Evaluating the Effects of Nano and Microplastics on Epidermal Barrier Function

The skin acts as a vital barrier against external factors, including nanoplastics (NPs)—ubiquitous environmental materials with unknown effects on the skin. NPs originate from the breakdown of plastic bottles, tires, paints, and cosmetics and spread through ingestion, inhalation, and contact. However, their effects on the skin barrier remain unknown. We investigated the impacts of polystyrene (PS) NPs on barrier function using biomimetic skin cultures. Daily PS-NP (100 nm) exposure (4h) for seven days reduced barrier function by 40% at all tested doses (1, 10, 100 ppm) via transepithelial electrical resistance. This was not due to cytotoxicity, as exposure up to 120 h did not alter keratinocyte growth or morphology (N=3) in a 2D DNA assay. Further analysis showed decreased expression of filaggrin, loricrin, and claudin 4 in 3D epidermis organoids at 1 ppm PS-NPs. Our data indicate NPs compromise the skin barrier, likely by reducing proteins critical to its function. As NPs in the environment will only continue to increase, understanding the consequences of skin exposure is imperative to comprehend how these environmental exposure agents affect humans

A novel Microcantilever Biosensing platform for PFOA Detection

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), which pose health risks to humans. Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their extremely long lifespans, drinking water PFAS contamination from industrial processes and other sources has been recognized by the EPA as a cancer risk, and regulates the maximum level allowed. Unfortunately, current PFAS detection systems are expensive, require sophisticated machinery, and are not as selective, sensitive, and specific as could be desired. We designed and tested a microcantilever platform for a PFOA biosensor. Anti-albumin antibodies were immobilized on the cantilever surface. When this was exposed to a solution containing PFOA, antibody antigen interactions took place, exerting a stress on the surface of the cantilever tip. This stress led to deflection of the tip, which was measured optically. In a more concentrated PFOA solution, more binding interactions will take place, leading to a greater stress and greater tip deflection. Thus if you have deflection data from an unknown sample, the PFOA concentration can be determined. Preliminary data shows that this approach can predict with high sensitivity the concentration of PFOA in solution

Electrochemical Characterization of (R-,R′-bpy)Os(Cl)2(=O)2 Complexes Presenter

This project involved the 1-step synthesis and characterization of osmium complexes following the chemical formula, (R-,R′-bpy)Os(Cl)2(=O)2, where R represents a variety of carbon-based groups such as tert-butyl (–C(CH3)3), methoxy (–OCH3), and trifluoromethyl (–C(CF3)3). These osmium complexes are a marked improvement over osmium tetroxide, which is volatile and extremely hazardous. Furthermore, previous studies of these complexes were limited to stoichiometric use with harsh oxidants, whereas we propose catalysis using only water and green energy inputs (e.g. electricity). Herein, we evaluated the ability of these complexes to oxidize thioethers (70-80% yield), via the input of a mild, applied current or potential. Specifically, these complexes were observed to undergo an initial activation step: 1) reduction followed by 2) geometric reorganization. Subsequent reoxidation of this species formed the active complex for catalysis. To inform these claims, we used a combination of electrochemistry (cyclic voltammetry, chronoamperometry), spectroelectrochemistry (ultraviolet-visible), and spectroscopy (electron-paramagnetic resonance, nuclear magnetic resonance) techniques. Additionally, further understanding of the complex was achieved through computational modeling, which was used to explain the initial activation step involving chloride dissociation and/or halide exchange

Ivy League potential

Ivy League Potential is a college consultant company that helps provide world-class guidance, real skills and coaching to help students through the college admissions process and get into the college of their dreams. The focus of the business project for Ivy League Potential changed over time and included marketing media for business proposals, newspapers, and pages about different case studies and their majors. Over the course of six months, the company provided opportunities to work with different forms of designing marketing material. As well as opportunities to develop my experience with graphic design platforms like Canva. Over the course of the business project, the company benefited through the delivery of different forms of marketing media for a variety of platforms. The most significant impact of these deliverables was the One-pagers on different case studies done for different research projects that students were pursuing

Designing IMSA\u27s Al Future: Human centered Al and Ethics Intern

The focus Of IMSA Al Center for Al Human Centered Al and Ethics is advancing responsible artificial intelligence development and encouraging ethical considerations and conversations in education, research, and institutional policy. To do this, we focused on curriculum development. We designed and implemented an Al Ethics course, workshops, and interessions such as Teaching and Learning in the Age Of Generative Al, Writing to Make Generative Al Useful (Prompt Engineering), and Independent Al Lab Projects. We also expanded on the LE Il Reviews ChatGPT project where students engaged in critical evaluation Of large language models to enhance their Al literacy skills. Additionally, three Al-focused computer science courses with a focus on ethics were developed for AY 2025-2026. This year\u27s community engagement included quarterly Al and ethics programs and Al Bytes discussions on Al in Education, Politics, and Economics, Ethics of DeepSeek, and Copyright and Consent in Generative Al. The second annual Al Book Read was based around Co-intelligence by Ethan Mollick. With a $30,000 grant, the Center acquired Al development tools, robotics kits, Al glasses, and Khanmigo Al for ethical Al education. ChatGPT for Teams was introduced to engage faculty in responsible Al use. Our department was able to help students develop an awareness Of ethics in Al. We hope to continue this with policy development and community conversations focused on Al ethics

Intern at Illinois Treasurer\u27s Office

The Illinois State Treasurer\u27s Offce is a government agency that helps improve and support the financial situation of families living in the state. The office provides a variety of programs to help families save for college, save for expenses related to living with a disability, save for retirement, and more. Over the past few months, my work has focused on supporting and improving the college savings program. / analyzed data to help the program estimate future growth. Through this project, / compared the number of people that signed up with Illinois college saving plans with other States. Thus impacting the program\u27s ability to make investment decisions and provide the best growth for account holders. Moreover, I listened to stories of families \u27 interactions with the 529 college savings program. Then, I crafted their testimonies and shared them With the public. These testimonies can reach other people and motivate them to also invest in the program, which helps them prepare for college expenses. Lastly, / gathered information from many teachers from the Chicago area to tell them about the Illinois Personal Finance Challenge. This allows them to expose their students to earning income, spending, sawing, and investing

Studying the Integration Between Error Correction and Quantum Machine Learning at Google Quantum Al

As we continue advancing to the transition from classical to quantum computing, we face a significant challenge: quantum error. Quantum errors come from quantum gate imperfections and decoherence. Many quantum machine learning algorithms require multiple executions to attain a proper estimation due to the variability introduced by error. The Variational Quantum Eigensolver optimizes ansatz parameters to approximate the ground state of a Hamiltonian but error misclassifies qubit readouts, distorting Pauli operator estimates. This can cause the optimizer to follow an incorrect descent path, leading to unstable convergence. This year, I\u27ve focused on learning quantum error correction and quantum machine learning and am now connecting them by testing the effects of different error correction codes on quantum machine learning, specifically the Variational Quantum Eigensolver, using a Quokka quantum simulator

HBCU Experience Panel 2025

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The Impact of Self-Management Programming on Gifted Student Perceptions of Sleep in a Residential Setting

Insufficient sleep among high school students has become a pressing concern for its detrimental effects on academic performance, physical health, and mental wellness. This concern is amplified for students living away from their parents in a boarding school setting. The purpose of this action research study was to investigate and improve the sleep experience of gifted secondary students who live with their peers in a residential setting. Two cycles of data collection occurred. Participants in Cycle 1 were gifted secondary students who were enrolled at a residential school, as well as counselors and residential staff employed at the same institution. The data collected and analyzed from Cycle 1 informed the design of intervention action steps. Action steps, including a four-part, peer-facilitated social-emotional learning program focused on self-management skill building, were designed, implemented, and evaluated in Cycle 2 to understand how self-management skill building influenced student perceptions of sleep and sleep habits. Student facilitators, residential staff moderators, and student participants provided critical feedback that assisted in the evaluation process. The study concludes that residential secondary students crave institution-sanctioned structures and required ongoing support to build self-management habits. The findings also highlight the opportunity to evolve student and staff perceptions about sleep to disrupt adolescent norms and shift the campus culture. Implications for the organization include training for residential staff, implementing more structure during nonacademic time, and offering differentiated programming for students based on grade level to improve sleep habits and overall student health and well-being

BSU

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