Research Symposium

BIO

I am a first-year Honors student at Florida State University, double majoring in Accounting and Professional Sales, with plans to earn my Master of Science in Finance (MSF) by Spring 2028. As a first-generation college student, I am passionate about research, business, and creating opportunities for others. My current research explores how Generation Z perceives masculinity across cultural contexts, using qualitative methods to analyze shifting gender norms in the U.S. and Mexico. Beyond research, I am actively involved on campus as a member of the Quest Scholars Program, The Finance Society (TFS), and ALPFA, and FSU’s JV Sales Team. I also serve as the Event Coordinator for the Puerto Rican Student Association and am the Co-Founder of Career Closet Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to professional attire. Additionally, I am helping build KOMP Sports, a startup focused on sports innovation. Through my work in research, business, and community engagement, I aim to challenge norms, create impact, and inspire others to pursue their passions.

Redefining Masculinity: Gen Z’s Evolving Perspectives Across Cultures

Abstract

This study examines whether traditional attributes associated with masculinity are maintained, redefined, or expanded by Generation Z consumers in the United States and Mexico. Rooted in Hofstede’s cultural dimensions framework (Hofstede, 1980; Hofstede, Hofstede, & Minkov, 2010) and grounded in contemporary gender theory, the research investigates how evolving social norms influence modern perceptions of masculinity. Employing a qualitative approach, a series of focus groups were conducted—including women-only and mixed-gender sessions—to identify the key attributes, values, and behaviors Generation Z associates with masculinity. The study examined both persistent and emerging concepts of masculinity, identifying similarities and differences between cultural contexts. Preliminary findings suggest that masculinity views have evolved among young people, with new themes emerging in the U.S., such as the rejection of competitiveness as a masculine trait, the expectation of household chore division, and masculinity being associated with reliability rather than dominance. In Mexico, concepts such as "fatherly duty" shifting toward a gender-neutral responsibility and the presence of fragile masculinity were identified. This study highlights how masculinity is evolving across cultures and generations, influencing social norms, gender roles, and relationships. By comparing views in the U.S. and Mexico, this research highlights cultural differences and emerging trends, contributing to discussions on gender, equality, and societal expectations.

Keywords: Masculinity, Generation Z, Culture

BIO

Tori Vinson is a second year student at Florida State University studying English literature and humanities, with concentrations in modern languages, history, and film studies. Her interest in Dante studies began in her first semester at Florida State when she took Dr. Coggeshall’s class on the Inferno. She also enjoys studying contemporary media. She is from Pensacola, Florida, and her dad’s involvement in local public history influences her desire to understand the world around her.

"Dante Today": Revamping a Digital Archive for Increased Accessibility

Abstract

The goal of the "Dante Today" website, created by Dr. Elizabeth Coggeshall and Dr. Arielle Saiber, is to create a comprehensive and accessible digital archive of global references to Dante Alighieri and his works. These references are called “Dante sightings” and visitors of the site can browse them for both casual research and scholarly aims. Dante Alighieri is a famous Medieval poet, whose most well known work, "La Divina Commedia," or "The Divine Comedy," has been referenced and adapted throughout history. The references that the website holds are very diverse; they include art and literature submitted by their creators, criticism of Dante’s work or works inspired by him, “memes” that reference Dantean ideas in new contexts, and more. Much of the significance of the website’s work comes from not only its accessibility of data, but also its breadth of contributors, as many of the “sightings” are submitted by visitors of the website. The purpose of this particular project was to move the data of the original "Dante Today" website to a new, more efficient website, by going through the individual entries of the original website, checking them for broken links or missing information, and then tagging them with specifics such as key words, medium, and global location to be reorganized on the new site. The results of this effort were thus a new and more organized digital archive that allows the website’s visitors to search for references specific to their interests or research.

Keywords: archive, literature, medieval

BIO

Tiana Baker is a second-year Behavioral Neuroscience student at Florida State University, minoring in Child Development and Computer Science. She has been passionate about advancing research in neurodevelopment and preventative approaches to neurodegenerative diseases since seeing her godfather, a close family friend, be diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Through her current involvement in a UROP project focused on Alzheimer’s patients and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, she has developed an interest in health disparities, public health communication, and aging populations. Tiana also conducts research in Dr. Sheffler's Lab at The Center for Translational Behavioral Science. In her free time enjoys playing pickleball and traveling, and her long-term goal is to pursue an MD with a focus on neurology, integrating her interests in neuroscience, clinical care, and community health.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy and The Influence of ADRD Stage on Acceptance Among Patients and Caregivers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD), yet vaccine hesitancy remains prevalent. This study examines how ADRD severity influences vaccine uptake among patients and caregivers. Using data from the All of Us (AoU) Researcher Workbench, through a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and statistical survey analysis. Preliminary results suggest that vaccine hesitancy increases as ADRD progresses, particularly in moderate to severe stages. Caregiver factors such as trust in healthcare providers, access to medical information, and healthcare disparities strongly influence decision-making. These findings highlight the need for targeted caregiver education and public health strategies to improve vaccine uptake in ADRD populations. This research provides actionable insights for policymakers and healthcare practitioners, aiming to enhance equitable vaccine access and healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations.

Keywords: COVID-19 Vaccine, Alzheimer's, Dementia, ADRD, MCI

BIO

My name is Arcenio Saballos! I'm a second year Pre-Med Biochemistry major from Miami, Fl. Some of my hobbies include the guitar, basketball and soccer. My research interests involve everything biomedical/biophysics related. I want to specialize in emergency medicine in the future.

Functional Characterization of Cardiomyocytes in a DCM Mouse model

Abstract

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac muscle disorder characterized by ventricular
dilation and impaired cardiac contractility, often progressing to heart failure and cardiac
death. Rare genetic variants are found in up to 25% of DCM cases. In this study, we
investigate a new variant in the TNNC1 gene, which encodes for cardiac troponin C (cTnC),
a key calcium-binding protein of the thin filament responsible for initiating sarcomeric
contraction. The cTnC protein plays a central role in calcium (Ca²⁺) handling, as it binds Ca²⁺
ions during systole to activate cross-bridge cycling and releases it during diastole to allow
relaxation. The variant studied here was previously identified in a pediatric patient diagnosed
with DCM.
Our goal is to study the in vivo functional effects of this variant using a CRISPR/Cas9 mouse
model our lab developed, focusing on measuring calcium (Ca²⁺) transients and contractility at
the cellular level. We hypothesize that this mutation alters the Ca²⁺ sensitivity of troponin C,
disrupting normal sarcomeric function.
To test this, we isolate primary adult cardiomyocytes from mouse hearts, incubate them with
a Ca²⁺-sensitive dye, and record Ca²⁺ transients and cell shortening during electrical pacing.
Some of the parameters that we will analyze include resting and peak intracellular Ca²⁺
([Ca²⁺]ᵢ), time to peak for [Ca²⁺]ᵢ and sarcomere shortening.
The results from this study may enhance our understanding of DCM pathophysiology,
particularly its impact on Ca²⁺ dynamics, and contribute to the development of targeted
therapeutic strategies

Keywords: Biomedical, Cardiomyocyte, DCM, Cardiomyopathy

BIO

Sarai Ferres is an undergraduate student at Florida State University pursuing a dual degree in psychology and social work. She is from Miami Gardens, Florida, and is deeply committed to learning the complexity of racial discrimination and its consequences on mental health. Her present research examines colorblindness as a mediator of racial discrimination and its traumatizing effects, which is consistent with their deeper interest in the relationship between racial dynamics and psychological well-being. After graduation, she intends to work in the field of mental health, primarily to serve marginalized communities and advance social justice initiatives.

Analyzing colorblindness as a moderator between racial discrimination and its traumatizing impact

Abstract

This study examines racial colorblindness as a moderating factor in the relationship between racial discrimination and its traumatizing effects, which can include depression and anxiety. Racial colorblindness, a belief system that ignores race and minimizes the discriminatory experiences of people of color, has become increasingly prevalent. There has been an increased belief that racial discrimination is not an issue and that race does not play a factor in interactions and behaviors. The study aims to raise awareness of its potential influence on individuals' behaviors and interactions by analyzing this belief.

To explore the moderating effects of colorblindness, a literature review and an analysis of survey data were conducted. Statistical analysis will be utilized to determine how colorblindness impacts the traumatic effects of racial discrimination. The findings will indicate whether colorblindness amplifies and buffers the emotional impact of discrimination, with potential long-term consequences for trauma.

The results of this study have important implications for understanding how colorblind ideologies contribute to or mitigate the effects of discrimination. These findings can shape future research and present clinicians with critical information they can use in clinical practice. Further research can bring awareness to the discriminatory impacts people of color face and develop strategies for combating racial discrimination and creating mechanisms to address trauma caused by these experiences.

Keywords: colorblindness, everyday discrimination,

BIO

Hi I'm Andrea Miranda! I am a Computer Science major with a minor in Business Analytics at Florida State University. Raised in Miami, my passion lies in the intersection of technology and data analytics for coastal and marine environmental awareness and improvement. I am particularly interested in optimization techniques and developing algorithms that support innovative technology to combat climate change, especially in Florida. Currently, I’m working on a web programming and database research project at COAPS, where I apply my analytical skills to real-world data challenges. Beyond my research, I am passionate about encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in male-dominated STEM fields, striving to create a more inclusive and diverse future in technology.

Optimizing Data Analysis: Creating an Accessible Web Interface for SAMOS Data Blacklist Management

Abstract

In 2005, the Center for Ocean-Atmospheric Prediction Studies (COAPS) launched the Shipboard Automated Meteorological and Oceanographic System (SAMOS) initiative. The SAMOS project aims to provide high-quality marine meteorological and near-surface oceanographic observations through data provided from thousands of research, vessels and voluntary observation ships across the world.
However, when receiving such a large quantity of metadata, the SAMOS database is bound to intake instances of data deemed unwanted (for a variety of reasons). This type of “blacklisted” data would then have to be manually stored in the internal database through a MySQL interface, a task that could potentially fall into the hands of a user that is not familiar with this software; herein lies the challenge.
The goal of this project is to develop a web user interface in which internal non-technical users can add, remove, or modify unique variable identifiers stored within a blacklist via a more user-friendly web user interface. Through an understanding of HTML, PHP development, MySQL, and relational databases, we have created PHP functions to generate a blacklist data management interface that does not require proficiencies in other software.
By implementing this webpage, we aim to create a more accessible means of updating the unwanted data blacklist, optimizing the task of data analysis, and bridging the gap between programmers and data analysts.

Keywords: Databases, Computer Science, Marine, SQL, PHP

BIO

I am a second-year student at Florida State University from Daytona Beach, Florida. I intend on pursuing a career in Law after my time in Tallahassee is over.

Educational Privatization and School-Choice: Implications for Inclusion

Abstract

This research explores the question: “What are the effects of practice-based coaching, delivered via text messaging to support fidelity of scaffolding implementation, on paraprofessionals' use of scaffolding strategies during shared book reading?”. Paraprofessionals in early childhood classrooms often lack access to effective professional development. Practice-based coaching is a promising approach to train them in implementing scaffolded conversations, which supports evidence-based literacy practices. Shared book reading is an effective method for developing oral language skills, like speaking and listening, which improves language comprehension in preschoolers. The method involves baseline readings where paraprofessionals ask their students five sets of questions, without guidance on effective use. After this, an intervention stage introduces how to scaffold conversations. Paraprofessionals then practice these strategies in subsequent readings. Following a few days without readings, they are observed in the classroom to assess if their use of scaffolding has improved. The research assistant role includes preparing materials for the books, coding text messages to ensure fidelity in coaching, and testing the intervention slides and presentation. In addition, coding fidelity for audio recordings of both the readings and the intervention training, ensures adherence to research guidelines. The expected results are that the paraprofessionals will improve their use of scaffolding strategies because of the text message coaching. This will likely enhance their ability to support student comprehension and provide evidence-based tools for improving their teaching effectiveness.

Keywords: education, privatization, equity

BIO

Hi! My name is Trinity Frazier, and I am a second-year junior! I am from South Florida and I enjoy drawing, painting, and singing. Some of my campus involvements include the Alliance for Black Women, The National Society of Black Women in Medicine, and RENEW, which have allowed me enhance my leadership and communication skills. Although my major is psychology, I enjoy expressing myself in a variety of ways, including art, which is why I chose to minor in art entrepreneurship. This research project has allowed me to explore various art styles and techniques, such laser cutting and laser engraving. It has been so rewarding to experiment and learn about the process of how art pieces are made. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and pursue a PhD in clinical psychology.

Laser Cutting Through History: Exploring the Process of Art Curation and Fabrication

Abstract

Art curation and fabrication can be a very tedious process for many artists, which is the focus of this research project. This project emphasizes the importance and significance of meticulously crafting and arranging pieces to convey a message or information through artwork. In order to better understand these processes, I was able to assist Professor Meredith Lynn with the curation and fabrication of her artwork, which focuses on the “impacts of climate change and land management and ownership” (meredithlauralynn.com). Collaborating with her partner, Katie Hargrave, Professor Lynn utilizes multimedia to highlight our environment and the profound effects of capitalism and tourism on our land. Their work draws inspiration from William Henry Jackson, who is known as the first person to photograph the area of Yellowstone (nps.gov). Jackson’s work played a pivotal role in passing a bill to establish Yellowstone as the first national park. Professor Lynn’s artwork skillfully captures the experiences of Jackson and his colleagues, while they surveyed and explored various landmarks. Through this research, I’ve had the opportunity to experiment with a variety of fabrication techniques including file sorting, laser cutting, and laser engraving to assist Professor Lynn in effectively conveying her message through her artwork. ​

Keywords: Art Curation, Land Exploration, Laser Cutting

BIO

I am from Orlando, FL, with a strong passion for healthcare research and medicine. My goal is to become a physician, combining clinical practice with research to improve patient outcomes. I am dedicated to understanding and addressing healthcare disparities, particularly in vulnerable populations.

COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy on Alzheimer’s Disease: Examining the Influence of ADRD Stage on Acceptance Among Patients With Chronic Conditions

Abstract

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive condition that affects memory and thinking. While vaccine hesitancy has been studied in many groups, little is known about how AD and chronic conditions affect acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine. This study analyzed vaccine acceptance in AD patients with chronic conditions like COPD, cancer, and hypertension using data from the All of Us Researcher Workbench. It included patients with AD who had contracted COVID-19, excluding those with other neurodegenerative diseases or severe comorbidities. Data on demographics, medical history, cognitive assessments, and vaccination status were evaluated. Results showed that early-stage AD patients had the highest vaccine acceptance (98.1%-98.8%) due to better cognitive function and caregiver support. Acceptance declined in middle-stage AD (79.2%-83.3%) as patients became more dependent and caregivers were more hesitant. Late-stage AD patients had the lowest acceptance rates (47.8%-52.0%) due to increased health risks, fewer healthcare visits, and end-of-life concerns. This study emphasizes the need for targeted strategies to address vaccine hesitancy in AD patients, especially in advanced stages, focusing on caregiver education, better healthcare access, and personalized vaccination approaches.

Keywords: Alzheimer's, Dementia, Vaccine Hesitancy

BIO

Karis Matheson is a Behavioral Neuroscience major at Florida State University assisting in research in the School of Communication Science and Disorders. Her current research project she is assisting on is studying the collaboration of speech-language pathologists and kindergarten teachers, and she aims to continue research in her time at FSU.

Collaboration Between Speech-Language Pathologists and Kindergarten Teachers

Abstract

Collaboration between speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and kindergarten (K) teachers benefits kindergarten students who may have academic and/or social concerns, and specifically those with diagnosed speech-language impairment (SLI). Students with SLI are at risk for later difficulty in reading and language-based math skills (Adlof & Hogan, 2018; Cabbage et al., 2018, Cross et al., 2019). The present study aims to provide a descriptive analysis of views regarding collaboration between SLPs and kindergarten teachers. We hypothesize that there will be similar collaboration ratings between the two groups but anticipate that SLPs will place a slightly greater emphasis on collaboration compared to K teachers. First, a cross-sectional survey was deployed to collect demographic information as well as ratings of  collaboration for SLPs and K teachers. Dyads (SLP/K teacher) were then created for qualitative interviews and analyses. Even though our data collection is not yet complete, we collected data from 47 K teachers and 133 SLPs and a total of 171 responses.  We anticipate concluding that both groups will have similar views in terms of their future collaboration.

Keywords: Speech-Language Pathologists, Collaboration, Kindergarten Teachers

BIO

My name is Ava Arch, and I’m a first-year student at Florida State University from New Orleans, Louisiana. I’m currently exploring my academic interests in biology, psychology, and finance, with a strong focus on how these disciplines intersect in healthcare. I’m particularly interested in research related to behavioral science, health economics, and the biological basis of mental health, and how these areas can contribute to better patient care and accessibility.
My ultimate goal is to attend dental school and pursue a career in dentistry, where I hope to combine clinical expertise with a deeper understanding of patient behavior and financial accessibility in oral healthcare. I’m passionate about community health and plan to be involved in research and outreach that supports underserved populations. As I continue my studies at FSU, I’m eager to gain hands-on experience through research opportunities, volunteer work, and internships that will prepare me for dental school and beyond.

Descriptive Database for Collegiate Recovery Programs

Abstract

Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) offer a supportive environment for students in recovery from substance misuse and other behavioral or process addictions. They are proven to promote academic success, social well-being, and personal growth. A comprehensive database was developed by the Association of Recovery in Higher Education (ARHE) in 2023 to consolidate existing research on CRPs among the college student population. This project involved identifying and reviewing studies, coding key findings, and categorizing articles based on social justice considerations, theoretical frameworks, methodologies, and similarly themed studies (e.g., community colleges, COVID, all-recovery, and non-traditional student populations). Research briefs were created to summarize thematic trends across the studies in efforts to bridge practice and theory (praxis).

The published database currently includes approximately 140 articles and reveals a consistent trend in satisfaction and improved academic outcomes among students and staff participating in CRPs. Findings overwhelmingly indicate that CRPs positively impact student life, including academic performance, social integration, and overall well-being. Data further highlights the vital role of CRPs in promoting student success and emphasizes the necessity for ongoing funding and institutional support to enhance recovery-friendly campus environments. Nonetheless, these programs are understudied and warrant further empirical investigation by researchers.

Keywords: Recovery, College, Mental Health, Community-based.

BIO

I am a second-year Psychology student minoring in Business Analytics and Spanish. I have always been interested in social psychology and though my involvement in this research project only began at the beginning of this academic year, I have learned and grown immensely with the help of Ayanna, Dr. Okten, and the rest of the Motivated Social Cognition Lab. I am excited to continue my research in the coming academic year as a Lab Coordinator in the lab. I hope to implement my passion for this field and the skills learned from current and future work in a career in Industrial/Organizational psychology.

Perceived Entitativity and Spontaneous Trait Impressions of Groups

Abstract

It is understood, in person perception research, that perceivers frequently form unintentional spontaneous trait inferences (STIs) based on the observed behavior of others (Uleman et al., 1996), and these trait inferences tend to be diagnostic of the initial impressions that we form and maintain about others (Olcaysoy Okten & Moskowitz, 2020). Similarly, Hamilton and colleagues (2015) provide evidence that perceivers also make spontaneous trait inferences about groups (STIGs). Particularly, they found that STIGs are not affected by cognitive load, occur for high and low entitativity groups, are diagnostic of impression ratings, and generalizable to new group members. The proposed research project extends the research initiatives of Hamilton et al., (2015) study by building onto their target group manipulation. The purpose of the current research project is to design a manipulation of perceived entitativity by adding racial categories to target groups (All Black/ All White/ Combination of Black and White). This research project will contribute to the field’s limited understanding of STIGs through its addition of perceived group homogeneity, ethnicity, and group membership effects.

Keywords: entitativity, spontaneous trait inferences, spontaneous trait inferences about groups

BIO

My name is Myintmo Tun and I am a sophomore majoring in Biology with minors in Math and Chemistry. Originally from Ashland, Kentucky, I've always been passionate about understanding how our mindset shapes our personal growth and development as humans. My current research project examines the correlation between persistence, psychological well-being, and cognitive function in older individuals diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). I want to further my education in the future by attending medical school, and one day becoming a pediatrician.

Psychological Well-Being, Persistence, and Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Adults with Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Abstract

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in 3,000
individuals globally, is associated with an increased risk for cognitive impairments (Gutmann et
al., 2017). Prior research suggests that psychological factors, like purpose in life, are protective
against cognitive decline (Sutin et al., 2018); however, because limited research has investigated
middle-aged and older adults (MOA) with NF1, the extent to which these factors influence
cognitive function in the NF1 population remains undetermined. Thus, this study examines
whether psychological factors are associated with cognitive function among MOA and NF1.
The current sample consists of 165 adults aged 40–81 years (M = 53.89; SD = 10.55). Objective
cognitive function is measured using the modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status
(TICSm). Subjective cognitive function is assessed through self-reported scoring for memory
and processing speed. Psychological factors include psychological well-being and persistence. A
42-item measure (Ryff, 1989) is used to evaluate psychological well-being. Persistence is
assessed using the 8-item GRIT-S measure (Duckworth & Quinn, 2009).
Results highlight psychological factors as protective for cognitive function in MOA with NF1.
Specifically, higher scores on purpose in life are associated with better cognitive function, both
objectively and subjectively, whereas higher persistence is associated with better subjective
cognition only. Considering that MOA with NF1 face an increased risk for dementia (de Souza
Costa et al., 2014), our findings suggest psychological factors may be important to account for
when studying cognitive function in this under-researched population.

Keywords: NF1, Neurofibromatosis Type 1, cognitive function, cognition, persistence, psychological well-being

BIO

I am from Ocala, Florida. I am majoring in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences: Clinical Professions. After I get my Bachelor's I plan to go to Medical School.

How Did the Rosenstrasse Protest Affect the Families Involved?

Abstract

The Holocaust is an event most student learns about in grade school. What we don’t learn about is the bravery of the women who participated in the Rosenstrasse protest. When you think about the Holocaust, you do not think about the Rosenstrasse Protest. While under the Nazi regime Nuremberg Laws were put into place. These laws prohibited intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews to prevent mixed marriage. Under the laws Jewish Germans were not able to gain German citizenship. Despite these laws being put into place many non-Jewish spouses stuck by the side of their Jewish spouses. In the “final roundup” in Berlin around 2,000 Jews in mixed marriages were arrested and brought to Rosenstrasse, where they were supposed to be deported. Some of the Jews that were taken into custody were children at least 15 years old. Women filled the streets and protested to free their husbands. The protest was an act of defiance to the strong Nazi forces. These women bound together in order to save their husbands and their families. This was so impactful because not only was it unheard of, but these women liberated their families and many others. During my research I used online sites such as ancestry.com to investigate how the lives of the women who were apart of the Rosenstrasse Protest were impacted after the protest. I utilized the Rosenstrasse Foundation website to compile more information.

Keywords: The Rosenstrasse Protest

BIO

I am a junior at Florida State university. I am from Florida and am studying behavioral neuroscience. I am also working in Dr. Linda Rinaman's lab. I currently am assisting in research studying the link between exposure to high fat diet and development of brain mechanisms for modulating motivated behavior. I am passionate about investigating the relationship between diet and exercise and how these things affect brain function. I will continue my education after undergraduate and attend graduate school, with the goal of going into research, hopefully surrounding our daily activities impact our cognition and behavior.

Perinatal Western diet exposure reduces response to GLP1-R agonist in areas of the brain related to food intake

Abstract

pressure and overall decreased quality of life. Recent research demonstrates that these impacts also occur in offspring following maternal consumption of a Western diet. However, the link between maternal diet and physiological changes to offspring is incompletely understood. GLP1 is a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating metabolic and behavioral processes and plays a key role in monitoring food intake. This study investigated whether perinatal WD consumption alters the central GLP1 system in developing rats. To do this, dams were introduced to WD or chow before pregnancy and were maintained on the same diet through gestation and lactation. At postnatal day 14, pups were given an injection of the GLP1R agonist Ex-4 (10ug/kg) to activate GLP1R-dependent signaling and were perfused 2 hours later. The brains were removed, sectioned, and stained for cFos, a marker for neuronal activation. Through this, we visualized neurons activated directly or indirectly by the Ex-4 injection. Using the histology analysis software QuPath, activated neurons were quantified in multiple areas of the brain known to be involved in GLP1 signaling. Offspring exposed to the WD had significantly reduced Ex-4-induced cFos in several nuclei essential in regulating motivated behaviors, including food intake. These results begin to illuminate the connection between perinatal western diet exposure and GLP1R system activation. Evidence that the GLP1GLP1R signaling can be altered by dietary exposure early in life highlights the importance of the early life food environment in shaping health outcomes.

Keywords: GLP1, diet induced obesity, development

BIO

Isabella Dabolish is a first year psychology and pre-med major here at FSU. She is currently a member of the Delta Zeta chapter and the honors program. She plans to continue in research in the medical and psychology field and aspires to go to medical school to pursue a career in psychiatry.

The Butterfly Affect: Eco-Puppetry for Envisioning a Joyful Environmental Praxis

Abstract

The Butterfly Affect is a performance-based experience that uses the stages of a butterfly as a symbol for change to encourage individuals to self-reflect on their personal growth and transformation.This research investigates how eco-theatre and eco-puppetry create a catalyst in the minds of people to encourage their self-reflection on their involvement in the anthropocene, and mobilize activism and cultural change.The connection between the puppet and touch in eco-theatre has been seen to have great effects on the person's ability to want to start the change themselves.
We explore the theoretical and creative aspects of eco-puppetry. First, we analyse the existing literature to understand what eco-puppetry is, its potential psychological effects, and how it impacts people’s engagement with environmental justice. Second, we reflect on our process of creating the various puppetry components of the project, such as The Butterfly Care Deck (for adults, children, and Spanish-English speakers), and the Paper Dolls. This research demonstrates how small actions or events can spark larger societal, political, and cultural movements, shedding light on the role of theater as a vehicle for social change.

Keywords: performing arts, environmental activism, feminism

BIO

My name is Camille Sonalia, and I am a sophomore from Naples, Florida, studying Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences on the pre-medical track at Florida State University. I plan to graduate in 2027 and pursue medical school to fulfill my dream of becoming a physician.

I chose to participate in this research because of its real-world application to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, with the goal of improving patient care and quality of life. At FSU, I am an active member of Kappa Delta sorority and Phi Delta Epsilon Medical Fraternity, and I serve as the Executive Board Director of Marketing for Who We Play For. Additionally, I work as a medical assistant at Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House in Tallahassee.

Investigating the Role of the ATN-PPC Pathway

Abstract

Spatial navigation is the ability of animals to find a path from one location to another. It is essential for survival, from seeking food to escaping predators. Despite being common among animals, it is a complicated task requiring sensory integration, processing, and route planning. Each of these cognitive abilities relies on different parts of the brain, as well as the collaboration between them.
Previous research has shown that the anterior thalamic nuclei (ATN) and posterior parietal cortex (PPC) are important participants in spatial navigation. The ATN contains head direction cells, which are active when the animal’s head points toward a specific direction within a given environment (Taube, 1995). The firing pattern of these cells is stable, which helps identify the relative positions between objects during navigation. The PPC contains head direction cells and egocentric cells, which are active when the animal is about to execute specific movements (Wilber et al., 2014). Hence, PPC is essential for route planning and executing movements.
ATN and PPC contribute to different aspects of spatial navigation, yet their collaboration as the ATN-PPC network is still not well-studied. In this study, we use optogenetics inhibition to investigate how silencing the ATN, PPC, and ATN-PPC network affects animals in a map-to-action task (MATT). We hypothesize that ATN silencing will decrease accuracy, PPC silencing will reduce responsiveness, and ATN-PPC network silencing will cause both impairments. Preliminary results suggest that ATN inhibition will impair accuracy.

Keywords: Alzheimer's, navigation, optogenetics

BIO

Hello! My name is Tatiana Batista. I am a fourth-year first-generation student pursuing a degree in Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences. My hometown is Miami, Florida. I have worked in the Queen of Sciences Lab under Dr. David Braithwaite for the last three years. I initially conducted research into math self-efficacy before moving into cognitive psychology for my Honors Thesis on Relational Reasoning. After graduation, I plan on applying to graduate schools in the fall to continue my passion for research.

The Link Between Relational Inference and Math: What Kinds of Relations Matter?

Abstract

Individual differences in the ability to reason about transitive relations (e.g., a > b, b > c, therefore a > c), termed “transitive inference,” are related to differences in mathematical skills among adults, children, and adolescents (Morsanyi et al., 2018; Handley et al. 2004; Morsanyi et al. 2013; Morsanyi et al. 2017), suggesting that transitive inference contributes to mathematical reasoning in general. However, logical inferences in math involve many types of relations other than transitive relations, such as non-transitive relations, which can indeed lead to valid conclusions despite previously thought otherwise. Furthermore, other forms of transitive relations, such as reflexive transitive relations, remain uninvestigated in traditional inference tasks. We propose that relational inference should be assessed using a broad set of relations not limited to transitive relations. We hypothesized that Relational Inference, when measured in this way, will predict math ability more than transitive inference alone. Participants (N=85), completed tasks assessing their math reasoning skills, conditional inference ability, ordering ability, and relational inference ability. Two hierarchical linear regressions were conducted in which model one contained: transitive inference, conditional inference, and ordering ability, while model two added relational inference (equivalence, indeterminate, 3-cyclical). Adding relational inference explained an additional 10.6% of the variance, F(1, 78) = 11.98, p < .001 in CRT-Long Scores, and an additional 4.2% of the variance, F(1, 78) = 5.13, p < 0.005 in PRS scores. The current study is the first to investigate both transitive and non-transitive relational structures in relation to math ability.

Keywords: Transitive Reasoning, Relational Reasoning, Logic

BIO

Hi, my name is Jack White and I’m currently studying psychology with an interest in public policy here at FSU, over the last six months my research group and I have been investigating the homestead exemption take-up rate gap in Florida and how this may affect homeowners. Basically what that means is in our study we used targeted interventions to determine whether certain populations were more or less likely than one another to take advantage of a benefit that could potentially save homeowners thousands of dollars. We aim to determine what demographics are least likely to sign up and what strategies are most effective in making these benefits available to all homeowners. In order to accomplish this, we sent out thousands of mailers to each county in Florida reminding homeowners of the exemption, as well as a second treatment group which had the option for a text reminder before the exemption’s deadline. Although our results are pending, we predict that each subsequent group will offer an improvement in take-up rate. What this means is that we are taking steps forward in improving public policy at the state level by determining strategies to make tax benefits more widely available.

Closing the Gap in Homestead Exemption Participation Take-up Rates

Abstract

This research examines the effects of letter reminders and text message reminders on the take-up rate for the homestead exemption. This is being investigated to find policy implications and methods to close the take-up rate gap of the Homestead exemption.
Information is gathered by mailing letters to homeowners who are eligible but have not signed up for the homestead exemption. In this letter, we offer text message reminders that could be signed up for. Using the participant's information, data is gathered, and demographic information is produced.
We each produced 3000 letters to be mailed to eligible non-participants. The expected results are that text message reminders and letter reminders will be greatly effective at getting nonparticipants to sign up for the homestead exemption.
The significance of the expected result is that there is an issue with the government's communication of homestead exemption, which may affect areas that typically use fewer realtors and areas that have less access to the internet. This shows the need for a policy that will communicate information about the homestead exemption to those who may be less likely to have access to that information.

Keywords: Economics, Public Policy, Tax Policy, Homestead

BIO

Mia Risolia is a Political Science and Media Communication Studies major from Jupiter, FL. With a passion for the intersection of law and fashion, she aspires to work as an attorney for a luxury fashion corporation. Mia is actively involved in student publications, research, and creative media projects, utilizing and growing her skills to explore the dynamic relationship between policy, branding, and creative industries.

Textiles of Revolutionary Soldiers in Florida

Abstract

This research aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge about the East Florida Rangers' attire by analyzing diaries, illustrations, and contacting other researchers. By identifying common trends found within loyalists and considering Florida’s unique environmental conditions, this study seeks to provide a clearer picture of what these soldiers likely wore. The findings will contribute to a broader understanding of the priorities of the loyalists in this era.

Keywords: East Florida Rangers uniforms, Loyalist military textiles, British colonial textile imports