Communication is often defined through speech, language, and the ability to articulate thoughts in words. This project challenges that assumption by shifting attention to listening as a relational act that can include babies and non-verbal children as active participants. By reconsidering how communication is conceptualized, the research pushes back against speech-centered models that overlook the… continue reading
First-generation college students often arrive on campus without the same family experience with higher education that many continuing-generation students have. Navigating academic expectations, campus systems, and support resources can feel isolating, and those experiences may shape whether students feel comfortable seeking academic help. At SPARK! 2025 (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), Chareina Johnson… continue reading
Sphingolipids are well known components of eukaryotic cells, playing important roles in organisms ranging from fungi and plants to animals. In bacteria, however, these lipids appear in only a small number of species, and their biological functions and synthesis pathways remain less understood. This project investigates how bacteria produce and transport sphingolipids, focusing on the… continue reading
Understanding how bacterial genes are regulated is essential for advances in biotechnology, medicine, and genetic research. One critical element in this process is the σ54-dependent promoter, a regulatory sequence that influences biological functions such as nitrogen fixation and pathogenicity. Detecting these promoters accurately remains a challenge for computational methods. This research was presented at the… continue reading
Melatonin is best known for its role in regulating sleep and circadian rhythms, but the molecular pathways through which it operates are not yet fully understood. Researchers continue to explore how melatonin signals are transmitted within cells and how those signals influence biological clocks. At SPARK! 2025 (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), Cathryn… continue reading
Research examining the long-term health consequences of violence exposure continues to expand beyond immediate injury and trauma. In “What doesn’t kill us, hurts us longer: a cross-sectional analysis of gun violence exposure and chronic pain in the United States,” published in BMC Public Health, Daniel C. Semenza, who teaches in the Criminal Justice MA program,… continue reading
