Colloquia11.22.2020

Student Colloquia

Every week, some of our senior researchers in each department at ASDRP give public seminar presenting the current state of the field, and disseminating how their research at ASDRP fits into the broader context of the frontiers of modern science and engineering. Colloquia are public events, and anyone can join. Simply click the Google Calendar link to add the event to your calendar.

Department of Biological, Human & Life Sciences

Tuesdays @ 8:00 - 9:00 PM PST

Tuesday, November 23, 2020

Determining the Presence of Coccidioidomycosis in Contra Costa Soil for Valley Fever.

Coccidioidomycosis, more commonly known as Valley Fever, is a respiratory disease that typically affects the lungs. However, depending on the severity, the infection may spread to other parts of the body. The disease is contracted through the inhalation of Coccidioides immitis and Coccidioides posadasii, fungal pathogens that can evade the immune system of the host. These fungi reside in soil and dirt and can be easily dispersed by wind, making the disease more common in hot, dry areas. Although symptoms of the disease are flu-like, in rare cases severity of symptoms rises, possibly resulting in brain and nervous system damage. Unfortunately, other than antifungal treatment, there is no successful cure or vaccine for Coccidioidomycosis. In our research, we will be studying soil samples from parts of Contra Costa county to determine whether this strain of fungi is present in the soil. Our research group will be applying the principles of microbiology and the tools of molecular biology to modern issues in biology, medicine, and materials. This is pursued via targeted 18S ribosomal RNA with the use of Nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and primers.

Anika I., Evergreen Valley High School

Kaur Research Group

Genetics & Microbiology

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Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry & Physics

Fridays @ 8:00 - 9:00 PM PST

Friday, November 27, 2020

Molecular design, synthesis, and in-silico screening of novel isatin dye based G-Quadruplex stabilizers as a cancer therapeutic approach.

The G-Quadruplex (G-Quad) is a DNA Secondary Structure with widespread biological roles in translation, transcription, and maintaining telomere length. The molecule isatin and its derivatives are also becoming more relevant in medicine through their ability to inhibit viruses and protect DNA. Maintaining the stability of the G-Quad is a vital issue that current research on the structure is centered around, as certain G-Quads could be useful in stunting cancer cell growth through telomere regulation, and using versatile bases like isatin for potential ligands remains a novel area of research. Here, a brief coverage of current progress and challenges in the field of G-Quad stabilization will be discussed, both in our laboratory and in other groups involved in the field.

Prahan P., Mission San Jose High School Brah Research Group

Compututational Biochemistry

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Department of Computer Science & Engineering

Wednesdays @ 8:00 - 9:00 PM PST

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

The many ways research can blow up in your face.

It isn’t always easy to measure research “success”. There are always pitfalls, holes, road blocks, and much more. In this week's colloquium, we will discuss this in detail and keep ourselves open to what research really means. Robert Downing, Department Chair of CSEN, and other advisors and research will be leading the colloquium discussion.