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Exploring the Role of Glycosphingolipid Metabolism in Disease Pathogenesis Across Lysosomal Storage Disorders, Neurodegeneration, and Cancer
No full textAlterations in glycosphingolipid (GSL) metabolism serve as a critical nexus linking lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs), neurodegeneration, and cancer progression. In LSDs, such as Gaucher disease, GBA1 mutations drive glucosylceramide (GlcCer) accumulation, destabilizing lysosomal enzyme trafficking and hydrolytic capacity. This lysosomal collapse manifests in hepatosplenomegaly, skeletal defects, and neurotoxic ɑ-synuclein aggregation due to impaired autophagic clearance. In Parkinson’s disease (PD) models, GSL imbalances exacerbate lysosomal dysfunction, with ganglioside dysregulation (GM1 reduction, GM3 elevation) promoting ɑ-synuclein oligomerization through failed lysosomal degradation. Mechanistically, lysosomal stress triggers compensatory LAMP1 upregulation and mTOR hyperactivation, which suppress TFEB- mediated lysosomal biogenesis, perpetuating a cycle of autophagic failure. Concurrently, lysosomal dysfunction drives aberrant signaling: retained growth factor receptors (EGFR, PDGF) evade degradation, hyperactivating pro-survival kinases (p-Akt) that fuel epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer. GSL accumulation reshapes lipid raft microdomains, disturbing the spatial organization of signaling complexes and enabling constitutive activation of oncogenic pathways (P13K/Akt, EGFR) while impairing neurotrophic receptor (TrkB) clustering, bridging membrane biophysical changes to disease progression. These insights position lysosomal dysfunction and lipid raft-driven signaling alterations as central drivers of GSL-mediated pathology, offering unified strategies to combat LSDs, neurodegeneration, and cancer
Queering the Fashion Design Curriculum: Reflections As an Educator and Student
No full textThis thesis project seeks to justify the inclusion of queer theory to existing and future fashion education curriculum through an action-based research methodological approach informed by the experiences as an undergraduate design student, art educator, and adjunct faculty member. Within this thesis project, three courses were designed using the Department of Fashion’s curriculum at Virginia Commonwealth University. These courses include: Queering the Fashion Narrative, a new approach to fashion history; Tailoring and Uniformity in Fashion, examining adaptive and inclusive design through tailored garments; [re]Dressing to Say “I Do”, an unconventional perspective on conventional wedding attire
Public Transportation as a Vehicle for Upward Mobility of Women in Appalachian Virginia
Get PDFGender and geography are intersecting identities that can affect transportation access and therefore upward mobility. Mobility in rural areas is restricted by economic, temporal, and spatial limitations, as well as infrastructure accessibility. Gendered differences in mobility patterns influence the ability of women to utilize public transportation systems. There is a lack of consideration of rural women in transportation research and planning.
This paper seeks to understand the accessibility of public transportation systems in rural areas to women and how it can contribute to their upward mobility, by studying the Four County Transit system in Appalachian Virginia. Population demographics, current system performance metrics, and existing transit service to key community facilities were analyzed.
The existing public transportation service provided by Four County Transit has gaps in its accessibility and utility for women due to a lack of appropriate passenger infrastructure, lack of frequency and accessibility, and long travel times required to utilize the service. Mobility alternatives, such as mobility management and shared mobility services, are considered as potential transportation alternatives to help close the transportation gap for rural women. Access to reliable public transportation can improve the social and economic outcomes of women and the community as a whole
VCU Opera Gala, video disc one
Get PDFVideo disc one of twoVCU OperapresentsA Toast To Opera, video disc one75th AnniversaryGala Celebrationwith the VCU SymphonySaturday, April 26, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.Sonia Vlahcevic Concert HallW.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts922 Park Avenue | Richmond, Virgini
Junior Recital, Malik Gray, saxophone
Get PDFJunior RecitalMalik Gray, saxophonewith April Freeman, drums; Korei Clardy, bass;Hepburn Hull, piano; Sam Colaccino, trumpetTuesday, April 29, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.Recital HallJames W. Black Music Center1015 Grove Avenue | Richmond, VirginiaThe presentation of this junior recital will fulfill in part the requirements of the Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies. Malik Gray studies saxophone with J.C. Kuhl
Senior Recital, Ethan Jenkins, tuba
Get PDFSenior RecitalEthan Jenkins, tubaNick Berkin, pianoTuesday, April 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.Sonia Vlahcevic Concert HallW.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts922 Park Avenue | Richmond, VirginiaThe presentation of this senior recital will fulfill in part the requirements of the Bachelor of Music degree in Performance. Ethan Jenkins studies tuba with Jeff Hudson
Piano Area Recital, video
Get PDFPiano Area Recital, videoThursday, April 3, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.Sonia Vlahcevic Concert HallW.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts922 Park Avenue | Richmond, Virgini
Special Recital, Aniyah Ricks, bass and vocals, video
Get PDFSpecial Recital, videoAniyah Ricks, bass and vocals
with Dimitrije Vasiljevic, piano and synth;Rod Williams, drums; David Speckhart, guitar;Khalil Shabazz, saxophone; Nate Neblock, percussionSunday, February 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.Recital HallJames W. Black Music Center1015 Grove Avenue | Richmond, Virgini
Artist in Residence Recital, Neave Trio, disc one
Get PDFVideo Disc one of twoNeave TriopresentsRemembrancesSaturday, March 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.Sonia Vlahcevic Concert HallW.E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts922 Park Avenue | Richmond, Virgini
Beyond Barriers: Supporting formerly incarcerated students in American higher education
Get PDFThe United States prison industry is the largest in the world. With the reintroduction of Second Chance Pell in 2015, more people are starting their education while incarcerated, and some attempt to finish after release. However, they are faced with numerous barriers that may prevent graduation. Drawing on Astin’s theory of student involvement, this mixed-methods study examines the challenges that formerly incarcerated people face while pursuing college degrees. Rather than focusing on access, this research focuses on the supports that institutions of higher education can establish to help formerly incarcerated students persist and successfully complete their undergraduate degrees. The findings highlight several supports that formerly incarcerated students find helpful, including counseling, academic advising, and financial aid. There are differences between what men and women find most helpful. The findings could be used to create and adapt policies to produce a more welcoming and supportive campus environment