FY2023 CoRE Projects

Lead: Nan Yi (Dept. of Chemical Engineering)

Abstract: The ongoing accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has accelerated the progression of global warming and delayed the implementation of alternative energy sources. In addition to limiting the extent of carbon dioxide emission, we as a global community must find ways to use carbon dioxide removed from the air to produce chemicals and fuels. Unfortunately, two major challenges currently stand in the way of efficient carbon neutralization by current processes. First, the removal and conversion of carbon dioxide are currently performed as two distinct processes. The costs associated with these processes suggest the need to explore the integration of carbon dioxide removal and conversion with the aid of highly efficient catalysts. Second, because carbon dioxide is comparatively inert, effective transformation currently requires high temperatures and high pressure. This proposal aims to build a collaborative team with members from both the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). The goal of this collaboration is to identify a photocatalytic method to connect carbon dioxide removal and conversion processes via the design of robust catalysts. Our findings will make it possible to understand the reaction pathway through both experimental and simulation approaches.

Lead: Don Wojchowski (Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences)

Abstract: National needs for a multiplexed approach to specifically measure target protein panels at high sensitivity:  Across disciplines (e.g., analyses of drug action mechanisms, disease progression, pathogen screening), needs are increasing for the critical monitoring of key target proteins. This typically is best accomplished by liquid chromatography plus mass spectrometry (“LC/MS”), but with a restrictive two-step workflow: (1) initial partial separation of complex bio-samples via LC and subsequently (2) MS (ionization of peptides, acceleration, differential deflection, detection and identification). While LC/MS can separate and measure thousands of proteins within a single bio-specimen, it is sharply limited due to its one-sample at-a-time workflow. For projects that focus on monitoring defined sets of target proteins, a growing need exists for an approach that circumvents LC, and provides for the simultaneous MS-based analysis of multiple samples.

Studies to be advanced:  This CoRE Project seeks to advance a novel approach for the simultaneous MS assay of customizable panels of target proteins (including important modified forms). First, magnetic immunoaffinity beads are used to selectively retrieve target proteins (or derived peptides) from complex biospecimens. Washed beads are then arrayed in a microwell plate, and target proteins are eluted and dried in a matrix for MS. Target proteins/peptides are then assayed (in multiplex) using a rapid, relatively simple and inexpensive MS platform, “MALDI”. Sensitivity, specificity and reproducibility each/all are notably high. A first aim is for a practical workflow advance, and will implement a MALDI multiwell plate (for arraying affinity beads and MS scanning) that is compatible with commonly available MALDI MS instruments. Second, the utility of this overall platform will be established (and validated) for an intentionally challenging set of biologically and clinically important target proteins, epigenetically modified histones.

Leads: Harish Vashisth (Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences) and Krisztina Varga (Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences)

Abstract: Most proteins are known to fold into well-defined three-dimensional structures. The classical structure-function paradigm associates these structures with the functions of different proteins in cells. However, it is increasingly being appreciated that the intrinsic structural disorder in proteins also plays a significant role in their functions. By employing computational and experimental investigations on model systems, we will study the role of intrinsic disorder in proteins in facilitating their hub-like activity with other proteins in cells.

Lead: Edward Song (Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Abstract: The goal of this project is to develop a high-density microelectrode array (MEA) neurochemical probe for monitoring a neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) from neurons with high spatial and temporal resolution. The project leverages Prof. Edward Song’s expertise in polymer-based electrochemical sensing and Prof. Brian Kim’s expertise in high-density microelectronic circuits and electrophysiology to produce a neurochemical sensing device that can resolve the fast dynamics of GABA release and uptake in neurons in real-time. If successful, the proposed technology can be used to study the electrophysiology of neurons both in vitro and in vivo which would have a broad usage in the neuroscience community. The proposed technology could potentially be used to study the mechanisms of various neurological disorders and mental diseases.

Lead: Jennifer O'Brien (Dept. of Social Work)

Abstract: Intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization includes physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and/or psychological aggression by either a current or former intimate or dating partner. Though IPV varies in severity, it often escalates over time and many survivors are re-victimized. Unfortunately, current interventions for IPV do not adequately address re-victimization. This project will explore the acceptability and feasibility of History Matters^TM- an intervention that has been developed specifically for female-identified survivors of repeat victimization by an intimate partner. In addition, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention at combating the trauma-based mental health needs these women face while addressing the women’s interpersonal historical context that places them at elevated risk for victimization when compared to a treatment-as-usual control.

Leads: Linqing Li (Dept. of Chemical Engineering) and Nathan Oldenhuis (Dept. of Chemistry)

Abstract: Native heparin has been widely used to promote vascularization for tissue engineering, however, it often induces undesired side-effects such as hemorrhage due to significant variations in chemical composition, charge density and structural features in batches isolated from animal sources. This project aims to develop a library of heparin-mimetic polysaccharides with chemically defined negative charge density to support vascular growth without side effects. The proposed studies will not only identify design principles to generate new materials that promote vascularization, but also build a platform that can be integrated with various tissues for regenerative medicine applications.

Lead: Laura Kloepper (Dept. of Biological Sciences)

Abstract: Invasive species are critical threats to ecosystems worldwide and cause economic harm by outcompeting species and affecting ecosystem services. Management of invasive species relies on accurate information, yet current approaches to estimate populations are costly, labor-intensive and restrictive in temporal and spatial resolution. This project will pilot test a method using passive acoustics to estimate the population size of vocal invasive species. Using the American bullfrog, a species native to New England but highly invasive on the West Coast and worldwide, as a model species, we will test the hypothesis that acoustic energy indices are reliable estimates of population sizes for animals in patchy habitats. Results from this project can be extended to monitor the populations of other vocal invasive animals or determine the populations of threatened and endangered species. This approach intersects bioacoustics, ecology, signal processing, and neuroethology, and as such this project combines the expertise of team members from these four disciplines.

Leads: Xuanmao Chen (Dept. of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences) and Mark Lyon (Dept. of Mathematics and Statistics)

Abstract: This CoRE-PRP project is led by Drs. Xuanmao Chen and Mark Lyon, who are a neuroscientist in COLSA and a mathematician in CEPS, respectively. Chen and Lyon have complementary expertise in neuroscience and numerical computation and modeling, allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration to address fundamental questions related to memory formation and mental disorders. In this project, Chen and his team will use transgenic mouse models to perform memory-related behavioral tests combined with in vivo calcium imaging or with EEG brainwave recording. The Chen lab will generate a sheer volume of in vivo imaging and EEG data. Lyon and his graduate student will help develop custom algorithms to aid in imaging and EEG data analyses. In addition, based on collected data, Lyon will also develop computational models, helping reveal the cellular mechanisms underlying hippocampal memory formation. The collaboration will increase the computational capacity of the Chen Lab and allow Lyon to implement his computational expertise to cutting-edge research in natural intelligence, increasing the competitiveness to secure external funding.

Lead: Diliang Chen (Dept. of Electrical and Computer Engineering)

Abstract: This Active ankle-foot prostheses are effective in mitigating health issues caused by asymmetric gait in lower-extremity amputees, but they remain rare in the commercial market due to challenges that include shortcomings in their design and control. The proposed research activities of this CoRE PRP project aims to address these challenges by investigating novel design concepts and control architectures that provide a lightweight and highly capable bionic ankle-foot prosthesis with a control system that adapts to the motion intention of individual users. The proposed design concept for the bionic prosthesis incorporates a lightweight actuator to achieve the required torque and range of motion at the ankle without sacrificing comfort to the users. Furthermore, a multitier architecture is proposed for the control system of the active prosthesis that learns the motion intention of individual users and adapts the control system to improve the efficiency of amputee’s gait. The proposed control system incorporates an Artificial Neural Network model trained to capture the motion intention of individual users, a data-driven mathematical model to synthesize a digital copy of the prostheses dynamic response, and an Explicit Model Predictive Control method for the robust real-time regulation of the prosthesis angles and torques.