Department of Biological Sciences
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Browsing Department of Biological Sciences by Author "Bernstein, Nina"
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Item Flexible electrochemical aptasensor for cortisol detection in human sweat(2021) Mugo, Samuel; Alberkant, Jonathan; Bernstein, Nina; Zenkina, Olena V.This communication demonstrates an electrochemical DNA aptasensor for the detection of cortisol in human sweat. The aptasensor was fabricated via layer-by-layer assembly on stretchable polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coated with conductive nanoporous carbon nanotube-cellulose nanocrystals (CNC/CNT) film using a linker to a cortisol specific DNA aptamer. The flexible cortisol aptasensor had a dynamic range of 2.5–35 ng mL−1. The aptasensor precision was determined to be 2.7% relative standard deviation (%RSD) across the concentration dynamic range. The aptasensor was determined to have a limit of detection (LOD) of ∼ 1.8 ng mL−1. The aptasensor was demonstrated to have high selectivity to cortisol and was unresponsive to interfering species including glucose, sodium lactate, and β-estradiol. The aptasensor was successfully evaluated for the detection of cortisol in human sweat indicative of its high specificity.Item Using anticipated learning outcomes for backward design of a molecular cell biology course-based undergraduate research experience(2020) Hills, Melissa; Harcombe, Kimberley; Bernstein, NinaAnticipated learning outcomes (LOs) were defined and used for the backward design of a Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE). These LOs reflect the inquiry-based nature of CUREs and capture key knowledge and skills inherent to scientific practice and essential in research. The LOs were used to plan a formative and summative assessment strategy to support and evaluate student achievement. A research question was identified that aligned with the learning goals of the course, provided an opportunity for discovery and iteration, and introduced a variety of molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques. The course is offered to students in the final year of their degree and delivered over a 12-week period with two 3-hr labs each week. These LOs, and the rigorous assessment strategy used to support them, could be adapted to different projects. Likewise, the laboratory exercises are presented as a series of modules highlighting opportunities for adaptation to a variety of schedules.