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daily watering, every three days, every seven days, and every fourteen days. Plants were arranged in arandomized complete block design in the greenhouse. It was found that plants watered more frequentlysuffered fewer effects brought on by M. hapla. Other results indicate that the plants watered daily hadsignificantly higher shoot and root weight (p 0.001). This suggests for daylilies, the importance ofwatering outweighs the stunting effects of nematodes in growth. However, water does impact nematodeabundance in soil, with daily watering significantly resulting in higher population densities (p 0.001).This experiment is being repeated to confirm results to determine if drought really does impact plantparasitic nematode abundance and fecundity.UTERINE LUMEN SIZE AS A FUNCTION OF STAGE OF ESTROUS CYCLE, HORMONALTREATMENT, AND DISEASE IN GAZELLES (GAZELLA, EUDORCAS, AND NANGER SPP.)Presenter(s): Giuseppe Cavaliere (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 1Time and Location: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1202 STEM FacilityPresentation Number: 104Mentor(s): Dalen Agnew (Michigan State University)Gazelles are threatened or endangered and captive populations are kept as insurance populations.However, reproductive disease can impact the viability of these populations. Tools to evaluate the femalereproductive tract are needed to understand these threats to fertility. This investigation focused oncomparing the relative sizes of the myometrium, endometrium, and lumen as percentages of the crosssectional area of the uterus in gazelles during estrus and diestrus stages as a means to identify andquantify hydrometra. Gazelles in this study were classified as being in the genera of Gazella, Nanger, andEudorcas. Previous research is limited in gazelles; however, studies in rats and ruminants suggest theoverall area for each of the uterine components, primarily the endometrium and lumen, changesignificantly throughout the estrous cycle and in disease states. Microscopic images of uterine crosssections of 19 gazelles were taken and processed using imaging software to determine the relativepercentage of each compartment. The estrous phase of each gazelle was determined based on theprovided history and ovarian findings. A Spearman's correlation was performed to determine if there wasa relationship between lumen size, phase of the estrous cycle, contraception status, and presence ofother lesions. These results will be significant because many gazelle species are considered endangered,and these tools are needed to understand their reproductive cycle and recognize disease to ensureproper management of captive populations.INSECTICIDE LEVELS ON ONION THRIPS NATURAL ENEMIESPresenter(s): Alyssa Garza-Bergeron (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 1Time and Location: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1202 STEM FacilityPresentation Number: 105Mentor(s): Natalie Constancio (Michigan State University)In Michigan, the onion industry is valued at about 10 million (USDA NASS, 2015). According to theMichigan Onion Committee, onion thrips (Thrips tabaci) management is currently the top research priority.Thrips induce leaf damage through a punch and suck feeding method, consuming cell contents, reducingthe photosynthetic ability leading to a decrease in yield. The most common method of managing onionthrips is through calendar based insecticide applications, but this may lead to overapplication.Overapplication of insecticides can induce resistance in thrips, while also having a negative effect on theirnatural enemies. For our experiment, we are testing the effect of varying action thresholds on the naturalenemy community. Using an action threshold system allows us to use less pesticides, which can benefitboth the effectiveness against thrips, and reduce the negative effects against natural enemies. To testhow different levels of insecticide use are affecting natural enemies, we have 8 different pesticidetreatment programs, with 4 replicates per treatment, for a total of 32 plots. We are scouting 10 differentonions from each plot and are recording both onion thrips numbers and natural enemies on each plant.We predict that plots being treated with higher levels of insecticides will have a decrease of the naturalenemies. Natural enemies may be providing a free form of pest control, and it's important to understand8

how they are affected by pesticides. Understanding the interactions between pesticides, onion thrips, andnatural enemies is critical for developing an effective integrated pest management program.TWEAKING THE PROCEDURE FOR GENETIC TRANSFORMATION IN RELATED GRASSES TOINCREASE EFFICIENCY AND EFFICACY OF TRANSFORMATION IN PROSO MILLETPresenter(s): Lane Vitek (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 1Time and Location: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1202 STEM FacilityPresentation Number: 106Mentor(s): Lauren Stanley (Michigan State University)Proso Millet is a very drought tolerant cereal that has the potential to become an important crop fornavigating the impending climate change crisis. Although utilizing millet's advantages can be a key factorinfluencing how we manage Earth's changing environment, the ability to genetically modify the crop tobecome even more well rounded can be a huge advantage. The spike dip method for genetictransformation has been properly established in other grass species,but has not yet been tested oraltered to specifically suit millet. By exploring modifications to our current millet transformation procedure,we can effectively uncover the most essential components of the procedure, as well as discover the mostefficient method to transforming millet. There will be one altered ingredient in each trial's suspensionsolution in which this experiment will illustrate varying efficiency; increased sucrose levels, increasedsilwet levels, and the addition of tobacco extract in the suspension solutions. I expect that each of thesuspension solutions will perform more effectively than the original method due to each of their strengths,including a greater food source for the agrobacterium and increased permeability of cell membranes, bothallowing a higher change for gene transfer. The results of this experiment could be a great contribution tonavigating climate change and improving millet as a drought tolerant and environmentally resilient crop.CHARACTERIZATION OF DRY PINTO BEANS NUTRITIONAL TRENDS OVER TIME IN MSUBREEDING PROGRAMSPresenter(s): Rylee Hrnyak (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 1Time and Location: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1202 STEM FacilityPresentation Number: 107Mentor(s): Miranda Haus (Michigan State University)Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are an essential crop worldwide that provide a major source of protein,iron, zinc, and fiber. Breeding efforts have selected for optimization of seed productivity and harvestabilityvia shoot architecture and plant maturity,but have not selected for maintenance or enhancement of seednutritional quality. The purpose of this research is to determine if there are any consequences of breedingfor shoot architecture or maturity on nutritional content. A panel was constructed representing historicallyrelevant lines from 1900 to 2012 for specific growth habits of two wild bean species and 6 cultivars ofpinto beans. The panel was evaluated during the 2020 and 2021 field seasons at MSU's MontcalmResearch Farm. Maturity and growth habit data were recorded and young leaves and seeds wereanalyzed for nutrient concentrations. All data were analyzed using R Studio. In pinto beans, allmacronutrients (Ca, N, P, K, Mg) and micronutrients (Zn, Fe) in the seed showed a decrease in nutritionalvalue after 1999 in the most recently released cultivar. Alternatively, all leaf nutritional levels increasedslightly after 1999 except for zinc which decreased slightly. Future work includes studying the effects ofroot size and architecture on dry bean nutritional status. This data will provide support for further researchto explore the impact of breeding for selective traits on dry beans' nutrition content, in hopes to improvethe nutritional levels of beans overall.EVALUATING IF SEX AND TISSUE LOCATION HAS AN EFFECT ON PREADIPOCYTECONCENTRATION WITHIN PVATPresenter(s): Caleb Ragsdale (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 1Time and Location: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1202 STEM Facility9

Presentation Number: 108Mentor(s): Andres Contreras (Michigan State University)Obesity is an expanding epidemic affecting millions of people and domesticated animals. The majorcauses of obesity can be attributed to fat tissue hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Obesity is known to be aprecursor to insulin resistance and many cardiovascular diseases. Adipogenesis is a process thatdifferentiates mesenchymal stem cells into adipocytes. Known intermediate cells (preadipocytes), havebeen seen to express a unique protein receptor called PDGFRa. Immunohistochemistry allows for thesecells to be identified and quantified. However, it is currently unknown if sex differences or anatomicaltissue location contributes to PDGFRa cellular concentration or their proximity to vascular cells. In thisstudy, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) samples are taken from male and female Cre-LoxP mice.Using immunohistochemistry, PDGFRa cells along with smooth muscle cells are stained. The computerprogram Fiji is used to quantify not only the intensity of PDGFRa cells, but as well as their proximity tovascular cells from pictures taken microscopically. Based on preliminary data from two mice, abdominalPVAT (ABPVAT) appears to generate a higher amount of PDGFRa cells as well as a lower proximity tovascular cells compared to thoracic PVAT (ATPVAT). However, proper statistical analysis will be done asmore samples are analyzed. Along with that, we anticipate that sex differences could still show asignificant difference in both preadipocyte quantity and vascular cell proximity. It is important tounderstand how factors influence the rate of cellular differentiation throughout the system. Especiallywhen developing new therapeutic solutions to obesity and resulting secondary conditions.IMPACT OF EUROPEAN FOULBROOD DISEASE PRESENCE ON RATE OF FORAGING IN HONEYBEE (APIS MELLIFERA) COLONIESPresenter(s): Joselyn Ralph (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 1Time and Location: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, 1202 STEM FacilityPresentation Number: 109Mentor(s): Lauren Goldstein (Michigan State University), Meghan Milbrath (Michigan State University),Rufus Isaacs (Michigan State University)European Foulbrood (EFB) is a honey bee (Apis mellifera) brood disease caused by the bacteriumMelissococcus plutonius. Larvae become infected upon consuming food contaminated with this bacteriumand usually die within 4-5 days. Diseased brood appear twisted, discolored, and misshapen. EFBinfection is thought to be linked to stressors such as nutritional imbalance or weather conditions that favorinfection, and several studies have confirmed a connection between EFB prevalence in honey beecolonies and their placement in blueberry farms for pollination. In this study, we aim to explore theimpacts of disease prevalence on honey bee forager activity and the implications for subsequentpollination services. We sampled from 97 hives used for blueberry pollination in west Michigan. Thesecolonies were graded for EFB disease state based on the presence or absence of symptomatic larvae.The hives were marked and later visited to collect forager activity samples. Hive entrances were observedfor one minute to determine the number of foragers returning to the hive. This number serves as a metricof hive productivity. We conducted correlation analysis to determine the relationship between EFBdisease presence and forager activity and these results are presented here. This study can serve as thefoundation for future research regarding foraging capabilities of infected bees and possible diseasetransmission routes.THE POWER OF PINTO BEANSPresenter(s): Sydney Burtovoy (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 3Time and Location: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, OnlinePresentation Number: 121Mentor(s): Karen Cichy (Michigan State University)10

Pinto beans produce nutrient dense flour; however, studies show flours of this origin fail to elicit manydesirable sensory qualities in products baked with conventional wheat flours. Increased protein andvarying starch ratios may explain this disparity. Given the protein, iron, vitamin, and mineral benefits pintobean flours could provide, research in optimizing its quality parameters has the potential to help alleviatemany nutrient deficiencies worldwide. Since previous Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) analysis discovered asignificant relationship between starch ratio and genotype, further investigation of this macronutrient'seffect on pasting was desired. Thus, in this study Megazyme starch assays were utilized to determine thestarch content of over one-hundred and fifty pinto bean flour samples of differing genotypes; 46 fromNorth Dakota and 103 from Washington. Then, pasting and gelation were evaluated with the RVA.Overall, pinto bean flours required more time to reach the peak viscosity (13 minutes) compared tostandard wheat flours (9 minutes). Their peak viscosity tended to be either similar to or lower than that ofhard, high protein wheat flour. Additionally, the breakdown viscosity was far lower in the pinto beanvarieties, ranging from around -13 to 150cP in the North Dakota and -10 to 117cP in the Washingtongenotypes. Wheat flour ranged between 775 to 1419cP with increased protein content showing lowerbreakdown viscosities. This indicates that pinto bean's high protein and lower starch content contributesto the pasting properties of its flour which influences sensory and quality attributes of the final foodproduct.DOES LIGHT COMPOSITION IMPACT STRESS LEVELS OF SHELTER CATS?Presenter(s): Mary Gardella (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 3Time and Location: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, OnlinePresentation Number: 122Mentor(s): Alexandra Yaw (Michigan State University), Hanne Hoffmann (Michigan State University),Jacquelyn Jacobs (Michigan State University)While animal shelters are essential for keeping cats safe from unfit living conditions, they are a stressfulenvironment. Stress increases cortisol and promotes undesired behaviors such as aggression and hiding.Reducing stress in shelter cats can make them more attractive for prospective adopters and reduce theduration of time in the shelter. Previous studies found that light composition impacts behavior, where bluelight has an arousing effect, while dim and red light is calming. Based on this, we investigated how catsare affected by the shelter room light composition. We hypothesize that reducing light intensity andremoving blue light wavelength will reduce cat stress as compared to white lighting. Three lightingconditions were studied (white, dim and blue-depleted light) during the first 6 days the cats were in theshelter, with assessment of stress through cortisol measures and behavioral approach tests in adult,single housed male and female cats. For all conditions, behavioral stress scores decreased over theenrollment period. A significant correlation was found between cortisol levels and behavior stress scoresfor cats on white light, but not on dim and blue-depleted light. Interestingly, preliminary data show thatfemale cats had lower behavioral stress scores and lower cortisol levels on blue-depleted and dim light,as compared to white light. Male data is less clear, but trends in the same direction. This shows for thefirst time that room light manipulation can help shelters enact easy and inexpensive changes that makethe adjustment period shorter and easier for incoming cats.EFFECTIVE KETAMINE DOSES FOR COLIC AND HEALTHY HORSESPresenter(s): Jiordan Washington (Michigan State University)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 3Time and Location: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, OnlinePresentation Number: 124Mentor(s): Angela Hall (Michigan State University), Kirk Munoz (Michigan State University)Ketamine is the main drug given to animals to induce anesthesia when getting procedures done and themost common dose is 2.2 mg/kg. Usually, the amount administered is often times higher than what wascalculated to achieve an appropriate plane of anesthesia. This is important to determine because it wouldbe helpful to avoid many complications during a procedure. This study directly involves all breeds ofequine, large animal veterinarians, vet anesthesiologists, and horse owners all over. In this study, we11

hope to determine the most effective dosage of ketamine to induce general anesthesia in horses and todetermine if there is a difference in dosages between healthy and sick (colic) horses. We are also lookingto see if breed has any effect on the dosage determined. This study will be done by pulling past medicalrecords from Michigan State University Veterinary Medical Center of horses who have gone underanesthesia during a procedure. This is a retrospective study. We examined over 200 anesthesia recordsfrom healthy and sick (colic) horses that underwent anesthesia while getting a procedure done todetermine the dosage of ketamine that was calculated compared to the ketamine dosage that wasactually administered during the first 20 minutes of induction of general anesthesia. The average dosageof ketamine used to induce general anesthesia in healthy and in sick (colic) horses was both 2.8 mg/kg.There was no significant difference among horse breeds for the amount of ketamine needed for induction.From our results, we found thatINTAKE OF FIBER BY YOUNG CHILDREN IN A MICHIGAN COHORTPresenter(s): Kyra Pierce (North Carolina A&T)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 3Time and Location: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, OnlinePresentation Number: 125Mentor(s): Sarah Comstock (Michigan State University)High fiber intake in children supports healthy digestion, heart health, blood sugar regulation, bowel flowand can strengthen the immune system. According to the United State Department of Agriculture, therecommended daily amount (RDA) of fiber for children one to three years of age is 19 grams of fiber andchildren four to six years of age is 25 grams of fiber. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansstates that from infancy to 18 years of age children are at risk of consuming inadequate fiber. However, itis unknown if children between 1 to 5 years of age and living in Michigan consume adequate fiber.Notably, fiber is an essential nutrient for all stages of life. The purpose of this project is to determine ifchildren in one Michigan cohort are meeting recommendations. To conduct this study dietary fiber intakequestionnaires were collected for 86 6-month-olds, 24 9-month-olds, 38 12-month-olds, 17 24-montholds, 43 36-month-olds, 31 48-month-olds, and 21 60-month-olds. The survey used the National CancerInstitute 5-factor screener to determine fiber intake over the span of a week. Responses can be used todetermine how much fiber each child consumed on a daily basis. The survey was administered to parentswho responded about child intake and wanted to participate. It is expected that fiber intake of allparticipating children in the Michigan area will be lower than the recommendation. If intake is indeedbelow the recommendations, then ways to help families increase fiber in their child's diets should beidentified.MORPHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF UTERINE DISEASE IN RED PANDAS.Presenter(s): Alana Gierbolini-Torres (University of Puerto Rico)Agriculture & Animal ScienceSection: 3Time and Location: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM, OnlinePresentation Number: 126Mentor(s): Dalen Agnew (Michigan State University)General interest in red pandas (Ailurus fulgens) has increased over the past few years; however, fewstudies have focused on their reproductive tract. Red panda

Internships and Research Experiences at Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) . 1st Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute MBA/M.S. Admissions 1st University of Kansas Self Graduate Fellowship 3rd Michigan State University School of Human Resources and Labor Relations 3rd Michigan State University MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology 3rd Michigan Technological University Graduate Enrollment Services .