplant vascular sclerosis, ultimately accelerating graft rejection. An effective approach to meeting this need requires a detailed understanding of the molecular interactions between HCMV and the host to identify novel vulnerabilities of the virus. In the current era of pandemic coronavirus, it is important for junior research students to develop scientific skills related to the study of viruses. This project provides an excellent opportunity for research students to acquire basic virology, cell biology and molecular biology skills applicable to the study of any virus.
Dates of Award: 07/01/2021 - 06/30/2023
Institution: Fort Lewis College
Email: cakulesza@fortlewis.edu
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Principal Investigator: Blake, David
Title: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Drug Candidates to treat Leishmaniasis
Abstract: A systematic and deliberate effort to determine structure-activity relationships between differentially substituted diarylmethane molecules and the resultant inhibition of the growth of the parasite Leishmania donovani is invaluable. Treatments for leishmaniasis, a debilitating and neglected tropical disease caused by these protozoan parasites, are highly toxic, not well tolerated by patients, and are increasingly ineffective due to drug resistant strains. Intensive work to identify small molecules with a high potency against the parasite that causes leishmaniasis with minimal toxicity to patients is urgently needed. Our hypothesis is guided by recent work that identified a diarylmethane metabolite from the fungus Geosmithia langdonii.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: Fort Lewis College
Email: blake_d@fortlewis.edu
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Principal Investigator: Leahy, Patrick
Title: Development of a Quality of Motion-Optimized Cerviccal Intervertrbral Replacement Disc
Abstract: Total disc replacement within the spine has shown promise for allowing persons with disc ailments to live improved lives, but the prosthetic discs are still imperfect, leading to gradual degeneration of natural tissues near the implant site. This study will determine which characteristics should be incorporated into prosthetic discs to best maintain health, and then develop and test a prototype.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: Fort Lewis College
Email: pdleahy@fortlewis.edu
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Principal Investigator: McFarlane, Jeffrey
Title: Characterization of polyamine biosynthetic enzymes from human gut microbes associated with colon and pancreatic cancer
Abstract: The human gut microbiome has been termed “the forgotten organ” due to its diverse and largely unstudied metabolism. From this rich genetic landscape, gut microbes encode an array of exclusive and interdependent processes. The products of these microbial pathways are in direct contact with human cells, often crossing the epithelial lining of the intestine. This proposal focuses on a gut microbe product called polyamines which are associated with human colon cancer progression. We hope that a better understanding of gut microbe polyamine biosynthesis will lead to new treatments for cancer patients.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: Fort Lewis College
Email: jsmcfarlane@fortlewis.edu
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Principal Investigator: Morris, Aimee
Title: Synthesis and Characterization of Cobalt(IIi) Complexes with Monodentate N-Heterocyclic Ligands as Potential Anti-Cancer Prodrugs
Abstract: Numerous therapies for the treatment of cancer have been explored with increasing evidence that the use of metal-containing compounds could prove advantageous as anti-cancer therapeutics. Proposed is a the synthesis and characterization of a new family of cobalt(III) complexes with labile, biomimetic ligands and exploration of their potential in anti-cancer prodrug applications.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: Fort Lewis College
Email: ammorris@fortlewis.edu
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Principal Investigator: Lowell, Jennifer
Title: Characterizing antimicrobial resistance in the Animas River Watershed using a meagenomic approach
Abstract: Emerging zoonotic infections in humans are often driven by environmental change that alters biodiversity (AMD alters microbial communities), and puts humans in closer proximity to more virulent strains of pathogens (AMR bacteria). Even with a zoonotic origin, these pathogens are often successful in human to human transmission. Furthermore, the methodology proposed here perfectly exemplifies the interdisciplinary nature of One Health and how ecological and biological principles apply to both clinical medicine and public health.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: Fort Lewis College
Email: jllowell@fortlewis.edu
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Principal Investigator: Drew, Elaine
Title: Developing an integrative explanatory model of prenatal care in Interior Alaska
Abstract: Persistent disparities in prenatal care utilization and birth outcomes in Alaska indicate a need for in-depth qualitative research. In 2019, only 65.7% of all Alaskan women who delivered a live birth received “adequate” prenatal care. Yet, little is known about Alaskan women’s perspectives and experiences regarding prenatal care. Additionally, no study to date has examined how prenatal care providers define and operationalize “adequate” prenatal care. This study will identify and compare lay and provider perspectives on adequate prenatal care in Interior Alaska. Study findings will elucidate cross-cultural understandings and support efforts to improve prenatal care experiences in Alaska.
Dates of Award: 07/01/2021 - 06/30/2023
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: emdrew@alaska.edu
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Principal Investigator: Harms, Tamara
Title: Geohealth: Rock-derived nitrogen as a potential contaminant in drinking water
Abstract: Nitrate in excess of the EPA drinking water standard occurs in some groundwaters used for drinking in Fairbanks, Alaska. Exposure to excess nitrate causes methemoglobinemia (“blue baby syndrome”) in infants and is associated with increased incidence of some cancers, as well as birth defects and low birth weight when exposure occurs prenatally. This research will map nitrate in groundwaters of the Fairbanks region. The research will distinguish among sources of nitrate, including septic waste, fertilizer, atmospheric deposition, or rock. Undergraduate students will gain training in interaction with the public as research partners, analytical chemistry, stable isotopes, and spatial analyses. 
Dates of Award: 07/01/2021 - 06/30/2023
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: tkharms@alaska.edu
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Principal Investigator: Muscarella, Mario
Title: The Alaska wild berry microbiome project
Abstract: The berry microbiome refers to all of the organism that live on and potentially in fleshy fruits. The berry microbiome may provide positive benefits for both the plant and consumer , but opportunistic organisms can invade, degrade berry quality, and cause disease. In this project, we will use culture based and non-culture based techniques to start identifying the wild berry microbiome on health and low-quality fruits in Interior Alaska. There is currently little information on the berry microbiome in Alaska, and a survey will provide critical information needed to understand changes in plant phenology and the occurrence of berry diseases.
Dates of Award: 07/01/2021 - 06/30/2023
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: memuscarella@alaska.edu
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Principal Investigator: Philip, Jacques
Title: Getting through a pandemic: The role of culture and traditions in a rural Alaska Native community
Abstract: The goals of this project are to characterize how the COVID-19 pandemic affects the community of Huslia, how the community copes with the effects of the pandemic, the role of traditional cultural values and practices in getting through the pandemic and to foster intergenerational connections. Interviews of youth, adults, and Elders will be conducted by youth and small groups of a youth, adult, and Elder will produce digital stories. This will improve our understanding of coping strategies across generations and help build deeper relationships in the community through the sharing of cultural strengths and stories.
Dates of Award: 07/01/2021 - 06/30/2023
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: jphilip@alaska.edu
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Principal Investigator: Drown, Devin
Title: Mentored Undergraduates Decoding Pathogens In Permafrost
Abstract: Alaskan communities are at the center of the large and rapid environmental changes occurring because of global change dynamics. The overall goal of this research is to understand the potential risk of soil borne pathogens within arctic and sub-arctic that are particularly vulnerable to permafrost thaw. Soils are a likely reservoir of both human pathogens as well as a source for antibiotic. We will use a combination of DNA sequencing technologies to characterize microbial communities found in permafrost. This project will support a growing capacity for advanced genomics to address many of the issues central to the One Health framework.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: dmdrown@alaska.edu
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Principal Investigator: Badiei, Alireza
Title: Cross talk between hydrogen sulfide and Vitamin D in diabetes
Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a gasotransmitter that regulates several systems including nervous system and endocrine and may have a potential protective role in glucose regulation. T2D increases the risk of cardiovascular and immune-mediated complications. Diabetic patients have low levels of H2S and the exact mechanism of how H2S can affect the disease progress is unknown. H2S facilitates vitamin D induced GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake. Therefore, H2S can be a potential target in treatment of metabolic disorders.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Email: abadiei@alaska.edu
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Principal Investigator: Meister, Konrad
Title: Ice crystal growth is a significant problem in cell/tissue cryopreservation for transplantation, transfusion and fundamental biomedical research. Organisms inhabiting cold environments and prone to ice recrystallization injuries have evolved elegant biomolecular solutions to enable life to flourish under icy conditions. They produce antifreeze proteins that can adsorb to ice crystals and hinder their growth. In this project we will investigate the mechanisms underlying the positive effects of antifreeze proteins on the cryopreservation of red blood cells. By comparing different antifreeze protein classes we aim to unravel which properties of these extraordinary molecules are correlated to enhanced cryoprotection.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: University of Alaska Southeast-Juneau Campus
Email: meister.konrad@gmail.com  
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Principal Investigator: Skaltsas, Demetra
Title: Developing Diné student Biomedical Research Literacy through Bioprospecting of Endophytic Fungal for Potential Bioactive Metabolites on the Navajo Nation
Abstract:In the plant sciences, my main focus is to explore endophyte diversity on Navajo Nation lands and to investigate their association with culturally and medicinally important plants, and what is their correlation with practitioner health.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20-6/30/22
Institution: Diné College 
Email: demetraskaltsas@gmail.com
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Principal Investigator: Westbroek, Wendy
Title: Gut Microbiome Analysis of Participants in a Healthy Diets Community Engagement Intervention on the Flathead Reservation 
Abstract: There are trillions of gut microbiota that reside in the human gut. Although the role of gut microbiota in human health and disease is poorly understood, recent studies have indicated that imbalances in the gut flora are linked to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are health disparities in Indigenous communities. We propose to perform genetic analysis of gut microbiomes of participants in a healthy sustainable diets program. This will provide the foundation for novel insights into the impact of sustainable healthy diets on microbiome signatures and health outcomes in Native American communities.
Dates of Award: 07/01/20 - 06/30/2021 *Project ENDED 6/30/2021
Institution: Salish Kootenai College