Master of Environmental Science, Miami University, 2009, Environmental Sciences

A common invasive shrub in eastern North America is Lonicera maackii; it is often controlled with mechanical and chemical methods. In this study, I evaluated the effectiveness of a new method (cut-a-major limb) to kill shrubs 2.4-4.5 m tall. I compared four treatments for efficacy and costs: all combinations of two mechanical methods– cut-a-major limb and space-cuts, with two different herbicides - Garlon 3A and Tordon RTU, in mid-November 2008 at the Ecology Research Center, Oxford, Ohio. Garlon was not effective, but Tordon killed some shrubs, and was more effective in space-cuts than when applied to a major limb. Treating one stem was not effective in killing multi-stemmed shrubs. Cut-a-major limb was not effective on the large shrubs used in this study. Space-cuts with Tordon was more expensive than some previously reported methods, but may be a good alternative to control single-stemmed medium-size shrubs and when spot treatment is needed.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Invasive temperate lianas are ecologically impactful and increasing in abundance in North America, but information regarding their ecophysiology is relatively scarce. I selected four introduced species representing potentially contrasting shade strategies, "light-demanding" Ampelopsis brevipedunculata and Celastrus orbiculatus and shade-tolerant Hedera helix and Euonymus fortunei, to compare their responses to either neutral shade or shade with a reduced R:FR ratio of 0.88 from the ambient 1.3, with the reduced-R:FR shade intended to more closely resemble canopy shade and induce a phytochrome-mediated shade avoidance response. I tested whether responses differed by species and by light quality, measuring five morphological and physical traits in all species and four photosynthetic traits in the shade-tolerant species. Mortality in shaded Ampelopsis was high along with Celastrus in all conditions, while no mortality was observed in shade-tolerant species. Differential responses to light quality were detected in three morphological traits and one photosynthetic parameter. Relative to neutral shade, leaf mass as a proportion of total aboveground biomass increased in Ampelopsis and Celastrus in reduced R:FR shade while increasing in both treatments for shade-adapted species. Internode length was only greater in R:FR-reduced shade than neutral shade for Celastrus, with no difference in elongation detected between shade treatments in any other species. These changes in allocation patterns and gross morphology were limited to the light-demanding species. While internode length was greatest for all species in control conditions, a subsequent analysis of biomass-adjusted internode length indicated that internodes were longest in the shade treatments, and nonsignificantly longer in R:FR-reduced shade relative to neutral shade. Hedera biomass was greater in R:FR-reduced shade, increasing nonsignificantly in all other species. Quantum yield (φ) was greatest in Hedera but unaffe (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2021, Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology

Humans engineer their environments by transporting species around the planet. In a new environment, most introduced species will perish, but a small proportion can become invasive, spreading widely and impacting their environments. My dissertation explores how evolutionary processes shape invasive species. I studied two mechanisms of invasive species evolution that can induce rapid evolutionary change: hybridization (mating between genetically distinct individuals) and whole genome duplication (WGD, when offspring inherit an extra set of chromosome pairs). In Chapters 1 and 2, I describe experiments with members of the model plant genus Arabidopsis differing only in genome size and status as either parent or hybrid, effectively isolating the independent effects of WGD and hybridization on traits. I grew plants together under controlled conditions and measured traits and phenotypic plasticity (the change in trait values across imposed environmental gradients). For the handful of traits and gradients in which WGD shifted plasticity values, WGD consistently increased plasticity (Chapter 1). This study provides the most controlled experimental evidence to date in support of the hypothesis that WGD increases plasticity, a hypothesis invoked to help explain how WGD has driven evolution. In contrast to WGD, I found that hybridization produced larger effects on both mean traits and plasticity (Chapter 2). This experiment is the first to fully isolate hybridization and WGD effects on plasticity. In nature, genetic and trait variation provide the raw material allowing invasive species to initially prevail in and, potentially, adapt to the introduced environment. I examined patterns of variation related to hybridization and WGD for two invasive plant systems (Chapters 3 and 4). Chapter 3 focuses on purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), a well-studied species for which other authors have documented post-introduction changes in traits and genetics. A little-studied, mo (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Bowling Green State University, 2020, Biological Sciences

Introduced to the Great Lakes Region from Europe before 1900, invasive Butomus umbellatus (Flowering rush) forms monotypic stands that crowd native species and cover open water systems across Great Lakes shorelines and reservoirs in the northern US. Factors contributing to invasion persistence and impacts on ecosystem function by this species are poorly understood. This study characterizes vegetation and environmental factors at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, which borders Lake Erie, to understand how sediment nutrient levels in watersheds affect B. umbellatus invasion. We hypothesized that increased sediment nutrient levels are important drivers of B. umbellatus invasion success. Sediment nutrient levels, matter, water depth, and vegetation were sampled within 1m2 plots throughout the management units of the marsh complex. Vegetation of B. umbellatus and 18 other species present were harvested or canopy characteristics measured to estimate biomass. B. umbellatus was the most abundant of all identified emergent invasive species found, occurring at 55 % of the surveyed plots. B. umbellatus rhizome bud count averaged 509 per plot, with a range of 0 – 2760 buds. While sediment nutrient analysis of nitrogen and phosphorus showed heterogeneity within and across management units, nutrient levels did not predict B. umbellatus abundance. However, B. umbellatus biomass decreased with increasing community biomass. Vegetative propagule production via rhizome buds decreased with increased nutrients and increased community biomass. B. umbellatus was found to have a wide range of nitrogen and phosphorus in leaf tissue, and 2 – 4 times more average phosphorus than all analyzed native species. This data will assist managers in identifying timing and approaches for controlling this invasive species and restoring wetland biodiversity.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2019, Comparative and Veterinary Medicine

Exponential growth in technological advancements have given rise to the emergence of next generation sequencing (NGS). NGS has given us the ability to look into the nucleotide sequences, DNA and/or RNA, of the trillions of microbes that are present inside every living and non-living thing. Since the advent of NGS, studies investigating the genetics of microbes, known as the microbiome, have increased exponentially. In fact, the impact of the microbiome in human health has been deemed so important that the microbiome was compared to the necessity of an organ. Currently, most of the studies revolving the microbiome focus on the gut; this is especially true when it comes to poultry. Numerous studies have revealed that the poultry gut microbiota is a critical component of animal health, performance, and production. However, unlike the gut, the respiratory microbiota is understudied. The extent of which the poultry respiratory microbiota contributes to animal health is currently unknown. To properly identify the respiratory microbiota, sampling techniques need to be established and evaluated so that we may strive towards method standardization. In addition, current methods of respiratory tract sampling rely on invasive techniques, which require bird euthanasia. In order to sample individual birds longitudinally, non-invasive sampling methods need to be assessed and compared with the currently used invasive sampling methods. The main goal of this research is to evaluate sampling methodologies for the collection and study of respiratory bacterial microbiota. In order to address these issues we collected respiratory samples from two experiments. In experiment 1, we first established invasive sampling techniques that were able to sample the upper and lower respiratory tract. In experiment 2, we compared both invasive (require euthanasia) and non-invasive (normally done on live birds) upper respiratory sampling techniques to determine if non-invasive swabbing could be an al (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2018, Biological Sciences (Arts and Sciences)

While non-native species vary greatly in their ability to succeed as invasive species, the mechanisms leading to successful invasions are not well understood, especially for intentional introductions. Understanding the extent to which these differences are due aspects of the invasive process could lead to better mitigation of invasive species. In this dissertation, I investigated the effect of the invasive process acting as a filter, on behavior, behavioral variability, and behavioral syndromes in ways that could explain the invasive success of the Xiphophorus helleri-maculatus hybrid, an intentionally introduced species. I measured three behaviors (boldness, exploration, and aggression), and while boldness and aggression increased throughout this process, I did not find an overall filtering effect leading to an invasive syndrome. To dive deeper into the possible causes of changes in these three behaviors, I also investigated the roles played by different color morphology, and whether different breeding practices (e.g., selective breeding, free mate choice) could influence behaviors. By comparing the same three behaviors across three color morphs of swordtail hybrids with varying degrees of melanin, I found differences in behavior and female fecundity. While the most melanic fishes expressed higher levels of boldness, aggression, and exploration, it also had the lowest fecundity, suggesting that it likely did not have more `invasive potential' than the other morphs. To better understand if these changes were related to melanin or the breeding practices used to produce this extreme coloration, I compared other fish of various colors produced via selective breeding to a population of fish that did not undergo this rigorous form of artificial selection. Contrary to my expectations, I did not find a difference in behavior between fishes produced by different breeding practices. While females that underwent an additional stage of selective breeding produced more offsprin (open full item for complete abstract)

MFA, Kent State University, 2018, College of the Arts / School of Art

Spreading prolifically and harmfully, invasive species overpower the areas they inhabit. This body of work contextualizes the concept of invasive species into five main parts. Each element, ivy vines, honeysuckle plants, rabbits, black beetles and cicadas, are classified as invasive for their destructive tendencies. In addition to this, each serves as a metaphor for different aspects and characteristics of myself and life. Whether they be representative of a moment from childhood or of a trial of adulthood. "Invasive" presents a series of 23 suspended fabric panels and 3 crafted benches that come together to create a large scale three-dimensional sculpture to capture the essence of my concept.

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2013, Arts and Sciences: Biological Sciences

Invasive plant species can lead to reduced biodiversity and are expensive to control. Ornamental gardening has played a key role in introducing nonnative species into new areas where they may become invasive. This study investigated the role of ornamental gardening along an urban-rural gradient as a pathway for introducing nonnative plant species to forests in Southwestern Ohio. Vegetation surveys were conducted in 15 forests, and patterns of nonnative species richness were analyzed. To better understand which nonnative plant species should be considered invasive, two invasive plant risk assessments were used. Results indicated that the ornamental gardening pathway has been important in introducing invasive species along the entire urban-rural gradient, but the prominence of the ornamental pathway in introducing nonnative species was stronger in rural areas compared to urban areas. The two risk assessments used, the Australian Weed Risk Assessment and the Ohio Invasive Plant Assessment, indicated that 18 of the 39 nonnative plant species documented during the forest vegetation surveys should be considered invasion risks, 14 of which species had ornamental origins. This project suggests that engaging gardeners and professional horticulturalists in sustainable gardening practices could be one of the most efficient ways to reduce the number of nonnative plant species from entering natural areas. More research concerning the social and behavioral aspects involved in introducing invasive plants with ornamental origins could provide important information that would enable meaningful education and outreach.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Ohio University, 2005, Biological Sciences (Arts and Sciences)

Invasive species are an environmental problem of increasing global concern. Invasives have been intentionally and accidentally transported across previously impeding barriers to new regions where they interact with native species. One invasive shrub, Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), was introduced into the US from Manchuria in the late 1800s for conservation and horticultural purposes. Since then, it has become ecologically problematic in open areas and forested habitats. The goals of this research were to (1) investigate the impacts of L. maackii on the structure and composition of native plant communities, (2) measure changes in the productivity of overstory trees at invaded sites using dendrochronological techniques, (3) study the growth and biomass allocation of L. maackii seedlings and generate a predictive model regarding their establishment, and (4) investigate the restoration ecology of this species in terms of its eradication and replacement with native tree species. First, using the chronosequence method, sites with various invasion times were sampled, and long-invaded sites were found to have significant reductions in species richness and have a simplified structure relative to recently invaded and non-invaded sites. Thus, successional trajectories were likely being diverted by L. maackii. Second, trees were cored, and annual tree-ring growth was measured. Reductions in tree growth indicate that L. maackii is able to successfully compete with overstory trees and significantly suppress productivity. Third, L. maackii seedlings were grown in various combinations of light and water and glaciated and unglaciated soils. Findings suggest that light was the most important factor influencing seedling growth. Drought conditions limited seedlings' plastic ability to respond to increases in irradiance, and interestingly, glaciated soil was found to have greater L. maackii growth potential than unglaciated soil. Finally, the most effective means of restoring site (open full item for complete abstract)

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Engineering and Applied Science: Mechanical Engineering

Aligned with the medical device industry's trend of miniaturization, academic and commercial researchers are constantly attempting to reduce device sizes for minimally invasive therapy. Many applications with size constraints require miniature actuators in the millimeter range to perform mechanical work. Here, a millimeter scale robot (called millirobot) is conceptualized for performing diagnostics and therapy such as biopsies and targeted drug delivery in the human body. A 2 mm diameter tethered device equipped with a cutter to traverse through tissue can provide direct access to difficult anatomical locations for the surgeons. Millirobot being a complex system, its development can be decomposed into multiple subsystem problems such as dissection, navigation, drug delivery, biopsy etc. The research presented herein focused on exploring and developing a biocompatible cutting module/actuator for the millirobot. Literature review and initial concepts generated for the cutting module using miniature versions of the traditional hydraulic motors and turbines were presented along with a discussion of their benefits and limitations. Preliminary design, prototyping efforts, numerical modeling and experimental results of a hydraulically driven millirobot cutting module that aims to combine cutting, biopsy and drug delivery were presented. The cutting module was scaled from ~20 mm outside diameter (OD) to the target 2 mm OD. As a challenge, a 1 mm OD micromotor prototype was also fabricated to demonstrate further scaling. As the design was scaled down, the intermediate stage prototypes were tested extensively and numerically modeled to leverage the learnings and go smaller. The 2:1 scale prototype of the cutting module (4 mm OD) established consistent mechanical work from a biocompatible miniature hydraulic motor with output characteristics comparable to motors of different working principles currently available in an equivalent size range. Next, a target sized hydrau (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Chemistry

My dissertation research develops Raman spectroscopy-based sensors to measure aspects of human and plant health or disease states at the point of need, specifically in areas where current sensing methods are insufficient. The first main project area involves monitoring plant health, specifically soil ecology, in real time without harvesting the plant. Sensors are needed to non-invasively observe chemical changes expressed in plant leaves which result from nutrition conditions in the soil. These sensors would be especially useful to inform fertilization practices, increasing efficiency and sustainability. The second major project area focuses on developing a rapid and accurate diagnostic assay for COVID-19. The limitations of established testing methods, such as at-home antigen tests and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, motivate the exploration of alternative techniques that do not sacrifice accuracy for speed. To tackle these sensing challenges, my research employs Raman spectroscopy, which uses light to probe the molecular composition of a sample. Each molecule has a unique Raman signature, and Raman signal is proportional to the concentration of molecules present in the sample, making the technique highly advantageous for identification and quantification. Raman signals can be collected quickly and non-destructively with minimal sample preparation. To detect low concentrations of analytes or poorly scattering analytes, we use surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), a technique in which metal nanostructures amplify the Raman signals of the molecules near the nanostructures. Overall, this dissertation work focuses on optimizing portable Raman and SERS methods to non-invasively assess plant health and to detect COVID, all in a matter of seconds. Chapter 1 introduces the background and motivation for these projects, as well as the analytical techniques used to address them. Chapter 2 describes the development of handheld Raman techniques to monitor th (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Sciences (Engineering), Case Western Reserve University, 2024, EECS - Electrical Engineering

Low intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) is increasingly being used in research as a modality of non-invasive and spatially precise neuromodulation. The use of LIFU for transcranial or tibial neuromodulation has the potential to treat movement disorders, neuropathic pain, and incontinence while avoiding the complications associated with surgery, implanted stimulators, and percutaneous treatments. Current LIFU neuromodulation experiments use large fixed-focus ultrasound transducers that require mechanical adjustment to change focal location. Efforts to address this have resulted in high element-count phased arrays that may be electrically steered and focused with millimeter precision, primarily for transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS). Focal depths and pressures required by tFUS are shallower and lower than those required for LIFU in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). Therefore, arrays optimized for tFUS do not translate to the higher pressures and deeper foci needed for PNS targets. This work presents a low cost, low element-count platform for LIFU neuromodulation in the PNS, where inter-patient physiology introduces variation in neural target depth. An eight-element phased array with a focal range and area optimized for PNS depths is presented with a microcontroller-based control board used to sequence element excitation for beam steering and focusing. A graphical user interface was developed and used to serially control phased array focal location and sonication parameters. The assembled array was characterized and demonstrated focusing ability at a range of depths and pressures consistent with previous LIFU neuromodulation experimentation.

DNP, Otterbein University, 2025, Nursing

Tachyarrhythmias are common postoperatively in the congenital cardiac surgery population. About 1% of the population is born with congenital heart disease (CHD), with 50% of patients undergoing surgery for CHD experiencing arrhythmias. Complications can arise from postoperative arrhythmias, including hemodynamic instability and myocardial depression, having catastrophic health repercussions. Despite the high prevalence and complications, there is no standard practice for postoperative tachyarrhythmia prevention in the chosen population, and prevention is at the provider's discretion. However, literature exploring the effects of dexmedetomidine notes promising results for using the drug for postoperative tachyarrhythmia prevention. The project aims to address the lack of evidence-based guidelines for tachyarrhythmia prevention in CHD cardiac surgery patients by implementing evidence-based practice guidelines for the intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine. The project utilizes quantitative data to evaluate and assess the effectiveness of the guideline in a level one pediatric trauma center. Following a review of literature, data collection, and data evaluation, the evidence-based guidelines for intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine are effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative tachyarrhythmias in congenital cardiac surgery patients, as well as a reduction in heart rate and invasive ventilation time. Utilizing the explored guidelines can lead to better patient outcomes, fewer complications, and a universal prevention protocol for anesthesia providers, providing consistently better results.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Environment and Natural Resources

Forests across the U.S. have been shaped by indigenous stewardship for centuries, and more recently by colonial land managers. Presently these forests are facing multiple stressors such as fragmentation, plant and pest invasion, and climate change. Non-native, ‘invasive' plant species pose a threat to forest ecosystems and are responsible for disrupting the structure and function of these systems, outcompeting native plant species and disrupting soil health. This study investigates (a) management effects on plant communities in an invaded eastern hardwood forest in Coshocton, OH, and (b) decomposition of litter from native and invasive species in managed and unmanaged research plots. The research site contains remnant oak-hickory forest, used in recent history for timber production followed by several decades of disuse. During this period of non-management, several invasive species became abundant throughout the site, including Celastrus orbiculatus vine and Ligustrum vulgare shrub. In addition to infiltration by invasive species, the process of mesophication is underway in some areas of the research site, altering moisture and light availability while driving the community towards a maple-beech dominated composition. In the first chapter of this research, we utilize disturbance-based management practices in invaded forests plots. Our objectives are to (i) investigate how woody plant communities shift with time from treatment and (ii) determine whether treatment effect is contingent upon the passage of time. This research contributes to our understanding of invasive plant management and exemplifies the use of goats as an alternative to fire for the purpose of driving community shifts in invaded oak forests. Research plots were established throughout the site to capture the variety of biotic and abiotic conditions. Each plot underwent one of four treatments: (a) mechanical clearing, (b) high intensity goat browsing, (c) low intensity goat browsing, (d) no tr (open full item for complete abstract)

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Arts and Sciences: Biological Sciences

One common route of introduction of invasive species in the United States is through horticulture. A popular ornamental plant species is Euonymus fortunei, an evergreen groundcover with over 52 different horticultural varieties regularly sold at plant nurseries and garden centers. Several states recognized E. fortunei as an escaped or invasive species, but it is unknown how the species has escaped cultivation, including whether hybrids or cultivars are involved. Using microsatellite markers, I sampled multiple wild populations and compared their genotypes with different cultivars from garden centers. All wild samples were genetically identical to one another and matched perfectly with Coloratus', the only cultivar to exhibit polyploidy. Even though wild E. fortunei was found to be genetically identical, it is still unknown if the species is capable of self-fertilization or outcrossing, which may influence how spread is happening. I examined the mating systems of E. fortunei by collecting leaf tissue from three E. fortunei plants and 30 fruits from each maternal individual. Based on the microsatellite data, there was evidence of facultative sexual reproduction (selfing and outcrossing) as well as asexual reproduction (apomixis) in all three maternal sibships. On average, it appeared that self-fertilization was the most frequent method with an average rate of 58.6%, followed by apomixis (24.1%) and outcrossing (17.2%). Since all wild specimens appeared to be mostly of the apomictic clonal genotype or generated through fragment propagules, further investigation should focus on what selective pressures may negatively affect progeny produced by sexual reproduction which are not present as adults in the field. Invasive species can often have a negative impact on the diversity of native plant and insect populations in the areas they invade. The disruption of primary producers and consumers can have serious consequences for established food web dynamics. I ex (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Environment and Natural Resources

Arid and semi-arid ecosystems in western Washington state (USA) are highly valuable as they contain a diverse native flora, harbor many endemic species of fauna, and provide economic benefits. However, spatial patterns and environmental factors can alter soil physical properties and influence the expansion of non-native species such as cheatgrass in turn reducing native plant species. Understanding these ecological concerns is imperative in order to determine specific areas that are urgent for restoration and conservation. To assess these critical unknowns, this research focuses on two main objectives: i) to evaluate the distribution of invasive cheatgrass in relation to environmental characteristics, landscape disturbance, restoration, and fire history; and ii) to evaluate changes in soil physical parameters, specifically soil hardness and water infiltration, as a function of soil type, historical vegetation community, and disturbance. Results from species distribution models indicated that cheatgrass is strongly influenced by the number of fires and site-specific herbicide applications. In addition, heat load index emerged as an important environmental variable in the model indicating that cheatgrass is more likely to be present in areas with high environmental stress. In relation to the second objective, the results indicated that sandy soils were more likely to have low soil hardness and faster infiltration rates. Hard soils and slow infiltration rates were evident in plots with big sagebrush, herbaceous, and live shrub microsites sites, and with current grazing. Fire frequency, however, did not emerge as significant in the models for infiltration rates or soil hardness.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Chemical Engineering

Minimal residual disease (MRD) is the persistence of latent cancer cells in distant sites originating from a primary tumor. In the case of breast cancer, the tumor cells originate in the breast tissue, such as the lobules or the ducts, traverse circulation, and invade distant organs, such as the liver, lung, bones, and brain, which are considered traditional metastatic sites. While treating cancerous cells in the primary site has encouraging survival rates of ~ 99%, once cancer metastasizes to distant organs, the survival rates plummet to ~ 30%. The drastic decrease in survival is due to the biological differences of the cancer cells responsible for MRD, such as evasion of the immune system, drug resistance, and dormancy, whereby the latter is characterized as the cessation of proliferation by cell cycle arrest. The extracellular matrix (ECM) and intercellular communication have been associated with the induction of dormancy. Furthermore, extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are cell-derived nanoparticles, are carriers of bioactive molecules and are thus a part of intercellular communication systems. Therefore, engineering the tumor microenvironment to actuate cell-ECM and cell-cell interactions has profound implications for understanding and simplifying the complexity of cancer dormancy. Herein, we present novel in vitro methods for engineering the tumor microenvironment to promote intercellular interaction, provide physiologically relevant models for EV secretion, develop novel methods to phenotype blood-derived particles, delineate a signature for dormant tumor cells, and efficiently screen therapies that target the inherent biology of tumor cells.

Bachelor of Science, Wittenberg University, 2023, Biology

This study investigates the soil quality and plant diversity of a discontinued golf course in Springfield, Ohio, with the aim of assessing its potential for restoration. Led by the National Trail Parks & Recreation District, the restoration plans for Snyder Park include the establishment of wet meadows, prairies, and woodlands, which can thrive in the natural hydric soils of the former golf course. In this study, baseline soil data was collected using GIS and GPS technologies, analyzing soil texture, carbon content, nitrate nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, replaceable calcium, humus, and pH. Plant diversity was evaluated through random sampling of quadrats. Initial observations revealed patches dominated by specific plant species, and a comparison of soil and plant characteristics across elevations was conducted. The golf course mainly consisted of the Westland soil series, which supports water retention. However, deficiencies in humus and low levels of potassium and nitrate nitrogen pose challenges for restoration. Limited native plant species adapted to moist conditions were observed, suggesting ongoing recovery from intensive land management. To sustain a natural wetland or floodplain ecosystem, restoration efforts should focus on introducing native wetland species and providing nutrient inputs, mainly nitrogen and potassium. The Snyder Park golf course holds potential for restoration, but additional measures are necessary for a successful habitat transition.

Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, 2023, Biological Sciences

Invasive species threaten ecosystems and economies. Globally, biological invasions are estimated to have cost over $2.1 trillion since 1970. In Eastern North American woodlands, invasive plants are rapidly displacing natives. This is concerning, because invasive plants may not support the diverse and abundant arthropod communities essential to ecosystem function. Despite the conceptual understanding of invasive shrubs' potential to transform forest communities, scant research has focused on the effect of invasive plants on higher trophic levels here in Ohio. To address this gap, I examined the diversity and abundance of arthropod communities, caterpillar performance, and caterpillar predation on two invasive shrubs, Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and border privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium), relative to native counterparts. Lo. maackii supported a depauperate community; however, Li. obtusifolium hosted a surprisingly robust community. Nevertheless, both invasives proved poor hosts for caterpillars and were less preferred by foraging insectivores.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Wright State University, 2023, Engineering PhD

Blood flow dynamics plays a critical role in maintaining tissue health, as it delivers nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products. It is especially important when there is a disruption in cerebral autoregulation due to trauma, which can induce ischemia or hyperemia and can lead to secondary brain injury. Thus, there is a need for noninvasive techniques that can allow continuous monitoring of blood flow during intervention. Optical techniques have become increasingly practical for measuring blood flow due to their non-invasive, continuous, and relatively lower-cost nature. This research focused on developing a low-cost, scalable optical technique for measuring blood flow by implementing speckle contrast optical spectroscopy using a fiber-camera-based approach. This technique is particularly well-suited for measuring blood flow in deep tissues, such as the brain, which is challenging to access using traditional optical methods. A two-channel continuous wave speckle contrast optical spectroscopy device was developed, and the device was rigorously tested using phantoms. Then, it is applied to monitor blood flow changes in the brain following traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. The results indicate that trauma-induced significant blood flow decreases consistent with the recent literature. Overall, this approach provides noninvasive continuous measurements of blood flow in preclinical models such as traumatic brain injury.