The Lions in the Light: Success Summit Fall 2026 offers students the opportunity to explore experiential learning opportunties and meet with employers who hire from a broad range of majors.

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Presentations

UNA STEM Poster Session Program 

November 17, 2026 

3:00-4:00pm 

Hannah Smith 

Major/Minor: Applied Chemistry/Crime Scene Investigation 
Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Stenger 
Title: In Silico Characterization of an FGFR3 Missense Variant of Uncertain Significance 
Abstract: FGFR3 is a receptor tyrosine kinase that plays an important role in cartilage development and bone growth. Pathogenic variants in FGFR3 can affect how the protein functions and lead to skeletal disorders such as achondroplasia. While some FGFR3 variants have been studied, the effects of many missense variants are still unknown. This study focused on an FGFR3 variant of uncertain significance (VUS) at amino acid position 536 to investigate whether the substitution could affect normal protein function. To study this variant, several computational prediction tools were used, including SIFT, PolyPhen-2, CADD, and REVEL, to predict whether the amino acid change could be harmful. ConSurf was used to examine how conserved the amino acid position is across different species. YASARA was used to view the three-dimensional structure of FGFR3 and examine the location of the variant. The properties of the original and substituted amino acids were also compared to see how the change in charge and other characteristics might affect the protein. Molecular dynamics simulations were used to compare the movement and stability of the wild-type and variant proteins using RMSD and RMSF analysis. The results showed that several prediction tools suggested the variant could negatively affect FGFR3 function. Conservation analysis also suggested that the amino acid position may be important for normal protein activity. Structural analysis and molecular dynamics simulations showed differences between the wild-type and variant proteins, suggesting that the substitution could affect protein behavior. Although the results were not completely consistent across all tools, the overall findings suggest that this variant may have an effect on FGFR3 function. Further experimental research is needed to determine whether the variant is harmful and whether it could contribute to disease. 

Don ’Yae Hadley 

Major: Biology 
Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Stenger 
Title: Genomic Landscape of Chromosome XI HBB Protein Variant 55: Assessing Pathogenicity of Valine 55 Alanine Amino Swap in Risk Assessment for Sickle Cell Disease. 
Abstract: Background: variants within the hemoglobin subunit beta (HBB) gene are assessed due to association with ‘Sickle Cell Disease’ (SCD). Plentiful gene therapies and hemotherapies, as well as practical preventative care for hemolytic disease are available. There are many approaches to target ‘Sickle Cell Disease’ and achieve practical preventative care. Many variants exist within the HBB gene. There are more than two hundred sixty-one reviewed variants within the one hundred forty- seven amino long, amino acid chain for the HBB gene. Many protein variants within the 261 reviewed are associated variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The related VUS have not been fully studied and requires investigation to assess their relation to phenotypic outcomes. Methods: Data on the HBB gene and reviewed variants within the HBB gene amino chain has been assessed and collected from predictive computational tools and software : Uniprot, Polyphen, Ensembl, clinvar, clingen, YASARA, Gnomad, AlphaFold, AlphaMissense, SIFT, and CADD; these software, collectively were used to curate an impact chart. The impact chart derived from the data collected from the computational tools and predictive software models elucidates sequencing for thousands of individuals. Three isoforms of HBB were chosen to be independently observed for plausible relation to ‘Sickle Cell Disease’. The isoforms, positions (55, 84, 93) were used for variant analysis and identifying possible mishaps in the raw data collected from the computational systems and predictive tools. Results: The chosen VUS Valine to Alanine, a missense, point-mutation, at position 55 has been observed to possess possible influence on hemolytic disease risks. There is very few phenotypingdata available for the selected isoforms at positions (55,84, 93). Conclusion: This work highlights the need to investigate variants of uncertain significance, especially those that have high predicted pathogenicity. 

Devin Hill 

Major/Minor: Psychology/Biology 
Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Stenger 
Title: Missense Mutation L973P of CFTR and Describing its Association with Cystic Fibrosis 
Abstract: Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition that alters proteins that affect cells, tissues, and glands that make sweat and mucus. The gene CFTR has been found to primarily contribute to cystic fibrosis when mutated. The Variant of Unknown Significance (VUS) at amino acid position 973 on the CFTR gene has been categorized as a missense swap mutation. The effects of this missense may describe the severity of failure within the CFTR protein channel when compared to other known variants. This mutation may have similar characteristics as pathogenic variants, depending on scores of in-silico prediction tools and other supplemental identifiers. This study analyzes the variant L973P on the CFTR gene and describes its characteristics in association with traits of benign or pathogenic scores.  

Carl Parasiliti Jr. 

Major: Mathematics 
Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Stenger 
Title: Categorizing a Variant of Unknown Significance of the SHANK3 Gene Found in a Schizophrenia15 Patient Using in Silico Methods 
Abstract: Schizophrenia 15 is a particularly debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by abnormalities at the 22q13.3 chromosome region. Here is found the SH3 and multiple ankyrin repeat domains 3 gene or SHANK3 gene, which is disrupted in schizophrenia 15. A protein enriched in the postsynaptic density in the brain, its interactions connect neurotransmitter receptors, ion channels, and other membrane proteins to the actin based cytoskeleton and G-protein coupled signaling pathways in the postsynaptic neuron. 

Despite its link to Schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder there are many unclassified variants of uncertain significance (VUS) that occur in this gene, one of which is SHANK3 H313R. Known to occur in a schizophrenia diagnosed patient, it is investigated in this presentation, in which we attempt to classify the VUS using in silico evidence. 

Pathogenicity predictor scores from the SIFT, CADD, and ESM1b software tools were collected from two benign and two pathogenic variants of the SHANK3 gene, I320T and R522P (benign) and R597G and R978G (pathogenic). These were compared to the pathogenicity predictions for the VUS of study in an attempt to predict the clinical significance of the variant. 

Han Htoo Satt 

Major: Computer Science 
Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Stenger 
Title: AKT2 as it relates to Type 2 Diabetes 
Abstract: Type 2 Diabetes is a metabolic condition strongly influenced by genetic factors. The AKT2 gene is heavily associated with the disease and provides instructions for a crucial protein kinase within the insulin signaling pathway, where mutations can trick the body into acting as if there is a lack of insulin, leading to severe insulin resistance. However, the exact structural and functional disruptions caused by specific Variants of Uncertain Significance (VUS) in AKT2 require further characterization. This study evaluates the pathogenicity of specific AKT2 variants to understand their localized impact on protein stability and overall glucose metabolism. Using the Simple ClinVar database, AKT2 was identified as a primary gene of interest. In-silico prediction tools, including SIFT, PolyPhen, CADD, REVEL, and AlphaMissense, were utilized alongside YASARA 3D structural modeling to evaluate and compare wild-type and mutated protein states. Analysis of 179 Ensembl variants pinpointed two VUS, E134A and P70A, which exhibited elevated pathogenicity scores closely trending with known pathogenic controls and exceeding the deleterious CADD score threshold of 20. Furthermore, 3D modeling of the E134A mutation revealed that replacing wild-type glutamic acid with alanine removes critical negative charges and hydrogen bonds, disrupting the enzyme's regulatory interface and conformational stability. These structural and computational findings suggest that these specific mutations severely impair insulin signaling, providing deeper insight into the genetic mechanisms driving Type 2 Diabetes susceptibility. 

Caroline Smith 

Major: Biology 
Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Stenger 
Title: Classifying VUS RET E337K by comparing to known benign and pathogenic variants, related studies, and using molecular dynamics simulations and protein prediction tools. 
Abstract: Medullary Thyroid Cancer (MTC) is a rare type of thyroid cancer that begins in the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland. MTC is most often sporadic, but about 25% ofcases are hereditary and passed through a mutation in the RET proto-oncogene. The RET proto-oncogene is linked to diKerent genetic syndromes, one being Multiple EndocrineNeoplasia Type 2 (MEN2). Only 10 percent of the RET gene has been classified as benign or pathogenic. The chosen variant of uncertain significance (VUS) E337K has been related to the expression of MEN2 and MTC. Located closely to a known pathogenic variant S339L which has been found to express MEN2 and found to be a highly conserved nucleotide, this study seeks to analyze and classify this VUS by comparing it to known benign and pathogenic variants, related studies, molecular dynamics simulations and by using protein prediction tools. 

Ella Jane Brown 

Major: Marine Biology 
Mentor: Dr. Emily Kasl 
Title: Parasite Prevalence and Intensity in Bluegill Sunfish Sampled from the Tennessee Watershed 
Abstract: The Tennessee River is one of the most biologically diverse freshwater ecosystems in North America. Many of its tributaries are found in northern Alabama as well as portions of the river itself. It is home to a vast number of aquatic species. The river is vital for the area’s ecology, economy, and its water quality. The surrounding community relies on the river to provide transportation as well as drinking water. Maintaining the river’s health is essential in maintaining the community as well as a large portion of global diversity. Parasites are a natural part of all ecosystems. However, when they are found in abnormal abundance, they can be harmful to their host and their ecosystem. The aim of this study was to broadly identify parasites found in fish samples from three sites. These locations are, Cypress Creek, Little Cypress Creek, and Town Creek. Fish were caught via seine net or electroshocking in all three locations. The fish’s digestive system and other organs were dissected under microscope and analyzed for parasites. Trematodes, nematodes, and acanthocephalans were found to be most prevalent. Our data was analyzed to evaluate parasite intensity and prevalence in Longear and Bluegill sunfishes. This analysis can be used to determine the stability of the ecosystems, water quality, and potential food source risks.  

Samantha Smith 

Major: Biology 
Mentor: Dr. Kara Million 
Title: Survey of Monogenean Gill Parasites on Darters in Cyprus Creek (Florence, AL) 
Abstract: 
Parasites have large ecological significance due to their role in the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients. However, parasites also generally have a negative impact on hosts. These factors make monitoring of parasites important for understanding the ecology of a region. The goal of this study is to conduct a survey of parasite burdens on the freshwater darters of Cyprus Creek in Florence, AL, focusing on monogenean gill parasites (of the genus Aethycteron). Our study evaluates the distribution of monogeneans across darters of different sex, size, and species. Host specimens of four species were collected with a seine net and euthanized, after which their gills were dissected and examined under a dissecting microscope for the presence of parasites. Thus far, monogeneans have been observed on three of our focal species (Etheostoma simoterum, Etheostoma zonale, and Etheostoma flabellare), but no parasites have been found thus far on Nothonotus rufilineatus. In the infected species, prevalence and intensity of infection have been low overall. Our survey is still in its early stages, but the long-term plan is to evaluate infection patterns in this darter assemblage across multiple seasons, and to determine whether parasite burdens differ by host species, host sex, water temperature, or season. Additionally, because many species of Aethycteron on darters are currently undescribed, we will photograph the parasites found on our hosts to aid the description of any new species discovered. Assessing the host-parasite interactions between darters and their specialist gill parasites is imperative to understanding the aquatic ecology of the Southeastern U.S., a region known for high biodiversity and ecological importance. 

Jennifer Lonesky 

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology 
Mentor: Dr. Emily Kasl 
Title: Endoparisite Biodiversity of Freshwater Centrarchids in Cypress Creek 
Abstract: Cypress Creek is a major waterway in northern Alabama, known for both relaxation and recreational sports, such as swimming and fishing. Additionally, the streams of north Alabama are recognized as having a large biodiversity of freshwater species. However, not much is known about the parasites that utilize these communities. Researching the parasitic biodiversity of fish can also provide insight on ecosystem health; this is important as many people collect fish, swim within the waterways, and walk among the beached areas and trails. The aim of this study was to observe parasitic biodiversity within the digestive tract of freshwater sunfish found in northern Alabama. Fish were collected from Cypress Creek in Wildwood Park (Florence, AL) using a combination of electroshocking and seining during 2025 and 2026. Seven species of freshwater Centrarchids were collected: 19 longear sunfish, 10 bluegill, 7 green sunfish, 4 rock bass, 3 redear sunfish, 1 red breast sunfish, and 1 white crappie. Fish were humanely euthanized prior to dissection. The digestive tract of the fish, including the stomach and intestine, was extracted and visually examined for the presence of parasites using a dissecting microscope. Parasites were isolated from host tissue, tentatively identified, and placed in sample storage tubes containing 70% ethanol for later research. Parasite prevalence and mean intensity were calculated for each fish species. Parasites observed thus far include species of trematodes, acanthocephalans, and nematodes of varying life history stages. These results are an important first step in characterizing endoparasite biodiversity within freshwater sunfishes of Cypress Creek (Wildwood Park). 

Brayden Butler 

Major: Mathematics and Secondary Ed Math 
Mentor: Dr. Ashley Johnson 
Title: Isometries of the Plane 
Abstract: Geometric transformations describe how figures can be moved or repositioned in the plane while maintaining certain properties. An important class of transformations is known as isometries, which preserve the distance between any two points. Reflections, rotations, half-turns, translations, and glide reflections are examples of isometries. It is a fact in geometry that every isometry of the Euclidean plane can be expressed as a composition of at most three reflections.   

Although these transformations are often studied individually, examining their compositions reveals important relationships between them.  This raises several questions: What happens when two different isometries are composed? Can the resulting transformation be determined from the properties of the original transformations? The purpose of this research is to investigate these questions by examining the relationships between isometries and their compositions. 

Bethan Elliott and Jake Boyner 

Major: Mathematics  
Mentor: Dr. Birch Bryant 
Title: The Impact of Cooperative Foraging in Monkeys  
Abstract: Foraging in groups presents monkeys with the challenge of finding food while maintaining communication with one another. Spreading out allows them to search more of the forest, but greater separation can make sharing information less reliable. Staying close together makes communication easier but may cause monkeys to search the same areas unnecessarily. This raises the question of how monkeys should balance independent exploration and cooperation, especially when food is scarce. We investigate how communication range, information loss, and distance between monkeys influence the time needed for both to find food. To explore these questions, we develop a mathematical model in MATLAB that simulates two monkeys searching a forest containing a limited number of fruit-bearing trees. Their movement is influenced by nearby unexplored trees and their separation, while sharing information allows them to avoid known empty trees and travel directly to reported food locations.