Philadelphia Undergraduate Research Symposium Program Schedule
11 to 11:55 a.m.
Welcome and Oral Presentations
Pavilion Building, Klein Cube
Presenters:
Daniel Emdin – Community College of Philadelphia
San Thet Htet – Holy Family University
Cassidy Tower – Temple University
Nicole Angela Morilla – Thomas Jefferson University
Alexander Boyko – University of Pennsylvania
12 to 1 p.m.
Poster Presentations
Pavilion Building, 2nd Floor
Presenters:
Nicole Angela Morilla – Thomas Jefferson University
Alexander Boyko – University of Pennsylvania
Yasmin Brown – Community College of Philadelphia
Kenny Calderon-Godinez – University of Pennsylvania
Shayan Chaudhry – Community College of Philadelphia
Mason Dao – University of Pennsylvania
Daniel Emdin – Community College of Philadelphia
Melek Ercan – Community College of Philadelphia
Jalay Gant – Community College of Philadelphia
Robert Huynh - Community College of Philadelphia
Sanjana Khandeshi – Temple University
Regan Lawrence – Montgomery County Community College
Balkissa Maiga – Community College of Philadelphia
Sameeksha Panda – University of Pennsylvania
Thet Htet San – Holy Family University
Donald Santomo – Holy Family University
Caroline Tabas – Community College of Philadelphia
Cassidy Tower – Temple University
Noor Usmani – Temple University
Danny Zheng – Thomas Jefferson University
Presentations
Nicole Angela Morilla – Thomas Jefferson University
Title: From Pollution to Potential: Microbial Diversity and Distribution in Acid Mine Pennsylvania
Authors: N.A. Morilla, M. Oum, A. Tran, J. Tran, and D. Lipus
Affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University
Abstract: Decades of industrial activity in Pennsylvania have left ecosystems burdened with chemical pollution and long-term environmental consequences. Acid mine drainage (AMD) has been a major contributor, particularly in the region due to its rich industrial heritage. Microorganisms play crucial roles at AMD sites by oxidizing iron and sulfur compounds, which increases acidity and leads to the dissolution or precipitation of metals and minerals. While these processes may contribute to the concentration or recovery of valuable rare earth elements, AMD-associated microorganisms can also harbor unique genes for acid resistance, metal tolerance, and, in some cases, antibiotic resistance. These characteristics lend high scientific and industrial significance to the study of microbial processes and adaptations in AMD systems, providing implications for biotechnology and environmental health.
In this project, we are investigating microbial abundance, diversity, metal resistance, and antibiotic resistance in AMD samples from the Askam Borehole in Hanover Township, Pennsylvania, using both molecular genomics and culturing approaches. We collected water, biofilm, and crust samples from multiple locations around the site. Initial assessments indicated moderately acidic waters with pH values ranging from 5 to 6. DNA extraction proved challenging, with typical yields around 1–2 ng/µL. Quantitative PCR revealed microbial loads between 106 and 108, with the highest abundances observed in crust samples.
Future work will include the construction of 16S rRNA sequencing libraries to characterize microbial community composition and diversity. Concurrently, initial culturing experiments aim to enrich and isolate iron-oxidizing bacteria. In the long term, we plan to genomically characterize these enriched cultures and optimize DNA extraction methods to enable metagenomic analyses of AMD samples for antibiotic and heavy metal resistance signatures.
Alexander Boyko – University of Pennsylvania
Title: Dietary fiber and fructose shape the gut microbiome to regulate host glucose and lipid metabolism
Authors: P.V. Sharma1, L. Litichevskiy1, A.A. Boyko1, S. Jung2, P.T.T. Nguyen1, J.G. Supplee1, M.C. Noji1, M. Subramanian1, A. Lucas1, J.M. Drummond1, J.Y. Liu1, L.V. Pinheiro1, N. Murali1, C. Jang2, C.A. Thaiss1,3,4, K.E. Wellen1
Affiliation: (1) University of Pennsylvania; (2) University of California Irvine; (3) Stanford University; (4) Arc Institute
Abstract: The human diet is complex, and combinations of dietary components shape susceptibility to metabolic disease. Yet, physiological effects of individual nutrients are typically studied in isolation. Here, we investigated how combinations of dietary fiber and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) differentially affect glycemic control. Through the intraperitoneal and oral glucose tolerance tests, we found that low fiber and HFCS exerted additive effects to impair glucose tolerance, and these differences were suppressed upon depletion of the gut microbiota with an antibiotic cocktail. Using microbial metagenomics in combination with untargeted metabolomics, we identified Dubosiella newyorkensis, a recently identified murine commensal, as selectively enriched in mice consuming a diet low in fiber and high in HFCS and associated with lipid metabolic signatures that correlated with glucose intolerance. Monocolonization of germ-free mice with D. newyorkensis was sufficient to promote glucose intolerance.
Remarkably, administration of conditioned medium from cultures of D. newyorkensis to specific-pathogen free (SPF) mice impaired glucose metabolism, an effect that was blocked by lipid depletion. Furthermore, we found that a human-colonizing species taxonomically related to D. newyorkensis, Clostridium innocuum, recapitulated glucose intolerance in murine models after monocolonization. Human datasets corroborate the link between low fiber, C. innocuum expansion, and diabetic risk. Our findings establish that combinatorial effects of specific dietary nutrients remodel the gut microbiota in a manner that regulates glucose tolerance through effects on bacterial lipid metabolism, providing potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
Yasmin Brown – Community College of Philadelphia
Title: 16S rRNA Nanopore Sequencing: Improving Soil Microbial Diversity Analysis and Plant Health Correlation
Authors: Y. Brown, J. Noyes, D. Salerno, J. Tront
Affiliation: Community College of Philadelphia, Department of Biology
Abstract: Microbiodiversity, defined as the variety of microorganisms that inhabit an environment, is essential for supporting plant growth, human health and sustaining a healthy ecosystem. The primary focus of our research group was to investigate the microbiodiversity of soil throughout the City of Philadelphia, with each student researcher being guided by an individual research inquiry. The methodology included soil collection, DNA extraction and quantification, followed by 6S nanopore sequencing in order to identify the various numbers of bacterial species. While our preliminary results offered intriguing patterns in bacterial diversity across distinct locations, the study was conducted only twice, limiting the reliability and significance of the findings. Additional sampling, repeated sequencing runs, and expanded data analysis will be essential to validate these early observations and to more accurately characterize the microbial landscape of Philadelphia soils.
Kenny Calderon-Godinez – University of Pennsylvania
Title: Development of photochromic molecules for the restoration of vision in the blind
Authors: K. Calderon-Godinez, S. Lo, D. Trauner
Affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Department of Chemistry, Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics
Abstract: Photopharmacology can be defined as the control of biological function using synthetic photoswitches that can be applied to complex biological systems, ranging from cells and tissues to whole animals and humans, with high spatial and temporal precision. Our group has been at the forefront of this effort, developing photopharmaceuticals that enable optical control over a broad spectrum of biological processes. Recently, this work has culminated in a photopharmaceutical that has progressed to Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of blindness (retinitis pigmentosa). To this extent, our pipeline program aims to develop novel photochromic molecules to 1) uncover the mechanism of action of these compounds and 2) develop advanced analogues that outperform previous derivatives. To our delight, we have developed such molecules that effectively restore action potentials in photoreceptor-deficient retinas. Furthermore, we have also shown light-evoked responses in the absence of open channels, implying a direct capacitance effect in lipid membranes. This work brings to light a first-of-its-class therapeutic for the restoration of vision.
Shayan Chaudhry – Community College of Philadelphia
Title: Framing Hypersexuality: A Social Media Analysis of Generational Attitudes and Stigma
Authors: S. Chaudhry and U. Iqbal
Affiliation: Community College of Philadelphia, Lahore Garrison University
Abstract: Hypersexuality, also known as "sex addiction" or Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), continues to be a controversial and heavily stigmatized disorder in the clinical and public world. Even though the World Health Organization recognized hypersexuality in the ICD-11, it has been excluded from the American Psychiatric Association's DSM-5, leading to skepticism and lack of quality research. This study investigates the public perception of hypersexuality online, looking for differences in tone and framing. A qualitative and quantitative analysis was done on 1,000 English-language posts on X which contained keywords related to terms such as "hypersexuality," "sex addiction," and "compulsive sexual behavior." Each post was examined and categorized as either positive, neutral, or negative, and patterns were also noted between authors and descriptions based on their profile bio. The analysis focused on tone, framing, and profile characteristics such as apparent age indicators. Results show that younger users, such as teenagers, were more likely to engage in hypersexuality discussion in a positive, validating way, but adults were more likely to engage in discussion in a negative, stigmatizing way. These findings showcase a generational gap between the perception of hypersexuality, ongoing clinical research, and the influence social media has on mental health perspectives. The study contributes to a growing body of research related to digital stigma, hypersexuality, public health, and the need for clinical reform.
Mason Dao – University of Pennsylvania
Title: Functional Characterization of Germinal Center Responses Following Live-Attenuated versus mRNA Vaccination
Authors: M. Dao1, J. Chiu1, A. Li1, S. Clemens2, M. Locci1
Affiliation: (1) Department of Microbiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA (2) Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
Abstract: The majority of licensed vaccines confer protection through the induction of long-lived antibody responses, and the quality of these antibodies is a key determinant of vaccine efficacy. The Yellow Fever Vaccine (YFV-17D) is one of the most effective vaccines ever developed, providing lifelong immunity after a single dose. This durable protection is thought to arise from germinal centers (GCs)—specialized microstructures within lymph nodes where B cells undergo iterative rounds of mutation and selection to produce high-affinity antibodies. Within GCs, T follicular helper (Tfh) cells play a critical role by providing survival and selection signals to B cells, ultimately determining which B cell clones are selected to become long-lived antibody-secreting plasma cells. Despite the importance of this process, the GC mechanisms that distinguish highly effective vaccines like YFV from other platforms remain poorly understood. To address this, we compared GC responses between YFV and SARS-CoV-2 mRNA-vaccinated donors (n=6 per group) using flow cytometry, single-cell RNA sequencing, and B cell receptor (BCR) phylogenetic analysis of vaccine-draining lymph node fine needle aspirates. While both platforms induced comparable GC B cell and Tfh cell frequencies, YFV generated significantly more plasmablasts, suggesting qualitative rather than quantitative differences in GC function. BCR phylogenetic analysis using IgPhyML revealed that YFV B cell clones exhibited 1.9-fold higher somatic hypermutation frequencies and accumulated 3.3-fold deeper mutational lineage trees independent of clonal expansion, consistent with more iterative rounds of affinity-based selection. To identify the molecular basis of this enhanced selection, we are conducting transcriptomic profiling of GC Tfh cells across vaccine platforms and performing functional validation of several candidate molecules implicated in T-B cell interactions during GC selection. These studies aim to define the qualitative features of GC responses that enable live-attenuated vaccines to achieve superior long-lived humoral immunity.
Daniel Emdin – Community College of Philadelphia
Title: Biofilm Microbial Consortia from Delaware River Microcosms Exposed to Crude-oil Display Community Restructuring Toward Carbonoclastic Orders and Genera
Authors: D. Emdin, Z. Schubert, R. Nhyuh, R. Cosgrove, A. Pearson, D. Nieves, E. Archtenburg, D. Salerno
Affiliation: Community College of Philadelphia
Abstract: Crude oil pollution poses a serious challenge to the stability of freshwater microbial ecosystems. Pollution events introduce toxic contaminants such as alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which can destabilize microbial communities. We investigated the concentration-dependent succession of freshwater biofilms following acute crude oil exposure using controlled microcosms designed to simulate the Delaware River. Microcosms were exposed to low (10 ppm) and high (100 ppm) oil concentrations, and the response of biofilm consortia was analyzed over two weeks. The microbial consortium that developed in response to crude oil exposure represents a transition toward metabolically robust and carbonoclastic organisms. This study reveals a complex and concentration-dependent response in the Delaware River microbiome and supports the hypothesis of a functionally primed freshwater system capable of bioremediation.
Melek Ercan – Community College of Philadelphia
Title: Micro-diversity Comparison Between Human-Edge and Non-Human-Edge Soil at Schuylkill River Trail Using 16S rRNA Nanopore Sequencing.
Authors: M. Ercan, J. Noyes, D. Salerno, J. Tront
Affiliation: Community College of Philadelphia
Abstract: This project investigates whether human activity influences soil microbial diversity at the Schuylkill River Trail. Two soil samples were collected from contrasting locations: one near the human-exposed trail edge and one farther from direct human impact. Microbial DNA was extracted using a soil DNA extraction workflow, followed by 16S rRNA gene amplification, barcoding, and Nanopore sequencing. The resulting sequencing data were analyzed to compare taxonomic composition and alpha diversity metrics, including richness and Shannon diversity. Preliminary analysis showed differences between the two soil communities, suggesting that environmental exposure and anthropogenic activity may influence microbial community structure. This study highlights how portable sequencing and environmental microbiology can be used to explore ecological questions at a local scale.
Jalay Gant – Community College of Philadelphia
Title: Bacillus Bacteria, natural plant growers
Authors: J. Gant, J. Noyes, D. Salerno, J. Tront
Affiliation: Community College of Philadelphia
Abstract: This experiment investigated the effect of bacteria, bacillus subtilis on plant growth. In this experiment, radish seeds were divided into a control group (soil and water only) and an experimental group treated with Bacillus and grown under the same conditions. Growth was measured using root length measurements over a period of 7 days. Results revealed that the treated plants had greater growth developments compared to the control, indicating that Bacillus bacteria positively affect radish plant growth.
Robert Huynh - Community College of Philadelphia
Title: Metagenomic Assessment of Riparian Soil Microdiversity: The Impact of River Morphology and Urban Runoff in the Pennypack Watershed
Authors: N. Huynh, J. Noyes, D. Salerno, J. Tront
Affiliation: Community College of Philadelphia
Abstract: Urban river systems face significant ecological stress from industrial runoff and physical alterations. This study investigated how river geometry - specifically a 90-degree depositional bend - and localized infrastructure influence microbial community richness and water chemistry. We collected the soil samples from an upstream headwater site (Sample 1) and a downstream 90-degree bend (Sample 2). Genomic DNA was extracted via soil isolation kits, quantified using Qubit fluorometry, and sequenced using the Oxford Nanopore Flongle platform for rapid, high-accuracy metagenomic classification. Qubit analysis revealed a four-fold increase in DNA concentration downstream compared to upstream. While both sites were dominated by Burkholderiales and Hyphomicrobiales, Sample 2 exhibited expansion in microdiversity, specifically featuring the orders of Sphingomonadales and Lysobacterales. Water testing indicated a shift from neutral upstream to slightly acidic downstream, with the presence of nitrates and nitrites at the river bend. This study is an initial first step in investigating the Pennypack River’s capacity for microbial succession.
Sanjana Khandeshi – Temple University
Title: Role of Prelimbic Cortex Cav1.2 Channels in Regulating Social Behavior and Their Rescue via ISRIB
Authors: S. Khandeshi, A.M. Rajadhyaksha, M.Z. Bin Ibrahim, J. Walsh
Affiliation: Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Abstract: Cav1.2 channels are voltage-gated calcium channels involved in mediating synaptic plasticity, activity-dependent transcription, and neuronal excitability (5). Altered Cav1.2 expression and function has been implicated in many neuropsychiatric conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. A common feature among these conditions is deficits in social behavior (5). Knocking out cacna1c, the gene encoding Cav1.2, within the prelimbic cortex (PL), a region involved in social cognition (3), impairs social behavior in mice (3). When monitoring PL neural activity following Cav1.2 knockout via in vivo GCaMP neural activity biosensor recording, neuronal activity during social activity is dampened. This corresponds with observed social behavioral deficits (4). Within the Cav1.2-deleted PL, translational factor eIF2α is over-phosphorylated (3), indicative of perturbed eIF2α-dependent protein translation (3). This is a process implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders (6). By administering the small molecular inhibitor ISRIB that overrides eIF2α signaling (7), social behavior deficits due to PL-specific Cav1.2 loss were rescued (3). This highlights translational potential. As such, we are curious if ISRIB can also rescue the underlying neuronal activity in the PL following Cav1.2 loss.
Regan Lawrence – Montgomery County Community College
Title: Effect of Supplemental Glutamine on NISTCHO Cell Growth and Antibody Production
Authors: R. Lawrence, J. Toczydlowski, M. Bryans
Affiliation: Montgomery County Community College
Abstract: NISTCHO is a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line that was developed from CHOZN cells by MilliporeSigma and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). In the CHOZN cell line the gene for glutamine synthetase (GS), has been knocked out creating a requirement for supplemental glutamine in the culture media. NISTCHO cells are recombinant CHOZN cells produced by transfection with a plasmid containing the genes for a monoclonal antibody (cNISTmAB) and a copy of the GS gene. The latter allows the cells to grow in glutamine-free media and therefore creates a means for recombinant cell selection. A previous observation suggests that supplemental glutamine in NISTCHO growth medium leads to increased antibody production, perhaps by removing the metabolic burden of glutamine production. It does not however result in loss of the transgene. This study investigates the effect of adding varying concentrations of glutamine to culture medium on NISTCHO cell proliferation and monoclonal antibody production.
Balkissa Maiga – Community College of Philadelphia
Title: Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis
Authors: B. Maiga, M. Bahadory
Affiliation: Community College of Philadelphia
Abstract: In this summative research, various conditions were tested to determine the optimal conditions to synthesize silver nano particles.
Sameeksha Panda – University of Pennsylvania
Title: Single-cell quantitative profiling of de novo pyrimidine synthesis with Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: S. Panda, J. Zhang, R. Yin, L. Xie, Y. Shen
Affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania
Abstract: This research helped examine whether Raman spectroscopy can be utilized as a quantitative framework for measuring de novo pyrimidine synthesis activity in mammalian cells. Specifically, it looked at whether spontaneous Raman spectroscopy can resolve the kinetics of pyrimidine turnover in cells despite its limited sensitivity and the inherently weak spontaneous Raman scattering signal. To address this question, a time-course [U-13C]-glutamine labeling experiment was performed to evaluate the sensitivity, detection limit, and suitability of Raman measurements for dynamic quantification. Over 12–72 h, the pyrimidine-ring band within the 760–790 cm−1 window exhibited a progressive, time-dependent deformation consistent with gradual accumulation of 13C incorporation and nucleic-acid-associated pyrimidines turn over on a multi-day timescale under these growth conditions. Application of a Raman-to-enrichment calibration to estimate 13C enrichment from Raman measurements. The Raman-derived 13C enrichment followed a temporal trajectory consistent with LC–MS measurements of pyrimidine isotopologues. Together, these results establish Raman isotope tracing as a time- and pathway-resolved readout of de novo pyrimidine synthesis in intact cells.
Thet Htet San – Holy Family University
Title: Molecular Dynamics Analysis of TSHR-Autoantibody (K1-70) Interface Disruptions Following Mutations at K58, Y82, and R109
Authors: T.H. San, D. He
Affiliation: Holy Family University
Abstract: Mutations at the residues K58, R109 and Y82 cause the TSHR-autoantibody K1-70 complex less stable by disrupting Hydrogen bond. This directly affect the TSHR-autoantibody interaction and results in the absence or decrease in the K1-70 activity, causing further autoimmune thyroid disease such as Graves's disease.
Donald Santomo – Holy Family University
Title: Investigating the Effect of Point Mutations in the Influenza Viral Protein Hemagglutinin on Viral Fitness
Authors: D. Santomo; J. Myers
Affiliation: Holy Family University
Abstract: Influenza A virus (IAV) remains a significant global health concern due to its seasonal epidemics and periodic pandemics driven by antigenic drift. Antigenic drift refers to the evolution of the IAV surface glycoprotein Hemagglutinin (HA). HA functions as the viral attachment protein that mediates host cell binding and serves as a primary target of neutralizing antibodies. Previous research has demonstrated that mutations within HA antigenic sites can facilitate immune escape. Although some naturally occurring escape mutations have been associated with fitness costs, their overall impact on viral function is not fully understood. The escape mutations of interest are located in various regions of the HA protein, known as antigenic sites, and have been identified to arise under immune pressure. This study will investigate the functional consequences of introducing such point mutations into the IAV genome using reverse genetics. Viral rescue will be performed through plasmid transfection in a HEK293T and Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell co-culture system, followed by fitness assays to compare mutant and wild-type viruses.
We hypothesize that the mutant viruses will exhibit reduced viral fitness relative to the wild-type virus due to the proximity of mutations to essential viral replication structures. By characterizing the fitness effects of escape mutations, this study will enhance understanding of such mutations and provide insight into mechanisms underlying antigenic drift in IAV.
Caroline Tabas – Community College of Philadelphia
Title: Public Health Impact of Artificial Turf on Soil Microbial Diversity in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia Using Nanopore Sequencing
Author: C. Tabas, J. Noyes, D. Salerno, J. Tront
Affiliation: Community College of Philadelphia
Abstract: Urban infrastructure may alter soil ecosystems and influence environmental microbial exposure in childhood. This study examined how artificial turf affects soil microbial diversity in Northern Liberties, Philadelphia. Soil samples were collected from the Seedy Acres community garden, representing biologically active soil, and from beneath rubber composite playground turf at Orkney Park. DNA was extracted and analyzed using Nanopore sequencing to characterize microbial species richness and diversity. Results suggest soil beneath artificial turf may exhibit reduced microbial diversity compared with garden soil, highlighting potential ecological impacts of urban surface materials.
Cassidy Tower – Temple University
Title: Molecular modeling of a mycobacterial K+ channel with nucleotide binding
Authors: C. Tower, B. Rothberg
Affiliation: College of Science and Technology and Department of Medical Genetics and Molecular Biochemistry, Temple University
Abstract: Our research is focused on a mycobacterial potassium channel from mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), termed MycK. Encoded by a virulence gene, MycK is critical to the survival of Mtb in eukaryotes. Structural studies show that MycK acts as an ATP sensor in mycobacteria. Experiments using isothermal calorimetry have provided quantitative data about the affinity of the channel for binding other nucleotides and dinucleotides. Several adenosine dinucleotides with high affinity binding were selected and co-crystallized with MycK ligand binding domain (LBD). X-ray diffraction data of the selected crystals was collected and analyzed. Molecular modeling program Coot (Crystallographic Object-Oriented Toolkit) and PHENIX are being used to build and refine the molecular structure of MycK-LBD bound to adenosine dinucleotides.
Noor Usmani – Temple University
Title: Suppression of Bitter Taste Aversion with Cetyl Alcohol and Myristyl Alcohol Edible Films by Testing their Cooling Effect in the Oral Cavity
Authors: G. Smutzer and N. Usmani
Affiliation: Deptartment of Biology, Temple University
Abstract: Advanced delivery methods for administering drugs and nutritional supplements through the oral cavity is a critical goal for improving overall health. Current oral delivery methods often result in unpleasant tactile and taste perception which decreases compliance, especially in individuals with eating disorders and swallowing disorders, young children and individuals with autistic spectrum disorder. Edible films can be designed to mask unpleasant and bitter flavors in medications and significantly decrease choking hazards. This study proposes to develop a novel rapidly dissolving edible film designed for oral administration that includes cetyl alcohol or myristyl alcohol as a component for emulsifying hydrophobic medications and supplements for inclusion within films. Cetyl alcohol (CH3(CH2)15OH) and myristyl alcohol (CH3(CH2)12CH2OH) are long-chain fatty alcohols that are commonly used as stabilizers and emulsifying agents with water-insoluble nutrients and drugs. This research investigates the sensory properties of films that include these two long-chain fatty alcohols to induce the perception of cooling in the oral cavity. The nonlinear gLMS scale and a bipolar hedonics (pleasantness) scale were used to assess cetyl alcohol and myristyl alcohol film formulations. The influence of nasal airflow on taste perception and a cooling response was examined by comparing sensory ratings with and without a nose clamp. In the absence of nasal airflow, these long-chain fatty alcohols yielded a cooling sensation in the majority of subjects that was likely caused by evaporative cooling in the oral cavity. In summary, this research successfully exploited the properties of two long-chain fatty alcohols to increase the load capacities of edible films, to enhance the taste of edible films, and to create a more effective and safe oral delivery system for nutritional supplements and medications.
Danny Zheng – Thomas Jefferson University
Title: Variation in Photoluminescence Properties of Substituted Calcium Zinc Vanadate Garnet Phosphors
Authors: S. Podowitz-Thomas, S. Patel, D. Zheng, A. Nambiar, R. Patel, O. Patel
Affiliation: Thomas Jefferson University, East Falls Campus
Abstract: Rare-earth-free vanadate phosphors are promising materials for solid-state lighting due to their broad visible emission from V-O charge-transfer transitions. In this project, the photoluminescence and structural properties of Ca2.5Zn2(VO4)3 (CZV), a vanadate phosphor with a garnet crystal structure, were characterized in samples with varied concentrations of Na substituted for Ca++ and Mg++ substituted for Zn++. Samples were synthesized using a citrate gel-combustion method. Normalized emission spectra showed that all substituted and undoped samples emitted near 505-510 nm. Emission band width and intensity varied with concentration, along with colorimetric properties. The emission bands were observed with increasing substitution level. Excitation spectra exhibited more pronounced peak shifts with varied concentration than did emission spectra, with peak excitation ranging from 340-370 nm. A systematic blue shift with increased substitution was observed, along with varied quantum and absorption efficiency in the violet spectral region. These results demonstrate that these elemental substitutions in CZV have a stronger influence on absorption than emission properties from the intrinsic VO4 photoluminescence.
Thank You
We extend our sincere gratitude to the entire team at the Community College of Philadelphia for the outstanding collective effort in bringing the Philadelphia Undergraduate Research Symposium to life. We also thank our partnering institutions for their invaluable collaboration and shared commitment to this event. Together, our efforts help highlight and celebrate the remarkable student research taking place across the City of Philadelphia.
With Sincere Gratitude ~
Jennifer Tront, Ph.D.
Community College of Philadelphia
PURS Convener