Wood Delights: Therapy and Hobby

This presentation explores my journey as a self-taught woodworker transforming unwanted wood - trimmed tree branches and scrap wood - into decorative and occasionally utilitarian objects. Emphasizing the therapeutic potential of woodworking, the presentation highlights how this hobby serves as both a creative outlet and, more importantly, a form of therapy. I am eager to share this process, showing how working with discarded materials can provide both artistic fulfillment and mental well-being. The presentation showcases examples of completed pieces, allowing the audience to see the tangible outcomes of this therapeutic craft. Attendees will see and learn about the various sources of wood, the inspiration behind the creations, and the tools and methods used in the crafting process. Through samples on display, participants gain insight into the rewarding practice of turning scrap materials into meaningful art

Protein Cousins: Characterizing Ubiquitin-Like Proteins within the Ubiquitin Code

Ubiquitin-like proteins (UBLs) are a group of small proteins that share sequence homology with ubiquitin. Although structurally like ubiquitin, UBLs are a protein group that play a distinct role in biological signaling ranging from DNA repair to cellular inflammatory response. The group achieves this by participating in enzymatic cascades that are intricately adjacent to that of the ubiquitin-proteasome machinery yet remain functionally distinct. Due to the unique duality of UBLs, researchers over the past three decades have sought to answer the fundamental question: Do the conjugation machinery of both protein classes overlap, and if so, which specific enzymes mediate such interaction? E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzymes are one place of overlap in which overlaps exist. Often referred to as the “middlemen,” E2s play a crucial role in the ubiquitin cascade by facilitating the transfer of activated ubiquitin to protein substrates, in collaboration with ubiquitin ligases (E3s). Through extensive research, these same enzymes have also been shown to conjugate specific UBLs, facilitating their attachment to protein substrates in a manner like ubiquitin. Despite such findings, there is still a gap in understanding how E2s mediate the interplay between both cascades. Consequently, the drive to deepen our understanding of how UBLs interact with E2s is compelling, as it offers a clearer insight into how these protein families converge within the broader context of cellular function and disease. This project aims to characterize nine UBLs and one Ub variant through a series of biochemical assays to elucidate their interactions with E2s

Effect of Vitamin D supplementation on the prevention of respiratory tract infections: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Background: Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin mainly responsible for calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Vitamin D also has been suggested to prevent respiratory tract infections (RTIs) through studies of COVID-19 cases which hinted relations between vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency to the severity of RTIs. Purpose: To evaluate the overall effect of Vitamin D supplementation on the prevention of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and serum 25(OH)D concentration before and after intervention based on clinical studies published from 2009 to 2019, in order to propose interventions that can reduce the risk, severity, and mortality of RTIs. Methods: Clinical trials were searched from 7 major scientific databases. 164 studies were imported into Covidence and 13 duplicates were identified. Data from 18 trials (n = 11,183) were included to assess the effect of vitamin D supplementation on RTIs incidence. A random-effects model was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence. Results: Regarding the respiratory tract infections outcome, the pooled OR for RTIs prevention was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.60–0.92, p \u3c 0.01), indicating a statistically significant reduction in RTIs incidence with vitamin D supplementation. Subgroup analysis demonstrated notable protective effects in participants with baseline vitamin D deficiency (OR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.25–0.72). However, results varied across studies, with some studies reporting no significant benefit. Moderate heterogeneity was observed (I² = 57%, p = 0.002), reflecting variability in study populations, dosing regimens, and durations. Conclusions: Vitamin D supplementation significantly reduces the risk of RTIs, particularly in Vitamin D deficient populations. Findings suggest that addressing vitamin D deficiency through supplementation could be an effective public health strategy to reduce RTIs incidence. Further studies are needed to determine optimal dosing and target populations

Supporting Second-Year College Students in the Murky Middle

This study articulates the needs and expectations of an intersectional population of undergraduate college students: second-year students in the murky middle. Nearly half of all student dropouts occur after the first year of enrollment, with more than 45% occurring by mid-performing students. Despite this, institutions, like researchers, do not readily focus on the retention of this population of students; a Noel Levitz study (2013) found a disparity in the prevalence of retention practices for first-year students (94%-98%) and second-year students (20%-29%). This general qualitative study utilized a semi-structured interview protocol with nine participants to gather information about the participants’ needs and expectations in their college experience. Findings highlight participants’ experiences being a second-year student, within the classroom, with peers, and in navigating campus resources. Participants articulated an awareness of their own personal and academic needs, informed by their individual circumstances and first year experience, and choices in how they chose to engage with the institution. They identified institutional challenges with key transitional tasks, including course registration and the ability to be successful in next level coursework. Finally, they made recommendations for institutional actions that would improve their experiences, including improved access to campus resources and opportunities and scaffolded support as they transitioned into and through their second year

Exploring Body Image Perceptions Among Female Athletes

Female athletes face unique challenges that reveal the need to change how they are represented and portrayed. This study will explore the research question: How does the media, social expectations, and sport specific body ideals negatively affect the body image of female athletes? This study will use Objectification Theory coined by Barbara Fredrickson and Tomi-Ann Roberts which proposes that women are often seen and treated as objects (1997). Research indicates experiences of being objectified lead to body dissatisfaction because there is more attention on their appearance than their performance (Kayoung and Sagas 2014). Additionally, using the Male Gaze Theory posed by Laura Mulvey helps explain the way the media focuses on female athletes appearance over abilities that reinforce social expectations and representation (1975). This research is important because it will examine the body image experiences of female athletes and its impact on mental health, self-esteem, and performance. The discussion also highlights the push back from female athletes against social expectations, unrealistic beauty standards, and objectification that attempt to define them as women first instead of competitors

String Musician Health

String musicians are at high risk for developing playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMDs), with recent studies indicating that 80% of string players experience pain and 74.2% report PRMD symptoms during their musical careers. These issues are particularly prevalent among student musicians, who often feel pressure to play through the pain . Many students do not report their pain, with even fewer consulting medical professionals and seeking treatment, increasing the risk of long-term damage to their body. The physical demands of playing a string instrument can lead to a range of musculoskeletal issues. Some of the common injuries among string musicians include tendonitis, thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle imbalances. These injuries often arise from repetitive motions, asymmetrical motion patterns, poor posture, or prolonged tension associated with playing a string instrument. Treatment options for these conditions vary depending on the type and severity of the issue. Some common treatments include physical therapy, stretching, strength training, and in some severe cases, surgical interventions are needed. Preventative strategies and early intervention are key in minimizing the incidence of these injuries. Educating musicians on proper technique, stretching routines, and the importance of reporting injury is crucial in promoting the health of string musicians. Musculoskeletal health education and smart practice habits have been proven effective in reducing the incidence and severity of playing-related injuries. Cultivating a culture that prioritizes injury prevention, transparency about pain, and proactive health management is essential for the well-being of string musicians

June 2025

https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/alumni-news/1005/thumbnail.jp