Barbara Yasson Research Award

Permanent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/2022/33413

This award recognizes outstanding undergraduate research completed in courses which are part of the ASURE Program. Winning projects will incorporate a substantial research component with multiple, high-quality sources of information from both IU Libraries and open scholarship collections. This award, which started in 2024, is the result of a generous gift from Barbara Yasson.

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Now showing 1 - 17 of 17

Evaluation of Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting Vibrio Quorum Sensing Transcription Factor LuxR
(2026-07-13) Lah, Ian; Hosey, Elie; Livingston, Eileen; Battaglia, Blake; Declan, Oliver-Raikes; Aloys, Karim; Graber, Anna; Nair, Anagha; van Kessel, Dr. Julia; Brown, Dr. Laura
Pathogenic Vibrio species rely on quorum sensing (QS) to coordinate virulence and group behaviors, presenting a severe threat to human health, marine ecosystems, and global aquaculture. Antibiotic resistance necessitates the development of novel, alternative treatments that disarm pathogens without selectively pressuring bacterial survival. To address this, we evaluated a series of small-molecule inhibitors designed to disrupt the function of LuxR and its homologs, which serve as the master transcriptional regulators of QS in Vibrio species. Through a combination of transcriptional reporter assays, in vitro binding evaluations, and structural modeling, we identified several potent compounds that successfully reduced LuxR-driven gene expression. Importantly, our top candidate inhibitors reduced LuxR-driven reporter expression without substantially affecting overall bacterial growth. These findings support the viability of targeting LuxR-like transcription factors as an anti-virulence strategy, providing a strong foundation for the development of more potent inhibitors through lead optimization, and ultimately next-generation therapeutics to combat drug-resistant Vibrio infections.
Optimizing mKate for Disulfide Bond Detection in Escherichia coli
(2026-06-08) Santos, Louisa
Disulfide bonds (DSBs), essential for the stabilization of proteins required for pathogenesis, are formed in the E. coli periplasm by the DsbA/DsbB pathway. DsbB is responsible for reactivating DsbA; thus, inhibiting DsbB decreases DSB formation. The development of a new DsbB inhibitor drug is supported by a strong redox biosensor to detect DSB presence. Previously-used colorimetric β-Galactosidase (LacZ) is limited by its low signal-to-noise ratio; however, fluorescent protein mKate is more promising – our experiment investigated the optimization of mKate as a redox biosensor via directed evolution. Through mutagenic PCR and screening of transformed E. coli, we aimed to identify mutants exhibiting a greater fluorescence separation between drug-treated and untreated conditions: untreated periplasmic mKate exhibits lower fluorescence due to DSBs from the uninhibited DsbA/DsbB pathway, while drug treatment increases fluorescence by DsbB inhibition. However, screening results showed high variability and inconsistent control behavior, and sequencing of selected candidates did not reveal functionally significant mutations in mKate, with only a synonymous mutation identified. These findings indicate limitations in mutagenesis efficiency and assay reliability, highlighting the need for improved experimental design and replication in future studies to more successfully evolve mKate as a redox biosensor. A revised hypothesis is that additional rounds of mutagenesis, combined with replicated screening under consistently prepared media conditions, will generate functionally significant mKate mutations with reproducible increases in drug-dependent fluorescence relative to wild-type mKate, optimizing the biosensor for use in novel antibiotic development.
Can Juvenile Hormones Maximize the Reproductive Output of Gryllodes sigillatus on Cricket Farms?
(2026-06-10) Baba, Claire
Cricket farms are a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional livestock practices, helping combat issues such as food shortages. Juvenile hormones (JH), exclusive to insects, have been found to increase reproductive output in crickets. By applying JH to cricket farming practices, we can find ways to improve the reproductive output, and thus, efficiency on cricket farms to help meet the growing global demands for their sustainable protein sources. We studied the extent to which increasing JH levels in, specifically, adult female G. sigillatus (tropical house crickets) led to an increase in their reproductive output. In our study, we increased JH levels in our crickets through the topical application of methoprene, a juvenile hormone analog. We measured reproductive output by quantifying egg viability via analysis for eye spots in the eggs under a microscope. Statistical analysis showed no significant effect of methoprene on egg viability, egg count, or probability of egg-laying. Our results failed to reject the null hypothesis that there will be no change in egg viability as a result of methoprene. Our results suggest that JH alone cannot maximize efficiency on cricket farms. Some possible limitations in our data include lack of standardization for egg collection, small sample sizes, and faulty methods of egg collection. Our findings do not rule out JH as beneficial to cricket farms. Further research should improve upon these limitations to more accurately represent the relationship between methoprene and egg viability. Additionally, further research should explore the interactions between various factors and methoprene to determine applicability on cricket farms.
The Use of Fluorescent Redox Biosensors in Escherichia coli to Detect Disulfide Bonds
(2026-06-09) Davis, Lila
Disulfide bonds provide structure and stability through protein folding in bacteria (Manta et al., 2019). Due to their importance in cellular function, manipulation of disulfide bonds has the potential to inhibit pathogenic bacteria. The conducted experiment aimed to enhance a redox biosensor that utilized the fluorescent protein mPapaya to detect the presence of disulfides in bacteria. Through directed evolution, mutations in the biosensor were created and then tested for improved fluorescent emission. It was suggested that with better emission, the identification of disulfide bonds by the biosensor would be more quantifiable and therefore applicable for future search and development of new antibiotics. A mutant library of 595 mutants was created and out of 465 tested mutants, 10 were deemed high performing. The mutations within these mutants were identified through sequencing and modeled with the software PyMOL. 5 mutants had useable sequencing results and 2 of those 5 had mutations that could be modelled. No conclusive results could be made, but continued experimentation is recommended.
Investigating the Inhibitory Effectiveness of SmcR-binding Sulfonamide Molecules in Vibrio Vulnificus through the Biological Assay
(2026-06-08) Onigbogi, Oluwadarasimi (Dara)
In Vibrio, the communication system known as quorum sensing is controlled by the master transcription factor LuxR and its homologs. The LuxR family of transcription factors are proteins which regulate gene expression for harmful and beneficial bacterial group behaviors such a biofilm formation. In the bacteria Vibrio Vulnificus specifically, these genes and group behaviors are controlled by the transcription factor SmcR. A previous compound library screen found that the thiophenesulfonamine PTSP ((3-phenyl-1-(thiophen-2-ylsulfonyl)-1H- pyrazole) or “10B” was the most potent inhibitor of SmcR, and thus it was used as a positive control for effective inhibition. In addition to this positive control, 36 other compounds previously synthesized from past ASURE lab students were tested through a biological assay. From multiple assays it was determined that 10 compounds showed inhibition due to the similarity of their curves and IC50 to that of 10B. These included 17H, 17O, 18O, 18P, 18A, 41A, 42A, 44A, 44B, 44C. While inhibitory, most of these compounds were not as inhibitory as 10B. However, surprisingly, the compound 18A was found to be very similar to 10B in its strength of inhibition, perhaps even being more inhibitory to SmcR. These promising results revealed the potential of these inhibitors to continue to improve and eventually be used in the creation of novel therapies for V. Vulnificus infections and bacterial infections more broadly.
Formal Logic and Model Checking Framework for Automated Security Verification in Distributed Systems
(2026-04-14) S. S., Karthikhesvaran
Contemporary cloud services, Internet of Things (IoT) platforms, and critical infrastructure are based on distributed systems, where security must be ensured first. Because of concurrency, partial failures, and asynchronous communication, ensuring security properties is insufficient and prone to error due to manual analysis or testing. The methods of security verification are not rigorous, scalable, or automatable in complex distributed environments. Simulation-based and informal reasoning cannot be relied on to be exhaustive in capturing less obvious attack vectors. It includes race-condition exploits, privilege escalation, and protocol inconsistencies across distributed nodes. The paper will introduce a new verification architecture, LAVAS (Logic-Aware Verification for Adaptive Security), that combines formal logic specifications and automated model checking for overcoming all concerns. Temporal-epistemic logic is used to articulate security requirements that reflect the system's evolution and the distribution of knowledge among system agents. LAVAS builds an abstract system model based on state-transition graphs and employs optimized symbolic model checking, pruning the state during verification of confidentiality, structural, and availability properties under adversarial conditions. An experimental analysis of representative distributed protocols has shown that the LAVAS verification architecture achieved 0.94 verification accuracy and 0.91 attack detection rate. It scaled to 0.88 and reduced the state space by 62%. The average verification time was 38.6 seconds, the false-positive rate was 0.08, the pruning efficiency was 0.54, and the overall efficiency was 0.89. Then the traditional verification technique, with up to 28% higher efficiency. The proposed model is a scalable, automated, and rigorous security-checking mechanism for distributed systems that eliminates prior vulnerabilities in designs.
Investigating the Relationship Between Gender Identity, Race, and Attitude Towards Whether or Not the Death Penalty Brings Victims’ Families Closure
(2026-03-09) Hwang, Savannah
This study explores individuals’ attitudes towards whether or not the death penalty brings victims’ families closure based on gender identity and race. The death penalty has long been a controversial topic in both America and internationally. When considering arguments for and against practicing capital punishment, the intent behind the punishment of the death penalty comes into question. One such intent that supporters of the death penalty provide is that the death penalty brings victims’ families a sense of closure; however, those in opposition to the death penalty often argue that this is not necessarily true. Thus, gauging people’s opinion on this topic based on gender identity and race can provide lawmakers with guidance on how to approach this facet of the death penalty. In this study, my peers and I set about exploring these attitudes by developing a questionnaire about the death penalty that included a question in which people selected a response ranging from “Strongly disagree” to “Strongly agree” that best aligns with their stance on the statement, “The death penalty brings CLOSURE to victims’ families.” The survey was then shared via a QR code linked to the document, which was put up around Indiana University Bloomington’s campus. The survey was also shared via link on social media (Instagram) and text message. The results of the questionnaire found no significant difference among attitudes towards the statement based on race, but when categorized by gender identity, there were statistically significant differences in responses across different gender identity categories. A majority of respondents of all races tended to agree that the death penalty brings closure to victims’ families. Similarly, a majority of females tended to agree with the statement, but males and individuals of other gender identities were more varied among their responses. This paper will provide further exploration of the background of research on attitudes towards the death penalty, methodology for this study, and analysis of this study’s results.
Synthesis and Analysis of Novel Sulfonamide Inhibitors in Vibrio campbellii
(2026-02-26) Schmuck, Rylee; Demou, Scarlett; Kasanowsky, Olivia; Bultman, Macy; Uwase, Fides; Visuthduangdusd, Techin; Alcock, Sabina; Aloys, Karim; Malka, Danielle; van Kessel, Dr. Julia; Brown, Dr. Laura
The growing issue of antibiotic resistance presents an urgent need for additional therapeutic measures that can serve as a complement to antibiotics when treating bacterial infections. A notable strategy is to disrupt bacteria’s ability to communicate with one another and express phenotypic group behaviors, which is a process known as quorum sensing. By regulating the virulence and pathogenicity of many bacterial species, including Vibrio campbellii, bacterial infections can be fought effectively without furthering the body’s resistance to antibiotics. This study aimed to identify inhibitors of the master-regulator of quorum sensing, known as LuxR. A vast library of compounds was carefully assayed to determine their efficacy at inhibiting LuxR. IC50 values were calculated to assess inhibitory potency, and seven compounds, including 32C and 32M, produced favorable inhibitory results with low IC50 values. In silico docking studies using Webina and ChimeraX confirmed that the many effective inhibitors bound within the LuxR ligand-binding pocket with favorable, negative binding affinities. Many successful compounds had similar structures, including methyl groups and sulfonyl chloride groups. This indicates these structures are critical for LuxR binding. Our findings support the potential of LuxR-targeted quorum sensing inhibitors as complementary agents to traditional antibiotics, offering a promising future toward reducing bacterial virulence and combatting antibiotic resistance.
Generating Biosensors with Fluorescent Proteins in E. coli
(2025-12-16) Tran, Caila; Landeta, Christina Dr.
The ASURE BIOT-X150 laboratory course works through the process of generating a better redox fluorescent biosensor in Escherichia coli. Biosensors are devices designed to detect specific chemical signals and produce a measurable response. Fluorescent biosensors placed in the periplasm of E. coli can detect redox reactions by emitting fluorescence. The redox environment of the periplasm is linked to bacterial pathogenesis, so these biosensors could aid in the discovery of antibiotics. However, previous biosensors have faced limitations restricting their effectiveness. Our objective is to develop a biosensor that overcomes these limitations. We will incorporate the fluorescent protein mEYFP into a biosensor and introduce it into the periplasm of E. coli. The fluorescence output of each plasmid will then be measured and analyzed to assess the efficiency of the newly engineered biosensor. Hopefully, we will be able to achieve the goals of the objective.
Using Fluorescent Proteins as Biosensors for Escherichia coli
(2025-09-12) Outcalt, Avery; Landeta, Cristina Dr.
During this ASURE research lab, we use biosensors to detect if disulfide bonds are being formed in the periplasm of Escherichia coli. Although red fluorescent proteins have already been proven to have high levels of fluorescence, this study focuses on optimizing mKeima as a biosensor by increasing fluorescence intensity and improving sensitivity in the bacterial periplasm where disulfide bonds are formed.
Investigating Inhibitors Against Quorum Sensing Group Behaviors in V. Vulnificus
(2025-08-26) Armstrong, Elise; Langston, Annalise; Kasanowsky, Olivia; Brown, Laura Dr.; van Kessel, Julia Dr.; McGuire, Maygan
The gradual development of superbugs has led to more and more problems when fighting infections. Finding ways to prevent group behaviors and decrease virulence possibly offers a path for fighting infection without adding to antibiotic resistance. This study found several new inhibitors that prevent activity from the transcription factor SmcR, which is what activates group behaviors caused by quorum sensing in V. vulnificus. These inhibitors 32A, 32C, and 18C are more effective than previously found inhibitors for LuxR homologs. Through these findings, structural patterns between inhibitors emerge. Assay data and docking studies were used for these findings. This information is used to propose new compounds for future testing of their inhibitory effectiveness against SmcR.
Personal, Social, and Historical Applications of the Family Photo Archive
(2025-08-11) Pearce, Emma
Family photographs can aid in memory recall and have personal value, but the historical and social information that can be found in them is just as invaluable.
Fluorescent Proteins As A More Quantifiable Approach Than Chromogenic Redox Biosensors
(2025-08-08) Buchner, Hannah
A biosensor is a tool/device that has the ability to detect for a specific biological or chemical substance. Fluorescent biosensors are harnessed in relation to Escherichia coli bacteria so as to quantify the presence of redox reactions via the expression of fluorescence. Because the redox environment is linked to bacterial pathogenesis, this process will lead to the discovery of novel antibiotics combating bacteria. Existing biosensors in this area of study are associated with limitations that hinder their adaptability when applied to a wide variety of situations. So, the goal moving forward is to generate a biosensor that can overcome this obstacle. In order to execute this ideal, the fluorescent protein, mKate, will be developed as a biosensor and guided toward the periplasm of two variants of E. coli. Fluorescent outputs will be analyzed and employed to improve the newly constructed biosensor through directed evolution.
Applying Directed Evolution to Improve Gamillus Luminescent Biosensors
(2025-08-07) Bognar, Evan
With the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance, scientists must find a way to develop improved treatments against bacterial infections as bacteria continues to quickly evolve. Many antibiotic and bacterial studies are conducted using bioluminescent proteins that can function as biosensors. These biosensors are crucial to the efficient and accurate detection of certain analytes in a solution. Our research resides in the improvement of these biosensors, specifically the Gamillus fluorescent protein. To improve these biosensors, we will be facilitating directed evolution onto the proteins and selecting for the optimal traits which we observe. With this approach, we will improve the sensitivity and specificity of these fluorescent biosensors.
The Unequal Trinity: The Photographer, The Audience, and The Woman
(2025-08-05) Loveland, Madison
Photography is commonly seen as the capturing of a moment in time as it occurs, but to truly understand the moment from all parts is to understand the relationship between the photographer, the audience, and the subject as the photograph is being taken. As novelist and art critic John Berger explains in his piece, Understanding A Photograph, “I have said that a photograph bears witness to a human choice being exercised. This choice is not between photographing X and Y, but between photographing X moment at Y moment.” (3) The “moment” he mentions is the dynamic interaction between the photographer and the subject, and what comes from that is the interpretation of the moment by the audience. As monotonous and simple as this process may seem, what is little considered is the intentions behind each part of the photographic trifecta.While the photographer may intend to show a scene in time, the audience might intend to consume the photograph with bias or expectation, all the while the subject may feel either empowered or exploited. With a focus on the subject specifically being a woman, how does the interaction between each part change or differ between the production, consumption, and interpretation of the photograph? Why is it that in the previous quote by Sylvia Plath from her book The Bell Jar, the audience and the photographer answer so confidently about what the subject wants? Through an in depth analysis of the relationship between the photographer, the audience, and the subject as a woman, this essay is meant to propose that the importance of understanding photography lies within the intention of the photographer, the expectation of the audience, and the emotional connection with the female subject.
EFFECTS OF TEMPERATURE AND AN IMMUNE RESPONSE ON THE EGG QUALITY OF TROPICAL HOUSE CRICKETS (GRYLLODES SIGILLATUS)
(2025-08-05) Sigmund, Charlotte; Hastings, Kyla
Climate change is becoming a growing concern as it contributes to temperature fluctuations and increase in pathogen prevalence. Temperature fluctuations can raise an organism’s internal body temperature and alter their physiological responses. For many thermosensitive species, the smallest change in temperature can have great influence on their behavior. Similarly, pathogen exposure can alter an organism’s behavior as they are experiencing an immune response and may have to reallocate energy to increase chances of survival. To explore the relationship between climate change and pathogen exposure, tropical Gryllodes Sigillatus female crickets were exposed to temperature variations (25℃, 31℃) and lipopolysaccharides (LPS) derived from Serratia marcescens (3.5 micrograms/microliter or 5.0 micrograms/microliter). We focused on how temperature fluctuations and pathogen exposure influenced reproductive behavior. Our results revealed that a warmer temperature variation reduced egg production and protein content. While both temperature changes led to reductions in egg production and protein content, only the warmer temperature produced statistically significant decreases in both measures when compared to the control temperature. LPS treatment variations revealed no statistical significance when compared to the frozen control. Our data supports the trade-off hypothesis, showing that female crickets will reallocate resources to increase their survival at the expense of reproductive effort when under stress. This study emphasizes the complex interactions between environmental stressors and reproductive behavior in thermosensitive species and underscores the need for further research on how climate change and pathogen exposure may impact other tropical organisms behavior.
Youth Revival: The Reunification of Berlin Through the Emergence of Techno
(2025) Broach, Emma

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