Sigma Xi Undergraduate Showcase 1

Hansi Parmer Title: Toxoplasma gondii as an Overlooked Driver of Wildlife Behavior Toxoplasma gondii is a globally abundant parasite that can alter host behavior in laboratory animals. Yet infection status is rarely considered in wildlife behavioral research and may represent an important source of unexplained variation in well-studied phenotypes. This project addresses that gap in three ways. First, we compare the magnitude of behavioral effects associated with T. gondii infection in laboratory studies with those of better-studied predictors such as age, sex, and social status. This comparison focuses on phenotypes known to be influenced by infection, including risk-taking, exploration, movement and activity, social behavior, and learning and memory.Second, we use laboratory-derived effect sizes to evaluate completed wildlife studies, asking whether variation of a similar magnitude could plausibly alter key findings or conclusions if infection status were unmeasured. Finally, we outline best practices for incorporating infection status into future studies of wildlife behavior under natural conditions. About the presenter Hansi Parmar is a senior Honors student at NSU pursuing an undergraduate degree in Biology. Her experiences across several research projects, including her Honors in Major project, have formed an interest in the ways biological processes influence interactions between organisms, their environments, and disease. The Honors in Major project reported here has a goal of understanding how Toxoplasma gondii infection influences host behavior and how its effects compare to other well-studied predictors of behavioral variation. Hansi has also engaged in other projects at NSU such as the SEA-PHAGES program and the Protein Modeling Honors course. Outside academics, Hansi work full-time as an emergency care technician in a Level I Trauma Center, where she assists a variety of patients. She also serves as co-president of NSU Fitoor, combining her interests in music and leadership, and volunteers with Feeding South Florida. Her experiences have motivated her to apply scientific knowledge to real-world challenges and improving people's well-being. In the future, Hansi hopes to continue pursuing scientific inquiry and service throughout medical school and beyond, exploring practical ways to improve patient care and make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Rebecca Castillo Title: Grace’s Story– Understanding Lupus and How Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) Controls Symptoms Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which an overactive immune system can cause inflammation and damage to tissues and organs. Understanding how medications used to treat SLE work can help connect biology concepts to real clinical uses. Using a case-based approach, this presentation explores the mechanism of action of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, CellCept®), an immunosuppressive medication commonly used in the treatment of lupus nephritis. Through the case study of a teenager diagnosed with SLE, the presentation introduces the role of abnormal immune response in lupus and demonstrates how MMF functions to decrease lymphocyte proliferation, ultimately reducing the activity of immune cells that contribute to autoimmune inflammation. By connecting a patient's experience with the underlying biochemical pathway, this presentation aims to make the mechanism of mycophenolate easier to understand and illustrate how molecular processes translate into therapeutic benefits. The presentation also highlights the importance of patient education regarding the biological basis of treatments used to manage autoimmune disease. About the presenter Rebecca Castillo is a senior Honors student pursuing degrees in Biology and Neuroscience at Nova Southeastern University. Through her Honors in Major projects (Biology and Neuroscience), she has developed a strong interest in understanding disease through both biological and molecular perspectives. Her Honors in Biology project (reported here) focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly in studying the effects of mycophenolate and its role in treating autoimmune disease. This work has allowed her to explore her interests in immunology and patient-centered science. For her Honors in Major (Neuroscience) project, she gained laboratory research experience investigating the role of motherhood on Alzheimer’s disease progression. Beyond her academic and research experiences, Rebecca serves as a Mission Mover for the Lupus Foundation of America. Through this role, she has participated in lupus awareness and has spoken at the Lupus and You Empowerment Conference. These experiences have strengthened her interest in connecting scientific research with patient advocacy and education. Rebecca has also gained extensive clinical experience as an optometric technician, where she has worked directly with patients. As a premedical student, Rebecca hopes to pursue a career in medicine that integrates patient care and advocacy. She is particularly interested in continuing to explore how scientific discoveries can be translated into meaningful improvements in patients' lives.