Presentation:Dissertation Defense: Modeling of Cell Cycle Distortion and p16ink4a Significance in Human Papillomavirus-Infected Cells and Novel Use of Partial Differential Equations in Epidemiology Modeling
2025-01-13 12:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit) | West Hall - 242
Abstract:

The role of human papillomavirus (HPV) as a causative agent for epithelial cancers is well-known, but many open questions remain regarding the downstream gene regulatory effects of viral proteins E6 and E7 on the cell cycle. Here, we extend a cell cycle model originally presented by Gerard and Goldbeter [12] in order to capture the effects of E6 and E7 on key actors in the cell cycle. Results suggest that E6 is sufficient to reverse p53-induced quiescence, while E7 is sufficient to reverse p16INK4a-induced quiescence; both E6 and E7 are necessary when p53 and p16INK4a are both active. Moreover, E7 appears to play a role as a “growth factor substitute”, inducing cell division in the absence of growth factor. Low levels of E7 may permit regular cell division, but the results suggest that higher levels of E7 dysregulate the cell cycle in ways that may destabilize the cellular genome. We additionally explore factors related to susceptibility to apoptosis in HPV-positive cells, with results suggesting that while p16INK4a may be important in preventing apoptosis in such cells, this is unlikely to be due to stabilization of the cell cycle. The mechanisms explored here provide opportunities for developing new treatment targets that take advantage of the cell cycle regulatory system to prevent HPV-related cancer effects. In particular, suppression of p16INK4a activity may be a valuable target as an adjuvant to chemotherapy in HPV-positive cancers.

Additionally, we present a novel implementation of the standard SIR epidemiology model, refined to use partial differential equations instead of the usual ordinary differential equations. This enables the model to more easily consider factors like differing levels of vulnerability in a given population or different states of disease progression without needing to explicitly add more equations to the system. Case studies illustrating the use of this new framework are given, and some speculation on ways in which this model may be made further abstract are included at the end.

Exhibition:Igniting Growth
2025-01-13 12:00 - 18:00 | Duderstadt Center - Gallery 1019
January 8-20, 2025
Reception: Thursday, January 9, 4:30-6:00 pm
Duderstadt Center Gallery

Growth can come from outside inspiration, life experiences, pain, illness, etc. This interactive exhibit is not just a display of art and music but an experiment focusing on the creative process and how inspiration may affect and alter that process. As artists, we find the constant need to evolve and grow. We can become complacent in our ideas. This is when inspiration from a different book, or music or other source can ignite a new direction/phase in our life.

This is an interactive exhibit, bring your earbuds and smartphone to enjoy the full experience. For more information, please contact Rich Moizio at rmoizio@comcast.net or Armani PlantSeeds at plantseeds313@gmail.com

Exhibition:More than Gray: Reimagining Early America in Full Color
2025-01-13 12:00 - 16:00 | William Clements Library
The American past was lived in full color, but this vibrant history can be easily missed in surviving evidence. You can’t deny that there’s something about a black-and-white photograph that feels… stuffy. With portraits showing people with their shirts buttoned right to the neck and everything in shades of gray and brown, our imaginations can incline to thinking of the past as a bit staid, if not downright dull. But look a little closer, and you’ll see signs that the fashion choices available to those who came before us were more colorful than you might first think. From the fabrics they wore, to the games they played, or the books they read, their world was alive with bright hues. This exhibit invites you to reimagine history with a fuller color palette and picture the vibrancy and joy that just might be hidden behind the unsmiling photographs.

Exhibition opening weekdays from 12-4.

Careers / Jobs:Registered Nurse Lunch & Learn with Sentara
2025-01-13 12:00 - 13:00
Let's have lunch together!I'm Christina Berry, Sentara's RN Student Liaison and if you're curious about Sentara and would like to network with me, this is our time to do just that! Join me at noon on Monday, January 13: https://bit.ly/4f79UKK Let’s talk about how to apply, Sentara’s Nurse Residency Program, Summer internships, benefits of working with Sentara, and anything else you might have questions about!Can’t attend this event?Lunch& Learn sessions are currently scheduled weekly from January to March 2025. Don't forget to look for Sentara sponsored events that can be pivotal in your job search! Make that all-important face-to-face connection with Sentara hiring managers & recruiters. Check for upcoming events at your preferred location at www.sentaracareers.com/events.I look forward to connecting with you soon!Benefits: Sentara offers an attractive array of full-time benefits to include Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off, Sick, Tuition Reimbursement, a 401k/403B with matching funds, 401a, Performance Plus Bonus, Career Advancement Opportunities, Work Perks, and more. Our success is supported by a family-friendly culture that encourages community involvement andcreates unlimited opportunities for development and growth. Be a part of an excellent healthcare organization that cares about our People, Quality, Patient Safety, Service, and Integrity. Join a team that has a mission to improve health every day and a vision to be the healthcare choice of the communities that we serve!

Workshop / Seminar:Science Success Series- Mindful Mondays
2025-01-13 13:00 - 14:00 | Chemistry Building, Science Learning Center Flex Space
Give your brain some rejuvenation by taking a mindful study break. Come join us for an hour of connection, conversation, and crafts with fellow students. The WISE Mentors will be available to answer any questions you may have. Need a resume review, advice for picking classes, help making a study schedule? We've got you covered!
This is a drop-in style event where you can come and go as your schedule allows. Light snacks will be provided.
