Research Symposium

BIO

I am an aspiring medical professional from Lakeville, Minnesota, currently researching large-class pedagogy in Malawi, Africa. With a passion for healthcare and a commitment to furthering medical knowledge, my career goal is to become a surgeon. I am interested in sports medicine and exercise physiology research. Outside of research, I am committed to furthering their understanding of medicine through volunteering and other healthcare-related activities. I am excited about the opportunity to continue learning and growing in their field, with the ultimate goal of making a difference as a physician and medical researcher.

Exploring Instruction and Management Strategies in Overcrowded Classrooms

Abstract

Large class sizes present unique challenges and opportunities for educators, particularly in resource-limited settings. These are classes that have more than 80 students and a single teacher. This project aims to explore the teachers' beliefs about large class pedagogy and management strategies. Over the summer of 2024, a research team conducted interviews and focus group discussions with head teachers, section heads, and classroom teachers at 10 schools. A total of 20 classroom teachers were included. Audio files were transcribed and translated from Chichewa to English, as needed. The transcripts were then coded using NVivo 14 qualitative data analysis software. The team used open thematic coding along with an a priori codebook. Preliminary findings reveal that group work is a common classroom management strategy utilized by teachers in overcrowded classrooms. The current line of research specifically investigates the use of student grouping and its impact on instruction. By understanding the cultural and contextual aspects of using grouping to support instruction, researchers can develop better teacher training programs. This line of research opens the door to further study large class pedagogy and methods to make learning environments better for students around the world.

Keywords: Pedagogy, Large-class

BIO

My name is Ken Anderson.

CEGA: A Cost-Effective Approach for Graph-Based Model Extraction Attacks

Abstract

Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) are a powerful machine learning approach designed to analyze graph-structured data. By leveraging the connectivity of graphs, GNNs demonstrate their effectiveness in prediction tasks for social networks, biology, and finance. Such models, however, are expensive to train, leading companies to offer them as Machine Learning as a Service (MLaaS), allowing users to access GNNs via a pay-per-query system. But, this creates a security risk: adversaries can strategically query a GNN model to recreate its functionality through a Model Extraction Attack (MEA). In this poster, we investigate a MEA scenario where the attacker has limited knowledge of the target GNN model and apply transferable active learning to reduce the number of queries required to build a comprehensive surrogate model. Through experiments on multiple datasets, our approach achieves high fidelity and accuracy while maintaining strict query constraints.

Keywords: Neural Networks, Graph Neural Networks, MLaaS

BIO

Adrian DeLeon is an aspiring physician assistant with a strong passion for research, healthcare, and mentorship. Currently pursuing an undergraduate degree, Adrian serves as a Learning Assistant in biology, helping students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

As a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Adrian actively engages in patient care, gaining hands-on clinical experience while deepening their understanding of medical practices. Their commitment to global healthcare is evident through their leadership role on the executive board of Medical Brigades, where they have participated in medical mission trips, including one to Panama.

Beyond academics and research, Adrian is dedicated to community service and leadership. They work with a nonprofit organization, contributing to team development and assisting in hiring new members. Through a combination of clinical experience, research, and leadership, Adrian strives to make meaningful contributions to healthcare while fostering inclusive and supportive learning environments.

Emerging Adults Experiences with Frustration in Dating

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between frustration and dating experiences to develop a scale for measuring dating related frustration. To do this, we must also understand other emotions such as loneliness and rejection. By addressing this gap, the research provides information that may improve dating experiences. The study used a self-report survey consisted of questions. Data was collected at two points assessing how experiences changed over time. Necessary research tasks included study advertisement and participant recruitment. Preliminary results are expected to reveal relationships between frustration in dating and feelings of loneliness. This information will help develop a frustration scale and provide data for future research.

Keywords: Dating, Frustration, Scale

BIO

My name is Tyler Sharon and I am from Tampa, Florida. My research interests include anything within the political science and finance realm, as I love to learn and research different topics in business and politics. I am majoring in finance, and I hope to either go to law school or pursue a high-finance career.

Ballot Positions, Contest Differences and Ballot Roll-Off: An Analysis of Voter Participation

Abstract

Voter participation is a cornerstone of democratic systems, yet in many elections, a significant number of eligible voters fail to fill out their ballots. A factor that is contributing to lower voter turnout is voter fatigue, a phenomenon where voters experience diminished interest or energy in completing the ballot. Voter fatigue can manifest in various forms, such as skipping down-ballot races or disengaging from the voting process altogether. In this project we are examining how ballot order, specifically the arrangement of candidates and races on the ballot, influences voter participation and how they decide to fill out their ballots.

Keywords: political science, election, voting, voter behavior, ballot order

BIO

Ellee Harden is a second-year dual degree student at Florida State University, studying to obtain a B.S. in Cell & Molecular Neuroscience, a B.S. in Exercise Physiology, and minors in Chemistry and Biology. She is from Tampa, Florida, and is involved in UROP, VOLT, Delta Zeta, and the LA program at FSU. She assists in the Storace Laboratory, and her research interests surround neurophysiology and the molecular basis behind olfactory sensory processing. Ellee plans on hopefully attending medical school after graduating from FSU and becoming a physician who actively participates in research. She is also considering doing an MD/PhD program to help with her research endeavors. Oncology, neurology, and endocrinology are the specialties she is most interested in pursuing. Ellee has always had a strong thirst for knowledge and is eager to contribute to the ever-evolving healthcare community.

Hypothalamic Orexin-A and Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Neurons Project to the Mouse Olfactory Bulb

Abstract

Mice rely on their keen olfaction system to interpret and adapt to environmental changes, making
them an invaluable model for studying sensory processing and neurobiological processes. Our
laboratory identified a candidate pathway for this process from hypothalamic neurons that
express the neuropeptide orexin-A (OXA) and a distinct population that did not. Our preliminary
studies showed that the neuropeptide melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) is expressed
densely throughout the bulb. Because MCH is primarily expressed in hypothalamic neurons near
those that express orexin, we hypothesized that non-orexin inputs originate from MCH-
expressing neurons. To investigate, we injected Cholera Toxin subunit B conjugated to Alexa
Fluor 555 (CTB-555) into the olfactory bulb (OB) to trace projecting neurons. Using
fluorescence immunohistochemistry with antibodies for OXA and MCH on hypothalamic
sections, we confirmed that MCH neurons overlap with CTB, demonstrating that the OB
receives projections from MCH-expressing neurons. Confocal microscopy identified cell
position and type (CTB, OXA, MCH, CTB-OXA, CTB-MCH). Our preliminary analyses
suggest that the mouse OB receives inputs from at least three distinct neuron populations: ~40%
that express OXA (~20 %) and MCH (~20 %), and the remainder that do not. Our research
outlines hypothalamic communication with the olfactory bulb, linking sensory perception and
physiological state. Exploring OXA and MCH’s role in this connection may uncover how smell
influences arousal and feeding behaviors. Our research may improve understanding disorders
like insomnia or anosmia (loss of smell). This is especially important post-COVID-19, as many
experience chronic sensory deficits like anosmia and ageusia (loss of taste).

Keywords: hypothalamus, olfaction, sensory processing, neuroscience

BIO

My name is Karina Thiyagarajan, and I am studying Biological Sciences on the pre-med track. I am passionate about research in health disparities and public health. In my free time, I enjoy painting. In the future, I hope to become a physician and provide care to diverse communities.

Impact of Chronic Conditions on COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy in Individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease

Abstract

COVID-19 vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing severe illness, especially among individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). Despite the vaccine's effectiveness, hesitancy remains a challenge, particularly among those with chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure. While previous research has explored vaccine hesitancy in neurological disorders, the impact of coexisting chronic conditions on vaccine acceptance in ADRD populations is less understood. This study examines the link between chronic conditions and vaccine hesitancy using data from the All of Us research program, comparing both ADRD and non-ADRD groups. Participants were categorized based on ADRD status, presence of chronic conditions, and vaccine hesitancy, which was assessed through categories of protection duration. Chi-square tests revealed statistically significant associations between chronic conditions and vaccine hesitancy, with diabetes and heart failure showing the strongest effects. Individuals with ADRD showed greater overall vaccine hesitancy, particularly when dealing with multiple chronic conditions. These findings suggest that chronic health conditions may contribute to vaccine hesitancy in individuals with ADRD. Understanding these factors could inform public health strategies and interventions to increase vaccine uptake in this population. Future research should explore the underlying causes of vaccine hesitancy in ADRD individuals and develop strategies to improve vaccination rates through evidence-based approaches.

Keywords: Vaccine Hesitancy, ADRD, COVID-19 Vaccination

BIO

Hello! I am Isabella and I am an Industrial Engineering junior student from the Republic of Panama. I transfered from the FSU Republic of Panama campus in the Fall of 2024 and I love innovation, sustainability, and zero-emission technology. I learned about NASA’s Zero-Emission Aviation Mission during my time in UROP and I got to learn about cryogenic power systems and superconducting technologies at FSU’s Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS). The experience I had during my time in UROP made me interested in advanced energy systems which made me research high-temperature superconducting tapes in the Spring 2025 semester.

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.

Keywords: Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Superconducting tapes.

BIO

My name is Yusong Liang, and I am a first-year undergraduate student at Florida State University, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Math. My current research focuses on building immersive environments that leverage game-based learning experiences to improve educational engagement. In the future, I am also interested in exploring the field of AI and/ or cyber security more. Besides my research, I am a part of the FSU Presidential Scholars program. Moreover, I work as a tutoring assistant at the FSU ACE center and as a tour guide for incoming students with the Torch Society on campus.

NutriQuest: Developing a Game- Based Experience Educating Healthy Eating Habits

Abstract

This research aims to develop an educational game to promote awareness of healthy eating habits, including intuitive eating and mindful eating habits. We are investigating this question because previous research indicated that a high percentage of adults, especially college students, suffer from various eating disorders. Therefore, we seek solutions to this problem by creating a strategic puzzle game that simulates daily eating behaviors. This is a design-based research project with multiple iterations. Currently, the project is in the second round of development, which we have migrated from PyGames to Unity. Unity allows us to enhance user performance and include more functionalities. This development iteration was based on the user testing on 28 adults in 2024, where they provided feedback for improvement and that the game helped them reflect on their dietary habits. Following the user suggestions, refinements such as adding more ingredients and recipes, revising game stages, and enhancing the user interface were finished. The game is expected to be published online by the end of Spring 2025, and more user testing and implementation are planned in upcoming semesters.

Keywords: immersive learning, gamified learning, game development

BIO

I am a second year biology major from Fort Lauderdale.

Representation of Women in Bollywood Films

Abstract

This project is looking specifically at Bollywood films produced by female directors and how female characters in Bollywood films differ from characters in films produced by men. Female directors are somewhat rare in the Bollywood film industry, especially those who are backed by Indian film production companies. While not always the case, female directors tend to give more agency to female characters in Bollywood films. Women are less sexualized and seen as objects of desire and instead have dreams and aspirations. Each female character was categorized through a process called "film coding“, which looks at the number and qualities of female characters. A survey gets filled out about every major female character. Each survey for that specific character is then cross-referenced to make sure data is accurate and reported accordingly. Preliminary data reveals strong correlations between female directors and female characters having more “favorable” traits. These traits include any behavior that does not result in violence or abuse at the hands of another party, including but not limited not clothing choice, temperament, and reactions to confrontation. Men on average outnumber women in Bollywood films 6:1, this includes in the films themselves and set workers. In spaces where there is a female director on the set of Bollywood films, there is an increase in women working on film sets. With more women directing movies in the Bollywood film industry, audiences see female characters with more autonomy, and more women have jobs on film sets.

Keywords: Bollywood, Women, Representation

BIO

I am a sophomore majoring in psychology on a pre-Physician Assistant track. I became involved in this research project because of its potential to create a positive impact on disadvantaged students. Beyond academics and research, I am an active member of the Seminole Dance Force club team and Delta Zeta. I am passionate about blending my interests in psychology and healthcare to support vulnerable communities in my future career.

Morphological Complexity of FL ELA Texts

Abstract

Morphemes are the smallest meaningful units of language (Carlisle, 2003). A word is morphologically complex when it includes more than one morpheme, often in the form of affixes (prefixes or suffixes) added to root or base words. Academic language is morphologically complex (Nagy & Anderson, 1984). A student’s ability to read morphologically complex language is correlated with their understanding of morphology, which can be improved through explicit instruction (Goodwin et al, 2010). While recent studies have investigated the morphological content of British children’s books (e.g., Dawson et al., 2023), American educators lack current, detailed information on the morphology of American English Language Arts (ELA) text. Our research question is as follows: What percentage of words in a corpus, or collection, of ELA texts have one or more affixes when compared against a morphological database? We will analyze public-domain English Language Arts texts recommended in Florida’s educational standards . The texts will be compiled into a corpus from which individual words will be compared against the MorphoLex (Sanchez-Gutiérrez et al., 2017) database to determine their morphological complexity. Words found in both our corpus and MorphoLex will be compared by the number of affixes they contain. We expect to find that between 45-55% of words in our corpus will have one or more affixes, making them morphologically complex. This study may shed light on the complexity of American ELA texts. The instructional implication of such data may significantly improve students' learning experiences.

Keywords: Morphological Complexity

BIO

I am a second-year biochemistry student from the Dominican Republic. I am on the pre-medical track but I also want to get a Master's degree before I go to medical school. My desired medical specialty is obstetrics and gynecology. I am also a certified medical assistant.

Exploring the Effect of Ferroshims on Magnetic Field Homogeneity

Abstract

Shimming is a technique used to achieve a uniform field in superconducting magnets. There are various methods of shimming that can attain different results. For example, one of these methods is the use of ferroshim patterns. Ferroshims can be used for processes that require a very homogeneous field such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). Although it is used in NMR, the specific ferroshim designs used for the technique are hard to find in scientific papers. Therefore, with the goal of comparing the data with theoretical plots, I explored ferroshims by analyzing the field of a superconducting magnet with a 1 mm thick solid ring ferroshim pattern. The results showed an alignment of the theoretical plots and the experimental plots with a small variation. These findings suggest that this ferroshim model could be successful and possibly help optimize shimming techniques. In the future, alternative ferroshim patterns could be explored to analyze their functionality in superconducting magnets and increase field homogeneity.

Keywords: Magnetic field, Shimming, Ferroshims, NMR

BIO

While growing up, mathematics was always my favorite and strongest subject in school. In high school, I took an AP Psychology course that opened my eyes to the world of neuroscience and the unconscious workings of the brain. I continued with the same inspiring teacher for AICE AS/A-Level Psychology and a college-level research course, which deepened my interest. When I discovered Dr. Braithwaite’s Queen of Sciences Lab before starting my junior year at FSU, I was immediately intrigued. For the past two years, I’ve had the privilege of working under his mentorship, where I’ve been encouraged to explore my own research interests. Dr. Braithwaite has supported me in conducting my independent study, which combines my love for mathematics with my fascination for unconscious brainwave activity.

After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to pursue a career focused on research and holistic practices in neuroscience. I’m especially interested in how brainwave entrainment, dreams, and personal introspection can support mental health, cognition, and self-discovery. I believe cognition plays a vital role in well-being, and I’m passionate about studying how unconscious processes shape our thoughts and behaviors.

The Impact of Background Binaural Beats on Mathematical Achievement in College Students

Abstract

The goal of this research is to investigate the impact of background binaural beats at an 18 Hz beta frequency on mathematical achievement in college students. This study examines whether a 25-minute sound intervention with binaural beats enhances performance on mathematical tasks compared to silence. Using a within-participant design, students will complete mathematical tasks under two conditions: one with sound frequency and one in silence. This research aims to contribute to understanding how auditory stimuli can influence cognitive functions such as attention, visuospatial working memory, and problem-solving. Binaural beats are auditory illusions created when two slightly different frequencies are presented to each ear, resulting in the perception of a third frequency corresponding to their difference. These beats can synchronize with brainwave activity. This study will utilize an 18 Hz sound frequency, falling within the beta range (13–30 Hz), which is associated with active thinking, focused attention, and problem-solving. Tasks include algebraic equations, arithmetic word problems, and geometric spatial tasks, chosen for their reliance on diverse cognitive processes, alongside a control, a non-math related paired associate task. Neuroimaging studies suggest that regions such as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and intraparietal sulcus, critical for mathematical reasoning, exhibit beta oscillations during these tasks. Auditory stimulation through binaural beats is a promising yet under-explored area in cognitive psychology. By assessing accuracy and response time, this study seeks to determine whether 18 Hz binaural beats improve mathematical performance through brainwave entrainment, offering insights into the potential of auditory stimuli as a cognitive enhancement tool.

Keywords: Mathematics, Sound, Binaural Beats, Brainwave Entrainment

BIO

Elle Plasencia is a sophomore from Stuart, Florida studying Art History with a minor in Museum Studies. She is also in the FSU Honors Program and Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). Outside of her classes, she spends her time working in the Special Collections & Archives and rehearsing with Campus Band. After graduation, she aspires to go into an art history, conservation, or preservation graduate education or career field. Her UROP project involves using various microscopy techniques to create artistic photographs of microorganisms, and her further research interests include the relationships between art and science and the evolution of art mediums and production over time.

Microscopic BioArt

Abstract

In this project we create artistic photographs of live microscopic samples using various light microscopy techniques with the ultimate goal of submitting a final image to the 2025 Nikon Small World contest. Microscopy and microscopic samples are rarely the subject of art, and are more often utilized by scientists to investigate the microscopic world. However, microscopy can be used to open the door for new forms of artistic expression. With light microscopes, the macroscopic world is no longer the limit for what can be visually captured with traditional photography. Here, creating photographs first required sample preparation, involving concentrating live samples in a centrifuge and carefully pipetting them into glass slide chambers. Then, various widefield techniques were utilized to generate raw images, including brightfield, darkfield, and differential interference contrast (DIC). Once images were obtained, post-processing took place in editing programs including DaVinci Resolve and Photoshop. The result is a small collection of visually pleasing images of microscopic invertebrates in DIC. Some images are of singular organisms, taken from very close working distances (<1mm), while others feature multiple organisms within one field of view. The Microscopic BioArt presented here solidifies the existing connection between science and art as disciplines and broadens horizons of possibility for both scientists and artists.

Keywords: microscopy, microorganisms, bioart, photography

BIO

My name is Alayja Dodd, I'm from Orlando Florida, and an undergraduate Criminology major at Florida State University. I have a deep passion for pursuing a career in law. My research interests lie in politics and spefically societal trends throughout time.

Violence Against Abortion Clinics Conspiracy (VAAPCON)

Abstract

Cataloging Federal Documents regarding The Violence Against Abortion Providers Conspiracy (VAAPCON) is crucial to understanding the social and legislative changes made within the FBI in managing terrorism between the 1990s and today. The documents being cataloged were highly controversial and were sought after by organizations like the Army of God and other extreme right-wing groups. Now recently released, these documents showcase the tensions of the time and the FBI’s precautions when dealing with VAAPCON.
 
The VAAPCON investigations were first prompted by the killing of Dr. David Gunn by anti-abortionist Michael F. Griffin in Pensacola, Florida. Dr. Gunn’s death and the resulting controversy over access to women’s clinics prompted Congress to pass the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (F.A.C.E) in 1993—the passing of F.A.C.E prompted an outbreak of anti-abortion violence, specifically from anti-abortion group Army of God.
 
When conducting VAAPCON investigations the FBI had significant difficulty in creating investigation procedures that didn’t have political influence. Stuck between enforcing F.A.C.E and protecting First Amendment rights, the FBI swiftly learned that when dealing with the topic of reproductive rights, its bound to be innately political. My research project, which is to analyze FBI files about VAAPCON, is to see how political and constitutional stressors impacted the FBI investigation.

Keywords: VAAPCON, Violence Against Abortion Clinics, Paul Hill

BIO

My name is Sherri Michelle Alvarado and I am From El Salvador. This is my first year at FSU as a transfer student from Orlando, Florida. I am a criminology major with a minor in political science on a pre-law track. I plan to attend law school after getting my bachelors degree. I have an interest for immigration law and criminal defense and I currently work as an administrative assistant with the Florida Department of Corrections. My current involvements on campus consist of Her University, BigSisterLittleSister mentoring program and UROP. This semester I worked alongside Dr.McCreary and Adam Rose in "Can't 8 Wait" project as a research assistant.

A Review of Police Use of Force Policies in Florida

Abstract

This research project examines how the adoption of "8 Can't Wait" policies within law enforcement protocols impacts the reduction of police use-of-force incidents. Police use-of-force has become a prominent issue, especially following tragic cases of civilian deaths in police custody. In response to these incidents, there has been growing pressure to reform law enforcement's approach to handling resistance. This project specifically conducts a systematic review of use-of-force policies across various city and county police departments in Florida. These policies were gathered through public records requests and email inquiries. The study will assess which jurisdictions have implemented the "8 Can't Wait" policy proposals, as well as an additional policy requiring the provision of emergency medical services in urgent situations. After completing the review of these policies, the project will analyze any potential statistical correlations between the policies and reported use-of-force incidents.

Keywords: Police Use of Force

BIO

I am from Richmond, Virginia and my main interest in research is on restorative justice and its effect on society and offender recidivism. After graduating, I plan on attending law school.

Misdemeanor (In)Justice

Abstract

It is estimated that over 13 million misdemeanor cases are filed in the United States each year. Recent research has highlighted some of the concerns related to the misdemeanor system of justice in the United States, including violations of due process and practices that contribute to inequities. The current research intends to explore the misdemeanor system in Florida's Second Judicial Circuit to understand the extent to which misdemeanor courtrooms are complying with the law and to understand some of the factors associated with non-compliance and other potential sources of unfairness. To accomplish this, a team of undergraduate student researchers conducted systematic courtroom observations using a custom form across the circuit, comprised of six separate courtrooms. Observations included misdemeanor court arraignments and criminal traffic proceedings. Courtroom observations were completed in both rural and urban settings. Drawing on the data elicited during courtroom observations, future analyses will systematically explore local courtroom practices to capture the extent of legal compliance and to identify factors associated with non-compliance in legal proceedings. Our findings will be shared with local stakeholders to inform discussions of the misdemeanor system of justice, including ways to promote best practices.

Keywords: Criminal justice; courts; due process; mixed-methods research

BIO

I am a freshman studying Finance from Boynton Beach FL, with aspirations to study and practice law in the future. I am adding a Spanish minor and may consider a double major. In my free time, I write for the Undergraduate Law Review at Florida State, and I tutor English to an immigrant family. I also am part of the Mock Trial general body, and the National Residence Hall Honorary. My UROP assistantship with Dr. Marks allowed me to pursue my interest in how Constitutional Law affects the American public, while also learning about how a drug class that is heavily restricted has demonstrated important perceived health benefits to many people.

Peyote and its State and Federal Regulation

Abstract

Psychedelics are drugs that alter consciousness by changing the brain’s serotonin receptors. Mescaline is naturally occurring in plants including peyote, a cactus that faces federal and statewide bans in the USA despite having religious exemptions for the Native American Church. The researcher analyzed legal precedents involving religion, workplace rights, and drug usage, alongside the advent of psychedelics in healthcare, using sources including books, journals, and court cases to create a literature review. Peyote was found to have potential as a treatment for substance abuse and mental illness, following anonymous online surveys, and previous literature alongside a small hospital study suggest that mescaline intoxication isn’t life threatening. Indigenous communities may oppose decriminalization of peyote, which takes years to cultivate, since public use may hinder their access. Federally, peyote is classified as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act, which permits usage with very limited exemption. The American Indian Religious Freedom Act was amended in 1994 to provide exemptions to the NAC for peyote ingestion, and Colorado Proposition 122 recently decriminalized mescaline usage and possession while licensing clinics to use mescaline for medical treatments. Limitations include determining whether survey data was representative of correlation or causation and finding research with larger, randomized samples. Future research must address the social conflict between communities regarding psychedelic legalization and determine whether the mental and physical dangers presented by peyote and mescaline warrant the drug being largely prohibited.

Keywords: Psychedelics, Constitution, Law, Peyote, Legal

BIO

I am a Physics and Astrophysics Major at FSU from Orlando, Florida. Since I was young, I have always had a passion for the cosmos, and now at FSU, I can finally delve into my study of space. In the future, I would like to do more research at the intersection between Astrophysics and Programming.

Uncertainty Quantification of Stellar Cluster Parameters Using the Method of Stellar Isochrones

Abstract

A stellar cluster is a collection of stars created nearly simultaneously from material of similar properties in a single, star-forming region. Understanding the properties of such stellar populations allows researchers to gain insight into the problems of star formation.
In this work, we implement a method that enables the estimation of average properties of stellar populations, such as age, metallicity, and rotation rate. In the adopted solution method, known as the stellar isochrone fitting method, one identifies a region of the so-called Hertzsprung-Russell diagram (HRD) occupied by the stellar members of the cluster, had they been formed with the three corresponding parameters. This allows one to construct a set of stellar evolution models for different masses and identify a set of synthetic observable parameters that best fit the observed properties of the target stellar population.
To estimate the average properties of the stellar cluster, one needs to construct a theoretical isochrone and match it to the observed stellar cluster’s HRD by adjusting the above-mentioned three parameters of the problem. To construct theoretical isochrones, a database of stellar evolutionary models for different stellar masses, metallicities, and rotation rates was produced using the MESA stellar evolution code. The isochrone method, a nonlinear optimization method that fits a series of trial theoretical isochrones, was constructed using a multidimensional interpolation of the stellar model database. This demonstrates how the implemented isochrone method can be used to verify its proper performance applied to synthetic stellar clusters given perturbation to initial parameters.

Keywords: Physics, Astrophysics, Stellar Cluster, Isochrone,

BIO

I am a sophomore studying biological sciences with plans to minor in chemistry and computer science. I love running, tinkering around in the garage, and playing with my friends in my free time. I am from Vancouver, Washington. I am hoping to attend medical school to be a orthopedic surgeon and eventually a flight surgeon for NASA.

Zn2CuNi as Potential Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Electrocatalyst

Abstract

Electrocatalytic water splitting has been investigated extensively for its potential to create clean energy by burning hydrogen and oxygen together to generate energy. The electrolysis of water can be split into two key reactions: the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Catalysts facilitate the breakdown of water into hydrogen and oxygen gas by lowering the overpotential of the two reactions involved in water electrolysis. The ideal reduction potential for OER is 1.23 V. However, due to the various kinetics involved in electrocatalysis, the actual value is higher than this theoretical value (overpotential). Reducing the overpotential is critical for improving the efficiency of electrolysis, allowing for faster and more cost-effective hydrogen and oxygen gas production. This project aims to investigate Zn2CuNi as a good electrocatalyst with a low overpotential. As both an HER and OER catalyst, Zn2CuNi has been calculated by our collaborators to be catalytically active for hydrogen and oxygen evolution. This will potentially offer a stable, inexpensive electrocatalyst that can efficiently break down water into hydrogen and oxygen gas.

Keywords: chemistry, catalyst, water

BIO

Hello, my name is Camila Lago, and I’m a sophomore on the pre-med track at FSU. I am currently a UROP student in Dr. Rachel Bailey’s Lab, and I’m researching the effect of visual food cues on menus. As a part of Dr. Rachel Bailey’s lab, I collect psychophysiological data, eye-tracking data, and analyze how those responses occur in correlation to visual cues. From my research, I have gained a strong interest in behavioral science, communications, and psychology and I am excited to continue exploring my interests in these fields.

The Influence of Visual Cues on Menu Choices: Behavioral and Physiological Insights into High-and Low-Energy Density Foods

Abstract

This research investigates participants’ behavioral and physiological responses when exposed to visual cues on menus, comparing high-energy density versus low-energy-density food choices. The research explores how foods of high-energy density, which are linked to an increase in negative health outcomes including obesity and an increase in chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers, have a stronger appeal in consumer purchases due to their presentation. Understanding physiological responses to food-related stimuli allows for a better understanding of human behavior and decision-making processes. The data collection to gather physiological responses under controlled conditions includes facial EMG, heart ECG, skin conductance, and eye-tracking data during experimental tasks. Additional qualitative feedback about participants’ behavioral patterns and eating habits is taken during the experiment using Qualtrics. In this research, participants demonstrate a tendency to select high-energy-density foods, even with calorie labeling present. This behavior appears to occur due to the dominance of appealing visual stimuli and the consumer’s lack of nutritional awareness. The findings emphasize the need for increased public awareness about food choices and the subconscious impacts of visual stimuli in food advertising and labeling.

Keywords: Communications, Food Science, Psychology