Research Symposium

BIO

Hello, my name is Audrey Milligan. I grew up in Pretoria, South Africa and moved to the Jacksonville, Florida area in 2021. My research interests include Art Education, Civic Engagement, Painting, and Ceramics. I intend to graduate with my BFA in Studio Art and my MS in Art Education, after which I plan to teach K-12 art.

Teaching Tallahassee: An Interdisciplinary Civics and Art Curriculum Project

Abstract

This research investigates two goals. Firstly, developing a model for institutions of higher education, like FSU, to provide opportunities for K-12 teachers to understand how civic engagement can be nurtured on a local level. Secondly, fostering the collaborations of art, history, and civics educators and faculty, to develop an effective and evidence-based curriculum focused on civic engagement and participation in Leon County K-12 school students. It is necessary to investigate these goals because there is a gap in curriculum that needs to be addressed. The project has spanned two years, the first to write the curriculum, and the second to implement it. This semester the focus of this semester was the shadow puppet classroom project in the FSUS elementary art classroom. The methods of this project consisted of observing the classroom and documenting student interviews, as well as conducting background research. This background research consisted of creating a repository of teacher resources that will serve as a guide in art and civic curriculum development for educators. The preliminary results of this project have found that combining civic education with art education helps to connect students with their community while fostering creativity. The final results are expected to be published within the next year. The significance of this study is to bridge the gap between practice and educational research. This is specifically important within art education which can do more to bridge civic engagement learning outcomes.

Keywords: Art-Education, Civic Engagement, Teaching Tallahassee, K-12 art

BIO

My name is Michelle Rodriguez and I am a Biological Sciences major with a Chemistry Minor. I am from Miami Florida and hope to become a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant in the future.

Effects of the N-Helix 2-12 Deletion Mutation in Cardiac Troponin C on Myofilament Function

Abstract

For the past 75 years, since the Framingham Study
began, cardiovascular disease (CVD) research has been
pivotal in combating one of the deadliest epidemics in
American history. Many CVDs involve genetic mutations
of proteins within the functional unit of cardiac muscle,
the sarcomere. Cardiomyopathy, specifically
hypertrophic, is characterized by different mutations
that cause enlarged ventricular walls, blocked aortic
flow, abnormal ejection fraction, and many other
cardiac maladaptation. To explore this, we are looking
to evaluate how cardiac troponin C (cTnC), specifically
with the “2-12 del” N-helix deletion mutation, affects
myofilament function. This is important because cTnC
plays a central role in excitation-contraction coupling,
and several amino acids within the N-helix can be
affected by mutations, leading to cardiomyopathy. To
do this, we are extracting endogenous cTnC protein
from skinned cardiac papillary muscle and
reconstituting their sarcomeres with either exogenous
wildtype (control) or N-helix 2-12 del mutated
protein. We expect ~80% of the endogenous protein to
be extracted by CDTA treatment. Following
reconstitution, we measure biomechanical properties
including Ca2+-activated steady-state isometric force
and stiffness, and tension redevelopment kinetics
(kTR). In addition to biomechanics, we plan to perform
Western blots on the experimental tissue to examine
protein composition after extraction-reconstitution. We
anticipate seeing differences in the Ca2+-dependence
of biomechanical properties due to removal of the Nhelix

Keywords: cardiomyopathy, troponin, muscle contraction, cardiac muscle

BIO

My name is Joshua Glick, and I am a Clinical Professions major. I am from Viera, Florida, and I love to stay active. My future goals include attending medical school and becoming a physician.

Tracking DNA-Virus Interactions Throughout the Cell Cycle

Abstract

How can DNA be tracked through viral infection? This project investigates how the Murine Leukemia Virus (MLV) integrates its genetic material into host chromatin during infection. Using photoactivatable PAmCherry, we can highlight H2B (histones) and directly track the viral DNA. This should show exactly where the virus is directly integrating into the cell. The first step is to create a pLenti-H2B-PAmCherry plasmid. This is done by following a series of procedures in the lab that will clone and transform plasmids to make the pLenti-H2B-PAmCherry plasmid. The next step is transfection, which is introducing this bacteria to living cells. I was unsuccessful in creating the pLenti-H2B-PAmCherry plasmid. Using Gel Electrophoresis, it was determined that the plasmid did not ligate correctly. Further steps include using different enzymes to cut out the H2B and PAmCherry sequences separately. These results suggest that this is a very precise process and the materials used are unpredictable at some points during the procedures.

Keywords: DNA, Cell, Virus

BIO

Hello, my name is Ava Burke and I am currently attending Florida State University, pursuing a degree in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Hospitality. I am originally from Westfield, NJ. I am on the Pre-PA track and currently work as a medical assistant at a primary care office. My LinkedIn profile is https://www.linkedin.com/in/ava-burke-518388328/

New Religion and How They Were Treated by the FBI During World War II

Abstract

The goal of this research is to gather information about the Federal investigation and trial against the polygamist Mormon group under the White Slavery Act of 1910 (also known as the Mann Act). The research we are conducting is a literature review, however, there are two different types of literature/articles that we are looking at. As a whole, we are looking at the FBI files about the case. Most of the files outline the cases, and everyone named their relationships and their role (victim, defendant, attorney, etc.). The other files contain clippings from different newspapers covering the investigation/trial to better understand the public’s view on the case. The research is still ongoing, as many files and articles relate to this case. Through our literature reviews, we are hoping to make more sense of the different relationships, aspects, and viewpoints on the case and potentially find trends and themes in the FBI files.

Keywords: Mormon, Polygamy, Religion

BIO

Asia Louis is a first-year Accounting and Creative Writing major at Florida State University, currently serving as a UROP Research Assistant under Mrs. Tara Hackett within the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. Passionate about exploring overlooked topics, Asia has engaged in diverse research endeavors, including a Textile Analysis project and an extensive Extended Essay that critically examined Orientalism within Memoirs of a Geisha and Hollywood. Her essay, which explored the misrepresentation of Asian people in Western media due to extensive racism and the globalization of cultural narratives, was a significant academic achievement that underscored her dedication to dissecting media bias and cultural erasure. Beyond this, Asia is deeply interested the theme of estrangement in literature—examining how narratives conventional beliefs and structures. She is a Presidential Scholar, the Sponsorship Chair on the Executive Homecoming Committee, and an active member of the Alliance for Black Women.

Preserving the Past: a Textile Analysis of Victorian Petit Point Purses

Abstract

This research analyzes three types of Victorian Petit Point Tapestry purses by examining their construction, story within the design and history. This study is significant because it contributes to the preservation and understanding of the historic items within the Historic Costume Collection at the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship. To achieve a strong understanding in textile object analysis, I have accessioned, organized, and described both historic purses and shoes. Through an immense review of peer-reviewed sources, fashion magazines, and archives, I have gained an understanding of Victorian Petit Tapestry purses and their significance within their historical context. The results show that Petit Point purses were more than just accessories but a reflection of their time period’s, construction methods, materials, and social norms. This research contributes to the ongoing study of Victorian dress, emphasizing the need for further exploration of their cultural history through accessories and clothing. This project lays the groundwork for future research on dress accessories within the Costume Collection, highlighting the significance of these accompanying objects in reflecting the social and cultural norms of their time.

Keywords: Textile, Purses, Victoria, Petit Point Tapestry

BIO

Hi! My name is Hanna Remtulla, and I am a first-year Honors Program student here at Florida State University. I am pursuing a double major with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a concentration in International Relations and a Bachelor of Science in Finance. Currently, I am on the pre-law track with hopes of attending law school and working within the legal field.
At FSU, my campus involvements include completing the Freshman Leadership Institute program by the student government, being a writer for the FSU chapter of an international magazine named Her Campus, being a member of the Women in Government, being a member of Women's Student Union, and Women in Pre-Law.

How do Indigenous writers' treatments of apocalypse compare to Butler and Atwood’s?

Abstract

The term apocalypse generally refers to the near-total destruction of life, particularly concerning nature. Climate change can be considered a form of apocalyptic destruction and refers to the devastation inflicted by humans upon other humans. In 1944, Raphael Lemkin coined the term genocide to describe “the systematic destruction of a cultural, ethnic, or national group.” In this sense, genocide and ecological apocalypse share fundamental similarities in how they disrupt and erase entire communities.
For Indigenous populations, apocalypse has occurred. Colonization brought destruction on an apocalyptic scale, meaning Indigenous perspectives on the end of the world differ significantly from those found in Western dystopian literature, like the works of Octavia Butler and Margaret Atwood.
This study examines how apocalypse is portrayed in Butler’s Parable series and Atwood’s MaddAddam trilogy in comparison to Indigenous dystopian novels, Alexis Wright’s The Swan Book and Cherie Dimaline’s The Marrow Thieves. Through this literary analysis, I argue Western cli-fi, a term coined by Dan Bloom to describe climate fiction, mainly allocates ecological collapse to governmental failures or unethical human actions, projecting apocalypse as a near-future event. In contrast, Indigenous cli-fi emphasizes colonialism and land exploitation as the root causes of ecological destruction, portraying the apocalypse as an ongoing reality with lasting consequences.

Keywords: Climate Change, Dystopia, Apocalypse, Genocide, Colonialism

BIO

Hello! My name is Valerie Angulo, and I am a sophomore nursing major at Florida State University. My research explores intercultural competence (ICC) in helping professions through Internationalization-at-Home (IaH) programs. My research, "Exploring Intercultural Competence Through Internationalization-at-Home Efforts: Perspectives of Domestic Graduate Students in Helping Professions," examines how organized cross-cultural exchanges improve ICC. Our analysis of 68 domestic graduate students' experiences in a cultural partner program revealed important elements that either supported or impeded the development of ICC, such as barriers to involvement, cultural awareness, and communication growth. The results show the value of reciprocated involvement and offer ways to enhance IaH projects in the future. My passion as a future nurse practitioner is providing healthcare that is culturally competent. My comprehension of how cross-cultural contacts impact professional development has expanded as a result of this research. I am passionate about sharing my research and discussing ICC's significance for healthcare.

Exploring Intercultural Competence Through Internationalization-at-Home Efforts: Perspective of Domestic Graduate Students in Helping Professions​

Abstract

This study explores the impact internationalization-at-home (IaH) programs can have in amplifying intercultural competency (ICC) in domestic, graduate-level students within helping professions. The increasingly globalized world calls for multifaceted, culturally competent helping professionals who can engage with diverse clients to promote improved treatment outcomes. We modeled our study based on Deardorff's (2006) theoretical framework, which suggests cross-cultural interactions continuously boost ICC. In our study, an analysis of the experiences of 68 domestic graduate students that were enrolled in a semester-long cultural partner program was conducted using a qualitative methodology. Each domestic student was paired with one or two international graduate students and was encouraged to create meaningful cross-cultural interactions by participating in several activities together. Students then reflected on their experiences via surveys and open-ended questions. A thematic analysis of these responses revealed primary components that facilitated ICC development, as well as the elements that created challenges. According to findings, students grew their communication skills, cultural awareness, and increased their openness to different viewpoints. However, barriers to ICC development included language limitations, scheduling conflicts, and sense of cultural partners being uninterested in participating. Overall, the study’s findings highlighted the importance of mutual engagement in IaH programs. Future studies can utilize our results to craft additional research that minimizes ICC developmental barriers such as implementing engagement incentives or extending program length.

Keywords: Cultural Competence, Cross-Cultural Communication, Global Engagement, Intercultural Learning, Diversity & Inclusion

BIO

My name is Grace, and I am from The Villages, Florida! I am a first-year student at FSU, studying Political Science and Criminology, and I am set to graduate in Spring 2026! I am very passionate about politics, law, and government and will attend law school to focus on international law in the fall of 2026. Research, especially in the UROP program, allows me to explore these various interests and fuels my enthusiasm for lifelong exploration and learning.

Observational Analysis of Tie-Break and Veto Powers Utilized within the U.S. Government

Abstract

The research goal examines tie-breaking and vetoing powers used in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to affect decisions in the U.S. This investigation is significant because currently, there is only speculation as to how these hard powers influence political division within the country, so observing the historical data reveals patterns. Research was first started by compiling scholarly articles with instances of tie-breaking and veto powers to narrow the focus to the three branches of government. Data was put into tables/graphs to specifically show-- in the legislative: when Vice Presidents had the most amount of tiebreaking votes in the Senate; in executive, which Presidents utilized veto powers the most; and in judiciary, how many tiebreaking votes were necessary in the Supreme Court Justices decisions. Patterns can be determined from this mapping to predict and possibly prohibit their use in future instances. The Vice President's tiebreaking votes have showcased that political party division is not the most contributing factor to the most tiebreaking votes; rather, significant events happening in the U.S. that spark controversy are more indicative of tiebreaking votes occurring. For executive veto powers used, data predicts that higher amounts of vetoes will occur when the legislature majority party contradicts the current President's. Data on the use of tie-breaking powers in the Supreme Court Justices predicts that tie-breaks occur when there are divisive cases within the country. A nuanced understanding of hard powers in committees demonstrates the need to understand governmental processes due to lasting implications on citizens' everyday lives.

Keywords: government, tie-break, veto

BIO

I am an experienced youth development professional with a background in psychology, offering expertise in child safety, educational programming, and research-based approaches to supporting young people. As a Student Researcher in Dr. Haughbrook's Context Lab at FSU, I analyze environmental factors that influence child development and applying these insights to my practical work with youth as an After-school Counselor at Florida State University Schools. Outside of academic and professional development, I serve as the Director of Sites for Jewels INC., a mentoring organization at FSU, where I coordinate mentorship with public schools in the Leon County School District. In addition, I mentor at Amos P. Godby High School, facilitating positive decision-making skills and implementing college readiness initiatives tailored to individual student needs. My commitment lies in creating nurturing environments where children can thrive through the application of psychology principles, dedicated attention to individual needs, and strong organizational capabilities.

Screen, Stress, and Sanity: A Modern Parenting Struggle

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between parental stress levels and children's screen time, extending beyond previously established socioeconomic and environmental factors.While research has documented links between excessive screen time and negative developmental outcomes in children, the specific contribution of parenting stress remains underexplored.Using data from the University of Michigan's Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we analyzed responses from 1,541 children and 1,535 parents to examine correlations between parenting stress and children's screen time, while controlling for parental education and income.Screen time was operationalized as total time spent on devices and viewing media on both weekdays and weekends. Parenting stress was assessed using a validated 7-item measure on a 5-point Likert scale. Results revealed a positive association between parenting stress and children's screen time (r = 0.058), indicating that higher stress levels predict increased screen usage. A negative association emerged between parental education and screen time (r = -0.065), while income showed a slight positive relationship (r = 0.049). Regression analysis confirmed parenting stress as a significant predictor of screen time (F = 6.106, p < 0.0001), though the model accounted for only 1.65% of variance, suggesting other unmeasured factors play substantial roles.These findings align with emerging research indicating parental engagement influences children's screen time habits. Results highlight the need for better parental support systems, including affordable childcare and mental health services, to reduce reliance on electronic devices as behavioral management tools.Future research should incorporate longitudinal designs, assess parental screen habits, and examine cultural factors to better understand this complex relationship.

Keywords: Stress, Child Development, Screens, Parenting

BIO

I am Caden Valenzuela and I am a Sophomore at Florida State University studying in exercise physiology. I am involved in student leadership in City Church Tallahassee SALT ministry with a desire to pursue a career as a physician or church ministry. r

Crisis Intervention Planning Tool: Oahu Case Study

Abstract

The research involves creating an online tool for first-responder jurisdictions to use to efficiently determine dispatch for crisis calls. This will help to provide effective responses to crises in differing communities. This investigation is meant to provide jurisdictions with an accessible tool that can drastically help communities. This tool will make exponential changes to the functioning of a community, creating a safe and orderly environment for all individuals. It provides data and information that aims to benefit dispatch mainly crisis response.

What we did in our research was split our duties between different teams to create and feed data into the tool. My responsibility is the creation of the dataset that would eventually be implemented into the tool. I was involved with creating estimated metrics over a broad range of case studies that would help provide a framework of a dataset efficient for the tool's construction.

This research project aims to achieve its results by the end of 2025. The expected results involve a fully functional tool that can be easily accessible for jurisdictions nationwide to use. This tool will be able to provide data to first responders regarding how to best respond to emergency calls, such as mental and behavioral issues. These findings can have a profound impact on many communities as they will aid the public and how jurisdictions will provide care for them.

The results of the study provide a strong foundation for future ways that people can create accessible tools that are valuable to community growth.

Keywords: Crisis Intervention Tool Oahu

BIO

Student in the Florida State University Honors Program majoring in Environmental Science & Policy with a strong background in environmental research — set to graduate in May 2028. At Florida State University, my education has been enhanced by my position as a Member at Large in the Freshman Class Council, and as a research apprentice through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. I hope to pursue opportunities that enable me to utilize my leadership, data analysis, and research skills to contribute to my holistic understanding of environmental science.

Measuring Atlantic Stingray (Hypanus Sabinus) Thermal Performance Using Metabolic and CTmax Studies

Abstract

The Atlantic Stingray is a coastal benthic elasmobranch species found in estuarine and marine habitats, where it experiences seasonal temperature changes. Understanding how these species respond to warming ocean conditions is crucial for predicting future shifts in their movement, habitat use, and physiological limits. Our research focuses on the metabolic and energetic impacts that rising ocean temperatures will have on Atlantic Stingray (Hypanus sabinus). Studying this will help biologists project fishes’ responses to rising ocean temperatures and shifts in viable habitats in reference to climate change. Using respirometry to directly measure fish oxygen consumption and Critical Thermal Maximum (CTmax) trials across starting temperatures of acclimation, this research used metabolic and behavioral challenges to identify temperature sensitivity and thermal limits of Atlantic Stingrays, known to influence fish behavior and viable habitat. We found that CTmax is sensitive to the temperature of acclimation; the rays typically reached a point of disorientation at 37.8 and 38.6 degrees Celsius and a critical thermal maximum of 38.5 and 39.5 degrees Celsius when acclimated to water at 30 & 34 degrees Celsius. We additionally found that all metabolic rates increase with temperature with different levels of temperature sensitivity leading to changes in aerobic scope as temperatures rise. Additionally, our experimental observations found that while the Atlantic Stingray may be tolerant of high temperatures, rising average temperatures and the increasing presence of marine heatwaves may lead to changes in population energy budgets, movement, viable habitat, and habitat use.

Keywords: Thermal Physiology, Marine Biology, Climate Change

BIO

I’m a second-year student from Swedesboro, New Jersey, just a thirty-minute drive from Philadelphia, with a passion for addressing societal challenges through chemistry. This project, exploring the link between molecular structure and functionality with public health implications, broadened my perspective. It deepened my understanding of fundamental chemistry and sparked my interest in applying these principles to material science and green chemistry for sustainable initiatives. I am grateful to Akhtar Ali and Dr. Leqi Cui for providing the opportunity to refine my analytical techniques and experimental design skills.

Impact of Digestion on Bioacessibility of Baby Spinach

Abstract

Although the bioaccessibility of raw spinach has been explored, little is known about how its bioactive compounds interact with the digestive system. This study investigates these interactions to refine our understanding of spinach’s bioavailability and antioxidant properties, with implications for nutritional strategies in chronic disease management. Spinach samples stored under varying durations and temperatures underwent in-vitro digestion to simulate the human digestive process. We quantified key bioactive compounds, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, and carotenoids, under different conditions. Our results indicate that spinach’s nutraceutical value decreases as storage duration increases and temperature rises.

Keywords: Baby Spinach, Digestion, Bioacessibility, Bioactive Compounds, Nutraceuticals, Food Science, Nutritional Science, Health Benefits

BIO

Willa is a second year student from Sarasota, FL pursuing a dual degree in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, with a minor in music. Her research project is one of several ongoing projects in FSU’s Machine Learning Lab (MLab) directed by Dr. Jonathan Adams. Earlier this year, she presented her project at the Florida Undergraduate Research Conference (FURC) at USF. In the rest of her undergraduate career, she looks forward to continuing research in the MLab as well as the Oak Ridge National Lab in Tennessee. Ultimately, Willa envisions a career in software engineering or machine learning.

Evaluating University Faculty Perceptions of AI in Higher Education: A National Survey

Abstract

This study investigates university faculty opinions on the acceptability of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in higher education. As AI continues to advance and transform academia, understanding faculty perspectives is critical to ensuring its integration into university life is productive and responsible. Using Thurstone’s law of paired comparison, the research establishes a ranking of key faculty concerns and perceived benefits of AI in academic settings. The study surveyed faculty from 92 public universities (the two largest by enrollment in each U.S. state) and 16 private universities, with two departments randomly selected from each institution. Faculty contact information was collected using regex-based web scraping of departmental websites, resulting in 6,005 emailed surveys. Findings reveal variability in acceptability across faculty, with academic honesty identified as a major concern among skeptics, and improved efficiency highlighted as a key benefit by supporters. Ultimately, this research provides actionable insights for educators and technology developers, guiding the responsible integration of AI into academia while addressing the opportunities and challenges it presents.

Keywords: artificial intelligence, higher education, survey

BIO

Freya Sykes is a second-year psychology major from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Freya is currently interested in the area of social psychology, particularly in understanding how social environments, relationships, and group dynamics influence individual behaviors toward others and mental well-being. In the future, she would like to pursue a career working with children in the school system and helping them grow in their mental health.

Investigating Differential Formation of Threat and Valent Attitudes

Abstract

Attitudes influence how we perceive and respond to the world. Traditionally, attitudes are conceptualized as associations linking an object to an evaluation existing along a single valence dimension (positive to negative). However, emerging research suggests that attitudes can form along multiple, independent dimensions, including threat (nonthreat to threat). The present study investigates whether individuals can simultaneously learn attitudes along both valence and threat dimensions. Participants learned about three novel attitude objects (fictional alien species) through by reading behavioral descriptions in a reinforcement paradigm. One species behaved neutrally, another behaved in a negative but nonthreatening (e.g., disgusting) manner, and the third behaved in a physically threatening manner. After exposure, both implicit and explicit attitudes toward each species were measured along valence and threat dimensions. If attitudes can form independently along these dimensions, this would challenge traditional models that prioritize valence as the primary evaluative structure. By exploring how people differentially associate novel objects with multiple evaluative dimensions, this research may provide insights into the flexibility of attitude formation and the broader psychological processes underlying social evaluation. These findings could have implications for understanding how threat-based attitudes develop in real-world contexts.

Keywords: Threat and Valent Attitudes

BIO

Hi! My name is Allison Krueger, and I am from Jacksonville, Florida. I am a first-year honors student here at FSU. I am pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and Statistics and minoring in Mathematics and Data Analytics. I am interested in researching different areas of Psychology and gaining experience to further my passion for learning.

Meta-Analysis: Dyslexia Predictors

Abstract

Dyslexia is a developmental learning disorder that is neurobiological in origin (Snowling 2022). It is characterised as having trouble decoding, recognizing, and spelling words (Cutting 2009). Some known predictors of dyslexia include phonological awareness, phonological memory, rapid naming, family risk, impaired spelling, and reading ability of words. This meta-analysis aims to determine which combination of predictors most prominently leads to dyslexia. We do this by finding thousands of studies through FSU databases, and those articles go through different rounds of screening. Data incorporated in the meta-analysis will be extracted from articles that pass through full-text screening to determine which predictors are most prominent in dyslexia identification. This data can potentially be used in further studies to identify individuals with dyslexia and aid early intervention.

Keywords: Meta-Analysis, Dyslexia, Reading Comprehension

BIO

Patrick Ball is a Biology Student and Presidential Scholar at Florida State University. He hopes to pursue graduate school with the goal of a research career. His research interests include infectious disease, cancer biology, and genetics. He serves as the Programming Director for the Student Council for Undergraduate Research and Creativity and is a member of the Alpha Chi Sigma Professional Chemistry Fraternity. Patrick grew up in Birmingham, AL, and in his free time he enjoys swimming, camping, hiking, and spending time with loved ones.

The Role of Membrane Proteins in Plant-Microbe Interactions

Abstract

Plants display a wide variety of interactions with microbes in the rhizosphere. Some beneficial microbes promote plant health, while pathogenic bacteria employ a host of detrimental biochemicals, including pore-forming toxins (PFTs), that create harmful pores in the cell membrane. The exact mechanisms that plants use for regulating the microbial environment are still being explored. However, research demonstrates that plants possess an innate mechanism to distinguish between harmful pathogens and beneficial rhizosphere bacteria. Despite this, much is still unknown about the specifics of the underlying immune mechanisms. Our project asks the question: what proteins are involved in the differentiation of harmful and beneficial bacteria in the rhizosphere? We hypothesize that membrane repair proteins are crucial to the plant’s innate immune ability to differentiate harmful and beneficial bacteria. To investigate our hypothesis, we used a model system consisting of the well-established plant system Arabidopsis thaliana and two strains of the bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens: commensal WSC365 and pathogenic N2C3. Our preliminary results suggest that mutants with impaired Synaptotagmin-5, a membrane repair protein, may decrease the plant’s ability to differentiate harmful and beneficial bacteria. The low sample size and high variation in our data means that our results are not conclusive, so more trials should be run. However, these preliminary results are a promising indicator that Synaptotagmin-5 and the membrane repair process are involved in the plant’s innate immune response.

Keywords: Microbiology, Arabidopsis Thaliana, Plant, Immunology, Bacteria

BIO

Born and rasied in Miami Florida, Valerie Contreras is a first-generation student and sophomore at Florida State University studying Political Science and Social Work. She is interested in social advoacay and human civil rights. At FSU thus far she has tested her leadership as a Student Senator, Juana Bordas Mentor, and Orientation Leader. Currently she is a proud Outreach Coordinator for the Central American Latinx Organization. In the future she is interested in working for a non-profit organization that empowers the voices of margianlized communities in Miami through civic education and community engagement. Outside of school she loves reading books, going to the gym, and eating lots of cookies. A fun fact about Valerie is that during her junior year of high school she spoke before the Miami Dade County Public Schools board about the importance of mental health with Power U Center for Social Change!

Barriers to Success: How Limited Pre-College Access Impacts Underrepresented Students

Abstract

Ethnic minorities represent a significant yet underutilized talent pool in the United States. Many minority students disengage from the academic pipeline before reaching college due to inadequate preparation and encouragement at the pre-collegiate level. Limited access to highquality
curricula further contributes to the disproportionate underrepresentation of minority students in higher education. Pre-college programs (PCPs) seek to promote equity by bridging educational gaps for students in underrepresented communities. However, socioeconomic barriers, limited social capital, and restricted exposure to collegiate opportunities hinder their effectiveness. This study conducted a literature review to examine first-generation students’ experiences, comparing the benefits of PCPs with the challenges of inaccessibility. Findings indicate that financial constraints prevent many minority students from enrolling in PCPs, while alternative pathways—such as vocational training or military enlistment—often appear more viable. Additionally, access to stable, low-skill employment discourages college enrollment among students from low-income backgrounds. These findings underscore the need for increased resources that support college and career readiness initiatives in minority-serving high
schools. Moreover, greater federal investment in PCPs is essential to improving accessibility, ensuring that underrepresented students receive the preparation necessary for postsecondary success.

Keywords: Pre-College Programs, Marginalized Communities, Higher Education

BIO

A motivated student with a strong work ethic and a commitment to engage in learning and research activities to improve health care for medically underserved populations. Experienced in behavioral research with caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease, and community church-based breast cancer prevention education for African American women. Dedicated to continuing academic pursuits at the college level in preparation for a career in health care and research. Pursuing a bachelors degree in Psychology with plans to attend medical school.

Breast Cancer Prevention Education Needs of Church-based African American Women

Abstract

Breast cancer continues to be a critical health issue for U.S. women in general and for African American women in particular. The purpose of this study was to determine breast cancer prevention needs of African American women, focusing on nutrition, physical activity, and healthcare use needs. This study investigated African American females (n=323, >18 years of age) who were recruited from six churches in a North Florida county as a part of the broader Breast Cancer Education and Wellness (BE Well) Project. The results showed that the majority of the African American women were between the ages 18-42 (64.8%) and had at least some college (42.3%). The highest expressed needs to learn about nutrition were through hands-on activities (63.5%) and through organized physical activity (66.6%). Additionally, the majority regularly conducted breast self-exams (68.6 %), yet mammogram screenings were equally split between never (44.1%) and regularly (46.5%). These results suggest that further analyses are needed to determine possible differences between age groups (younger, mid-life and older) and to examine possible confounding factors. The next steps of this research will delve deeper into understanding these potential differences.

Keywords: breast cancer, african american, church-based, women

BIO

I am from South Florida and my research interests lie in neurodivergence, I am very excited to take part in this research opportunity.

Dyslexia Predictors

Abstract

This project explores the predictors of dyslexia, with a focus on identifying early indicators that may support timely diagnosis and intervention. The background is based on the International Dyslexia Association’s definition of developmental dyslexia, which describes it as “a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin, characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities” (Lyon et al., 2003). This definition also acknowledges the secondary consequences that may arise from dyslexia, such as reduced reading comprehension and limited vocabulary growth. The project employs Covidence, a specialized software designed to streamline systematic literature reviews and meta-analyses. Key features of Covidence include dual-screening capabilities that support collaboration among multiple reviewers, comprehensive full-text review functions, efficient data extraction tools, and seamless data export options to facilitate further analysis.

Keywords: Dyslexia Predictors

BIO

My name is Diego Palacios. I am from Santiago, Panama, and an Electrical Engineering student at Florida State University. My research interests include sustainable energy, power electronics, microelectronics, and smart power systems. I am interested in using technology to create solutions that minimize the impact on the environment and enhance modern infrastructure.

In the UROP program, I was introduced to the NASA Zero-Emission Aviation Mission, which made me look at cryogenic power systems and superconducting technologies at the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) at FSU. This experience made me more interested in the next generation of energy systems, and I decided to start researching high-temperature superconducting tapes.

Critical Temperature Measurement of Superconducting Tapes

Abstract

This experiment investigates the critical temperature of a high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tape by monitoring its electrical resistance during cooling. Utilizing a four-probe method to minimize contact resistance, the experiment involved submerging the tape in liquid nitrogen while applying a constant current of 1 A. As the temperature decreased, a sharp drop in resistance was observed, confirming the superconducting transition at approximately 77 K. The results aligned with established values for similar HTS materials, validating the experimental setup. Future improvements may include enhanced temperature control and reduced current levels to minimize measurement noise and increase accuracy.

Keywords: HTS Tape, Electrical Engineering, Superconducting.