Master of Education (MEd), Bowling Green State University, 2014, Human Movement, Sport and Leisure Studies /Kinesiology

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with motor disturbances and impairments. Individuals diagnosed with PD often experience declines in muscular strength, muscular tone, gait, and posture. These declines compromise function and limit the person with Parkinson's ability to care for themselves and lead independent lives. The purpose of this study was to compare perceived function and measured function in persons with Parkinson's with the use of the Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire 39 (PDQ-39), part II of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and the Physical Functional Performance 10 Test (PFP10). These scales were used to help identify relationships among perceived function, measured function, quality of life, and disease stage. Twenty-two participants with idiopathic Parkinson's disease in stages 1 to 3 were recruited. Informed consent was collected and participants completed a medical history questionnaire. Perceived function was measured by completion of the PDQ-39 and part II of the UPDRS, while measured function was assessed with the completion of the PFP10. The PFP10 measures functional ability through the completion of 10 common activities of daily living (ADLs) with ADLs grouped to represent physical domains. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in mean PFP10 total scores between males and females (F (1,16) = 4.898, p = 0.042). Correlations revealed significant, negative correlations in men among domains of the PFP10 and part II of the UPDRS, and significant, negative correlations in the group among the PFP10 total score, a PFP10 domain and part II of the UPDRS. Additional correlations revealed negative correlation between the PFP10 total score and sections of the PDQ-39 as well as other negative correlations between a section of the PDQ-39 and the domains of the PFP10. Finally, significant, positive correlations were seen between sections of the PDQ-39 and part II of the UPDRS. T (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts (M.A.), University of Dayton, 2012, Theology

This thesis shows that the church has both the responsibility and capability to meet the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. Although Alzheimer's disease appears to destroy memory, a communal understanding of memory points to the need for those with Alzheimer's disease to have a community to help them remember. Herbert McCabe's account of human existence shows that such a community exists because of the person of Jesus and his resurrection, cleverly avoiding the confusion involved with discussion about the nature of the human soul. With the institution of the church as the Body of Christ, hierarchies are radically reversed as the weak and forgotten become vital members joined in a new way of living. The story of Basil of Caesarea provides an example of how the Body of Christ can function in this manner. However, liberalism, with its emphasis on the rational, autonomous chooser, is shown to be incommensurable with the Body of Christ. As Christ's body, the church possesses practices of presence that can support those who are overlooked in liberal society, including those with Alzheimer's disease. These practices include prayer, the Eucharist, and funeral rights. Furthermore, a renewed emphasis on the virtues of Christian love, patience, and memory can inspire and support the church as it aims its practices towards those with Alzheimer's disease.

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2024, Public Health

Background: Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias (ADRD) mortality rates have continued to increase in the United States (US) since 2000 with rates among non-Hispanic Blacks appearing lower than among non-Hispanic Whites, however the slope of the mortality rate has increased 303% for Blacks compared to 191% for Whites.1 Social factors that disproportionality impact Black populations through increased stress and higher allostatic load have been shown to increase risk for cognitive decline as well as ADRD.2–6 In the US, disproportionate penalization through racialized targeting of Black populations by the criminal justice system forms one of the most widely recognized stressors for Black individuals and their communities.7–9 Objective: To examine whether historical exposure to high prison incarceration rates corresponds with elevated risk of ADRD mortality among Black adult populations, relative to White adults, across all US counties, in a longitudinal manner Methods: Lagged and concurrent county level incarceration data from 1990-2018 (from the Vera Institute of Justice Incarceration Trends Dataset) were used to determine the long-term association of incarceration trends on ADRD mortality from 2005-2018 (data from the National Vital Statistics System Mortality Data). The primary exposure of interest was county level prison incarceration rate from 15 years prior and primary outcome was county level ADRD mortality rate, by race, for those over the age of 65 years. Two-way fixed effect Poisson regression models were used to model the association between race-specific ADRD mortality rates and lagged prison incarceration rates for the 34,194 county years included in the analyses while controlling for county-level jail incarceration rates, percent in poverty, percent unemployed, percent uninsured, and demographic characteristics. Results: Relative to Whites, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of ADRD mortality among Blacks increases by 2.53 (95% CI= 1.60, 3. (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2023, Plant Pathology

Plants exist in a constantly evolving microbial environment that significantly influences their growth, development, and overall well-being. Within this microbial milieu, certain bacteria play a pivotal role in enhancing plant health and growth. These beneficial bacteria are collectively referred to as plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). They offer valuable services to plants, including improved nutrient absorption, heightened growth stimulation, and increased resilience against pathogens and the other environmental adversities. PGPB engage with plants through diverse modes of interaction, such as root colonization, endophytic association, or rhizosphere competence. An in-depth comprehension of the molecular mechanisms and ecological dynamics governing these interactions is essential for unlocking the potential of PGPB in promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental remediation. In Chapter 1, I provide an overview of current methods used to detect and diagnose Pseudomonas syringae. This encompasses traditional approaches like culture isolation and microscopy, as well as modern techniques such as PCR and ELISA. Furthermore, I explore the upcoming advancements in this domain, emphasizing the necessity for highly sensitive and specific methods to detect pathogens even at low concentrations. Additionally, I delve into approaches for diagnosing P. syringae infections when they coexist with other pathogens. Chapter 1 Figures can be found in Appendix A. In Chapter 2, I present a significant protocol for monitoring the progression of gray mold fungal infection at various developmental stages of strawberries. I detail three distinct in vivo inoculation methods for Botrytis cinerea on strawberry plants, focusing on early, middle, and late stages of strawberry growth. Chapter 2 Figures can be found in Appendix B. In Chapter 3, I introduce Bacillus proteolyticus OSUB18 as a novel inducer of ISR (Induced Systemic Resistance). This bacterium enhances plants' r (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2023, Human Ecology: Human Nutrition

Introduction. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative and vascular disorder, representing the most common type of dementia. Beta-amyloid (A) plaques, tau tangles (T) and neurodegeneration (N), a combination known as the AT(N) feature, are pivotal changes in AD. Clinically, individuals with AD present with progressive cognitive impairment and memory loss. The preclinical phase, characterized by non-specific symptoms (i.e., anxiety and motor dysfunctions), occurs decades before the onset of debilitating symptoms; thus, representing a stage of the disease, when preventive measures may work best. Hypo- and hyperglycemia, related to hyperinsulinemia, are associated with neurodegeneration. Consequently, AD has recently been designated as “type 3 diabetes mellitus of the brain”. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and both cerebral impaired glucose uptake and insulin resistance are examples of pathophysiological changes in early AD, which are reversible. Further research targeting the potential improvement of cerebral glucose homeostasis is required to reverse early AD abnormalities. Physiological insulin growth-factor binding protein 4 (IGFBP4, isolated from thermogenic cells) and the nanomaterial compound amino acid 2 (AAC2, capable of binding human insulin) are scaffolds with glycemic properties. In preliminary experimental models of diabetes, they were efficacious in delaying cognitive impairments and improving glucose metabolism. The potential role of these agents in AD has not been investigated so far. Hypothesis. Human IGFBP4 (hIGFBP4) and AAC2, used as a single agent, or in combination will improve brain and body composition (fat, lean, and water content), behavior (learning, cognition, motor function, coordination, and anxiety-related symptoms), and metabolic profile (energy expenditure, activity, O2 and CO2 consumptions, and respiratory exchange rate) in an experimental AD murine model. Material and Methods. 1-2-month-old APP/PS1 (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (MS), Wright State University, 2023, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Current surveillance focuses on well characterized pathogens such as influenza. Since 2000, there have been multiple outbreaks of respiratory disease. These outbreaks have demonstrated the need for robust and collaborative global efforts to identify, monitor, and contain novel respiratory viruses. This study aims to improve the ability of public health agencies to monitor and respond to respiratory disease outbreaks. Using five respiratory pathogens, this study compares a molecular capture technology from Twist Biosciences to the shotgun sequencing approach of whole transcriptome amplification (WTA, Qiagen) with the goal of determining which method is most effective using cost, usability, and sequencing quality metrics for evaluation. Twist, though more expensive, had a 92.1% positive identification of targets on successful sequencing runs with greater depth and breadth of coverage. WTA failed to sequence and identify targets except Human Adenovirus 7, proving that Twist is more reliable and efficient in this study.

Doctor of Philosophy, Case Western Reserve University, 2023, Epidemiology and Biostatistics

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurologic disorder characterized by cognitive decline, brain atrophy, and cell death. It is known for its severe impact on memory and cognition, especially in advanced stages. AD is the most common type of dementia. It affects approximately 6 million people in the United States and is becoming increasingly prevalent due to population aging. The estimated cost of caring for people with AD has surpassed $300 billion annually in the US and is expected to increase to over $1 trillion by 2050. Risk for AD is multifactorial, including both environmental and genetic risk factors. Beyond the well-characterized APOE region, more than 50 additional loci are associated with AD based on the largest genome-wide association study (GWAS). By using GWAS results, a polygenic risk score (PRS) can be calculated to represent an individual's relative risk of a specific phenotype or outcome. However, introduction of PRSs into research settings has been met with limitations pertaining to their utility within a population and transferability across populations. PRSs for AD have been applied with varying levels of success. However, there are clear weaknesses in their transferability and widespread application as a result of a lack of diversity in genetic studies. This dissertation aimed to investigate the performance of PRSs for AD in diverse and founder populations by applying various PRS techniques to two large study populations: the Alzheimer's Disease Sequencing Project (ADSP) and the Collaborative Amish Aging & Memory Project (CAAMP). Each of these datasets included consensus clinical phenotyping of AD in addition to either genotyping or sequencing data. The ADSP focused on recruitment of diverse populations while the CAAMP ascertained individuals from Amish communities within Indiana and Ohio. The findings from studying these two populations quantified the shortcomings of current PRS use for AD both within and across populations. We emp (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 2021, Biology

The medical device industry is diverse, dynamic, and above all, highly competitive. This study investigates the role of competitive intelligence research in the development of an effective business strategy for Centerline Biomedical Inc., a mid-stage medical device start-up commercializing a novel endovascular navigation technology. Using a variety of secondary research sources, a competitive intelligence analysis was conducted, focusing on vascular navigation and imaging. Seven industry players were identified as competitors to Centerline Biomedical based on their product pipelines and future initiatives. Using this data, potential strategies for directing Centerline Biomedical's growth were explored. In order to manage sources of competition and more quickly achieve the organization's goals of establishing critical mass, expanding their product portfolio, and planning for a successful exit, a strategic partnership with a leading industry player is proposed and described.

PhD, University of Cincinnati, 2019, Nursing: Nursing - Doctoral Program

Background: Sickle cell disease, a hematologic condition known for its pain crises and serious health complications, is a common non-communicable disease in sub-Saharan Africa. It has been suggested that 90% of infants with sickle cell disease (SCD) will die before the age of five in low-resource settings like sub-Saharan Africa. Many international organizations acknowledge the need for more research and intervention related to sickle cell disease, however, sustainability of healthcare interventions related to the possibility that SCD care in this context may contain a cultural component has been a recurrent limitation aside from limitations related to political and economic factors. Purpose: The proposed study aimed to explore what is cultural about SCD care and management by illuminating cultural values, beliefs, and practices that influence care and treatment of sickle cell disease overall. A second purpose was to explore the cultural values, beliefs, and practices of professional and familial caregivers and those with SCD in Koidu, Kono district, Sierra Leone. Methods: Ethnography was used to explore these cultural qualities using participant observation, semi-structured interviews with professional and familial caregivers and document/artifact collection. Data were analyzed using Lincoln and Guba's constant comparative analysis which lead to the development of themes that explore the cultural values, beliefs, and practices surrounding sickle cell disease held in the community and specifically by professional and familial caregivers. Findings: The domain Cultural Values includes the themes: We Do This Together, Family Ties, and It Is Not Easy. The domain Cultural Beliefs is comprised of the themes: Native Sense, Western Sense, and the Spiritual Sense. In this domain, community, caregiver, and patient beliefs about sickle cell disease are illuminated. The domain of Cultural Practices includes the themes: The Country Way, The Western Way, and The Hybrid Way. (open full item for complete abstract)

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2019, Comparative and Veterinary Medicine

Ethiopia has long been among the most rabies-affected countries in the world with an annual incidence rate of 1.6/100,000 population. Domestic dogs serve as the principal reservoir for rabies transmission however, little information exists regarding the genetic diversity of RABVs circulating in dogs or the existence of cycles maintained by other mammalian species. Identifying all reservoirs of rabies plays a crucial role in effective disease control. Objectives include 1.) Investigation of the genetic diversity of rabies circulating in wild and domestic species throughout Ethiopia; 2.) Identification of intraspecies and interspecies contact rates at communal foraging sites; 3.) Application of contact rate estimates to mathematical expressions that will help determine maintenance potential. This work comprises the study of 230 partial and complete N-gene sequences obtained from both wild and domestic species collected throughout different regions of Ethiopia during the period 2010-2017. Camera traps were used to examine contact rates within and between terrestrial carnivore species at communal foraging sites. These contact rates were then applied to expressions of the basic reproductive number to determine the rabies maintenance potential of populations. Results identified the existence of a major dog rabies epizootic throughout Ethiopia involving a homogeneous RABV variant that has been spreading from an epicenter in the Oromia region. Additionally, a 3.3% divergent RABV variant circulating in side-stripped jackals was identified. Intraspecies contact rates and calculations of maintenance potential were highest in domestic dogs followed by spotted hyenas and domestic cats, respectively. Interspecies contact rates and calculations of maintenance potential were highest between domestic cats and spotted hyenas. This snapshot of rabies dynamics in Ethiopia provides important baseline data for prevention and control efforts and serves as the first steps in identifyi (open full item for complete abstract)

Bachelor of Science (BS), Ohio University, 2018, Biological Sciences

Aggregates of the microtubule stabilizing protein, tau, are found in the neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. When phosphorylated, the protein is altered from an endogenous form to a pathogenic form. These aggregations, or tauopothies, are known to disrupt cell transport and destabilize the microtubule in its diseased state. Although these tauopothies have been accepted by the scientific community as a potential cause of AD, the mechanisms behind which this aggregated tau protein can spread and further the progression of the disease are unknown. New evidence suggests that these pathogenic forms of tau can infect neighboring neurons in a prion-like manner, meaning they have the potential to induce a conformational change in a normal tau protein, altering it to a diseased state. This trans-synaptic propagation is a hypothesized method of propagation in AD neurons. The purpose of this research project is to investigate the cellular mechanisms of the release of tau in a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease. Our preliminary results have shown that a Drosophila primary cell model can be used to express an aggregation prone pathogenic version of human tau protein (2N4R) in cholinergic neurons in vitro. Expression of hTau was confirmed by western blot of highly specific immunoprecipitated adult fly brain protein and in primary culture neurons by immunofluorescence using an anti hTau antibody. Tau protein was released extracellularly by inducing membrane depolarization in primary cultured neurons after incubation with 50 mM KCl in conditioned media and in Locke's Buffer. A fluorescence intensity assay measuring tau protein level after KCl treatment suggested that these neurons had a lower level of intracellular hTau when compared with untreated, 2N4R expressing neurons. Addition of this conditioned media to control neurons (Cha-GFP) demonstrated cellular uptake of hTau protein into the so (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science in Environmental Science, Youngstown State University, 2016, Department of Physics, Astronomy, Geology and Environmental Sciences

This study investigates the possible correlation between ischemic heart disease and magnesium concentrations in Ohio drinking water using linear regression analysis. Three correlation analyses were made in this study: (1) magnesium concentrations vs. heart disease rates, (2) magnesium concentrations vs. heart disease mortality rates, and (3) magnesium concentrations vs. heart disease mortality rates in people age 35 and above. Magnesium concentrations in drinking water were obtained from 69 of the 88 Ohio counties. The magnesium concentrations vary from 10 to 70 mg/l. To investigate the effects of the different magnesium concentration levels on heart disease and mortality, the concentrations were divided into four groups: 10-19 mg/l, 20-29 mg/l, 30-39 mg/l, and greater than 40 mg/l. In correlations (1) and (3), linear regression was applied to each magnesium concentration group and to all four groups combined as one group. In correlation (2), linear regression was applied to the four magnesium groups. Microsoft Excel was used to run the regression analysis. Results of the three correlations yielded a negative correlation between ischemic heart disease (rates and mortality) and magnesium concentrations in drinking water. This supports the hypothesis that magnesium may help to protect against death from heart disease. The three correlations yielded low correlation coefficients ranging from 0.33 to 0.50, indicating that factors other than magnesium concentrations may affect heart disease rates and mortality (e.g., high blood pressure, high cholesterol, genetic factors, etc.). The highest magnesium concentrations in Ohio drinking water are found in the northwestern part of the state where dolomite outcrops are present.

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2005, Plant Pathology

Phomopsis cane and leaf spot is a disease of grape ( Vitis spp.) caused by Phomopsis viticola(Sacc.). The fungus survives winter in grape cane tissues that were infected in previous years. In the spring, conidia are splashed by rain onto new growth where they infect the plant tissues. The fungus can infect many parts of the grape, including shoots, rachises, leaves, and fruits, and infection typically takes place when the tissues are immature. The disease is considered to be monocyclic. The control of the disease has usually been done by either selective pruning of diseased canes (reducing inoculum) or preventative spraying of protectant fungicides onto new tissues. To extend our understanding of the epidemiology and control the disease, studies were conducted to: 1) evaluate a disease warning system by applying fungicides and fungicide-adjuvant combinations based on predicted infection periods utilizing measured weather conditions; 2) determine efficacy of a dormant fungicide spray program for controlling the disease in its early stage of development (spring); 3) correlate commercial control practices and environmental conditions with disease incidence based on a state-wide survey of commercial vineyards; and 4) determine spatial pattern of the disease in small (within a vine) and large (among vines) spatial scales using a range of spatial analyses. With the warning system, control was often equal to that obtained with a 7-day calendar-based protectant program, but with fewer fungicide applications. However, fungicides and fungicide-adjuvant combinations used with the warning system did not show curative activity in a controlled-environment study. A dormant fungicide application provided consistent, yet only moderate, control of the disease; however, growers who applied a dormant application or spring protectants tended to have less disease incidence based on the results of the commercial survey. Analyses of spatial patterns revealed that the disease tended to aggr (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science in Environmental Science, Youngstown State University, 2012, Department of Physics, Astronomy, Geology and Environmental Sciences

This study investigates the possible correlation between heart disease mortality and the hardness of drinking water to determine if there are protective factors associated with hard water that may reduce heart disease. The study attempts to see if such a correlation can be found in the population that is supplied by 31 public water treatment plants spread across 17 counties in Ohio. The 31 public water treatment plants, which maintain a hardness with little variance from year to year, serve an estimated total 2,658,000 customers, about 25% of the total population of Ohio. Surface-water supplies 69% of the population, groundwater 30% and 1% is supplied by a mixture of surface-water and groundwater. The total hardness, expressed in mg/l CaCO3 , of the study area ranges from an annual average of 93 mg/l to 448 mg/l. To test for a correlation, total hardness data is acquired on the drinking water supplied by the water treatment plants and is compared to heart disease mortality data, for the year 2007, obtained from the Ohio Department of Health, Center for Public Health Statistics and Information. Analysis shows that a positive correlation of 0.427 exists, with changes in total water hardness accounting for 18.3% of the variance found in heart disease mortality rate. An age adjusted analysis, for individuals over 35 years of age also resulted in a positive correlation with total water hardness accounting for 15.4% of the variance in heart disease mortality. In order to eliminate possible confounding factors from the study, 16 additional examinations were done on the original data; all but three resulted in positive correlations.

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2007, Graduate School

Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical-Bioanalytical Chemistry, Cleveland State University, 2024, College of Arts and Sciences

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a non-contagious, chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract classified into two subgroups, Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC). IBD is a disease of the industrialized world, and its incidence and prevalence has increased worldwide. Short and branched chain fatty acids (SCFAs, BCFAs) produced by the gut microbiome are implicated with the immune systems inflammatory response. Chapter I summarizes our current understanding of SCFAs and BCFAs in the GI tract, fermentative pathways, etiology, inflammatory pathways relevant to the GI tract and beneficial impacts of SCFAs and BCFAs. Chapter II discusses the development and complete validation of a high throughput, fast and reliable gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method with a simplified pre-treatment to quantify SCFAs and BCFAs in human stool. Chapter III summarizes a case-control study of 74 stool samples (21 healthy; 24 UC; 29 CD) measuring acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, valeric, and caproic acid (μg/g stool) using the GC-MS method developed. Significant differences were observed for propionic, butyric and valeric acid (p < 0.05; all p values < 0.001) between healthy and IBD groups. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis resulted in area under the curve (AUC) value of 96% (95% CI: 0.89 – 0.98, p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed for propionic (p < 0.05; p = 0.018) and isobutyric acid (p < 0.05; p = 0.002) between UC and CD subgroups. ROC analysis resulted in AUC of 83% (95% CI: 0.66 – 0.92, p < 0.001). Acetic acid served as an endogenous, internal standard to normalize for watery stools because of its abundance and non-significant difference between groups. Chapter IV discusses a literature review of 11 published case-control studies quantifying SCFAs and BCFAs in stool between healthy, IBD, UC and CD subgroups. Valeric and butyric acid were increased in the stool of healthy groups when compared to IBD groups. (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Arts, The Ohio State University, 2007, Graduate School

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 1969, Graduate School

Doctor of Philosophy, The Ohio State University, 2024, Food Science and Technology

Foodborne disease (FBD) is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality globally, with African countries bearing a disproportionate amount of this burden. Existing pathogen-specific surveillance is often limited in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Ethiopia, where rates of foodborne and associated diarrheal diseases are thought to be high. Given that there is substantial uncertainty in the existing burden of disease estimates for FBD and diarrheal diseases in Ethiopia, understanding the relationships between laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of enteric infection and the prevalence of diarrheal diseases in the broader community is necessary to inform the burden of disease estimates and resource allocation. Additionally, identifying environmental risk factors for diarrheal diseases is critical for prevention and intervention in communities with high rates of diarrhea. The overarching goal of this dissertation is to understand the epidemiology of diarrheal diseases to inform infectious disease surveillance and control in Ethiopia. To achieve this goal, a retrospective analysis of existing laboratory data at three Ethiopian hospitals was conducted to estimate the prevalence of enteric infection from specific pathogens and identify associated risk factors using binomial proportion testing and logistic regression, respectively (Chapter 2). A prospective cross-sectional survey of households serviced by the same hospitals was conducted from October 2021 to October 2022 to estimate the prevalence of self-reported diarrhea and the proportion of households seeking healthcare for diarrheal diseases using binomial proportion testing and logistic regression (Chapter 3). Environmental risk factors for self-reported community diarrheal diseases were also identified using logistic regression (Chapter 4). Findings in Chapters 2 - 4 display differences in the prevalence of enteric infection and diarrhea by study site and indicate multiple sociodemographic and environmental (open full item for complete abstract)

Master of Science (M.S.), University of Dayton, 2024, Biology

Intracellular Calcium (Ca2+) signaling plays a crucial role in a multitude of critical neuronal processes that range from cell development and long-term potentiation, to neurotransmission and programed cell death. One key regulator of intracellular Ca2+ handling is the Sarco/Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Ca2+ ATPase (SERCA) pump. SERCA is responsible for sequestering cytosolic Ca2+ into the ER, a major site for Ca2+ storage. Due to its importance in maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis, it comes as no surprise that dysfunction of SERCA has been shown to be involved in various neuropsychiatric diseases, such as Parkinson's Disease (PD), Alzheimer's Disease (AD), and Schizophrenia. Consequently, drugs that affect the function of SERCA are of high interest for future therapeutic treatments, but the role that SERCA plays in the brain and behavior is not well understood. In the context of the current thesis, we assessed the effects of chronic pharmacological SERCA activation using the drug CDN1163 on amino acidergic neurochemical responses and dendritic spine density in brain regions implicated in cognitive processes in mice of both sexes. Taken together, the findings of the current study provide initial insights into the role that SERCA activation may play the regulation of amino acidergic neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, and provides the necessary premise needed to allow for more refined and targeted neurobiological assessments to understand the role of SERCA activation in the brain and behavior.