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Diversification of avifauna in the Darién Highland region: Ecological Niche modeling, Phylogeography and Morphology to explore speciation in the montane species Myadestes coloratus, Chlorospingus tacarcunae and Margarornis bellulus.
No full textMontane regions in the Neotropics are hotspots of endemism and biodiversity, yet their species are especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and geographic isolation. This thesis investigates the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of three bird species endemic to the Darién Highlands of eastern Panama: Myadestes coloratus, Chlorospingus tacarcunae, and Margarornis bellulus. Through an integrative approach combining ecological niche modeling, morphometric analysis, and genomic data from ultraconserved elements (UCEs) and mitochondrial DNA, the study explores the historical biogeography, current distribution patterns, population structure, and phenotypic differentiation of these montane taxa. Ecological niche models revealed that suitable habitat for M. coloratus and C. tacarcunae has contracted significantly since the Last Glacial Maximum and is projected to decline further under future climate scenarios, with potential refugia limited to high-elevation zones such as Cerro Tacarcuna and Cerro Chucantí. Morphometric analyses of M. coloratus populations indicated significant variation across isolated mountain ridges, suggesting restricted gene flow and local adaptation. Genomic analyses based on UCE-derived SNPs confirmed strong genetic structuring among populations, with the clearest differentiation between the eastern (Tacarcuna) and western (Chucantí) ranges. Phylogenetic and population structure analyses supported historical isolation and limited dispersal, consistent with long-term fragmentation across the montane landscape. Collectively, these findings highlight the combined effects of climate, geography, and evolutionary history in shaping the diversity and endemism of the Darién Highlands. The results underscore the urgency of protecting high-elevation habitats and maintaining connectivity among remnant populations to preserve evolutionary potential under ongoing environmental change
Rare Variant Analysis of Electronic Health Record-Defined Major Depressive Disorder in the All of Us Research Program
No full textThe underlying pathogenesis of MDD remains poorly understood, with multiple competing hypotheses regarding its exact etiology. As a heterogeneous disorder with relatively low heritability, large-scale genome-wide association studies of MDD have relied on increasingly large sample sizes to identify common genetic variants associated with the disorder. However, the rare variant genetic architecture of MDD is still largely unknown. The aim of the present analysis was to use the AoU—a United States-based biobank that integrates healthcare records from over 50 healthcare systems and possesses whole genome sequencing data for participants—to perform a gene set–based analysis of MDD. This analysis presented several challenges that had to be addressed at each step of the process. First, because MDD lacks a definitive biological reference standard, phenotyping was conducted using EHRs, with case and control definitions refined through sensitivity analyses. Second, a polygenic risk score was constructed to account for the effects of common variants in the gene set–based rare variant analysis. Third, the rare variant analysis was performed using a suite of variant annotation tools to prioritize gene-sets that mediate MDD risk through brain tissue. Through this approach, the analysis aims: (1) to establish a foundational framework for analyzing MDD within the AoU and (2) to identify gene-sets associated with EHR-derived MDD that illuminate the underlying rare variant genetic architecture of the disorder
Targeting the Interaction between TGIF1 and MLKL in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
No full textPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is known for its poor survival and limited treatment options. Identifying novel molecular mechanisms is therefore critical to uncover new therapeutic targets. Previous studies suggest that TGIF1 may function as a tumor suppressor in PDAC by promoting apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death. In contrast, MLKL, the executioner of necroptosis, has an unclear role in PDAC. Interestingly, we observed a growth defect in mouse pups with TGIF1 overexpression and MLKL knockout, suggesting a functional connection.
This study aimed to investigate the potential interaction between TGIF1 and MLKL in PDAC. To characterize necrosulfonamide (NSA)-induced high-molecular-weight (HMW) TGIF1, we mutated cysteine residues and performed mass spectrometry to identify its binding partners. To explore MLKL’s role in PDAC, we used MLKL knockout GEMMs, public datasets, and inducible Kras models.
Our findings show that HMW TGIF1 forms through cysteine residues, particularly C83, and binds to a candidate identified by mass spectrometry. MLKL deletion delayed PDAC initiation but did not prevent tumor development. Kras activation enhanced MLKL protein expression. In vivo, MLKL overexpression promoted PDAC when Kras was on but suppressed growth when Kras was off.
Together, these results suggest TGIF1 and MLKL have context-dependent roles in PDAC, with potential therapeutic implications
Blossoming in the Margins: An autoethnographic and narrative exploration of fat Black women’s storied lives through Sista Circles
No full textThis work sought to understand: 1) What it means to be a fat Black woman from their storied vantage point; 2) how these messages shaped their relationship with self and others; and 3) what messages they would like to share with their younger selves— while interweaving my lived experiences and perspectives. Through these narratives, personal reflections, and observations of Sista Circles (Gatica-Perez, 2006; Palmer, 2021; Tedlock, 1991), this project incorporated multimethod qualitative approaches, combining narrative (Bhattacharya, 2013; Connelly & Clandinin, 1990; McClish-Boyd & Bhattacharya, 2021; 2023) and autoethnographic inquiry (Adams et al., 2017; Boylorn & Orbe, 2014; Chawla & Atay, 2014; Holman Jones, 2016) to enrich the utility of Sista Circles as a counter-space for healing (Johnson, 2015; McLane-Davison et al., 2018) and share counternarratives of fat Black women’s experiences.
The four women identified as 1) woman (all using she/her pronouns), 2) Black or Black biracial [one of the knowledge bearers was Afro-Caribbean (Cape Verdean)], and 3) between the ages of 26-33 years old (M=28.5). The Sista Circles for the Blossoming in the Margin Project convened for five consecutive weeks, exploring their storied lives from the past (girlhood) to the present (womanhood) and revisiting their childhood through a narrative therapy-informed reflection activity, letter writing (Gehart, 2017; White & Epston, 1990). Leveraging narrative analysis, analysis of narrative, and affectivity and embodiment in fieldwork, stories of forgiveness, patience, acceptance, love, self-discovery, relational repair, personal autonomy, community, and resistance bloom. In close, I offer a rich discussion and implications of this work
Exploring Maternal-Infant Attachment and Its Relationships with Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Symptoms and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy among Predominantly Hispanic, Latina, and African American/Black Marginalized Populations
Get PDFThe purpose of this study is to explore maternal-infant attachment at 26 weeks PP as it relates to concurrent postpartum depression and anxiety symptoms and breastfeeding self-efficacy in ethnically diverse postpartum mothers (from a larger RCT [“Mindful Moms Study”])
Broccoli Reduces the Development of Pharmacological Tolerance to Morphine
No full textOpioid tolerance—a condition where painkillers like morphine lose effectiveness with repeated use—poses a major public health challenge, contributing to tens of thousands of overdose deaths each year. Atharv Ashwin Battu’s research investigates whether a natural compound found in broccoli, sulforaphane, can slow the development of morphine tolerance. Chronic morphine use is known to damage the gut lining, leading to inflammation that may drive tolerance. Using an animal model and a behavioral pain test called the tail immersion assay, Battu found that animals treated with both morphine and broccoli seed extract maintained longer-lasting pain relief compared to those given morphine alone. These results suggest that sulforaphane’s anti-inflammatory properties can help preserve morphine’s effectiveness, reducing the need for higher doses and lowering the risk of dangerous side effects. Battu’s findings point to a simple yet powerful possibility: a dietary compound like broccoli could enhance pain management and improve quality of life for millions living with chronic pain
Strengthening Critical Infrastructure for Equity and Resilience: Findings from the Environmental Justice Data Project
Get PDFIn 2023, the Research Institute for Social Equity, an institute of the Virginia Commonwealth University’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, partnered with Resilient Virginia to explore the impact of climate change and degradation due to disasters and environmental hazards on the critical infrastructure in and around historically marginalized and underserved communities in the Richmond and Southside Virginia areas. During the study period, 2023-2025, the research team conducted both primary and secondary research in three Virginia localities: Charles City County, the City of Emporia, and a portion of the City of Richmond. Secondary research included a thorough review using an equity analysis framework of the localities’ existing planning documents, including emergency management plans and forward-looking strategic plans. Primary research included surveys, interviews, and focus groups with both emergency officials and citizens. Stakeholders were involved not only as participants but also as partners in interpreting findings. More than 100 emergency management officials, Community Advisory Board members, navigators, and community conversation attendees provided input on how results should be framed and shared with residents. Their feedback shaped the design of storymaps, policy briefs, and data products, ensuring that project deliverables reflect community priorities and can be used in future grant applications, planning, and resilience efforts
S20, E13: SCOTUS Eras: Taney Court (10/31/2025)
Get PDFNia and Aughie talk about the fifth U.S. Supreme Court\u27s Chief Justice, Roger Brooke Taney. Taney\u27s Court lasted from 1836 - 1864, notably presiding over the Dred Scott case as well as cases that further defined the Commerce Clause and set into stone the idea that the Court should consider the Political Question Doctrine when taking a case.https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/civil_discourse/1293/thumbnail.jp
Six Years of Proposed AI Legislation Across the US States: What’s on Policymakers’ Minds?
Get PDFAs artificial intelligence (AI) technologies expand rapidly, public debate has focused on their societal impacts and the need for regulatory oversight. This report offers the first overview of the “what, where, and when” of AI-related legislation introduced in U.S. state legislatures between 2019 and 2024, analyzing key policy trends, priorities, and equity considerations. Although relatively few bills have been enacted, legislative activity has accelerated, reflecting growing political attention to the promises and risks of AI. Most approved bills focus on regulating public or private sector uses of AI, establishing commissions or study groups, and updating education and workforce development programs. While equity is not always central in bill titles or summaries, it surfaces in provisions related to fairness, non-discrimination, transparency, risk assessments, and protections for vulnerable communities, especially in health, employment, and education
Faculty Recital, Ruta Smedina-Starke, piano
Get PDFFaculty RecitalRuta Smedina-Starke, pianoSunday, September 7, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.Sonia Vlahcevic Concert HallW.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts922 Park Avenue | Richmond, Virgini