Meredith
Kelly
Sponsor: Jonathan Eisen, Ph.D. MED: Medical Microbiology&imm Zostera marina is a globally renowned marine plant that supports coastal ecosystems. Z. marina helps trap carbon, anchor sediment, buffer ocean processes, host biodiversity, and aids biogeochemical cycling. Currently, eelgrass populations are under threat from Labyrinthula zostera, an aquatic pathogen that induces eelgrass wasting disease. L. zosterae can vary in disease severity contingent on environmental conditions, such as temperature. Additionally, the eelgrass microbiome may also provide protection against this pathogen. To better understand these dynamics between host, microbiome, and pathogen, our research aims to understand (1) the genomic variation between L. zostera strain, (2) identify bacteria that have the capability to produce defensive molecules, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and (3) test the effect of these bacteria on L. zosterae growth. To gather such information, our research focuses on optimizing methods for extracting DNA from L. zosterae strains, a historically difficult task due to the biofilm-producing nature of the pathogen. Furthermore, we are developing novel laboratory apparati to conduct dual-chambered VOC experiments in hopes of observing interactions between Z. marina associated bacteria and strains of L. zosterae. Ultimately, our research is aimed at promoting the health of Z. marina through identifying harmful pathogens alongside bacteria which mitigate pathogen growth. Understanding Disparities in Black Maternal Healthcare in the U.S
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Authors:
Meredith Kelly
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My honors thesis research dives into the complicated and layered disparities of black maternal health in America. The research focuses on three key issues: factors contributing to detrimental maternal healthcare practices, how these factors impact black mothers specifically, and how pre/postnatal healthcare can effectively treat black mothers and their babies. The qualitative secondary analysis research identifies the factors that are contributing to unsettling black maternal mortality rates. The research studies how pre/postnatal healthcare can adapt to the needs of the black mothers to improve the quality of care received. Positive changes for black women's pre/postnatal care includes communication between black mothers and medical professionals, adequate resources for black mothers, and black women's voices being heard in medical spaces. It is important for black mothers to feel that they have a say in medical environments, especially when it comes to their maternal health and their infant's health. One of the goals of the research is to explore how resources that black women require for their maternal healthcare can be successfully provided. Black mothers' experiences can be used to increase support for all mothers and propose welcome changes needed in America's maternal healthcare system that will benefit all women. Using Grape Volatilome as a way to Understand and Track Grape Maturity Katarina Kent
Source:
UC Davis / Sociology / 2026
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Meredith Kelly