Department of Molecular and Cell Biology University of Connecticut   Announces the  Oral Dissertation Defense for the Doctoral Degree  Kathleen Kyle B.S. Florida State University  Multidimensional, Multi-omic Characterization of Microbial Interactions in the Fungus-growing Ant Symbiosis   Friday, April 18, 2025 9:00 AM TLS 111 Webex: https://uconn-cmr.webex.com/uconn-cmr/j.php?MTID=m8a450ee7ed37b086e6e16a700197a6ec (https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fuconn-cmr.webex.com%2Fuconn-cmr%2Fj.php%3FMTID%3Dm8a450ee7ed37b086e6e16a700197a6ec&data=05%7C02%7Csusan.vining%40uconn.edu%7C6df3c74f630244fbeae708dd75e323e6%7C17f1a87e2a254eaab9df9d439034b080%7C0%7C0%7C638796340602270088%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GXV5z7Sk%2BtL%2Fz%2FKXB5d2OjhIEE7rhcjqIW4JK%2FK3exk%3D&reserved=0)   Major Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Klassen Associate Advisor: Dr. Marcy Balunas Associate Advisor: Dr. Spencer Nyholm Examiner: Dr. Sarah Hird Examiner: Dr. Peter GogartenDissertation (https://uconn-my.sharepoint.com/:w:/g/personal/kathleen_kyle_uconn_edu/EdYMIpaN0vNPrrLHUW72GwoBM2hBv0Wt4FsTLlApKlnWKg?e=OTrJeQ&CID=74809203-ac14-c023-e13d-62e268c30b97)

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Abstract: Semi-structured interviews, participant observations along with ethnographic and autoethnographic approaches have produced a grounded theory on the racialization process People of African Descent (PAD) encounter in Poland. The Racial Consciousness Continuum (RCC) provides "scaffolding" and "language" scholars in Poland and other European locales can use to describe how PAD individuals interpret their relationship being "Black" among other racialized categories the RCC model delineates. Conversations pertaining to a "Disconnected Diaspora" arose from the data, providing a nuanced view of community (or the lack of it) PAD individuals feel and the RCC model provides a way to capture these conversations. Autoethnography provides another way to explain the relevance and relationship a PAD American researcher encounters as he researches Antiblack racism in an understudied part of Europe. The RCC theory is inspired by the work of Anna Julia Cooper and W.E.B. Dubois to further contextualize and scholarly frame Antiblackness conversations. My project answers questions on prevailing scholarly conversations in the region on Antiblack racism and what gaps exist and persist in prevailing literature in the American sociological academy.

Nazar Budaiev, University of FloridaMultiwavelength mysteries in the most star-forming cloud in the Galactic Center The high-density, turbulent, and overall extreme environment of the Central Molecular Zone (CMZ) provides a unique laboratory for studying disk-scale star formation under conditions similar to those at cosmic noon. Despite the importance of the region – ranging from the formation history of stars like our Sun to informing our understanding of other galaxies, many key properties of the CMZ, such as the relatively low star formation rate, remain unexplained. The CMZ forms ~10% of all stars in the Galaxy, half of which are born in a single cloud: Sagittarius B2. We present a multi-wavelength overview of Sgr B2, the most massive molecular cloud in the CMZ. Combining observations from ALMA, VLA, and JWST, we construct a holistic picture of star forming processes in the cloud. We find a large-scale asymmetry in star formation across the cloud, with a sharp edge facing the epicenter of its orbit around the Galactic center. This asymmetry highlights that, even in high-pressure environments, feedback has escape valves. We examine different stages of star formation and their interactions within the cloud – from the collapsing dust cores observed with ALMA, to highly pressurized HII regions detected by VLA, to accreting stars revealed with JWST.

Development and Implementation of a Standardized Oxygen Weaning Pathway for Pediatric Patients

Students who may benefit from attending a Let's Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team (https://studentcareteam.uconn.edu/). Providers rotate weekly on Fridays! Check out more of our mental health providers here (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/staff-directory/?&group=MENTAL%20HEALTH%20PROVIDERS).  Please note: Drop-in hours are quick 15-20 minute sessions and do not require scheduling or adding to your calendar.

Shuwen TanUniversity of ConnecticutThree-Dimensional Shoaling and Breaking of Internal Waves and Future Oceanic Implications in the Internal Surf Zone The internal surf zone, characterized by internal waves confined by water depth, exhibits dynamics analogous to the surf zone of surface gravity waves, where the waves release most of their energy and momentum through turbulent mixing, and the loss of momentum drives currents. This seminar uses idealized numerical modeling to explore the three-dimensional shoaling and breaking of internal waves in the internal surf zone with a curvature/angle of shelf bathymetry and their impacts on wave characteristics, momentum, and energy fluxes, leading to along-shore variations in energy dissipation and current generation. First, I will discuss internal solitary waves interacting with a conical island inspired by Dongsha Atoll in the South China Sea. The interaction of waves with the island results in significant energy dissipation, highest where waves directly impinge on the island and lowest on the opposite side. The curvature of the coastline excites barotropic flow, which is absent for a straight coastline. Next, we examine a straight coastline with internal waves incident at an angle. Preliminary results indicate that this configuration drives an along-shore current within the internal surf zone, analogous to the well-studied along-shore current driven by breaking surface waves. Finally, we will show that internal waves transport cooler, deeper waters into the internal surf zone, reducing warming by up to 2.3°C around the Dongsha Atoll compared to conditions without internal waves. This wave-modulated cooling is projected to continue in a warming ocean, serving as thermal refugia for benthic organisms.Host: Leonel RomeroTime & Date: 11:00 am, Friday, April 18, 2025Place: Lowell Weicker Building, Seminar Room 103 (or Webex)Request Seminar InformationCancellation & Additional Seminar Details (https://marinesciences.uconn.edu/seminar/seminar1253/)If you are an individual with a disability and need accommodations, please contact 860-405-9152 (tel:+18604059152) or email marinesciencesseminars@uconn.edu (mailto:marinesciencesseminars@uconn.edu).  This is an Honors Event.* See tags below for categories. #UHLevent11060*This UHL Event # may only be used a maximum of three times for the purposes of meeting the requirements of the Honors Laureate.

CommitteeDr. Candi NwakasiDr. Keith BelizziDr. Kari Adamsons

Join SHaW's Substance Use Prevention Peer Health Educators to talk about prevention, harm-reduction, and enhancing your well-being as it relates to substance use – and to grab some free SHaW swag!  Towers Dining HallFriday, April 18 (11:00am-2:00pm) Substance Use Prevention Peer Health Educators For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/alcohol-substance-support/ (http://studenthealth.uconn.edu/alcohol-substance-support/)

This event is for Network for Enriched Mentorship (NEM) mentors and mentees, where they will meet people in the NEM cohort and wrap up the semester. There will be pizzas, snacks, and drinks, and plenty of time to chat and get to know each other.

CAM Presentation Speaker:  Title: TBD  Via Webex: https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/pmendes (https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/pmendes)

CAM Presentation Speaker:  Title: TBD  Via Webex: https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/pmendes (https://uconnhealth.webex.com/meet/pmendes)

Harmony of Nature II: Waves is an international and experimental collaboration that connects audiences with nature by transforming environmental data into classical music. The exhibition is a multimedia experience of musical compositions, video, and documentary objects. Musical compositions of wavelike gestures were derived from tide gauge observations of sea level rise along the coast of the Long Island Sound, buoy measurements of the propagation of a tsunami across the Pacific Ocean, and mathematical expressions. The specific datasets chosen are direct observations, rather than model projections, and the music expresses the nuances of the flow of nature. Harmony of Nature II: Waves emphasizes the portrayal of physical phenomenon as a generative force, to create music that is both artistically and scientifically communicative.   The works were created by the project's trio of members, acclaimed South Korean pianist Sophy Chung, oceanographer Molly M. James, and composer, computer scientist Max Lu.Harmony of Nature II: Waves received support from Connecticut Sea Grant Arts Support Awards Program.

Fridays 4/4-4/25 from 12-1:15pm via Teams This introductory class teaches practical skills to manage stress and enhance overall wellbeing. The small group format creates a supportive environment where you can create a habit of using the skills on a regular basis. Students who complete the class report feeling less stressed, more mindful, experience less self-judgment and sleep better! (It's also a great resume builder!) Pre-registration is required by April 3rd as space is limited.Register at s.uconn.edu/mindful4425 (http://s.uconn.edu/mindful4425) for this weekly ONLINE FRIDAY class. All UConn students are welcome.This is an Honors Event. See below for UHL # Information.* See tags below for category information. *The Mindfulness Basics class is offered 4 times during the Spring 2025 semester. Each version is weekly for 4 weeks. While you are strongly encouraged to attend the full 4-week class, you can receive Honors Event credit for a single class, according to the following:Class 1 = #UHLevent11019Class 2 = #UHLevent11020Class 3 = #UHLevent11021Class 4 = #UHLevent11022 You may not receive Honors Event credit for going to the same class twice.

Jacqueline Jones, influenced by the American Impressionists of the Old Lyme Art Colony, presents plein air and studio paintings of dynamic beauty. Her lively brushwork captures the fleeting effects of sunlight, subtle atmospheres of color, and the power of the tides along New England coastlines. Mary Temple's daily Coastal Sunrise paintings represent her experience of one view off the coast of Maine. Each painting, through intensity of color and a muscular application of thick oil paint, creates a maximal experience for the viewer which is surprisingly inventive and deeply satisfying. The exhibition will be on view alongside the concurrent exhibition Harmony of Nature II: Waves Exhibition dates: April 2- May 4. Reception: April 2, 5:30-7:30 pm. Hours: Th-Sun. 12-4 pm

Host: Xinran Zheng & Zahra SalehiLocation: YNG 132 When: Friday April 18th 12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Webex Link:s.uconn.edu/psla_seminars (http://s.uconn.edu/psla_seminars)   Zahra Ali - Tree Multiplicities: Human-Beyond-Human Landscapes Utilizing film as my method, I explore the socio-ecological assemblages of these two strangler fig tree species—Ficus benghalensis, L. and Ficus religiosa, L., in Lahore, Pakistan. These epiphytic keystone species grow on, around, and through other trees and structures, with F. Benghalensis' aerial roots forming accessory trunks that can span acres. Stranglers have a deep history in Asia, entwined with religion, medicine, ritual, biodiversity, and landscape aesthetics dating back millennia. In emphasizing these human-beyond-human interactions, the film draws attention to multi-scalar ecological processes, visualizing an intricate web of interaction in urban landscapes. Working at the nexus of political ecology and landscape design, this research questions dominant perceptions of urban nature and explores landscape care practices shaped by socio-cultural values. Carla C. Caballero Mejia - Hemp hurd fiber as a substitute for peat moss in bedding plant production Growers are interested in sustainable substrates to replace sphagnum peat moss in container media due to the increasing cost of peat and consumer awareness of the environmental impacts of peat extraction from natural bogs. Hemp (Cannabis sativa) farming for fiber, grain and/or flower has increased since 2018 when the plant was legalized in the United States (US). The hem stem consists of long bast fibers and short hurd fibers. Decortication of the hemp stem results in mostly hurd at ~70%. Bast is important for the textile industry, while hurd is a byproduct with fewer recognized uses. Carla's talk highlights part of her research evaluating the use of hemp hurd fiber as a substitute for peat in ornamental plant production. Growth and performance of petunia (Petunia x hybrida) and geranium (Pelargonium x hortorum) will be covered.

12:20 Victoria Yi, MCB Major, Advisor: Dr. Aoife Heaslip Investigating the roles of Myosin L and Myosin F in the survival of Toxoplasma gondii12:40 Lucy Buccilli, Biology Major, Advisor: Dr. Carolyn Teschke The Role of Gene Product 14 in Phage P221:00 Emmanuel Hernandez, MCB & PNB Major, Advisor: Dr. Jonathan Klassen Effects of Nitrogen Supplementation on Fungus-Growing Ant Colonies1:20 Ryan Frier, MCB & Statistics Major, Advisor: Dr. Ken Campellone Imaging Adhesion Protein Dynamics1:40 Juliana Febrizio, MCB Major, Advisor: Dr. Juliet Lee Exploring the Role of Myosin II During the Wound Healing Response of Zebrafish Epithelial Sheets2:00 Jolie Attwood, MCB & Pathobiology Major, Advisor: Dr. Kat Milligan-McClellan Characterizing motility of a Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the threespine stickleback gut2:20 Nicholas Danese, MCB Major, Advisor: Dr. Charlie Giardina Characterization of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Their Role in Colorectal Cancer