Student Profiles
Andrea Banks '25
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
Major: Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Abdelsayed
Research Title: Discovery and characterization of an RNA thermometer upstream of ComFA helicase in Bacillus subtilis
Research Abstract: “RNA thermometers (RNATs) are a class of temperature-sensing functional RNAs. Although the function of these RNA thermometers are well understood, the extent to which these thermometers occur in nature is largely unknown. An RNA thermometer is an RNA that can regulate gene expression at the translational level through temperature changes, within the 5’ untranslated regions (UTRs) of a gene. RNA thermometers enable the bacteria to respond quickly to heat and cold shock conditions through changes in RNA structure. While using a pipeline called Robo-Therm, which was developed in our lab, we are investigating an RNA thermometer upstream of the ComFA helicase gene in Bacillus subtilis. ComFA is a helicase involved in DNA replication and repair, and it shares functional similarities with DEAD/DEAH box helicases, which are known for their role in unwinding RNA or DNA helices, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining genomic stability in bacteria. The rod-shaped Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis is of particular interest due to its well-studied genetics. We hope to validate the functionality of this RNA thermometer further by performing laboratory methodologies such as beta-galactosidase assays and explore its potential clinical implications."
Alyssa Castellanos '25
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
Major: Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Abdelsayed
Research Title: RNA Thermometer in front of Rose DEAD/DEAH Helicase
Research Abstract: “RNA thermometers are regulatory elements found in non-coding RNA molecules that modulate
gene expression in response to temperature changes, facilitating adaptation to environmental
conditions such as heat shock or cold shock. In this study, we investigate the role
of an RNA thermometer predicted in the 5’ untranslated region (5’-UTR) of the ComFA
helicase gene in Geobacillus thermoleovorans. ComFA helicases play critical roles in DNA repair and genetic exchange, essential
for bacterial stress response and competence development. The ComFA RNA thermometer
is hypothesized to regulate the translation of the helicase gene in response to temperature
fluctuations, potentially influencing cellular responses under varying environmental
conditions. The increased gene expression is believed to be structure-mediated, as
temperature-induced conformational changes in the RNA thermometer expose the ribosome
binding site. Our experimental approach involves designing and synthesizing a specific
RNA thermometer sequence derived from the ComFA helicase 5’-UTR, followed by PCR validation,
Hifi assembly/cloning, and Beta-galactosidase assays. Recently, we have sent plates
for Hifi assembly/cloning sequencing and anticipate obtaining positive results to
proceed with Beta-galactosidase assays. We anticipate results from Beta-galactosidase
assays will show increased enzymatic activity upon heat induction, indicating enhanced
protein production associated with temperature changes. These findings would suggest
that the ComFA RNA thermometer responds to heat stress, thereby regulating gene expression
at the post-transcriptional level. Future investigations will involve the validation
of results through methodology and mutational analysis to elucidate the full regulatory
mechanisms of the ComFA RNA thermometer in Geobacillus thermoleovorans."
Anthony Delgadillo Salas '25
Hometown: Oxnard, CA
Major: Environmental Science & Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Dull
Research Title: Macroscopic Charcoal Analysis of the Mayan Cultural-Ecological Landscape in Laguna Cuzcachapa, El Salvador
Research Abstract: “El Salvador is historically identified with high rates of ecological degradation, both in prehistoric and modern times. The most striking paleoecological record of anthropogenic environmental change produced to date is from Laguna Cuzcachapa, a small lake 650 meters from the famous Mayan archaeological site of Tazumal. The Maya were revolutionary with Mesoamerican grandeur and social stratification. As a result, prior studies from Laguna Cuzcachapa have identified layers of microscopic charcoal together with pollen from crops including maize. Reported here is a 3700-year record of fire history, which spans the period from the Maya Preclassic through the Postclassic and continues through the 20th century. During this nearly 4000-year period, evidence of human impacts is represented except during two significant periods of demographic collapse: The Tierra Blanca Joven Eruption in 539/40 CE and the European Settlement in the early 1500s. After the TBJ Eruption, it resulted in a demographic collapse which decreased fire rates. Once populations increased, the European Settlement began which brought pandemics to the Maya resulting in another demographic collapse. After the European settlements enacted fire suppression strategies, there were fewer rates of fire. Chalchuapa, El Salvador has undergone anthropogenic changes in its environment, and human-induced wildfires, supported by macroscopic charcoal records, indicate that Mayan settlements assisted with ecological degradation before modern times.Future studies include macroscopic charcoal and pollen analysis in Laguneta El Trapiche, El Salvador. Having both macroscopic charcoal and pollen records in Laguneta El Trapiche will enhance the paleoecological records of Chalchuapa, El Salvador."
Estefani Gutierrez '25
Hometown: Moorpark, CA
Major: Psychology
Minor: Financial Planning & Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrea Sell
Research Title: Perception of CEO vs AI in the workplace
Research Abstract: “As new technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), start to be implemented into the workplace it makes many tasks much faster to do, creating a change in how leadership manages and communicates with the organization. In any organization a critical component is leadership since it brings a direct and indirect impact to the performance of employees, (Kalsoom, Khan, Zubair 2018). Since AI is still new, there has not been much research done on the perception employers have when leadership uses AI to communicate with them. As AI starts making the jobs easier for people with simple everyday tasks like writing emails, essays or texts, it can lead to people feeling skeptical about the use of it. This study was conducted to test the perception people have when a CEO uses an AI to send out an email about budget cuts and layoffs that are going to occur to the company. Specifically, this study aims to see the perception people will have of the CEO regarding the CEOs openness, credibility, and care for their employees and the employee’s confidence in leadership. To test this, I did a survey with three different groups all being shown the same email written by an AI but with some deception they were told a CEO, a communication team or AI wrote the email. The key hypothesis is that when the CEO communicates through an email written through AI, they will show negative feelings towards the CEO. Further research can be done to test how AI can help the workplace environment be more efficient and stress free."
Robert Lewis '26
Hometown: Arroyo Grande, CA
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Marissa Ericson
Research Title: Cross Frequency Coupling Between Brain and Heart in Flow Tasks
Research Abstract: “Heart rate variability (HRV) is indicative of an individual’s ability to adapt to changing internal and external conditions, and is thought to represent individual trait characteristics. Variations in HRV have been linked to differences in emotional and cognitive processes. Prior research has demonstrated that individuals with lower HRV exhibit higher alpha and beta activity, and that lower alpha power combined with increased theta activity correlates with a higher propensity to enter a state of flow. We hypothesize that individuals with high HRV, low alpha power, and increased theta activity are more likely to experience flow. To investigate this hypothesis, we will employ BIOPAC systems to assess participants' electroencephalogram (EEG) and electrocardiogram (ECG) during several tasks including arithmetic tasks and puzzles across three difficulty levels that may facilitate flow. Participants will also complete the Flow State Scale and the NETI survey to self-assess their propensity for engaging in flow. Additionally, participants will experience a resonant breathing protocol to determine if this intervention improves flow-related outcomes for those initially presenting with lower HRV."
Monica Lopez '25
Hometown: Simi Valley, CA
Major: Biological Sciences & Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Abdelsayed
Research Title: Discovery and Characterization of an RNA Thermometer Upstream of ComFA helicase in Geobacillus Stearothermophilus
Research Abstract: “All organisms have to respond to heat stress, and RNA thermometers enable bacteria to respond quickly to heat stress through changes in RNA structure. An RNA thermometer is a molecule of non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression, typically by increasing translation in repsonse to heat stress . RNA thermometers, are best known for their ability to form a hairpin structure across from the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence to prevent ribosomal access at low temperatures but melt at high temperatures to allow translation. The thermometer explored in this study exists in front of the ComFA helicase gene in the bacteria Geobacillus Stearothermophilus. Geobacillus stearothermophilus is a rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacterium with a high growth temperature range, typically thriving between 55°C and 65°C, and is an obligate anerobe, thriving only in the presence of oxygen.Geobacillus stearothermophilus is adaptable in harsh conditions because of its unique cell wall structure, which offers stability and defense against extreme temperatures. The ComFA helicase gene is a gene that encodes for a helicase involved in the process of DNA uptake during bacterial transformation. Helicases are enzymes that unwind DNA, and are vital for various DNA processes such as replication, repair, and recombination. Specifically, ComFA was found to play a key role in allowing gram-positive bacteria to take up extracellular DNA from their environment and allow natural transformation to occur. The aim of this study was to validate the ComFA thermometer using various biological laboratory techniques, highlighted in this research."
Cesar Lorenzo'25
Hometown: Moorpark, CA
Major: Business Administration
Faculty Mentor: Dr. John Garcia
Research Title: Influence of Social Factors in Interaction with Economic Indicators on Business Startups
Research Abstract: “This research examines how social factors (social capital, religiosity, and immigration status), economic indicators (GDP and unemployment rate), and ethnic distribution interact to influence the success of businesses in the United States. The Latino population has experienced significant growth and has increasingly turned to entrepreneurship as a way to achieve economic stability despite facing numerous barriers. This study aims to fill existing knowledge gaps by exploring how these social and economic factors contribute to the success of businesses in highly diverse environments.
This research hypothesizes that: (1) Communities with higher levels of social capital and religiosity will have a higher number of successful start-ups, (2) Communities with more ethnically diverse populations will see a higher number of start-ups, and H3: Communities with high social capital, high religiosity, and high Latino presence will have a higher rate of new business formation compared to communities with lower levels of these factors.
Data is sourced from the American Community Survey, County Business Patterns, Business Formation Statistics, and the Social Capital Index, with data collected at the zip code level over the past 25 years. Literature review findings suggest that social networks and religious practices significantly contribute to providing the necessary resources and support for entrepreneurial success, but it is the interaction between these variables and the diversity of the environment that might affect the rates. By using linear regression models, this study aims to provide valuable insights for business owners and community leaders."
Cassandra Macias '25
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA
Major: Chemistry & Environmental Science
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Dull
Research Title: Evaluating the California Fire Gap through High Energy Sedimentary Deposits In Carpinteria Salt Marsh
Research Abstract: “Abundance of natural resources have attracted humans to Southern California coastal ecosystems over thousands of years. Before European settlement, native Chumash communities used fire in their hunting practices and to manage their land. After colonization of California in the late 18th century by the Spanish, the Chumash were introduced to European agricultural and pastoral traditions. The Chumash may have had knowledge of Native American agriculture even if they did not practice it. Therefore, native land use practices were discouraged after colonization. As a result, native use of fire was drastically diminished by the early 20th century, which coincided with the implementation of active fire suppression policies statewide. Consequently, paleofire records from across the state record a major drop in wildfire between 1850 and 1900. This fire gap lasted over a century and only in recent decades has California witnessed a resurgence of wildfires. The Thomas fire of 2017 burned 281,893 acres in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. Only a winter later, the area was victim to major mass wasting events such as debris flows and mudslides. The Carpinteria salt marsh is a rare sedimentary archive of past environmental changes, including wildfires, storm events, droughts, floods, etc. High energy deposits, such as sand layers, have been identified in core samples. The origins of these deposits have been speculated to be from one of two sources: 1) marine sands washed over the marsh from ocean storms; and 2) sediments of terrestrial origin deposited on the marsh from the streams channels descending from the Santa Ynez mountains. Our hypothesis is that some of these high energy deposits originate from mass wasting events following large wildfires such as the Thomas fire. The research reported here provides a high resolution record of macroscopic charcoal analysis with the goal of identifying both the historic period fire gap and its impact on high energy sediment deposition in the marsh. The 150cm record (1.6 meter core) demonstrates 2 significant drops at 94cm and 64cm which may represent the post 1850 fire gap identified elsewhere in California. Future work will focus on establishing chronologically by using radiocarbon dating and analysis of sediments from a longer core (2.4 meters) collected in June 9, 2023."
Alanis Maldonado '25
Hometown: Pacoima, CA
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Nicole Talarico
Research Title: The Impacts of Machismo Culture on Latino Adult Males
Research Abstract: “Mental Health in the Latinx communities has always been taboo especially for men. For many decades it has been a topic that was not discussed within the community. Machismo culture has played a significant role in the stigma surrounding mental health issues especially in young latino men. There has not been much research regarding how cultural stigmas, like Machismo, impacts the mental health within the community. In this study we are trying to seek how Machismo impacts the mental health outcomes of Latino adult males ages 18-39. To examine the relationship between both variables we used quantitative methods. This includes an anonymous online survey with a variety of rating scale items and open ended questions. Using the Machismo Questionnaire (Arcieniga et al, 2008) and the DASS-21 Questionnaire (Lovibond & Lovibond, 1995), this study aims to determine the relationship between machismo and mental health outcomes in young adult Latino males. Furthermore, if there are any differences in mental health between individuals with higher levels of machismo compared to those with lower levels. With more research in regards to how machismo plays a role in mental health in men, we can better understand how culture takes part in the feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress as well as better implement effective therapy treatment for those in the Latinx community. Being more mindful and open in addressing mental health issues would help young latino males who are going through feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress be more willing to seek mental health services."
Tony Mateos '25
Hometown: Oxnard, CA
Major: Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Jamie Bedics
Research Title: Investigating the distinctions in treatment adherence and response towards CBT-I among the psychiatric population, based on baseline symptom severity
Research Abstract: “Insomnia is a frequent concern for those diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Evidence-based psychotherapies can be enhanced through a greater understanding of how treatments work from the perspective of the patients receiving the treatment. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has been demonstrated as an efficacious treatment for sleep disturbance. Despite its prevalence and impact, CBT-I's dissemination does not match its public health significance, despite a robust evidence base and recommendation as a primary intervention. Our current study will examine how patients adhere to the treatment during a course of CBT-I and patients' qualitative experience of the treatment. We hypothesized that there will be patterns of change in patient treatment adherence, measured via a weekly sleep log. To investigate this hypothesis, a small cohort of recruited participants will meet inclusionary criteria for insomnia and at least one DSM diagnosis for a psychiatric condition. Participants will complete a 6-week sleep log, which will measure various trajectories of patient adherence. Additionally, a general measure of symptom severity will be administered at baseline to assess symptoms severity. Finally, a qualitative survey to assess patients’ experience of CBT-I following treatment will be developed."
Catherine Ortez Hernandez '25
Hometown: El Salvador
Major: Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Michael Abdelsayed
Research Title: Discovery and Characterization of RNA thermometer upstream ComFA helicase in Bacillus subtilis.
Research Abstract: “RNA thermometers are genetic control systems that utilize RNA to detect alterations in temperature. These temperature sensing RNAs are located within the 5' untranslated region (5'-UTR) of a gene and alter gene expression on the translational level. Low-temperature levels induce a conformational change in the messenger RNA (mRNA), sequestering the ribosome binding site (RBS), known as the Shine-Dalgarno (SD) sequence. This study investigates the activity of a potential RNA thermometer, upstream of the ComFA helicase in Bacillus subtilis, under three distinct temperature conditions (25°, 37°C, and 42°C). This research aims to investigate if the 5’ untranslated region (5’-UTR) of ComFA helicase is regulated in a temperature-dependent manner. ComFA helicase is a protein involved in the active transport of DNA across the cell membrane of gram-positive bacteria, its structure resembles that of a well known helicase, the DEAD box helicase. The species I am studying, Bacillus subtilis, is a rod-shaped, gram-positive bacterium capable of forming endospores which protects the bacterial genome during stressful environmental conditions. By cloning the bacterial cells and testing the expression using a reporter plasmid containing beta-galactosidase, we aim to characterize the impact of temperature increase on the RNA thermometer's functionality in the ComFA helicase of Bacillus subtilis."
Angel Prado '24
Hometown: Oxnard, CA
Major: Geosciences
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Robert Dull
Research Title: A Chronicle into the Paleoecological Archives of Southern California
Research Abstract: “Southern California has been a region for biodiversity hotspots since before the first natives crossed the Bering Strait. Among them are the lush and admirable wetlands such as in Carpinteria which are known for continuous sediment deposits and high carbon sequestration rates. A combination of features that are more relevant in recent times with academics nationwide searching to find answers on how to handle or even understand the shifts in climate occurring conspicuously. Starting in 2000, there has been a resurgence of large acre fires in southern california. The high mark of this trend being the 2017 - 2022 fire season which holds 65% of California's most destructive fires on record. Looking back, it was decided that we should look to the past once more and use our 185 cm sample of collected sediment to construct a definitive ecological timetable. The material being used here being environmental proxies in line with the cycles, such as macroscopic charcoal, magnetic susceptibility, and loss on ignition. The core was sectioned every 1-2 cm for this purpose and upon completion of analysis, we found that each phenomena related to the proxies logically was not all linear. For instance fires sparked in seasons but also varied in size, while eroded magnetic material was once in greater influx. Ultimately, continuing efforts will provide additional context of how California's’ climate arrived to this state using the data found here as reference in ecological analysis. Enabling a greater awareness of impacts on the biosphere and aims for greater sustainability."
Kassandra Reyes '26
Hometown: Oxnard, CA
Major: Criminology & Criminal Justice &Psychology
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Jose Torres
Research Title: Challenging the Stigma Behind Parental Incarceration: The Experiences of Latina/o College Students with Incarcerated Parents
Research Abstract: “In this study, we examined the experiences of Latina/o college students who have experienced parental incarceration. We interviewed 2 Latina/o college students who had a parent behind bars in a local jail, state prison, or federal prison. We also interviewed 4 community college and university faculty and program directors who worked closely with students who had experienced parental incarceration. We focused on three key areas including (1) the effects of parental incarceration on students' lives, families, and relationships, (2) how these students navigated and challenged the social stigmas, stereotypes, and negative labels associated to their parent’s criminality and incarceration, and (3) the role of community college and university faculty and program directors in helping de-stigmatize and support students who had parents behind bars. In this study, we found that Latina/o college students challenged social stigmas, stereotypes, and negative labels by succeeding academically while in college and by receiving continuous support from faculty mentors and program directors who offered support services to students with incarcerated parents. This study demonstrates the vital role community college and university faculty and staff play in helping students succeed academically and overcome social stigmas, stereotypes, and negative labels associated to their parent's incarceration."
Daniela Rodriguez '25
Hometown: Santa Paula, CA
Major: Biological Sciences & Spanish
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Michael Abdelsayed
Research Title:FourU RNA thermometer in TetR family transcriptional regulator C-terminal domain-containing protein
Research Abstract: “Ribonucleic acid thermometers are RNA sequences that are temperature sensitive and help regulate gene expression. Typically, RNA thermometers undergo a confirmational change upon heat stress, resulting in an upregulation of a gene downstread of the thermometer sequence. The TetR-family of transcriptional regulators (TFTRs) are a large family of signal transduction proteins that are implicated in the regulation of many processes, including cell division and the stress response in cells. In this study, we used a FourU RNA thermometer to analyze the effect it has on gene expression with the TetR family transcriptional regulator C-terminal domain-containing protein. We used PCR, HIFI assembly, Beta-galactosidase assay, and cloning to undergo this experiment. Preliminary results indicate and increase in expression in response to heat induction. This is presumably due to the zipper-like melting of a motif containing the ribosome binding site (RBS). Overall, this helps us with further development of antibiotic resistance through gene regulation."
Moises Velasquez '25
Hometown: North Hills, CA
Major: Exercise Science
Faculty Mentors: Dr. Louise Kelly
Research Title: A 16-week Exercise Program Affecting Anxiety and Depression levels in Hispanic Children
Research Abstract: “Background: There are many efforts today to help reduce mental stress and burden amongst younger children by suggesting therapy, openness, mindfulness and school services. While the data has shown that the overall prevalence of depression in is 6% in adolescents and 3% in children younger than 13 years, these statistics are primarily based on white peers. Latino children are more likely to suffer anxiety, depression and other mental health disorders compared to their non Latino peers. While incidents of are higher in Latino kids (22% suffer from depression), few receive treatment when compared to white children (8% vs 14%). Given the prevailing burden and impact of mental health disorders in youth, it is essential that effective interventions are identified and implemented.
AIM: To assess the effects of a 16-week (2xweek) home-based strength training (HBST) program on the reduction of stress and depression symptoms in Latino children aged 11-17 years.
Methods: 108 Latino children aged 11-17 years, were recruited, and randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) Control (n=54) or 2)Home-Based Strength Training (n=54). C – No intervention. HBST – Progressive program consisted of a 1 hours, 2X weekly strength training program for 16 weeks.Body Mass Index (BMI) percentiles for age and gender will be determined using CDC age appropriate cut-offs. Height and weight will be measured using a beam medical scale and wall-mounted stadiometer. We will measure anxiety using the trait anxiety scale, and depression using the center of Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). An adolescent version of the POMS may be used to measure the profile of mood states (POMS-A).. All testing was performed before and after the 16 week intervention.
Results: Based on an earlier pilot study in Latino children aged 14-17 years, we say the following results in a much smaller sample (n=32). All participants attended >85 %of the strength training sessions. Repeated Measures General Liner Model showed significant improvements in the intervention group only, with participants reporting an “increased happiness” (p=0.06) and increased “enjoyment in life” (p=0.009). In the intervention group, scores improved for questions such as “I felt depressed”, and “I felt sad”, although these improvements were not statistically significant (p=0.16, p=0.17 respectively).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of our previous pilot study, the HBST was acceptable to our population and also showed reductions in depression and anxiety. Therefore, we are anticipating similar/higher reductions in anxiety and depressions."