Research Symposium

BIO

Hello, I am a second-year economics and statistics double major, originally from Atlanta, Georgia. I am interested in the roles that governments can play in their economies, and I plan on doing research on this in the near future. After I graduate with my bachelor's degree, I plan on pursuing a master's degree in applied economics. When I am not thinking about economics, I am probably playing basketball or trying new food.

The Evolution of Medicaid Eligibility across the United States from 2017-2024

Abstract

This study analyzes state health insurance markets and the effects the 2012 Affordable Care Act had on these markets. The Affordable Care Act changed how states monitor health insurance providers and included a Medicaid expansion that states can opt into to provide more coverage for low-income individuals. Medicaid is health insurance provided by the government for low-income individuals, disabled individuals, or poor families. The study collects information from 2017 to 2024 on each state and their Federal Poverty Level (FPL) a citizen must achieve to qualify for single adult Medicaid, states’ rate review authority, and when the COVID Medicaid extension ended. Data was pulled from state health department websites as well as independent studies. This data was then compared across states. Results conclude that states that decided to opt-in to Medicaid expansion through the ACA saw large spikes of insured citizens. States that did not opt in still have large populations of uninsured citizens who do not have access to healthcare. Many states have also opted for stricter rate review authorities. Ultimately, the Affordable Care Act was successful in providing more affordable healthcare coverage to thousands of Americans despite its rocky start and implantation.

Keywords: Medicaid, Health Insurance, Regulation

BIO

Robbyn Dykeman is a first year Environmental Science student at Florida State University. Robbyn plans to go into the entomology field and do research around the world. Currently, however, he is working in the Levitan Lab with Melanie Medina and studiying the mating habits of sea slugs.

The effect of size differences on mating and egg-laying in a simultaneous hermaphrodite: the sea slug Doto chica

Abstract

While numerous studies have examined the effect of body size on mating interactions in simultaneous hermaphroditic animals, those with both male and female sexual functions within a single individual, our understanding of how these animals choose mates and reproduce is less comprehensive compared to species with separate sex animals. This study investigates how size differences between pairs affects mating duration and oviposition in the sea slug Doto chica, a local simultaneous hermaphrodite. In laboratory experiments individuals of varying sizes were paired in experiments with only a single choice given, and mating duration was recorded. Following mating, the number of eggs laid was quantified to assess reproductive investment. Although not significant, our results showed a trend of reduced mating duration with greater size disparities between mates and no significant change in number of eggs laid with increasing size differences. These findings suggest that size differences may not influence reproduction, potentially via transfer of different amounts of sperm based on size, and how different sized individuals may be better at mating, or using energy in different ways. Further research is necessary to determine whether there truly are no patterns arising due to mate choice, or other social aspects like recent mating history, helping us understand more of sexual selection in simultaneous hermaphrodites.

Keywords: Mate choice, hermaphrodites, eggs

BIO

I was born in New York to a Bengali family, they immigrated here when they were young adults and spent their life trying to provide our family with a bette life. I spent most of my childhood in New York and later moved to Fort Pierce when I was ten. I met many different kinds of people from different backgrounds, this led me to gain an interest in the mind of individuals which later fostered my interest in becoming a developmental psychologist. In my free time, I like to listen to music, work out, and read excerpts in the field of psychology. I aspire to become a researcher in developmental psychology so that I can aid kids in their development with learning and critical thinking.

UFLI Implementations

Abstract

This study examines how the research-practice partnership between UFLI and local counties has impacted the implementation and adaptation of the UFLI early literacy program in diverse elementary school populations, particularly in grades K-2. The collaboration focuses on addressing the unique linguistic and cultural needs of students, while also ensuring that foundational literacy opportunities are equitably accessible. Grounded in a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative analysis of literacy outcomes, such as improvements in phonetics and reading comprehension, with qualitative data from interviews with educators and administrators. Sociocultural theory serves as the framework, emphasizing the importance of researcher-practitioner collaboration in shaping educational programs for diverse contexts.
Preliminary findings from qualitative interviews indicate that the partnership has led to significant enhancements in how the UFLI program is utilized in classrooms. Educators report notable improvements in student outcomes, particularly in phonetic skills and comprehension, while also identifying areas where the program could be further refined to better support teaching and learning. Quantitative methods are underway, aiming to provide additional insights into the program’s effectiveness and its adaptability across various school settings.
The implications of this study highlight the need for ongoing collaboration and iterative adaptation to optimize the UFLI program. By assessing its success and identifying opportunities for improvement, this research aims to ensure that UFLI continues to provide effective, equitable, and accessible literacy instruction for all K-2 students, while supporting educators in navigating and implementing the program more seamlessly.

Keywords: implementation, education, children

BIO

My name is Amber Annand, and I am a sophomore majoring in public health. I hope to pursue my master's in public health and potentially attend medical school. The philosophy of bench-to-bedside research is what initially sparked my interest in research. I love that in the gut biome lab, we are conducting research that can help people live healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Effect of Daily Watermelon Intake on Cardiometabolic and Gut Health in Young Adults with Overweight and Obesity.

Abstract

Obesity is a prevalent issue in the U.S., with over 40% of people over 20 impacted. Although obesity is a multifactorial disease, diet is a critical component.
Snacks account for approximately 23% of the adult U.S. average daily food intake, with the average person consuming 2 snacks per day (NIH). Most popular snacks are high in calories, sugars, and saturated fats, while lacking in nutrients including fiber, protein, and vitamins. Watermelon serves as a low calorie, nutrient-rich snack alternative to replace these western style snacks that may contribute to obesity.
The composition of watermelon is over 90% water, making it a low calorie and filling snack. Watermelon is high in lycopene (5-7 mg per 100g), a strong antioxidant that promotes cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, improving endothelial function, and increasing nitric oxide (NO) production by preventing oxidative damage to BH4 and activating eNOS. It also contains L-citrulline (50-200 mg per 100g), an amino acid that serves as a catalyst to L-arginine, fueling NO synthesis to support improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. 
Together, lycopene and L-citrulline enhance NO production, reduce arterial stiffness, and promote vasodilation, contributing to better vascular health and overall cardiovascular function.
Yet, this information has not been used in clinical amounts to study the effects of these compounds in fresh watermelon. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to evaluate the effect of daily fresh watermelon consumption for 6-weeks on endothelial function and arterial stiffness in young adults with overweight and obesity. 

Keywords: Watermelon, Obesity, Gut

BIO

I am Robert Ewing, a second year accounting major. My hometown is Jensen Beach. In my free time I like to hang out with my friends and play some video games

Effect of Labor Market Conditions During World War 1 on Human Capital

Abstract

This investigation explores how labor market conditions during World War 1 influenced long-term educational outcomes. The relationship between rising wages and human capital investment was examined across a variety of youth age groups. This research was conducted by transcribing data from historical publications into Microsoft Excel, either manually or with the assistance of OCR, analyzing this retrospective data, and supplementing this understanding through further review of human capital literature. Additionally, data analysis was conducted through a linear regression test to assess the relationship between wages and human capital decisions. Preliminary results indicate that World War 1’s agricultural boom led to distinct effects on various age groups of students. For older children, meaning those nearing high school completion, this boom incentivized entry into the labor force due to immediate earnings. However, for younger children just beginning school, higher wages facilitated a rise in educational investment due to increased income within parents. The preliminary results of this study suggest that older students prioritized immediate earnings over investment, whereas educational investment was more attainable with younger children due to household income increases. This research can provide insights as to how the labor market can influence educational and societal issues on a level that is relevant today. By emphasizing the role of income in education, this can influence how policy develops to encourage the rise of human capital investment.

Keywords: History, Economics, World War, Agriculture

BIO

I am a second-year student from Orlando studying Finance and Marketing. I am involved in the Marching Chiefs Drumline, the Honors Program, UROP, and Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society. I enjoy learning about different areas of study to make the most out of my college experience.

The Effects of Precollege Programs on First-Generation Undergraduate Success

Abstract

In today's world, higher education is an important path to success. However, first-generation students face unique challenges that hinder their access and knowledge of college resources. A vital method of breaking these barriers is precollege programs geared towards first-generation students. This project researches the effects of precollege programs on first-generation college students. This is beneficial to research because it can contribute to allowing more people to have college access. Also, it can show the flaws and improvements needed to assist the students. The findings of research show that these programs are beneficial to first-generation students in multiple aspects. Thus, there are still improvements to be made in the magnitude of the effectiveness of the programs.

Keywords: First Generation, Precollege, High School Camps, Resources

BIO

Hi, I'm Martina, I'm a second-year student who is interested in researching human behavior and its underlying causes.

The Role of Race in Harm Perception and Retaliation

Abstract

When performing an ambiguously aggressive act, people perceive that act as more violent when the agent of harm is Black versus White. Thus, people may perceive greater harm when the agent is Black. Alternatively, people expect ingroup members to behave prosocially, suggesting that harm may be perceived as more harmful when caused by a racial ingroup than outgroup members. Yet, when given the opportunity to punish Black or White individuals, people administered more intense shocks to the Black versus White individual, suggesting that people may more harshly retaliate when the agent of harm is Black versus White. In the current work, White females engaged in a reaction-timed task with either a Black or White female “partner” (a confederate). All participants lost the first trial and were “shocked by their partner”. In reality, all participants received the same shock they labeled as a seven out of ten during a shock calibration stage. After winning the second trial, all participants chose the shock intensity for their partner to receive. The results indicated that while participants perceived greater harm from the White versus Black partner, they delivered more intense shocks to the Black than White partner.

Keywords: Psychology, Race, Harm, Behavior

BIO

I am an Electrical Engineering student at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering from Bradenton Florida. Currently, I have been involved in research on thin coatings and solid lubricants, specifically analyzing the wear and friction of DLC coatings under different environments. As I continue my academic and professional journey, I am eager to gain research and internship experience across various areas of engineering. While I have a strong passion for sustainability, I am also open to exploring new opportunities and discovering where my interests and skills can make the greatest impact.

Wear and Friction of Hydrogen Aged DLC Coatings

Abstract

Tribology is the study of friction, wear, and lubrication, especially in mechanical systems. DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) coatings are important to develop as they have expansive practical tribological applications as solid lubricants. Low friction coefficients are one of the main characteristics of DLC. The reduced friction coefficient in contacting systems can extend the life of components (e.g. engine components, medical implants, etc.). These coatings are also essential as solid lubricants in extreme environments where traditional lubricants (grease/oils) are not viable. Additionally, DLC's exhibit high hardness which can be useful for protecting watches or other sensitive appliances from scratches or wear. These properties make DLC coatings attractive for potential applications in contacting interfaces under hydrogen environments. In this work, we are exploring the effects of exposing DLCs to high temperatures in hydrogen environments and how this changes their structure and properties. Preliminary tests have shown that after aging at 500°C for 1 hour, friction coefficients can reach values of 0.05 which is in the order of superlubricity. We further researched and expanded these findings by heat-treating DLC coatings with hydrogen and testing the wear and friction properties in a custom-built tribometer.

Keywords: Tribology, DLC, Diamond like Carbon, Friction, Wear, Hydrogen

BIO

Madeline Oliva is a Studio Art and Biological Sciences major at Florida State University on the Pre-Dental track . She is currently a research assistant at the National High Magnetic Research Laboratory. In her current project, she is creating BioArt that explore female anatomy with images captured through light microscopy techniques.

Microscopic BioArt

Abstract

With the term first being coined in 1997, BioArt is a new contemporary art movement which merges biology and artistic expression, using living cells, microbes, and biochemical reactions to create visually striking compositions. The specific type of BioArt used within this project is microscopic BioArt, which consists of utilizing images captured from microscopes in an artistic setting. Beyond aesthetics, BioArt serves as a powerful tool for scientific communication, making complex biological concepts more accessible to the public. This research explores the creative potential of microscopic BioArt, demonstrating how microbial interactions and imaging techniques can inspire curiosity, bridge disciplines, and foster a deeper appreciation for the unseen beauty of life. In the series of pieces I created, I wanted to observe feminine beauty through a microscopic perspective.

Keywords: BioArt, Microscopy, Art

BIO

Mia Ferris is a freshman studying Marketing from Jacksonville, Florida. She plans to also add a duel degree on to her academic track pursing International Affairs and a minor in French. Mia is a part of the FSU Honors Program and is in the class of 2028 cohort for Presidential Scholars. Besides working on undergraduate research, Mia is also involved in SGA as a Senate-Elect for the College of Business and currently works in the visitors center as an FSU Ambassador. In her free time, Mia loves to read, play guitar, and socialize with her peers.

Honesty and Observability

Abstract

We introduced an experimental design that allows us to discreetly observe the true message of a fraction of the decisions in a Fischbacher & Follmi-Heusi (2013) style lying game. This project builds on earlier research that compared lying behavior in a setting where 0% of decisions were observed to a setting where 100% of decisions were observed (Gneezy, et al. 2018; Abeler, et al. 2019). Using a consistent design, we studied lying behavior in settings of 0%, 20%, 50%, and 100% observation, respectively. These new partial observability treatments allow us to directly observe individual lie decisions in an environment where subjects have an incentive to lie through the social image channel. With this individual level data, we can more precisely estimate the individual behavior of the unobserved subjects in a setting where subjects have an incentive to disguise their lies. Using these more precise estimates, we can test previously untested predictions of the lying models that consider a social image cost. In addition to these treatments, we used the design to test the detectable/deniable lie paradigm (Tergiman & Villeval 2023) in an individual decision setting. Data collection is planned to begin in March 2025.

Keywords: Economics, Truth, Economic Theory

BIO

Hailing from Jacksonville, Florida, Kennedy is seeking a dual-degree in political science and English on the pre-law track. She aims to be a human rights attorney one day, using her privellege to help better the lives of those in need.

Disability Homicide Database

Abstract

Violence against individuals with disabilities is a significant social issue, with fatal incidents—specifically those committed by family members or caretakers—being of particular concern. Addressing this violence requires a comprehensive understanding of these incidents; however, detailed data on such cases is currently lacking. This research project aims to fill this gap by developing a database of known homicides of disabled individuals in the United States over several decades. Researchers compiled data using open source data collection techniques, including collecting data from media reports, police records, social media, and obituaries, coding cases based on variables such as age, location, race, gender, type of violence, criminal history, and warning signs. The goal was to reach data saturation, ensuring the most complete picture of each case. This dataset enables pattern analysis through data analytics and research reports, providing patterns that can inform strategies to protect individuals with disabilities. Key indicators, such as prior criminal history or past child protective services involvement, can help law enforcement identify and intervene in high-risk situations before violence occurs. In the next phase, this project will continue gathering data and refining its approach seeking out common themes to better understand and prevent violence against individuals with disabilities. Collaboration with policymakers and law enforcement will play a crucial role in strengthening protective measures and addressing systemic gaps. Through ongoing analysis and public awareness efforts, this research aims to drive meaningful change and build a safer, more just society for individuals with disabilities.

Keywords: Homicide; Violence; Victimization; Disability; Hate Crime

BIO

Welcome to my profile! My name is Kien, a second-year student majoring in Computer Science. Originally from Vietnam, I have a strong interest in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. My research focuses on adversarial machine learning, particularly the vulnerabilities of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) in security-sensitive applications. Through the UROP program, I have been working on model extraction attacks against GNNs to better understand how attackers can replicate AI models under resource constraints. Beyond research, I am passionate about exploring the intersection of AI security and efficient machine learning techniques. My long-term career goal is to pursue research in academia, contributing to advancements in AI and the development of more robust and trustworthy machine learning systems.

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: AI, Machine Learning, Graph Neural Networks, Math, Security, Neural Network

BIO

My name is Harjith Pradeep and I am from Parkland, Florida. I am currently a sophomore at Florida State University majoring in behavioral neuroscience. My current plans for the future are to go to medical school and become a doctor. My current research interests have anything to do with medicine in hopes of advancing current medical research.

Annotation and Information Extraction of Social Determinants of Health from Social Worker Notes of Pediatric Transplantation

Abstract

Electronic health records (EHRs) are widely used to develop machine learning models to predict different health outcomes. However, these models can exhibit inherent biases because they can lack crucial risk factors which are related to the social determinants of health (SDoH), which can contribute up to 40% of preventable deaths. In this project, we annotate SDoH information in de-identified social worker notes in the EHRs of pediatric transplantations at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. The first phase of the project is creating a precise annotation framework to ensure there is high quality data being trained by the model. In order to do this, we refine the annotation guideline using a subset of notes so the annotation can be done accurately among all the annotators. The second phase of the project is to benchmark various transformer-based models to identify the SDoH information from all the notes. After the model is fully trained and evaluated, we will also apply generative AI models to extract SDoH information using a few-shot approach. The project will allow healthcare providers to predict health outcomes and identify SDoH factors that are indicative of poor outcomes and support decision making for patients.

Keywords: Social Determinants of Health Annotations

BIO

I’m a sophomore majoring in biology on a pre-health track. I’m from Fort Myers, Florida and enjoy spending time at the beach and swimming when I’m at home. I hope to continue my research on this project with my research mentor and co-presenter to solidify and further our findings.

Insurance Impacts on Patient and Provider Medical Decision-Making

Abstract

Insurance, an influential and established institution in the medical market,
has been studied deeply for its' economic effects on consumer decision-
making. However, the social impact of insurance on the decision-making
process between medical providers and consumers has not been
considered in depth. This paper adds to the existing literature by showing
that insurance may be acting as a signal and recommender of what medical
care is appropriate and acceptable for patients beyond its role as a
financial entity.

Keywords: Medical Decision-Making, Insurance, Heuristics

BIO

I am an aspiring law student currently pursuing my undergraduate studies at Florida State University. With a strong foundation in debate and courtroom dynamics, I have gained valuable experience through competitive organizations such as HOSA and Mock Trial, where I have consistently earned top rankings. My passion for advocacy, critical thinking, and public speaking drives my commitment to excelling in the field of law and making a meaningful impact.

A Qualitative Content Analysis of How “Snapped: Killer Couples” Portray Female Perpetrators Vs. Their Male Partners

Abstract

According to Orth (2022), half of Americans consume true crime content with one in three indicating they watch the genre at least once a week. This fascination with true crime calls for an understanding of how the media, television, and film industries are employing these narratives, including how they portray the perpetrators of crime. Murder is the most common crime covered in true crime content with male perpetrators more likely to be featured than female perpetrators (Frederick, 2022; Healy, 2024). This study seeks to understand the ways male and female homicide offenders are portrayed to true crime content consumers. Based on a social constructionist perspective, the gendered portrayals of murderers in true crime content may influence how people perceive gender differences in the world around them, especially in relation to crime. “Snapped: Killer Couples” showcases male and female killers in close proximity to study inequities in gender.

Keywords: Snapped Killer Couples

BIO

Hello, my name is Salome Kang, and I am a first-year psychology major from Orlando, Florida. My research interests stem from my passion for advocating against psychiatric malpractice, which led me to join the Laboratory for the Study and Prevention of Suicide-Related Conditions and Behaviors. I plan to continue researching clinical psychology to help develop new approaches for ethical treatment in psychology-related medical fields. Beyond research, I am involved in FSU’s Mental Health Council and the Korean American Student Association.

Indirect Direct Self-Harm: Examining Functions of Self-Triggering with Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Content​

Abstract

Self-triggering (ST) is a subcategory of mental diagnosis where individuals intentionally expose themselves to triggering stimuli, thereby placing themselves in a negative mental state. ST is a new concept within the field and has mainly been focused on its relationship with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is hypothesized that ST also occurs in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) disorders. This study aims to clarify the relationship between ST and NSSI and expand the ST construct beyond trauma PTSD. Participants were recruited from Florida State University and online forums (e.g., Reddit), who then participated in the Inventory of Statements about Self-Injury (ISAS) and a Suicidal Risk Assessment (SRA). This mixed-methods, cross-sectional study consists of two phases. (1) Semi-structured interviews (N = 12) will be used to refine the Self-Triggering Questionnaire (STQ) and (2) an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using survey data from at least 300 online participants with the finalized version of the STQ. Our projected qualitative findings suggest that ST in NSSI can overlap with functions such as sensation-seeking, attention-seeking, compulsivity, and self-punishment. Factor analysis will be able to identify motivations such as distorted belongingness and the acquired capability for suicide. Odds ratio is expected to indicate that factors of distorted belongingness will be the strongest predictor of the severity of ST. These findings suggest ST does occur outside of PTSD, specifically within NSSI disorders. Recognizing ST as a symptom of NSSI could refine psychological assessments and identify effective treatments for ST in non-trauma populations.

Keywords: psychology, clinical psychology, suicide, self-harm

BIO

Hi! My name is Max and I'm a first-year student at Florida State University studying International Affairs and Criminology. After college, I plan on attending Law school with the desire to go into international politics and diplomacy. For my UROP project, “Building the Anthropology Museum Digital Footprint at Florida State University”, I have been very fortunate to work with my mentor Dr. Amy Kowal. This project has been a special one for me as I was able to take a more creative approach in comparison to my previous research projects through the artistic elements of the website. This research project has given me many opportunities to expand my knowledge of web design, anthropology, and research strategies which will be valuable skills as I progress through higher education.

Building the Anthropology Museum Digital Footprint at Florida State University

Abstract

This study emphasizes the methodology and significance of building the foundation of an anthropology museum website. Many studies reveal the significance of anthropology and the impact it plays as a historical study. Through CreateFSU and WordPress, we used trial and error to create the Anthropology Museum Website at Florida State University. The website encompasses the museum classes offered by Dr. Amy Kowal, her biography, and the current and past exhibitions in the Anthropology Department. The purpose of this research is to reach a broader audience of individuals who are interested in museum anthropology, reveal the interdisciplinary process in learning how to create a website while building one, and the importance of digitizing the anthropology department’s history with the hopes to preserve its cultural relevance. This research is ongoing and currently results in the completion of the creation of the museum anthropology website with templates and with Dr. Kowal’s direction access for future students to add material.

Keywords: Anthropology, Website building, Creative

BIO

Having attended Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where a tragic school shooting profoundly impacted my perspectives, I am dedicated to researching the efficacy of Risk Protection Orders in reducing gun violence. This interest is central to my academic and career aspirations as I plan to attend law school to specialize in areas where law and public policy can effectively promote community safety.

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Impacts and Implementation of Florida’s Risk Protection Order (RPO) Law

Abstract

The goal of this project is to explore the efficacy and implementation of Risk Protection Orders (RPOs) in Florida.
RPOs were introduced in the Florida Legislature in 2018 and since their inception very few studies have been conducted on them. It is important that we investigate the implementation of RPOs on a larger scale to determine whether they are an efficient mechanism to reduce gun violence. The three stages to this analysis are: collecting the data from over 15,000 RPO cases from Florida to create a database, running four levels of quantitative analysis to evaluate the effect of RPOs on reducing gun violence and using mixed methods to explore the differences in RPO implementation across jurisdictions.
Although the project is in its first stages, it promises to strengthen and broaden the knowledge on RPOs and their relation to gun violence exponentially. The database created will be the largest and most representative sample of RPOs and will allow for the most comprehensive evaluation of a state's RPO laws. The findings generated by the analyses will reveal important trends of the implementation and efficiency of RPOs in preventing gun violence, an ongoing issue that has affected millions of lives. Researching the efficacy of the legislation that is created to reduce gun violence will allow future legislators to create new and better solutions.

Keywords: RPO laws, criminology, firearms

BIO

Hello, my name is Max Varela Torres and I am a second year student studying economics with a minor in mathematics. I have inentions of going to a PhD program in economics in the future, and although my main topics of interest are more macroeconomics oriented, I always welcome a good research experience. Simultaneously with my UROP research, I am working on my undergraduate thesis within the Honors in the Major program researching the impact of a recent influx of immigration in my home country of Chile. I am working on my thesis now since I will be graduating summer of 2025. I am thankful for having this opportunity at UROP as it helped me sharpen my research skills for my future projects.

Constrained Optimization and its applications in economics​

Abstract

In economic theory we seek to explain the world around us through economic models, one of these models being constraint optimization. Constraint optimization is the idea of optimizing the allocation of our resources such as time or money to achieve the biggest amount of payback possible. We do this through representing each idea as a function and then use a set of conditions to achieve the best result when it comes to maximizing or minimizing the relation between two functions. Through the research done at UROP, we sought to better explore the different possibilities that this technique could be used in real-world possibilities in an abstract manner. We did this through consulting academic books regarding the topic of constraint optimization and literature reviews. Ideas such as knowing if we should travel when we get test results that are not always accurate or when a judge should stop reviewing documents with evidence before conducting a verdict for an appeal case.

Keywords: Economics, microeconomics, theory

BIO

My name is Kaavya Chandrasekhar, and I am a senior majoring in Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in Chemistry. Originally from San Francisco, California, I’ve spent the past four years growing both personally and academically at FSU. The university has played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today by equipping me with the tools to embrace challenges with a growth mindset and pursue my goals with resilience.

Following graduation, I will be taking a gap year to conduct neuroscience research at Duke University and I am currently applying to medical school. My aspiration is to become an orthopedic surgeon in the United States Air Force. As a future physician, I am deeply committed to advancing healthcare accessibility for individuals with disabilities, ensuring that all patients receive the quality care they deserve, regardless of their physical or sensory limitations

Code Switching and Memory Recall

Abstract

Code-switching, the practice of alternating between two or more languages within a conversation, has been widely examined in linguistic and cognitive research. In the context of bilingual adults, understanding whether and how code-switching influences cognitive functions, particularly memory recall and inhibitory control, remains an area of significant interest. This study investigates the relationship between code-switching and cognitive processing by analyzing the inhibitory control and recall accuracy of bilingual individuals aged 18-22. By employing experimental tasks such as structured and unstructured code-switching scenarios, this research aims to determine whether frequent engagement in code-switching enhances or hinders cognitive flexibility and memory recall.

Previous studies suggest that bilingual individuals develop stronger executive control and cognitive flexibility due to their constant need to manage two linguistic systems. However, the effects of code-switching on inhibitory control and recall are still debated. Some researchers propose that code-switching imposes an additional cognitive load, making it more difficult to retrieve information accurately, while others argue that it enhances cognitive efficiency by reinforcing language networks. This study builds upon existing research by incorporating standardized language proficiency assessments and behavioral tasks to measure executive functioning and recall performance in bilingual adults.

By assessing recall performance, inhibitory control, and the context of code-switching, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on bilingual cognitive advantages and challenges. The results will help inform educators, linguists, and cognitive scientists about the potential benefits and limitations of code-switching in language development, education, and communication.

Keywords: Code-Switching