Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) frequently occurs in tumor cells and is associated with the expression of deleterious recessive phenotypes. However, relatively little is known of its mechanisms or the various functional/regulatory factors involved. The goal of our research is to characterize the mechanisms of LOH and identify the factors involved. One cause of LOH is homology-directed repair (HDR), which uses the homologous chromosome as a donor to repair DNA damage like DNA nicks or double stranded breaks (DSBs). In HDR, the homologous chromosome functions as a template for repairing the damaged DNA strand. In order to study the mechanisms and factors involved in LOH, we developed a novel flow-based reporter model that utilizes an endogenous gene. This model was developed by making genetic modifications in a human cancer cell line (HT1080) in such a way that would allow the detection of a LOH event. Using our flow-based reporter, we will target DNA nicks and DSBs using CRISPR/Cas9 and quantify the resulting LOH events using our flow-based reporter. We will also use siRNA knockdowns to assay other candidate factors potentially involved in the mechanisms and regulation of LOH. To simulate mutations seen in tumors, we will downregulate the expression of common tumor suppressors (BRCA1, BRCA2 and PTEN) with siRNA and determine how these factors affect LOH. When common tumor suppressors are downregulated in our model, mutations that take place are expected to follow a similar mechanism to mutations seen in tumors. Using our model in this way, we will verify which common tumor suppressors are involved in the mechanisms of LOH often seen in tumors. With a better understanding of the factors involved in LOH, prophylactic therapies can be developed to minimize occurrence of LOH and tumorigenesis.

Previous research suggests that taking gender/women’s studies classes increases positive attitudes towards feminism and gender equality. This study generalizes prior findings to the University of Washington (UW) by investigating the impact of participation in Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies (GWSS) classes on students’ attitudes towards women, feminism, and homosexuality. Undergraduate UW students who have taken at least one GWSS class and students who have never taken such a course were surveyed to determine their attitudes toward women, feminism, and homosexuality and to assess their views toward the field of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies. We hypothesize that students who have taken GWSS classes will have more positive attitudes of women, feminism, and homosexuality and that these findings will hold when controlling for students’ demographic variables such as gender, political ideology, and socioeconomic background.

Glacial erratics are rocks that have been transported and deposited by glaciers. They are typically characterized by large size and a composition that differs from the surrounding geologic features, indicating a foreign source. Determining the source of these erratics provides evidence of ice flow direction, which helps to reconstruct glacial history of a region. Our project focuses on a glacial erratic located in West Seattle at the entrance to the South Seattle College campus. Our research has two main goals. Our first goal is to determine the composition of the glacial erratic through mineral property tests and optical analysis, and use this information to identify potential origins of the rock. Our second goal is to determine if the characteristics of the sediment underlying the erratic are consistent with recent glacial transport. Using sediment samples and existing borehole data, we have constructed subsurface cross-sections showing the stratigraphy of underlying deposits. Preliminary mineralogical and composition analyses indicate that this rock is not native to the Puget Sound basin, and may have been transported from as far away as the northern San Juan Islands or Canadian Cascades. Analysis of existing borehole data and sediment sampling indicate the underlying stratigraphy includes glacial till and outwash deposits consistent with our hypothesis that the erratic was deposited during one of the recent glacial pulses. Learning more about the glacial erratics in the Puget Sound area can help confirm the path and timeline of ice sheets that covered the area thousands of years ago.

The epidemic of sexual assault on American University campuses has resulted in the centering of consent as a key way of distinguishing between acceptable, normal sex and unacceptable, punishable sex. Unfortunately, various experiences of sex that fit within the acceptable, normal sex category according to university policy frameworks can often have just as detrimental side effects on women as rape does. The need to investigate how consent might be failing women in challenging rape culture then becomes paramount. This presentation provides an analytical review of contemporary writings and studies derived from various books, journals, and news articles available through the University of Washington Library or various online resources. The findings include how various forms of consensual sex such as coerced sex, compliant sex, and even enthusiastic, pleasurable sex can play into upholding rape culture, harm women disproportionately, and uphold men’s systemic power. By becoming involved in the continued modern discussions of consent, this presentation seeks to redirect the current discourse on sexual consent now common on university campuses in hopes of broadening our perception of consensual sex and more adequately challenge rape culture.

According to the most universally used scale for measuring psychological distress, the Holms and Rahe Readjustment Scale, becoming a widow holds top rank for the most taxing life-event. Unless specifically defined otherwise, it is generally understood that the term ‘widow’ refers to a heterosexual female. Consequently, few studies highlight the psychological distress of self-identified lesbian widows, with even fewer examining their resiliency. Resiliency is the capacity to recover from difficulties, where individuals use their personal skill sets to reengage themselves within their environment. To our knowledge, no current research directly compares features of both lesbian and heterosexual widow resiliency within the same qualitative analysis. We seek to understand key features and possible differences in resiliency between self-identified lesbian and self-identified heterosexual widows. Our intention is to learn what types of support best aid resiliency among widows, and whether these support systems are readily accessible to lesbian widows in mainstream heterosexist U.S. society. To measure resiliency, we are conducting voluntary, in-person, one-on-one tape-recorded interviews of 15 lesbian and 15 heterosexual widows. Inclusion criteria required participants be at least 45 years of age and widowed for a minimum of one year at the time of interview. We analyzed interview data through the constant comparative analysis method. We found differences between groups in a variety of themes related to resiliency (i.e., perception of available support systems, and effectiveness of those systems). Participants in the research will have given us an understanding of the underlying attitudes and social dynamics that influence resiliency in this context, helping us identify the conceptual framework needed to best improve resiliency among lesbian and heterosexual widowed populations.

 The majority of Americans do not engage in regular physical activity. Fitness Zones, a program sponsored by The Trust for Public Land, aims to increase physical activity by providing free outdoor fitness equipment in public parks. This program has gained popularity across the United States; however, few evaluations exist on the effectiveness of the program. Additionally, the majority of previous Fitness Zones were installed in warm locations. The purpose of this study is to examine physical activity patterns of park users in two Seattle parks where Fitness Zones will be installed, as well as to evaluate the effect of weather on park attendance and Fitness Zone utilization in these participating parks. Data collection will be performed in two Seattle parks prior to installation of Fitness Zone equipment with follow up at one of the parks after installation using a combination of observation and survey/interviews of park users. Observations are performed using System of Observing Play and Recreation in Communities (SOPARC). Park attendance will be assessed using a Park User Log and weather condition data will be obtained through Underground Weather. Qualitative content analysis of park user responses and comparison of park user turnout during tolerable versus poor weather differentiated by temperature, wind speed, and precipitation will be used for analysis. In addition, we will use linear regressions to determine correlational strength between park user attendance and various weather conditions. The results will contribute to the understanding of park use, and how to improve physical activity levels of all people in Seattle parks. Results will also describe relationships between Seattle weather conditions, park user attendance, and Fitness Zone utilization. Ultimately, this study will add to the knowledge base about whether Fitness Zone installation in public parks is an effective method to increase physical activity in the Seattle area.