Minnesota Undergraduate Research & Academic Journal

The Influence of European Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) on Captures of North American Passerines

Eric Gunderson — 2025-06-27

Common buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is an aggressive invasive species in North America. It quickly establishes as a dominant shrub in existing forests, forms a dense, thorny understory that shades existing vegetation, and substantially alters or eliminates the native plant and animal community. We compared the number of birds captured between sites where buckthorn was cleared to sites not cleared of buckthorn at a Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship (MAPS) station. To do this, we first cleared buckthorn from around three net locations in late 2020 and randomly selected three net locations as non-cleared control sites. Then we captured birds on seven dates each summer and examined captures 3 years before and 3 years after buckthorn removal. For this we used a paired approach, calculating the difference between the number of birds captured in the cleared vs. not cleared sites for each date, and then we analyzed the four most captured bird species. Before removing the buckthorn, we captured more birds at sites slated for buckthorn removal than at sites scheduled for no buckthorn removal. After removing the buckthorn, we similarly captured more total birds at sites where the buckthorn was removed than at sites with no buckthorn removal. However, capture rates for individual species were not different between cleared and uncleared sites after buckthorn removal. More yellow warblers were captured at unaltered sites scheduled for buckthorn removal than at unmanipulated sites prior to removal. We found no trends in the abundance of American redstarts, American robins, gray catbirds, or yellow warblers. Research is needed to identify specific vegetative characteristics that yellow warblers selected as well as a longer-

Comparative Analysis of Renewable Energy Adoption in France and Sweden: Disparities under EU-Wide Incentive Programs

Jackson Brown — 2025-06-27

This research explores the comparative effectiveness of renewable energy adoption in France and Sweden, focusing on why these two European Union (EU) member states, despite operating under similar EU-wide incentive programs such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the European Green Deal, have achieved vastly different outcomes. Updated quantitative data reveal that Sweden’s share of renewable energy increased from 53.4% to 66% between 2017 and 2022, still far outpacing France, who grew from 15.8% to 20.3% (Figure 1) (Eurostat, n.d.). While Sweden is the top European Union performer by a wide margin, France finds itself struggling. Coming in as the 15th ranked EU country when measured in share of renewable energy, France is some 3% below the EU average. France is also just one of four countries to miss their 2020 renewable energies target in 2022 ("Renewable Energy in the European Union," n.d.). Sweden’s success stems from long-term policy consistency, high carbon taxes, and effective market-based mechanisms like the green certificate system (International Energy Agency, 2021; Andersson, 2019; Swedish Energy Agency, 2020). Meanwhile, France’s reliance on nuclear energy and complex permitting processes has slowed renewable energy adoption (Bergek & Berggren, 2014; World Bank Group, 2020).

Lead Detoxification in Priestia megaterium

Jamison Ward — 2025-06-27

Lead is a priority pollutant with an increasing environmental prevalence from human industrialization with deleterious consequences for both human and natural ecosystem health. In recent years, the application of lead-resistant microorganisms for bioremediation has received attention for its advantages over physiochemical remediation strategies. The bacterium Priestia megaterium has been previously observed to harbor lead resistance and accumulate lead intracellularly; however, our understanding of the mechanism for lead detoxification in this species remains incomplete. The present research employed a suite of analytical tools to investigate the mechanism of lead resistance in P. megaterium with lead sequestration in polyphosphate as the working hypothesis. Cells that were cultured in a lead-amended growth medium exhibited declining polyphosphate abundance with time, and spatial elemental analysis revealed that cells contained nanoparticles with an atomic composition similar to pyromorphite, suggesting that P. megaterium detoxifies lead by precipitating the metal with phosphate liberated from polyphosphate hydrolysis. Genomic analysis revealed that P. megaterium may export leadphosphate precipitates from the cytoplasm via the Pit or Pst system. Furthermore, lead concentrations in the growth medium increased in the presence of the bacteria relative to abiotic controls, indicating that P. megaterium can solubilize abiotic lead precipitates in its environment. Collectively, these findings concur with previous observations of lead detoxification via lead-phosphate precipitation in other bacteria and have important implications for bioremediation strategies aiming to sequester lead within bacterial cells. Notably, the release of lead nanoparticles into aqueous solution may complicate efforts to remove lead from contaminated sites using polyphosphate-accumulating bacteria such as P. megaterium, necessitating the consideration of alternative lead removal techniques for environmental remediation efforts.

Physiological Effects of Nicotine and Lead (II) Acetate on Zebrafish Embryo Development

Yukti Sah — 2025-06-27

E-cigarettes have become increasingly popular in the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023) reporting that a 47% increase in e-cigarette sales at US retail outlets from 2019 through 2023. Additionally, Vilcassim et al. (2023) estimate that 2.2% to 7% of pregnant women use e-cigarettes, potentially exposing their developing fetus to harmful chemicals. While most existing literature has studied the effect of nicotine alone, this study investigates the interplay of two key e-cigarette components—nicotine and lead (II) acetate—on embryonic development using a zebrafish (Danio rerio) model. Zebrafish embryos were divided into four groups, each raised in a 10 mL solution: control (embryo medium), 5 μM nicotine, 5 μM lead (II) acetate, and a combination of 5 μM nicotine and 5 μM lead (II) acetate. They were observed from 0-5 days post-fertilization (dpf). Heart rate and spinal curvature data were measured at 5 dpf. The embryos were then euthanized, and their craniofacial cartilage was analyzed via Alcian blue staining. Results showed a significant reduction in heart rate in the combined group compared to the control; however, spinal curvature and craniofacial cartilage data were inconclusive. Despite these mixed findings, the observed embryonic deformities underscore the dangers of ecigarettes and the need for further research on the developmental impacts of their ingredients.

Antibiotic Resistance within The Village Agriculture Cooperative, A Community Science Project

Marc Bindzus — 2025-06-27

Antibiotic development and use have dramatically extended the average human lifespan and revolutionized modern medicine. Antibiotics facilitate prophylactic reduction in surgical site infection and reduce the mortality of chemotherapy patients. However, antibiotic resistance poses a severe hindrance to the continued effectiveness of antibiotic treatments. The presence of a large healthcare industry in Rochester, Minnesota, raises the possibility of increased antibiotic-resistant genes in the environment. Furthermore, historical livestock practices within Rochester’s local farms may further exacerbate antibiotic resistance as antibiotics may be used to treat active infections as well as prophylactically. Coupled to this is grower land use practices which include the application of animal waste as fertilizer. This study investigated bacterial abundance, the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, and antibiotic-resistant species found in community farm soil in Rochester, Minnesota; Finding a large population of resistant Priesta megaterium across all three sites sampled with the highest prevalence at the oldest agricultural site sampled, the History Center. Elucidation of the current microbial makeup of the garden plot soils paves the way for future efforts to identify mitigation efforts; these efforts include targeting local environmental policy surrounding antibiotic stewardship in Rochester, MN of anthropogenic activities which may contribute to increased microbial resistance.

Surveying Midwestern Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Communities to Facilitate Successful Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov) Introductions

Pablo Stilwell — 2025-06-27

Mutualisms between ants and butterfly larvae, particularly those in the family Lycaenidae, can greatly enhance the survival of both groups. The Karner blue butterfly (Lycaeides melissa samuelis Nabokov; KBB) is an endangered species that has experienced significant range reduction, including extirpation from Minnesota. Current KBB conservation efforts include a plan to introduce KBB to a novel location in Minnesota. Since anttending is known to decrease KBB mortality, ants may play a crucial role in successful introduction efforts. This study sought to assess potential ant-KBB interactions by sampling ant communities at three sites: those with a current KBB population, those with a history of KBB presence, and those proposed for KBB introduction. We found the presence of KBB, both historic and present, to impact the diversity of both total ants and the diversity of ants known to tend KBB larvae. The site for the proposed KBB introduction had lower ant diversity in terms of overall ant composition and for those species known to tend to KBB larvae.

The Antimicrobial and Chemical Properties of Salvadora persica; Miswak

Adna Hassan — 2025-06-27

Oral microbiota colonization begins at birth and is normally established within one year. Oral infections due to bacterial dysbiosis are most commonly treated with antibiotics. However, the increasing use of antibiotics contributes to global antimicrobial resistance, calling for the exploration of alternative treatments. A potential practice for dental care that has been around for ages is using herbal products such as miswak (Salvadora persica), a chewing twig that serves as a toothbrush alternative and antimicrobial agent. Methanol and aqueous extracts of miswak have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and anti-infectious activity. Common extracted compounds include alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, vitamins, essential oils, minerals, sterols, and terpenes. It is crucial to further investigate its potential use as a widely known product and to comprehend any associated side effects or risks. In this study, we selected 17 species of bacteria and one yeast species and conducted susceptibility testing using standard Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion techniques. Additionally, we extracted miswak in methanol and performed Thin Layer Chromatography and Column Chromatography. We found the highest antimicrobial activity in vacuumed miswak, particularly in the 4 species that inhabit the oral cavity. The extraction of that miswak revealed 3 flavonoid compounds with distinct Rf Values. The findings demonstrated that miswak possesses antimicrobial properties and contains compounds essential for antioxidant activity.

From Victimhood to Activism: An Empirical Study of South Asian Women's Rights Movements amidst State Violence

Manasi Nagargoje — 2025-06-27

This paper argues that South Asian women assert their autonomy and confront repressive state institutions by negotiating with the epistemologies of political oppression within a misogynistic social order. In addition, this essay delineates the epistemic practices of autocratic regimes to understand how they inform the objectives and methodologies of women’s resistance work. This paper’s argument is substantiated through the analysis of three distinct South Asian women’s rights organizations: the petitioners of the 1991 Kunan Poshpora mass rape case, who contested the military occupation in Kashmir, India; the Women’s Action Forum (WAF), which protested the fundamentalist doctrines of General Zia-ul-Haq’s military dictatorship in Pakistan in the 1980s; and the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA), which opposed the series of violent regimes that took power in Afghanistan following the Soviet invasion in 1979. The results of this study indicate that South Asian women across a variety of political structures and national contexts operationalize their epistemic positionality to resist autocracies’ architectures of political and gender violence. Women accomplish this by engaging strategically with spaces of participation and tailoring protest tactics to address the injustices to which they are subjected. These findings signify the advantageous perspectives that women possess when comprehending political violence and emphasize the need to include women’s standpoints when discerning systems of oppression.

Modeling and Proof-of-Concept of a Blackbody-Based Calibration Method in the InfraBREAD Detector

Shardul Rao — 2025-06-27

The Broadband Reflector Experiment for Axion Detection (BREAD) is an ongoing collaboration searching for the conversion of yet undiscovered axion-like dark matter particles to photons in the presence of a magnetic field. InfraBREAD, a pilot experiment realization of BREAD, uses a superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPD), a high-efficiency and low-noise device, to specifically detect infrared-range photons produced by O(eV) axion-like particles. The unique BREAD coaxial reflector setup allows for the focusing of converted signal photons to a 1mm × 1mm SNSPD. However, when the detector is cooled to cryogenic temperatures during operation, uneven thermal contraction of reflector components may lead to a small shift in the location of the focal spot. A novel calibration method using blackbody radiation is proposed to locate the true focal spot of the detector in situ. Through ray tracing simulations done in FRED Optical Engineering Software, this method is demonstrated to locate the focus to within 50 μm in the axial dimension. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the blackbody photon source used in this calibration must be at a temperature of at least 15K to 40K, depending on the sensitivity of the SNSPD.

The Practicalities of Pilgrimage

Leo Dannersmith — 2025-06-27

The Canterbury Tales is one of the best-known and most accessible accounts of late medieval pilgrimage for modern English readers.1 Although Chaucer's poem is fictional, it alludes to some realistic aspects of travel during the period, such as the description of the characters’ equipment, their use of hostels, and the speed at which they travel.2 However, most of the poem dwells on the relationships between the fictional pilgrims and their storytelling contests. It provides little concrete information about the everyday aspects of medieval travel. This is representative of most medieval literature on pilgrimage, which is far more focused on the spiritual and literary representation of these journeys. This paper will describe an experimental archeology project that was undertaken with the goal of understanding the day-to-day aspects of medieval travel. This re-creation provided important viewpoints and data on the practicalities and difficulties of 14th-century travel and pilgrimage. Though the historical gear used during the re-creation proved effective, carrying food and supplies and camping outdoors added difficulty that made clear the need for a network of inns, hostels, and social customs to support these journeys.

Coaching an Endangered Sport: Climate Change Concerns and Coaching Burnout in Youth Cross-Country Skiing

Hans-Peter B. de Ruiter — 2025-06-27

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore cross-country ski coaches’ concerns regarding climate change, symptoms of coaching burnout, and relationships between the two. Methods: Participants were cross-country ski coaches (N = 116) from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin with a variety of coaching roles and experience levels. A quantitative, observational, cross-sectional design was used. Coaches completed a survey with items measuring concerns about climate change’s current and future impacts on cross-country skiing and items from the Coach Burnout Questionnaire (CBQ). Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and post-hoc tests were conducted. Results: Coaches reported concerns about the impacts of climate change on cross-country skiing now and in the future. Coaches’ concerns about climate change and their degree of coaching burnout were significantly and positively correlated (r = 0.37–0.42, p < .001). That is, coaches who perceived climate change to be more disruptive to youth cross-country skiing felt more exhausted, less accomplished, and less invested in coaching. Conclusions: Concerns about climate change associate with worse well-being among cross-country ski coaches. As environmental challenges increasingly disrupt cross-country skiing, supporting coaches will be important. Future research and practical interventions should evaluate and aim to mitigate potential impacts of climate-related stressors and explore strategies to promote resilience and equity within the sport.

The Relationship Between the Perceived Motivational Climate on High School Soccer Teams and Athlete Self-Efficacy, Cognitive Anxiety, and Somatic Anxiety While Playing

Logan McGee — 2025-06-27

Youth participation in sport can play an integral part in growth, such as advancing social skills (Weiss et al., 2018). Youth sport researchers (Côté & Fraser-Thomas, 2007) argue that the primary focuses for youth athletes should be fostering enjoyment, promoting skill acquisition, and encouraging character growth. However, research has demonstrated that youth sport participation is on the decline due to failure to meet these components (Dunn et al., 2022; Ommundsen et al., 2006). A large factor in determining youth participation is the motivational climate that leaders create in sport settings. Specifically, a large body of literature has suggested that ego-involving climates elicit negative motivational and performance outcomes, whereas caring, task-involving climates are seen to create positive outcomes (Fry & Moore, 2019; Hogue et al., 2013). However, there is a gap in the literature looking at youth soccer athletes’ perceptions of the motivational climate and state anxiety measures. This study explores the relationship between such motivational climates and psychological outcomes (i.e., selfefficacy, cognitive and somatic anxiety) in youth soccer athletes (N= 27, Mage=15.64, SD=1.13). Results indicated that caring, task-involving climates were significantly associated with higher levels of self-confidence and lower somatic anxiety, whereas ego-involving climates demonstrated a strong positive relationship with somatic, and cognitive anxiety, and a strong negative relationship with self-confidence. Findings demonstrate that fostering a caring, task-involving climate can benefit athletes’ mental preparedness. This can be used to implement evidence-based and theoretically guided interventions for coaches, bolstering youth athletes' participation and enjoyment in all environments.

The Unique and Interactive Associations Between Discrimination and Economic Hardship Predicting Black Children’s Basal Cortisol Levels

Otiti A. Mayo — 2025-06-27

Disparities between Black and White populations have been attributed to racial discrimination and socioeconomic inequalities because of historic and systemic oppression. Prior research has demonstrated how experiences of discrimination and economic strain may shape children’s developing stress response systems. Effects of chronic stress, proximally measured via cortisol, a stress hormone, are correlated with mental health outcomes. Using data from the Family Life Project, a prospective longitudinal sample of Black children living in predominantly low-income communities (N = 550), this study explored the unique and interactive relations between parents’ experiences of economic strain and racial discrimination with individual differences in Black children’s basal cortisol levels at age 48 months. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that there were no significant main or interactive effects of discrimination and measures of socioeconomic status of children’s basal cortisol levels. Despite these null findings, this study highlights the importance of considering the multi-level aspects of social and racial identities when exploring children’s developmental outcomes.

Letter from the Editor

Cynthia Shao — 2025-06-27