Scholarship@Western

Poli, Amala

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
Uncanny Sleep: A Study of Sleep Paralysis through Health 
Humanities 
Amala Poli 
Western University, amalapoli1994@gmail.com 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Poli, Amala, "Uncanny Sleep: A Study of Sleep Paralysis through Health Humanities" (2021). Inspiring 
Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 7. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/7 
P o l i  | 1 
 
Name: Amala Poli 
Department of English  
PhD 3 
 
Uncanny Sleep: A Study of Sleep Paralysis Through Health Humanities 
 
Troubled sleep, its causes and remedies, find a recent focus in the turn to wellness – a discourse 
engaged in therapies through mindfulness, meditation, melatonin etc. aimed at improving sleep. 
My research studies a sleep disorder called sleep paralysis, an uncanny sleep event set apart by 
vivid hallucinations, a twilight consciousness trapped between waking and sleeping, and a state 
of terror caused by the inability to move. What is peculiar about sleep paralysis as a recognized 
sleep disorder is its affinity to the supernatural through ghosts, aliens, and hags that are reported 
in hallucinations. Using an interdisciplinary approach, I examine how late 19th century British 
and Indian literature constitute an experimental and speculative sleep lab, where sleep paralysis 
emerges through horror and gothic literature to reveal radical uncertainties about the nature of 
bodies. The relationship between science and literature emerges through this research as 
mutually transformative in understanding sleep paralysis.  (149 words) 
 
P o l i  | 2 
 
 
 
Caption: Henry Fuseli’s 1781 painting titled The Nightmare, which depicts sleep paralysis in the 
form of a demonic figure sitting on a woman’s chest 
 Credit: Detroit Institute of Arts, USA 
 
 


English

Uncanny Sleep: A Study of Sleep Paralysis through Health Humanities

Kane, Lauren L

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
The lived experiences of pain and fatigue in neurological 
conditions 
Lauren L. Kane 
Western University, lkane5@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Kane, Lauren L., "The lived experiences of pain and fatigue in neurological conditions" (2021). Inspiring 
Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 23. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/23 
The lived experiences of pain and fatigue in neurological conditions 
Lauren Kane 
Previous research has shown pain and fatigue to be the most common and disabling symptoms in 
multiple sclerosis (MS), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cerebral palsy (CP) and Parkinson’s disease 
(PD). A meaningful knowledge gap exists in understanding the impact of pain and fatigue on the lives of 
individuals with these conditions and further knowledge is required to understand the relationship 
between experiential accounts of pain and fatigue across conditions in an effort to prevent and manage 
these symptoms. The proposed study aims to understand the lived experiences of pain and/or fatigue 
for people living with MS, ALS, CP, and PD through recruiting 8-12 participants to participate in 
interviews concerning the physical, emotional, and social aspects of these symptoms. Overall, this study 
will seek to develop a treatment which can be offered to persons with MS, ALS, CP, or PD to reduce the 
impact of pain and fatigue across their lifespan. 
 
 
 
 
 
  


The lived experiences of pain and fatigue in neurological conditions

Resendes, Renee J, BSc

Kelly, Gregory M, PhD

Balci, Tugce, MD, FRCPC FCCMG

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
The role of prr12a and prr12b in Zebrafish: A Model for a Rare 
Human Disease 
Renee J. Resendes BSc 
Western University, rresend@uwo.ca 
Gregory M. Kelly PhD 
The University of Western Ontario, gkelly@uwo.ca 
Tugce Balci MD, FRCPC FCCMG 
The University of Western Ontario, tugce.balci@lhsc.on.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Resendes, Renee J. BSc; Kelly, Gregory M. PhD; and Balci, Tugce MD, FRCPC FCCMG, "The role of prr12a 
and prr12b in Zebrafish: A Model for a Rare Human Disease" (2021). Inspiring Minds – Showcasing 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 28. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/28 
The role of prr12a and prr12b in Zebrafish: A Model for a Rare Human Disease 
 
 
Pathogenic variants in the human proline-rich 12 (PRR12) gene are believed to cause a 
neurodevelopmental disorder based on a case series of 24 unrelated individuals. The 
PRR12 gene is believed to play a role in neural development due to its enriched 
expression in the eyes, pituitary gland and cerebellum; however, little is known about the 
exact function of the PRR12 gene and protein. In order to elucidate this, studies using 
model organisms such as zebrafish are needed. The zebrafish is a powerful model 
system to study genes involved in development and disease owing in part to their fast 
generation time and amenability to a plethora of molecular genetic techniques. My 
research entails characterizing the prr12 genes (prr12a and prr12b) in zebrafish; to 
understand how these genes are regulated during embryonic development and 
establishing a prr12a/12b zebrafish mutant line to corroborate the phenotypic 
abnormalities seen in patients with the PRR12-related disorder.  
 


The role of prr12a and prr12b in Zebrafish: A Model for a Rare Human Disease

Sembhi, Ramanpreet K

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
Studying Fesaibility of Simultaneous Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI 
and [15O]water PET Measurements 
Ramanpreet K. Sembhi 
Western University, rsembhi@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Sembhi, Ramanpreet K., "Studying Fesaibility of Simultaneous Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI and [15O]water 
PET Measurements" (2021). Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship 
and Creative Activity. 36. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/36 
 
129Xe is a stable, non-radioactive-isotope, capable of being imaged with MRI.  [15O]-water 
PET (positron emission tomography) is a gold-standard imaging method. 
 
We propose to utilize gold-standard [15O]-water PET to validate our 129Xe-based perfusion 
imaging methods using a one-shot, multi-modal-imaging approach utilizing simultaneous 
PET/MRI. 
 
Globally our group is the first one to perform successful validation work for 129Xe-based 
brain perfusion techniques, directly and simultaneously with [15O]-water PET using 
phantom scans. This enables the next step of in-vivo imaging which we are planning to 
perform on small animal model. 
 
As Xe-129 provides higher sensitivity and superior SNR as compare to other imaging 
techniques. It would be much more cost-effective alternative to PET for imaging stroke, 
brain cancer and other brain diseases. 
 
RESULTS: 
 
 
FIGURE 1. (A) and (B) shows two consecutive 2D 129Xe MRI images. (C) and (D)shows 2D 
and 3D PET images acquired simultaneously. 


Studying Fesaibility of Simultaneous Hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI and [15O]water PET Measurements

Nucifora, Daniel Peter

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
Developing a New Platform for Synthetic Biology 
Daniel Peter Nucifora 
Western University, dnucifor@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Nucifora, Daniel Peter, "Developing a New Platform for Synthetic Biology" (2021). Inspiring Minds – 
Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 38. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/38 
Developing a New Platform for Synthetic Biology 
 
Synthetic biology is a new field of science that combines aspects of engineering with biology. A 
major goal of synthetic biology is to modify and redesign microbes for useful purposes. 
 
One synthetic biology method has recently been developed for advanced engineering. Using 
this method, it is possible to create heavily modified, and even ‘synthetic’, versions of microbes, 
which may allow us to add more useful functions to such microbes. 
 
Currently, however, this method has only been developed for a small group of bacteria. These 
bacteria have limitations that restrict their widespread use. Through my research, I hope to 
extend this technology to a new species that does not suffer from these same limitations. If 
successful, my research will give rise to a superior synthetic biology platform for creating 
modified microbes. 


Developing a New Platform for Synthetic Biology

Paish, Alexander DR

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
Utilizing Creativity in Research 
Alexander DR Paish 
Western University, apaish5@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Paish, Alexander DR, "Utilizing Creativity in Research" (2021). Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s 
Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 49. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/49 
I’m Alexander Paish, a Master’s student of neuromuscular physiology at Western 
University. Our lab utilizes a brain to muscle approach, observing interactions between the central 
nervous system and the muscle fibers they control throughout various tasks. My research 
investigates the effects of muscle activation and the neural adaptation responses during dynamic 
movements. My goal is to apply findings of neural adaptation towards the development of assistive 
technology in vulnerable populations, such as frail elderly adults. Specifically driving my attention 
is technology concerning the reduction of adverse consequences of daily living, like falls. In 
addition to my research, I spend my time playing the guitar, writing songs, and most recently 
painting. These outlets provide meaningful relaxation and satisfaction, while keeping my brain 
active. Although I may not be musically or scientifically venerated currently, unifying creative 
style with problem-solving, will enable the creation of unique ways to find solutions to benefit 
others.  
 
 
 


Utilizing Creativity in Research

Singla, Pankaj

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
Diseases diagnostic tool for ginseng growers 
Pankaj Singla 
Western University, psingla@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Singla, Pankaj, "Diseases diagnostic tool for ginseng growers" (2021). Inspiring Minds – Showcasing 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 55. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/55 
 Abstract 
Diseases diagnostic tool for ginseng growers 
Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) is a valuable community crop in Ontario, but its long term 
viability is threatened by ginseng replant diseases that prevent successful cultivation of ginseng 
on the same land twice, even decades after the first crop. It is estimated that suitable land for 
ginseng production will be depleted in the next 20 to 30 years.This study will develop ideally a 
PCR-based diagnostic tool,for the ginseng grower to predict the diseases potential of soil 
intended for ginseng cultivation but with no known history of ginseng cultivation.This study uses 
metagenomic analysis approach that explains changes in community compositions over time in 
ginseng garden soil which causes Diseases.This study will facilitate understanding how the 
cultivation of ginseng in the field alters the soil microbiome.Consequently, this research will 
significantly help ginseng growers to better assess the risk of investing in a specific property 
before committing to its purchase. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Diseases diagnostic tool for ginseng growers

Wolfstadt, Kody M

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
MMA: The fight against obstructive sleep apnea 
Kody M. Wolfstadt 
Western University, kwolfsta@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Wolfstadt, Kody M., "MMA: The fight against obstructive sleep apnea" (2021). Inspiring Minds – 
Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 62. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/62 
MMA: The fight against obstructive sleep apnea. 
 
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) occurs when an individual’s airway self-obstructs during 
sleep. Affecting billions worldwide, OSA is more than severe snoring resulting in daytime 
sleepiness.  People with OSA are generally less healthy and are more likely to develop a myriad 
of disorders that are known collectively as Metabolic Syndrome. Symptoms are wide but include 
depression, respiratory distress, and high blood pressure. One solution to OSA is 
maxillomandibular advancement surgery (MMA), involving upper and lower jaw (maxilla and 
mandible) repositioning resulting in a wider airway. The mechanism of MMA and reduction of 
OSA is unclear. This project will simulate breathing in cadavers who have undergone MMA. 
Cadaveric surgery offers multiple opportunities to adjust the jaw incrementally. Modelling 
breathing at differing MMA advancements, we will directly measure resistance generated within 
the airway. Measuring MMA advancement and airway resistance is novel, we predict a linear 
relationship and forthcoming clinical applications. 
 


MMA: The fight against obstructive sleep apnea

Kuiack, Alyssa K.

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
Identifying Developmental Language Disorder 
Alyssa K. Kuiack 
Western University, akuiack2@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Kuiack, Alyssa K., "Identifying Developmental Language Disorder" (2021). Inspiring Minds – Showcasing 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 66. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/66 
Kuiack: Inspiring Minds Submission  June 11th, 2021 
Title: Identifying Developmental Language Disorder 
 
Using language allows us to share our ideas and feelings, to learn and to understand the world 
around us. Unfortunately, using language isn’t easy for everyone. Developmental language 
disorder (DLD) is a hidden but very common condition that means a child has difficulty using 
and/or understanding language. Despite how common DLD is, there isn’t a clear list of rules for 
speech-language pathologists (SLP) to follow when diagnosing a child with DLD. My research 
involves having important conversations with SLPs, across the world, about DLD. We need to 
understand what types of clinical tests, or information about a child’s language, SLPs need to 
feel confident when diagnosing DLD. By sharing this information, we can eliminate confusion 
about when a diagnosis of DLD should be given and make sure that more children are identified 
and given the help that they need to allow them to succeed in school and in life.  


Identifying Developmental Language Disorder

Lu, Yanfei

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity 
September 2021 
Preservation of Indigenous Languages: Revitalization of Oneida 
(Iroquoian) 
Yanfei Lu 
Western University, ylu553@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Lu, Yanfei, "Preservation of Indigenous Languages: Revitalization of Oneida (Iroquoian)" (2021). Inspiring 
Minds – Showcasing Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 72. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/72 
Yanfei Lu 
 
I support adult students of the Oneida Nation of the Thames community in learning their 
ancestral language—Oneida. Through analysing their learning patterns, I provide pedagogical 
advice to aid the enhancement of the curriculum, reduce obstacles, and assist the students to 
find learning strategies that fit their needs. Through creating a database of works on Oneida, I 
contribute to making the resources and documentations of the language more organized and 
easily accessible for Oneida learners. Since Oneida currently has a very small number of 
native speakers, revitalization works are crucial for the preservation of the language. The 
extinction of a language means much more than the loss of the vocabularies and grammar, 
but also the loss of the culture, traditions and knowledge embedded in the language, as well 
as the identities of its speakers. Through my research, I hope to contribute to raising respect 
and awareness of Indigenous cultures. 
 


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