Honors Theses and Projects

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https://wonder.wiu.edu/handle/123456789/41
A collection of theses and projects submitted to the Centennial Honors College in various disciplines.

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Now showing 1 - 5 of 11
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    PTSD-like Behaviors in Zebrafish Models: Cannabidiol’s Interaction with Fundamental Biological Components of PTSD
    (Western Illinois University, 2025-05-07) Bloom, Nathaniel
    This study aims to examine the behavioral effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on fear and anxiety related behaviors utilizing zebrafish (Danio rerio). Recent human studies have shown CBD to be an effective anxiolytic agent, alongside various other beneficial qualities. CBD has also displayed promising results when especially given to human subjects with PTSD. While the results of these human studies are optimistic, examining the biological underpinnings of CBD on fear and anxiety related behaviors utilizing a viable animal model remains poorly understood. Zebrafish serve as a viable model due to their robust behavioral phenotypes, established cannabinoid system, and high neural homogeneity to humans. The study utilizes larval zebrafish to undergo a Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS) schedule followed by CBD administration to examine CBD’s anxiolytic effects via light/dark preference testing. A total of 90 zebrafish will be assigned to six experiment conditions depending on stress exposure (no-stress, stress) and treatment type (CBD, vehicle-control, and control). Behavioral outcomes will be evaluated over a seven-day light/dark preference testing period, with evaluations focusing on time spent in the lighted chamber, movement frequency, and thigmotaxis behaviors. The light/dark test utilizes a tank containing a light and dark chamber with a digital camera monitoring the light chamber to capture behavioral outcomes. By examining CBD’s role in modulating biological fear responses, this research aims to guide the growth of future literature into exploring CBD as a potential treatment alternative for PTSD and anxiety-related disorders.
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    Analysis of Pollutants in Local Freshwater Sources Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
    (Western Illinois University, 2025-05-02) Christensen, Breanna
    Environmental pollutants require intensive monitoring to ensure that freshwater sources are not contaminated and drinking water is kept safe for human use. However, agricultural use of pesticides often results in off-target movement of the chemical into the aqueous environment by way of direct spraying, spray drift, surface runoff, leaching, or subsurface drainage. Ingestion of such chemicals can pose considerable health risks to both humans and aquatic organisms, especially in terms of fertility and cancer, while harming the local ecosystem. Thus, it is necessary to detect and quantify pesticides so that their harm to non-target species may be reduced. Research aimed to detect and quantify the levels of the pesticide dicamba® in freshwater sources surrounding Macomb, Illinois. Water samples were taken from monitoring wells and several ambient water sources. Analysis was performed using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. These instruments separate the components of the sample and facilitate quantification of the targeted analyte. The external calibration method could not quantify the level of dicamba® with reasonable precision; the standard addition method experienced an unacceptable amount of variability between samples. The results indicated that high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection is not a sensitive enough technique for suitable analysis of dicamba® in water.
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    Understanding Media's Role in Autism Perception: A Critical Review
    (Western Illinois University, 2025-04-30) Gulley, Diamand
    In the complex landscape of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), families often face their first challenge immediately after diagnosis: navigating an overwhelming sea of information about resources and treatments. While research has established that autism has no definitive cure and its origins likely stem from an intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors, a crucial yet often overlooked influence shapes how society understands and responds to autism: media representation. For the purposes of this study, media is defined to includes Social Online forums, print media like journals and newspapers, traditional media, including film and television. This study examines the critical intersection between media portrayal and autism awareness, questioning how media narratives influence public understanding, potentially perpetuate harmful stigmas, and impact treatment approaches. By investigating the media's role in shaping autism discourse, this research seeks to understand not only what messages are being conveyed to the public but also their tangible effects on the autism community. Furthermore, this analysis aims to identify practical solutions for promoting more accurate, and responsible media coverage of autism spectrum disorder, working toward a more informed public with unlimited access to support services.
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    LGBTQ+ Literature across the fiction genres: Exploration of Identity through Fantasy, Science, and Realistic Fiction
    (Western Illinois University, 2025-05-01) White, Jamariah
    Over the course of three semesters, I focused on the representation of LGBTQIA+ identities, focusing on relationships and sexuality in the realm of fiction. I wrote and revised nine short stories, three each in the genres of Fantasy, Science, and Realistic fiction. Science Fiction is the only genre whose stories relate to each other, the other six have nothing in common on the surface. I read novels from each genre and used two craft books on narrative and writing suspense to guide me as I wrote. After the completion of each story, I wrote a reflective essay that discussed what techniques I used and the writing and revision process for each story.
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    Pain Tolerance and Sensitivity in Redheads
    (Western Illinois University, 2025-04-22) Betker, Alexis
    Red hair makes up about 1-2% of the world’s population. Of this 1-2%, there are about 2-6% of redheads in the United States. Redheads carry the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene that controls the production of melanin, leading to red hair. This gene produces high amounts of the pigment pheomelanin which results in characteristics of freckles, fair skin, and darker eye color. Redheads possess more of the hormone MC4R which results in a higher pain sensitivity, meaning that they can sense pain at lower levels of exposure than a typical person. They also possess higher levels of the hormone, OPRM1, which leads to the opioid inhibitor imbalance and a higher pain threshold. The imbalance of these two hormones, OPRM1 being the predominant hormone, leads to the need for more anesthesia during medical procedures. Research has shown that the pain threshold in redheads, due to MC1R, exhibit a higher pain tolerance than non-redheads. While this study was performed on mice, the MC1R gene functions in similar fashion in humans. The effects that the MC1R gene has on the pain threshold in redheads may be useful to those in the medical field so that they may provide better pain control during treatment, procedures, and recovery. Future research should investigate the pain tolerance differences between redheads and non-redheads. The rating of pain on a 1-10 scale through the application of electrical stimulation by the application of surface EMG induced muscle discomfort. We will explore the pros, cons, risks, limitations, and efficiency of five different options to conclude why electrical stimulation is the best option and the steps to perform for future exploration. An example of a study is also included for future exploration.