b'Optimizing Reaction Conditions for [2+2] Photocycloaddition ReactionsHope E. SmithSponsor: Dr. GuptaSolar light, especially UVB radiation (290-320 nm) at high doses, represents a major threat to public health. DNA nucleobases directly absorb UVB wavelengths, triggering complex photochemical pathways that lead to the appearance of DNA lesions. Harmful DNA modifications, such as cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs), are constantly produced and may accumulate in the skin, inducing mutations and carginogenesis. CPDs are the most abundant photoproducts and are highly resistant to repair. CPDs are formed as a result of the [2+2] photocycloaddition of two thymine bases in the DNA. This makes [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions an interesting and relevant topic to introduce in an undergraduate organic chemistry teaching laboratory. We started with selecting some well-known [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions and optimizing all the reaction conditions to make them viable for the undergraduate teaching labs. We started with the [2+2] photocycloaddition reaction of anthracene. The photodimerization of different concentrations of anthracene was studied, and IR, UV, and fluorescence spectroscopy were performed to confirm the formation of the photo-dimer product. In the future, we aim to study and optimize several more [2+2] photocycloaddition reactions.Spike Protein Mutations in SARS-CoV-2 VariantsMadeline Pond and Denielle SaulsSponsor: Dr. ManningThe World Health Organization (WHO) lists the SARS-CoV-2 variants beta, delta, and omicron as strains of concern. The viruss global impact as of January 2022 includes infecting approximately 400 million people and causing about 5.7 million deaths. However, the variants have unique mortality rates which different characteristics such as transmissivity, virality, and strength impact. For drug development, researchers must consider those different factors which lead to mutations and create independent variations. Typically, researchers choose to focus on either the RNA replication process or surface proteins that are critical to the viral replication process.This project focuses on studying the mutations of the surface proteins of the beta, delta, and omicron variants. The combination of the Protein Data Bank (PDB), appropriate software, and extended research allows us to study the varying mutations.Exploring the Potential of Efavirenz, Etravirine, Rimantidine, Peramivir, Taribavirin, and Valaciclovir as DrugTherapies against SARS-CoV2Yasmin GuzmanSponsor: Dr. ManningSpike proteins are critical to the Covid-19 viruss ability to infect healthy cells and serve primarily as a target for antiviral drug therapies to inhibit fusion and replication of a virus within a healthy cell. For this study, the chemical interactions between six antivirals and two amino acids of the Covid-19 spike protein were evaluated for changes in bioactivity using two programs, Molinspiration and Spartan. The physical and biological effectivity of the antivirals against two amino acids of the coronavirus spike protein were evaluated using parameters such as octanol-water coefficient LogP, kinase inhibitor activity, protease inhibitor activity, and enzyme inhibitor activity. When comparing the results of each antiviral, Etravirine and Rimantadine showed the greatest potential as a SARS-CoV2 inhibitor. 29'