Research Symposium

BIO

Hello! My name is Kara Sloper and I am a second year honors student from Ellicott City, Maryland dual majoring in nursing and public health. My passion for research began in high school where I worked in a lab researching more effective cures for prostate cancer using mice and rats as cancer models. This experience motivated me to apply to the UROP program, through which I am currently researching how leadership programs are taught throughout the United States. In the future, I aspire to become a pediatric nurse practitioner while continuing my passion for research throughout my career. Overall, UROP has been an extremely rewarding experience, and I am looking forward to serving as a UROP colloquium leader in the fall to share my own passion for research with other students!

Academic Leadership Programs Across the United States

Abstract

Throughout the past decades, leadership has grown into a formal discipline across many institutions, providing individuals an opportunity to acquire a fundamental skill set to become leaders in different educational and professional settings. This growth has led to an increased prevalence of leadership programs taught at higher education institutions around the globe. To understand the various ways institutions teach leadership, educators must acknowledge the details and demographics of these programs. The Leadership Programs Project builds on previous studies conducted by the Leadership Learning Research Center at Florida State University by adding new programs to the existing data set of over 1,500 programs. By conducting a detailed assessment of the available national programs, we determined the demographics of institutions that teach academic leadership programs and the characteristics of these programs. We found that the majority of programs fall under the discipline of education and business. Additionally, forty three of the institutions are private and fifty eight are public, with the majority of programs offering master’s or doctoral degrees. By understanding the elements and prevalence of these programs, leadership in higher education institutions will continue to expand, allowing for a future generation of strong and effective leaders.

Keywords: leadership, learning, academic

BIO

I am John Sharkey from Hollywood, Florida. I am in my second year here at Florida State University. I am majoring in risk management and insurance and I hope to continue my academic career after graduation by pursuing a master's in finance.

Research for a Novel set in Oklahoma: from 19th Century Injustices to 21st Century Earthquake Swarms

Abstract

In our nation’s schools, the institution of slavery focuses on the formation of the triangular trade patterns developed between Africa, Europe, and the Americas. It is taught, not inaccurately, that African slaves were transported across the Atlantic Sea to fill the high labor demands of agriculture in the Americas. It is also taught that upon European and Native American contact, Native Americans would contract diseases and die in very high percentages of their total population. This project examines new evidence presented by Andres Resendez that purports the enslavement of the Native Americans, not the foreign diseases, is what most led to the dwindling of the most Native American’s numbers. Today, the Pawnee Nation in Oklahoma faces a different threat. The number of earthquakes registered in Oklahoma has spiked tremendously within the past few years. This project examines the claim that these earthquakes are related to fracking as well as poor wastewater management.

Keywords: Pawnee Nation, fracking, wastewater, seismicity, earthquakes

BIO

Mia is an undergraduate student at Florida State University, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Social Work. Her interest in psychology stems from a desire to destigmatize mental illness and promote mental health care for all people. She currently serves as a research assistant for the Collegiate Recovery Program under the mentorship of Chelsea Shore. Through her experience working with the CRP, she has gained intimate understanding of the impact substances and addiction have on the lives of college students. This research experience has sparked a passion for further exploring the interaction between mental health and substance use. Her long-term goals include furthering her education and experience in the field of mental health.

An update on Collegiate Recovery Students and Programs: A Systematic Literature Review from 2017-2021

Abstract

It is common practice in the social sciences to pursue literature reviews around every decade to synthesize for the field relevant updates and trends. Given the rapid growth of Collegiate Recovery Programs (CRPs) and research on them in the past five year, a systematic literature was conducted to build on the work of Brown et al. (2018) and Reed et al. (2020). Unlike literature reviews, systematic reviews seek to answer a pertinent question underlying the evolution of research on a topic. In this case, we sought to answer whether the field of Collegiate Recovery is expanding and if so, how? Special attention was given to paradigms of inquiry, intersectionality of topics, journal outlets and their disciplines. It would be mundane to repeat the findings of articles reported in either of the previous literature reviews so only findings from studies that were missed or published after the publication of previous reviews are reported here.

Keywords: collegiate recovery, addiction, higher education, alcohol and other drugs, university support services

BIO

My name is Olivia and I am a sophomore majoring in English Literature and International Affairs. I am from Tampa, FL and am hoping to go to law school upon graduation. Other than the UROP program, I am also involved in Dance Marathon at FSU as a member of the internal recruitment team and am currently interning with a personal injury and family law firm in the area. When I'm not studying or involved with extracurriculars, I enjoy watching football with friends, going to the beach, and attending music festivals and concerts.

Impacts of Human-Induced Seismic Activity on Residential Populations in Pawnee, OK

Abstract

Since 2009, the small, residential town of Pawnee, Oklahoma has experienced frequent and significant human-induced earthquakes resulting from the routine underground disposal of fracking wastewater. The strongest earthquake in Oklahoma history hit Pawnee in September 2016, and the area continues to experience frequent seismic activity. The situation in Pawnee raises considerable political and environmental questions about the continuing ramifications of the quakes. However, the personal stories of those directly affected by the quakes are typically underreported. To understand the personal impacts of these earthquakes, this project used comprehensive surveys meant to prompt emotional and descriptive recollections of these events from residents with first-hand knowledge of the quakes. A wide range of opinions were collected from a population with differing ages and demographic backgrounds. While many reported instances of damage to personal property and impacts on their emotional well-being, others stated there were no issues in their community stemming from the quakes. While some trends in the responses may be highlighted, overall, the qualitative collection of these stories have proven invaluable since they provide insight into the personal lives of these residents and how the earthquakes have affected their daily experiences. The detailed accounts will assist in the construction of realistic characters in a fiction novel placed in Pawnee, Oklahoma which discusses the earthquakes and their various impacts on the residents. This research is ongoing and further survey respondents are being collected to build upon this analysis.

Keywords: earthquakes, Oklahoma, Pawnee

BIO

Maat Henderson (she/her) earned her Associate of Science degree in Biology at Broward College, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Maat is currently earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in Tallahassee, Florida. Her journey to wanting to be a doctor started 2,577 miles away, on the small island of Dominica. While residing in a collectivistic culture back in Dominica, Maat learned the value of helping others, especially those who lack the means for medical assistance. Reflecting on her culture, medicine has been the intersection of where her passion and the needs of her community lie. This past year Maat has participated in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), where she has worked in the Biological Science department in the Levitan Lab, under the research mentorship of a Ph.D. Candidate Melanie Medina. or her doctoral research, Melanie is interested in studying reproduction and mate choice in marine gastropods, particularly sea slugs. Maat has investigated how does a local species of s sea slugs recognize their potential mates using mucus. Maat has learned the importance of teamwork and communication as a UROP.

Mate Recognition Using Mucus in a Simultaneous Hermaphrodite

Abstract

We do not know much about what affects mating behaviors in simultaneous hermaphrodites. In gastropods a mechanism that has been proposed to aid in mate recognition and search is mucus composition. Mucus is multifunctional aiding in both reproduction, and communication. I will test if the simultaneous hermaphrodite sea slug Doto chica can use mucus to differentiate between phenotypes, and for mate recognition.

Keywords: mate choice, mucus, hermaphrodites, reproduction

BIO

I am sophomore at Florida State and I am from Miami, FL. I am currently a public health major with a minor in childhood development and I want to go to nursing school after I graduate. My future career goals is to be a Travel Nurse and then hopefully a Nurse Practioner. My research interest include topics about minority groups, global health, women, and healthcare.

Women Representation in Bollywood Films

Abstract

Cinema and other cultural artifacts inhabit a special place in a cultural landscape because they both influence and are influenced by the societies in which they originate. For this reason, our research project has focused on the portrayal of women in Bollywood, the film industry of India, where women have traditionally been characterized according to misogynist interpretation of a woman’s role in society. The intention is to collect quantitative data that may provide more information to determine if cultural expectations are portrayed more divergently, specifically for female characters when there is a female director. Following the methodology of several US-based studies on gender in Hollywood, this project uses film coding to determine the types and frequency of women's representation. Each female character within the films is examined in clothing, religion, relationships, education, and taboo behavior and is coded accordingly into the system. This project is still at its initial stages; therefore, we cannot have conclusive data/results. However, we can see trends across the films we have finished coding.

Keywords: Cinema, Women, Religion

BIO

I am a sophomore student, from Jacksonville, majoring in Computer Science. I enjoy cooking and painting in my free time as well as spending time with my friends and family.

Prediction of Hurricane Paths through Neural Networks

Abstract

Background and purpose: Studies suggest that there are alternative methods to precisely predict hurricane trajectories. We examined past hurricanes to determine a pattern and cross-reference these neural-networks to create a new system of predicting through coding via python.
Methods: Information was gathered from the past 20 years in the panhandle area of Florida. We observed and analyzed hurricane hits and considered wind patterns on the date and location of the event. Data was also gathered from each big hurricane that happened in the area specifically from the past 10 years such as Hurricane Michael and Irma. Information being collected is later converted into data points to develop a pattern including the date of landfall, the strength of the hurricane, diameter, etc.
Results: Not yet determined (still in progress).
Conclusions: In progress. Idea is that when peers are done implementing perception in regard to the hurricane trajectories through the python coding system, we can try different algorithms and begin to input data points from past hurricane events.

Keywords: Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Hurricanes

BIO

Hi, my name is Connor Smith I am currently trying to get into the athletic training major so that I can pursue a career in medicine. As of now, I hope to gain acceptance in a Physical therapy program once I graduate, but am still interested in learning more about different parts of the medical field until then.

The Socioeconomic Impact on Quality of Local Water Bodies

Abstract

This study has a set focus on finding a correlation of land value and therefore overall socioeconomic status to the water quality of bodies of water near said real estate. To do this there have been several locations chosen based on the average value of the houses surrounding the body of water. Where using a water quality index scale that accounts for several standard water measurements, we can determine the overall quality of the water with consistent results

Keywords: environmental science, water quality, socioeconomic inequality

BIO

Sophomore meteorology major from Zephyrhills, Florida. My research interests are within the field of hydro-meteorology, and at the moment I am specifically interested in this field in relation to karst hydrology. Upon graduation, I want to work in operational meteorology within the federal government.

How do large-scale climatic patterns influence lake sinkhole events?   

Abstract

In Tallahassee and the surrounding region, lake “dry-down” events appear to be increasingly more common. These occur when a sinkhole opens beneath a body of water and drains it into the aquifer. In 2021, three of these events were reported: one occurring with Porter Sink opening twice under Lake Jackson in North Tallahassee, and another sinkhole forming beneath Gilbert Pond northeast of Tallahassee. In the past, these have usually occurred every ten years or so, thus deeming three events in one year to be quite unusual. This apparent increase in frequency justifies further research into the cause of these events. In this project, we are investigating the correlation of large-scale climatic events (i.e., droughts and teleconnection cycles) on the opening of these sinkholes and their subsequent lake dry-down events. By comparing several monthly drought indexes as well as the monthly indexes for several teleconnection cycles on the months that sinkholes occurred, we hope to determine a correlation between the indexes and these events. In doing so, we may be more able to predict these occurrences using the current phase of a drought or teleconnection cycle.

Keywords: sinkhole hydrology drought lake teleconnection

BIO

My name is Cayley Williams and I am from West Palm Beach, Florida. I am a second year student majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Spanish here at FSU. I am also a member of the Honors Program, and I hope to pursue a career in genetic counseling in the future. Within anthropology, I am interested in the physical aspects, such as anthropometric variation and how they relate to evolution. I also enjoy learning about human behavior in the psychosocial sphere, and how individuals construct and live out their realities based on their external environments.

Social Correlates and Consequences of Perfectionism

Abstract

Perfectionism, as defined by Hewitt and Flett (1991), is a personality disposition characterized by setting extremely high standards of performance in the pursuit of flawlessness, often accompanied by overly critical evaluations. Three types of perfectionism have been identified by researchers (Frost et al., 1990; Stoeber, 2016), including socially prescribed, self-oriented, or other-oriented. A socially prescribed perfectionist feels pressured by external factors to uphold high standards, while a self-oriented perfectionist will constantly strive for their goals because of their own intrinsic ideals. Other-oriented perfectionists may bind others to these contrived constructs, by demanding perfection from other people (Stoeber, 2015). Much research examines differences across individuals in the presence and type of perfectionism and the effects on other psychological characteristics and behaviors (e.g., stress, anger, procrastination, grades in school, eating disorders, and others) (Curran and Hill, 2019). However, little research explores how social characteristics shape the probability and types of perfectionism. Socioeconomic and other social statuses shape individual predispositions and behavior through socialization, expectations that align with class values and norms, and individual perceptions of themselves (Navarro-Carrillo et al., 2020). Through quantitative survey, this research evaluates the relationships between SES and presence and type of perfectionism among honors students in a large, public, research-one institution to closer examine how the sphere of class relates to psychosocial development.

Keywords: perfectionism, honors, sociology

BIO

Giovanna Cross is a second-year Florida State student pursuing a degree in Cell and Molecular Neuroscience. As a UROP student, she assisted in conducting research on how endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance affects cardiovascular function and overall health. Giovanna hopes to pursue her career by attending medical school post-graduation.

Literature Review-Vascular and Metabolic Funcition

Abstract

Vascular and metabolic dysfunction both occur in obesity, and increased NADPH oxidative (Nox) activity has emerged as a key event in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Data from the Hickner laboratory has identified that Nox is a major determinant of vascular complications in people with obesity. There is, however, limited research in humans that integrates the effects of Nox in vascular and metabolic tissues. Cell culture studies have identified Nox as a stimulus of lipolysis, which is the process of breaking down stored triglycerides and releasing them into the bloodstream. The overall goal of this study is to understand if Nox in adipose tissue and the adipose vasculature contribute to elevated blood glucose profiles through heightened rates of lipolysis and subsequent increased gluconeogenesis and hepatic glucose output.

Keywords: endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, cardiometabolic diseases, lipolysis.

BIO

My name is Chamarda McDonald. I am a second-year student at Florida State. I began my college journey at 16, majoring in Biology on the pre-med track and Education through the FSU-Teach program. My research interests range from topics under the scope of Biology, Health, and Equity. My goal is to pursue a career in the medical field and help bridge the gap between the healthcare system and the black community. During my time at FSU, I made the President's List for Fall 2020 and Dean's List for Spring 2021.

Analyzing the Relationship between Air Conditioning Ownership and Electricity Usage of Heat Vulnerable Groups

Abstract

While most people view access to air condition as an average utility included in most living properties, due to inequity within American society, families with low-income status don't always have access to such amenities. Moreover, those who do are not always able to use their units due to the price of energy usage. Extreme heat events impact a wide range of health consequences (McMichael, Woodruff, and Hales 2006; Hondula et al. 2015). During the COIVD-19 outbreak, many vulnerable groups, including older adults, infants, and children, chronic conditions, low income, pregnant women, people with inadequate cooling systems, people who have or recovered from COVID-19, suffer from the indoor environment (Global Heat Health Information Network 2022). Therefore, it is important to establish extreme heat intervention measures for indoor environments. The primary goal of this research is to investigate air conditioning (AC) ownership and examine whether AC ownership ensures AC utilization. Through our research project, we aim to find a correlation between energy cost and consumption in lower-income communities by analyzing the relationship between air conditioning ownership and electricity usage of heat vulnerable groups to find a correlation between income and energy usage in relation to lower-income communities with access to air condition units but are unable to use them because of costly energy consumption. If the results yield a relationship between the subjects, the data could be used to argue for equity.

Keywords: heat equity stastical analysis

BIO

Hi! My name is Fiona Giardino and I am originally from Jupiter, Florida. I am a second-year undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health with a minor in public administration. My presentation is titled "Preparing for the Next Pandemic" led by Dr. Joseph Grzywacz. This project details how Covid 19 has affected the farmworker community and how we can make recommendations to organizations to help the farmworkers more in the future. This project follows my two main interests which are public health and social justice as I am on the pre-law track and hope to go to law school after graduating from FSU.

Preparing for the Next Pandemic

Abstract

Preparing for the Next Pandemic is a public health research project dedicated to finding ways to improve the overall health of agricultural laborers, especially regarding disease response and prevention. The specific aim of this research is to provide potential recommendations to farm worker organizations that will lower mortality and morbidity of disease in the farm worker community. Thirty-three previous literatures were analyzed by UROP students, all of whom agreed on a single general analysis of each study. Then we interviewed executives of farm worker organizations. Using the all the information, potential recommendations for improving pandemic response and prevention in rural communities were constructed. These recommendations were then submitted to the National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC). We found that these communities lacked sufficient funding, proper leadership, hygienic knowledge, community trust, current medical technology, and training for modern practices. Potential recommendations that we speculate may improve farmworker health in rural communities include having an outside organization control the hiring process of CHWs within the community, provided that this organization hires respectable members within the community. Additionally, CHWs should be required to participate in continued education. Lastly, there should be more funds allocated to these organizations which would improve the whole system.

Keywords: Farmworkers, Pandemic, Community Health Workers

BIO

Hey everyone, my name is Jonathan Cushman and I am a sophomore here at Florida State studying Real Estate and Risk Management. I am originally from East Hanover, NJ, and have aspirations of starting my own real estate corporation. I enjoy working out, reading, and spending time with my fraternity brothers.

Creating a Culture. How does the physical atmosphere of the RIDER Center communicate a culture of STEM to Stakeholders?

Abstract

The importance of STEM has consistently been on the rise throughout recent history and becomes more apparent each day. It seems that every day there is a new game-changing invention that helps to make our lives easier and more efficient, helping to save time and energy. This is why it has become more important than ever before that STEM is being communicated effectively to stakeholders who are so important in the development of new inventions. This study aims to focus on how STEM can be effectively communicated to shareholders, specifically through the physical atmosphere of the RIDER Center and the immense diversity of the group to create a culture. The study uses the RIDER center's already established spaces along with its diverse team member to promote a culture that centers around STEM, making it easier to communicate the idea of development over time to investors. Developing an interior that incorporates the cultural diversity within the RIDER Center will help to create a positive environment that should have a beneficial influence on productivity. Additionally, an inviting and inclusive environment should make it easier to communicate the idea of STEM to prospective stakeholders.

Keywords: Culture, Diversity, Physical Atmosphere

BIO

Francisca Lee is currently a second-year student at Florida State University, double majoring in Psychology and Criminology. She is from Weston, Florida, and is interested in clinical and abnormal psychology. Through the UROP program and continuing as a DIS student for the upcoming fall semester, Francisca is serving as a lead research assistant for Dr. Brad Schmidt's Laboratory Study of Anxiety and Threat. After graduation, Francisca plans to go to graduate school to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

Laboratory Study of Anxiety and Threat

Abstract

Our Laboratory Study of Anxiety and Threat aims to analyze the cognitive-affective, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence one’s decision to reach for, aim, and fire a realistic but artificial firearm. To measure this, participants will be facing potentially threatening situations in an experimental shooting simulator. We will investigate how three experimental manipulations influence the participant’s decision to use the firearm: racial priming, interpretation bias modification, and induction of anxious anticipation. We hope that findings from this study will inform future research on threat sensitivity and policy changes regarding to gun violence.

Keywords: anxiety, threat, psychology

BIO

I am a second-year undergraduate student studying political science and economics. Currently, I am the President of Young Americans for Liberty, a member of the Network of Enlightened Women, a legislative intern at the Florida Senate, and a student researcher with the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP). As a student researcher with UROP, I was able to work alongside Theater with a Mission to explore historical figures from the period of territorial Florida. As a result, I analyzed the life of Mary Ellen "Florida" Adair White Beatty for my project titled "Perspectives on "Florida" White (1801-1884).

Perspectives on "Florida" White (1801-1884)

Abstract

The research for this project involves an analysis of the life of Mary Ellen “Florida” Adair White Beatty. This analysis is focused on comparing and contrasting different perspectives from which Florida White has been viewed and described, both throughout her lifetime and in assessments of Florida history. During the early 1800’s, Florida White lived with her husband Joseph Mills White, who served as Florida's territorial delegate to Congress. While Joseph White's influence was great in territorial Florida during his lifetime, Florida White overshadowed him after his death. This shift in perspective is seen through primary and secondary sources, and illuminates discrepancies between who Florida White was and how she was depicted. These discrepancies lead to questions concerning Mrs. White's religion, politics, and teachings. Ultimately, Florida White was portrayed by the media and in letters as a southern belle with deep Christian roots, who shared the gospel through teaching her slaves how to read and write. This portrayal would later be questioned by her family, especially her niece Etta.

Keywords: Territorial Florida, History, Women, Perspectives

BIO

My name is Shane O'Connor. I am an undergraduate History and Political Science student at Florida State University. I am currently working for Havana History and Heritage Society on their documentary film "Voices of Havana II."

Life in Havana, Florida during World War II: Home Demonstration and Havanans in War

Abstract

World War Two uprooted the lives of millions of Americans, whether they be going abroad in the fight against fascism or adapting to wartime needs at home. Havana, Florida, located about 15 miles northwest of Tallahassee in Gadsden County, adapted to wartime using the common “Home Demonstration” movement. Havana, a town famous for its production of shade tobacco, took a drastic turn in its history during World War II. Home Demonstration taught rural women to can foods, take care of household tasks, and run victory gardens while many of Havana’s men were off at war. To research Home Demonstration, as well as Havana men in the war, I utilized a scrapbook digitized by Florida State University, as well as newspaper records in and around Gadsden County to have an insight as to what the war struggle was like. These documents reveal a unified effort to adapt to harsh wartime conditions, led by organizations like 4H, the Florida Home Demonstration Office, and Florida State College for Women (what became FSU). The response to wartime in Havana shows how a community can adapt to a major change in everyday life, even in a rural, labor-driven economy. Havana is significant because despite only having a population of less than 1500, it had a disproportionate affect on the war at home and abroad.

Keywords: history, florida, WWII, US history

BIO

My name is Kendall Smith and I'm a sophomore at FSU double majoring in Computational Biology on the computer science track and Biomathematics. I currently work in a computer science lab where I learn about real-world solutions using AI programs and their applications in the medical field. My career interest includes attending medical school to specialize in anesthesiology.

An Algorithm for Differentiating Abnormal Heartbeats

Abstract

The medical field is teeming with new technology and, in many ways, the medical fields’ advancements have aided more efficient treatment. Despite this, physicians still rely on old techniques such as stethoscopes to detect heart abnormalities. The main problem with this method is the subjectivity of physicians’ opinions. We’ve automated this process by creating an algorithm for a convolutional neural network which allows AI to differentiate normal heart beat sounds from abnormal sounds. In using this algorithm, we can form a standardized method by which doctors detect and diagnose heart diseases. Future studies should explore the difference in accuracy between algorithms and physicians.

Keywords: AI, Algorithm, Medicine

BIO

My name is Rosmarie Correa and I am a Junior studying English Literature and Italian. I come from Homestead, FL and my research interests involve the humanities. I also enjoy reading and researching works that include topics of representation, diversity, and media. In the near future, I hope to go to law school and pursue immigration law or civil rights law. Another route I am open to exploring as a career is becoming an educator and working in academia.

Towards a Labor History of Mexican Archeology: Exploring the Representation of Native Workers

Abstract

This study seeks to contribute to the knowledge of underrepresented workers in archeology that are often ignored, forgotten, or absent. The purpose is to discover what can be revealed about the experiences of underrepresented workers and the perspective of foreign workers on the native people in ancient Mexican sites during the 20th century. This will be achieved by finding interactions between the author and the workers, and analyzing how they are brought up in two primary sources, "Digging in Yucatan" by Ann Axtell Morris and "Piedras Negras Diary" by Margaret Satterthwaite. These two sources include the first-hand experience of two women in archeological research during the 1930s working alongside native workers in Mexico. My research involves close reading to note how archeological workers are represented in both works from the authors' perspectives. Viewing the authors' experiences, their interactions with the local people and the workers, and their perception of their work, I can better answer the questions: to what extent did these women and the workers feel a connection to their work? In what manner and depth are the local people and workers portrayed? Though the two authors come from similar backgrounds, the representation of workers and their own connection to their work differ greatly. So far, I have achieved findings on how archeological workers in the 1930s were portrayed by examining the way their work ethic, their culture and language, and their knowledge, skillset, or intelligence are discussed.

Keywords: Archeology, representation, workers, labor, history

BIO

Megan Maxton is a Psychology and Criminology major. She is from Tampa, FL and hopes to work as a forensic psychologist, and wants to earn a Ph.D. She is specifically interested in how childhood can affect how the brain develops into adulthood. She is also very passionate about clinical research.

Understanding the Role of Professional Development on Educators' Science Teaching

Abstract

Every person in our society has been part of a science class and therefore engaged with a science teacher. This teacher can be the foundation for how that student views the world of STEM. Teachers engage in professional development to hone their craft and develop STEM skills in their students. However, not all professional development programs have the same influence. In order to better understand the influence of professional development programs on science teachers, we chose to conduct a literature review of current programs and their influences on participating teachers and their students if applicable. For this study, we define professional development programs as Undergraduate Research Experiences(URE), Teacher Professional Development(PD), and/or Research Experience for Teachers(RET).
Our research questions that drove our choice of articles were: What is our current understanding of science professional development for science teachers and their students?
Are there differences in the impact for elementary, middle, and/or high school teachers?
Are there differences in impact by the teacher and student demographics?
Are there differences in the impact based on the type of professional development (RETs, UREs)?
To address these questions, we analyzed peer-reviewed literature by breaking them into categories that included: research question(s), type of research method (qualitative, quantitative, mixed), program type (RET, URE, etc.), description of sample/participants, results in summary, conclusion, and further questions. We are in the process of analyzing the data summarized from reviewing 20 articles. We look forward to presenting it in the final abstract.

Keywords: teaching development educators