DODEA-EUROPE JSHS REGIONAL
  • JSHS Europe
    • JSHS Information
  • JSHS Projects
    • Project Topic
    • Researching your topic
    • Design your Research Method
    • Data Collection and Processing
    • Write Your Paper
    • Turn In Your Paper
    • Teacher/Mentor Page
  • JSHS Starters
  • 2022
    • 2022 AWARDS
    • 2022 Oral Presentations
  • 2021
    • 2021 Live Stream
    • 2021 Oral Presentations
    • 2021 Poster Presentations
  • 2020
    • 2020 Live Stream
    • 2020 Oral Presentations
    • 2020 Poster Presentations
    • 2020 Key Note
    • 2020 Awards
  • 2019
    • 2019 Oral Presentations
    • 2019 Poster Presentations
    • 2019 Event / Promo Video
    • 2019 Awards
  • 2018
    • 2018 Awards
    • 2018 Oral Presentations ALL
    • 2018 Oral Presentations Abstracts
    • 2018 Poster Presentations
    • 2018 Event / Promo Video
    • 2018 Photo Gallery
  • Contact Us



​Oral Presentation Abstracts

CLICK HERE - JSHS ORAL PRESENTATIONS 2018 - CLICK HERE
​

Logan Ridenbaugh, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School

Can Garlic inhibit growth on Staphylococcus aureus more effectively than Ciprofloxacin?

The purpose of this research project was to determine if garlic (the most abundant, non-commercial source of the chemical reactant allicin) could be used as an alternative to Ciprofloxacin to inhibit the growth of  Staphylococcus aureus.  Garlic is a 5,000 year old herb and can be grown almost anywhere.  The chemical reactant allicin is sold commercially (AllicinMAX) and can also be withdrawn from pressed, fresh garlic. Ciprofloxacin is a synthetically produced antibiotic used to treat over 20 different types of bacteria.   Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most common causes of infections in today’s society.  The researcher used both sources of allicin to produce antimicrobial solutions and test against a Mueller Hinton agar plate coated with Staphylococcus aureus.  The experiment utilized Ciprofloxacin and sterile water as control agents.  A period of 18 hours inside a 35C incubator was used to provide time for the bacteria to grow.  The results of the experiment showed garlic extract made from the pressed, fresh garlic had a larger effect on stopping the growth (inhibiting) of Staphylococcus aureus than either Ciprofloxacin or the commercial version of allicin, AllicinMAX.  The opportunity to test against more microorganisms than Staphylococcus aureus became available and the garlic solution made from fresh, pressed garlic constantly did as well or better than the commercial antibiotics.  This project was able to successfully demonstrate the ability for allicin derived from fresh, pressed garlic to inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

​

Othniel Wetlesen, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School

Polymer​ ​Biodegradation​ ​Obtained​ ​By​ ​Using​ ​Bacterium​ ​from​ ​the​ ​Larvae​ ​of​ ​Wax​ ​Moths (​Galleria​ ​ mellonella​)​ ​and​ ​Other​ ​Implications

With​ ​plastic​ ​pollution​ ​becoming​ ​a​ ​growing​ ​issue​ ​there​ ​is​ ​a​ ​growing​ ​need​ ​to​ ​find​ ​a​ ​sustainable way​ ​of​ ​biodegrading​ ​the​ ​strong​ ​chemical​ ​bonds​ ​in​ ​the​ ​polymers​ ​that​ ​give​ ​plastics​ ​their durability.​ ​This​ ​study​ ​aims​ ​to​ ​analyze​ ​a​ ​past​ ​discover​ ​of​ ​polymer​ ​biodegradation​ ​and​ ​find​ ​the implications​ ​of​ ​the​ ​previously​ ​found​ ​bacteria​ ​samples​ ​isolated​ ​from​ ​the​ ​digestive​ ​system​ ​of the​ ​common​ ​wax​ ​moth​ ​(​Galleria​ ​ mellonella).​ ​​ The​ ​larvae​ ​of​ ​this​ ​species​ ​of​ ​moth​ ​is​ ​believed​ ​to have​ ​polymer-degrading​ ​bacteria​ ​due​ ​to​ ​its​ ​natural​ ​diet​ ​of​ ​a​ ​semi-complex​ ​polymer​ ​found​ ​in beeswax,​ ​its​ ​natural​ ​diet.​ ​Polymer-degrading​ ​bacteria​ ​found​ ​in​ ​a​ ​previous​ ​study​ ​have​ ​been isolated​ ​and​ ​will​ ​be​ ​used​ ​to​ ​potentially​ ​treat​ ​different​ ​polymer​ ​bonds.​ ​The​ ​results​ ​have​ ​the potential​ ​to​ ​find​ ​a​ ​bacteria​ ​strain​ ​with​ ​the​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​biodegrade​ ​plastic​ ​from​ ​the​ ​environment at​ ​a​ ​much​ ​higher​ ​rate​ ​than​ ​currently​ ​within​ ​a​ ​natural​ ​system.    


​Connor Ennis, Brussels High School, Belgium

Mentor: Mari Brown, Brussels High School

Using NEAT to Evolve Basic Sokoban Solvers on a Raspberry Pi Model 3
The NEAT method of neuroevolution has been identified by past studies as an effective technique for evolving network topologies along with their weights. The platforms on which this strategy is often implemented, however, lack the low price-point and portability desired by hobbyists, developers, and educators. In the rare case that such an algorithm is applied on low-power hardware, the tasks which it is utilized for fail to demonstrate the method’s true capabilities. In this study, it was observed whether a Python implementation of NEAT could evolve basic solvers for sokoban puzzles of a constant size within 24 hours and 1,000 generations on a Raspberry Pi 3. Four similar training puzzles were be submitted to each genome to ensure that program did not overfit a specific map, and to evaluate the fitness of genomes, weights were assigned to final puzzle states. Trials were conducted using feed forward and recurrent networks, with each trial pair having parameters set in response to previous runs. Results showed that, for all trials regardless of mutation and compatibility parameters, fitness values would stagnate at an arbitrary value far below the expected maximum. Furthermore, it was found that reconfiguring elitism and setting initial populations to be unconnected would cause the program to fail entirely, generating incredibly poor results. While the Raspberry Pi did succeed to evolve 1,000 generations within 24 hours with each attempt, the results are inconclusive, as no valid solutions were found. Fortunately, this outcome provides a basis for research on the effectiveness of different fitness functions, a factor believed to have contributed to unsatisfactory results. In addition, the Pi’s ability to successfully run each trial suggests that the use of inexpensive, lower-power hardware for machine-learning may be a topic to inspect further, with potential applications in industry and education.

Sydney Greenfield, SHAPE High School, Belgium
entor: Deb Pennell-Wilcox, SHAPE High School

The Effects of Bacterial and Fungal Flora Found on the Human Body and a Comparison of Hands and Facial Bacteria 
The purpose of the research was to provide evidence of a correlation between the bacteria found on human the human hands and face and how it affects infection and disease. It was hypothesized that both skin biomes reflect each other almost exactly and the bacteria flora found is the major cause to the circulation of common illness in the school and community. Petri dishes with cultures of bacteria colonies were formed and analyzed to find the correlation between the hands and the face as well as the common illness in the area. The data found and assumed proved to support the hypothesis, concluding that the flora found correlates with similarity and illnesses. In conclusion, the bacteria that are found on hands are similar to those found on the face due to contact, and increased contact and exposure leads to illness.

Aidan DeHan, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School

Does​ ​the​ ​semi-aquatic​ ​lichen​ ​species​ ​​Verrucaria​ ​ praetermissa​ ​​ inhabit​ ​Southern Germany​ ​and​ ​if​ ​so,​ ​what​ ​are​ ​its​ ​potential​ ​implications​ ​in​ ​terms​ ​of​ ​a​ ​bioindicator?

Lichenized​ ​fungi​ ​play​ ​a​ ​integral​ ​role​ ​in​ ​many​ ​ecosystems​ ​as​ ​pioneer​ ​species.​ ​Lichenized Fungi​ ​also​ ​has​ ​the​ ​special​ ​ability​ ​to​ ​be​ ​a​ ​bioindicator.​ ​For​ ​example,​ ​​Verrucaria​ praetermissa​​ ​has shown​ ​to​ ​harbor​ ​this​ ​ability​ ​in​ ​determining​ ​streambed​ ​stability.​ ​​ ​​Verrucaria​​ praetermissa​​ ​as​ ​a bioindicator​ ​of​ ​streambed​ ​stability​ ​could​ ​be​ ​invaluable​ ​as​ ​it​ ​could​ ​potentially​ ​help​ ​identify streams​ ​and​ ​waterways​ ​that​ ​are​ ​susceptible​ ​to​ ​events​ ​such​ ​as​ ​flooding​ ​and​ ​washout.​ ​In​ ​order​ ​to consider​ ​​Verrucaria​ praetermissa​ ​​ as​ ​a​ ​potential​ ​bioindicator​ ​in​ ​southern​ ​Germany,​ ​the​ ​location of​ ​this​ ​study,​ ​​Verrucaria​ praetermissa​​ ​​ ​must​ ​first​ ​be​ ​confirmed​ ​to​ ​propagate​ ​said​ ​area.​ ​In​ ​order​ ​to confirm​ ​the​ ​presence​ ​of​ ​​Verrucaria​ ​ praetermissa​ ​​ in​ ​southern​ ​Germany,​ ​locally​ ​collected​ ​samples were​ ​collected​ ​and​ ​barcoded​ ​using​ ​ITS​ ​and​ ​LR3​ ​genes.​ ​Thus​ ​far,​ ​collected​ ​samples​ ​seem​ ​to​ ​show that​ ​​Verrucaria​​ praetermissa​ ​​ does​ ​propagate​ ​southern​ ​Germany​ ​by​ ​using​ ​gel​ ​electrophoresis. However,​ ​further​ ​gene​ ​sequencing​ ​will​ ​further​ ​confirm​ ​these​ ​findings.​ ​When​ ​these​ ​findings​ ​are confirmed,​ ​further​ ​assumptions​ ​about​ ​​Verrucaria​​ praetermissa​ ’s​ ​role​ ​as​ ​bioindicator​ ​of​ ​stream bed​ ​stability​ ​can​ ​be​ ​made​ ​using​ ​environmental​ ​data​ ​collected​ ​at​ ​sampling​ ​sites.​ ​Positive​ ​findings could​ ​lead​ ​to​ ​​Verrucaria​ ​praetermissa’s​ ​​ role​ ​as​ ​a​ ​bioindicator​ ​which​ ​could​ ​prevent​ ​damage​ ​to housing​ ​and​ ​infrastructure​ ​by​ ​allowing​ ​the​ ​identification​ ​of​ ​which​ ​stream​ ​are​ ​prone​ ​to​ ​flooding, washing out,​ ​and​ ​erosion.  

Aliyah Behimino, Naples High School, Italy
Mentor: Angela Garcia / Edith Jaynes, Teacher, UC Santa Barbara / Naples High School

Exploring the Impact of Savage Inequity on Diabetes Susceptibility in Utila, Honduras
​

Rapid industrialization has introduced humankind to a new encumbrance: the rise of diabetes.  Utila, Honduras presents a unique case for examining the health consequences of this phenomenon in a low-income region. Lower household occupational rank in Utila is seen to be associated with other conditions that affect an individual’s environment, such as a lower education level and limited access to nutrition: factors that can increase diabetes susceptibility. Focusing on the effects of poverty and inequality on health, this study sought to examine the relationship between status and diabetes. Specifically, this study explored how household occupational rank is associated with a risk of diabetes. Using statistical analysis to examine the relationship between these factors in Utila, it was found that diabetes risk was negatively associated with household occupational rank, and that more women were susceptible to diabetes.

Elizabeth Bickel, Ramstein High School, Germany
Mentor: Michelle Harrington, Ramstein High School

Advancing Home Hydroponic Systems
Abstract This purpose of this project was to find ways to make hydroponics cheaper and better for the average consumer. It was hypothesized that 8 hours of artificial light could produce the same amount of results as the plants that received the 16 hours of sunlight. The plants were broken up into three 10 plant groups consisting of a 8, 12, and 16 hours of artificial light system. Over five weeks, the samplings had weekly recordings of their root length, root growth, stem height, leaf area, and number of leaves. The data was graphed and it clearly showed that the 16 hour system plants succeeded in every category. The Null hypothesis was proven and the hypothesis had been disproved. Based on the data, it was found that the 16 hour plants grow much faster and proved to be cheaper to grow than the 12 hour plants despite the cost of the extra electricity. It was concluded that even though normal lettuce with traditional farming techniques only needs around 8 hours of natural sunlight, it clearly needs more than 8 hours of artificial light to succeed in an indoor hydroponic system.

Lars Borchert, Brussels High School, Belgium
Mentor: Mari Brown, Brussels High School

Thermal Efficiency of Microcomputer Heatsinks​

Microcomputing is a powerful tool through which small, inexpensive computers may operate on specific task such as automation or data collection. Although most microcomputers generate only small amounts of heat and need no cooling, more advanced designs running more demanding programs require a cooling methodology that may need to be fanless, powerless, or very small. It is therefore necessary to develop passive cooling heatsinks which use thermally conductive fins to transfer thermal energy from the computer chip to the environment as efficiently as possible. Research found that the among the factors of surface area, mass, volume, material, CPU contact area, and fin width, the most efficient heatsinks have: large surface areas, large volumes, large masses, and are made of anodized aluminum over regular aluminum. The factors CPU contact area and fin width did not have any clear effect on the resultant computer temperature.

Clare Walls, Stuttgart High School, Germany
Mentor: Daniel Coapstick, Stuttgart High School

Understanding Zebrafish Behavior and Creating a Baseline of Zebrafish Prey-Capture Behavior
​
The behaviors of Danios rerio (zebrafish) observed during five days of post fertilization days (pdf) display a powerful experimentation approach to understanding brain function of the mentioned organism. Danios rerio is an ideal model for testing and applying light controlled microscope which allows the researcher to see the eyes direction and movements they take during prey capture. Using fish provided by the University of Tuebingen and a high speed camera in the CIN department the behaviors of prey capture were recorded in order to better understand these creatures. The University of Tuebingen has conducted similar research with zebrafish, however, this specific experiment was never conducted with the use of advanced technology equipments (high speed camera) in order to record the behavioral responses of zebrafish through the process of prey capture. Using the definition of J-curve, c-curve, prey capture, and optokinetic response/reflex (OKR) in order to create a baseline of knowledge for future experiments including any study involving the behavior of prey capture. The purpose of this study is to understand the behaviors of prey capture that zebrafish exhibit and establish a foundational research that will help future experiments to lead to the success of the long-term goals of finding cures and understanding spongiform and immune diseases (such as Alzheimer's disease and leukemia).


Munro Manning, Sigonella High School, Italy
Mentor: Marsha McCauley, Teacher, Sigonella High School

Implementing use of the CRISPR/Cas9 method to gene PYHB in Oryza Sativa L. protoplasts as a potential tool for Phytome B mutations.​

This project was inspired by the recent advancement and new technique of genetic engineering, CRISPR/Cas9. The purpose of this project is to apply the CRISPR method in genetic engineering for Oryza Sativa for creating higher yields of produce. How the CRISPR/Cas9 method is used in genetic engineering was key for understanding it’s potential usefulness. CRISPR/Cas9 is composed of two components, Cas9 and a gRNA. The Cas9 endonuclease is based on the Cas9 protein found in bacteria. The Cas9 endonuclease is then combined with a target code sequence, or the gRNA, for a chosen gene. The chosen gene for this project within Oryza Sativa was PYHB. The hypothesis then tested whether the CRISPR method used to deliver a 20 ul RNP for gene PHYB to 1 x 10^5 of rice protoplasts could show significant distinctions in Phytochrome-B within the analyzed DNA fragments in an agarose gel. To prove the hypothesis, the prepared rice cells need to undergo three main phases; protoplast isolation, RNP delivery, and DNA analysis. Rice seeds were grown for 14 days and the rice stem was cut for protoplast isolation. The cut stem strips then were mixed with an enzyme digestion and shaked for 12 hours in darkness. The post-digestion cells will be delivered a RNP with a PEG solution on January 28, 2018. The conclusion of this project is that until DNA analysis with agarose gel is performed, the Null Hypothesis has been proven since significant change within the PHYB gene has not occured.

Home

About

Projects

Regional

Contact

Copyright © 2015
  • JSHS Europe
    • JSHS Information
  • JSHS Projects
    • Project Topic
    • Researching your topic
    • Design your Research Method
    • Data Collection and Processing
    • Write Your Paper
    • Turn In Your Paper
    • Teacher/Mentor Page
  • JSHS Starters
  • 2022
    • 2022 AWARDS
    • 2022 Oral Presentations
  • 2021
    • 2021 Live Stream
    • 2021 Oral Presentations
    • 2021 Poster Presentations
  • 2020
    • 2020 Live Stream
    • 2020 Oral Presentations
    • 2020 Poster Presentations
    • 2020 Key Note
    • 2020 Awards
  • 2019
    • 2019 Oral Presentations
    • 2019 Poster Presentations
    • 2019 Event / Promo Video
    • 2019 Awards
  • 2018
    • 2018 Awards
    • 2018 Oral Presentations ALL
    • 2018 Oral Presentations Abstracts
    • 2018 Poster Presentations
    • 2018 Event / Promo Video
    • 2018 Photo Gallery
  • Contact Us