CURCA awards record nine mini grants

A record-breaking nine Center for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (CURCA) mini grants were awarded to University of North Georgia (UNG) students for the 2024-25 year. Each project will receive $1,000 to fund supplies and will be presented at either UNG's Annual Research Conference March 21 at the Dahlonega Campus; another CURCA-sponsored event; or a disciplinary conference or published.

"The only way we can break the record of number of projects that we fund is because the Provost's office works with us," Dr. Diogo Pinheiro, CURCA assistant director and associate professor of sociology, said. "We wouldn't have the funds to support all nine without that help."

Recipients include:

• Rediate Degu and co-applicant Kaitlyn Timmons for "In-Situ Development of Parasitoid Copidosoma floridanum in Hosts Trichoplusia ni and Chrysodeixis includens." Faculty mentor: Dr. Evan Lampert, professor of biology.
• Benjamin Hughes for "Electronic Cigarette Effects on Blood Pressure." Faculty mentor: Dr. Cathy Whiting, professor of biology.  
• Jessica Kimari for "Experimentally Testing Weight-Based Stereotype Threat." Faculty mentor: Dr. Zachary Elison, assistant professor of psychological science.
• Ryan Lambert for "The Mitigative Effects of Exercise on Diet-Induced Cognitive Decline in C57BL/6 Mice." Faculty mentor: Dr. Abby Meyer, associate professor of psychological science.
• Connor McKay for "The Effects of a Carbohydrate and Sodium Supplement on Brazilian Jui-Jitsu Performance." Faculty mentor: Dr. Parker Hyde, assistant professor of kinesiology.
• Hailey Pruitt for "Design and Investigation of Selective Small Molecule Inhibitors for Peptidylarginine Deiminase 4 in the Context of Rheumatoid Arthritis." Faculty mentor: Dr. Brynna Quarles, associate professor of chemistry.
• Emily Reedy, with co-applicants David Cholewinski and Lindsey Malcolm for "Investigating the Impact of E-Cigarette Vapor Exposure on Occludin Immunolocalization in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Mus musculus." Faculty mentor: Whiting.
• Tyler Simpson for "Synthesis and Application of Porous Hybrid Materials for the Removal of Water Pollutants." Faculty mentor: Dr. Levi Zane Miller, assistant professor of chemistry.
• Taryn Tu for "Exploring the Role of Acetylcholinesterase Protein Measurements as a Bioindicator of Environmental Contamination in Eastern Oysters (Crassostrea virginica) Along the Georgia Coast." Faculty mentor: Dr. Nancy Dalman, professor and department head of biology, and Dr. Ryan Shanks, professor of biology.

"Normally students will do research by working on a professor’s project and submit a final paper for class, but with mini grants, they receive funding for their own research project," Pinheiro said. "This funding gives students the opportunity to do research in a way that's going to be very meaningful for them, because it's their idea, their conception, their research question and methods. They're not just the research assistant, but someone who's really taking a question, a project or an idea from the very beginning to the very end and providing an answer, writing an article, something along those lines."

Hughes is a senior from Athens, Georgia, pursuing a nursing degree. He started his research in summer 2024 and anticipates completing it in summer 2025 with a presentation of the findings at the Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference in fall 2025.

"We have seen a dramatic increase in individuals — especially youth — using electronic smoking devices that don't have the long history of research that traditional tobacco products do," he said. "Blood pressure has a variety of effects on individuals' health, and there are a lot of factors that can contribute to it. However, tobacco is known to increase blood pressure, so looking into the effects electronic devices have is intriguing."

His long-term goal is to enroll in a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) graduate program.

"Having research experience will not only be helpful for my application but also help when I am required to complete some form of graduate research," he said. "I had an understanding of what evidence-based practice is and means before being involved in research, which allows for more of an appreciation for what goes on behind it in the medical world."

Suwanee, Georgia resident Kimari aspires to use this opportunity to pursue a career in clinical psychology and working in prisons, forensic psychology units or private practice. Now a junior, Kimari recognizes and appreciates the support she receives from her professors.

"I can't do this alone. I have two professors that are helping me, and I certainly would not be able to do it without them," she said.

She is quick to credit Elison and Dr. Jason Miller, assistant professor of psychological science.

"Having been given the idea of stereotype threat and weight-based stigma by Dr. Elison, I ran with a project focused on health behaviors. The goal is to find support for the idea that stereotype threat has a negative effect on performance in all areas of life, particularly for health and physical movement focused behaviors," Kimari explained.  

Through her efforts, Kimari has secured an opportunity to present at the Southeastern Psychological Association in Atlanta, Georgia, this spring. She is looking forward to additional presentation opportunities as her project continues over the next year and a half, Kimari said.