Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Juliana Menna Barreto, and I am a senior Marketing major with a minor in Retail Operations. I was introduced to this research project from a fellow Marketing student and, I was immediately very interested in all the aspects of this project. I am excited to develop a deeper understanding of how influencers’ behaviors and consumer perceptions affect the brands they endorse, while also learning more about research analytics throughout the process. My future plans after graduation are to pursue a career in marketing analytics and further my experiences in brand marketing, particularly within the beauty and fashion industry, which I’m truly passionate about.

The Effect of Negative Endorser Behaviors on Firm Performance

Abstract

With the rise of social media, there has been an observed trend of social media influencers as brand endorsers. Influencers’ characteristics of relatability and pop culture relevancy are seen as valuable to the brands they endorse, yet their unpredictable behaviors and wide range of personalities may lend to certain risk regarding negative effects on endorser brands. Using an events study methodology, we investigate how negative events associated with an endorser can affect the sponsoring firm’s stock performance. At this stage of the research process, we have been gathering data on various social media influencers, their transgressions, and the brands that endorsed them at the time of the transgression. Additionally, we are building and launching a survey to find what characteristics a population sample associates with said influencers. After this stage, we will be running statistical analyses to find what trends lie in the data. The end goal is to develop an understanding of how influencers’ behaviors and consumer perceptions affect the brands they endorse.

Keywords: Data Analytics, Marketing Research, Influencers, Endorsements

BIO

Gabriella Virga is a second-year Behavioral Neuroscience student from Fanwood, New Jersey. This is her fourth semester as a DIS student in the Florida Center for Reading Research on the National Project for Achievement in Twins. She enjoys researching mental disorders and their impacts on behavior. She is a pre-medical student who aspires to be a psychiatrist in the future.

Math Anxiety, Learning Difficulties, and the Home Math Environment

Abstract

Math anxiety (MA), learning difficulties (LD), and the home math environment (HME) are key factors in academic performance. Prior research suggests that the HME can positively or negatively influence children’s MA, but more investigation is necessary (Cosso et al., 2023). Additionally, it is unclear how LD impact students’ math anxiety, especially in relation to the HME. Research also demonstrates an association between household income and children's demonstration of math skills (Hart et al., 2016). This study’s overarching research question examines the associations among MA, LD, and HME, and the role of socioeconomic status (SES) in these associations.

Using data from the Home Math Environment Project (Hart et al., 2021), we analyzed a sample of 339 parents of children aged three to eight years old. MA was measured using the Anxiety in Action Questionnaire (Gulkik, 2012). LD was assessed using the Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (Willcutt et al., 2011). HME was measured using a 52-item parent-reported Likert scale (Hart, 2021). Pearson correlations were conducted to examine associations between MA, LD, and HME. Next, we ran regressions to explain the associations between MA and HME, as well as LD and HME, both before and after controlling for SES. We hypothesized that MA would be positively correlated with LD, that MA would be negatively correlated with HME, and that higher SES would be associated with a stronger HME and lower MA and LD. This research will help inform better in-school and at-home support to students struggling with math anxiety and learning difficulties.

Keywords: Math Anxiety, Home Environment, Learning

BIO

Hi! I'm a Behavioral Neuroscience major on the pre-med track with a passion for learning new things and volunteering. In my free time, you can find me playing volleyball or dancing. I plan to purse Psychiatry or Neurology because I am deeply fascinated with the brain and medicine.

Intersectionality of Disability and Mental Health and Career Development among Transition Youth with Disabilities in an Era of AI Technology: A Scoping Review

Abstract

University students with disabilities navigate education in environments that sometimes are not conducive to producing the best educational experiences. This systematic scoping review aimed to map out current research on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on university students with disabilities in academia, mental health, and the workforce. In this scoping review, AI refers to human-designed technology that mimics cognitive functions such as learning, problem-solving, and decision-making to enhance various aspects of life, including academic, social, and career domains.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence Disability

BIO

Elizabeth Wasson is a senior at Florida State University pursuing a B.A. in General Music with a minor in Chemistry. She plays the French horn and has performed with the University Concert Band for three semesters. In addition to her musical studies, she works as a laboratory assistant in the Bhide Biomedical Research Lab at the FSU College of Medicine. Her research focuses on developing novel gene therapy treatments for neurological disorders, such as Tay-Sachs disease, through the Institute for Pediatric Rare Disease (IPRD). Elizabeth is also a member of two honor societies, Order of Omega representing the top three percent of Greek leaders at FSU, and Garnet and Gold Key FSU's oldest and most prestigious leadership honorary. Elizabeth is passionate about the intersection of science and medicine and plans to apply her research experience toward a future career in healthcare.

Evaluating Novel Adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) as a Potential Gene Delivery Platform for Pediatric Rare Disorders

Abstract

Neurotropic viruses such as adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) are promising platforms for gene delivery to the nervous system. However, their safety and efficacy can be compromised by low efficiency of gene transfer and adverse immunological responses by the host. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small lipid vesicles secreted by nearly all cells, have the potential to improve AAV-mediated gene delivery because of their intrinsic facility for cell-cell communication. We have created new AAV vectors, called exo-AAV vectors that combine the strengths of AAVs with those of EVs. Here we evaluate the advantages of exo-AAV vectors over traditional AAVs for gene transfer to the nervous system in preclinical . The transduction efficiency of standard and exo-AAV in the mouse brain was found to be comparable 4 weeks after intracranial injection in this pilot study. GFP expression was selective to neurons, our primary target. Future applications will include developing a gene therapy platform for treating Tay-Sachs Disease, a rare genetic disorder.

Keywords: Gene Therapy, Rare Pediatric Disorders

BIO

Zoe is a Cell and Molecular Neuroscience Major, and she is proud to present research as part of her Honors in the Major project. She is also a Research Supervisor in the Riddle Lab, where she studies novel treatments for psychiatric illness. After furthering her research in cognitive control in anxiety and mood disorders, Zoe hopes to become a psychiatrist. Outside of research, she is a Unit Secretary in Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare's Surgical Care Unit.

Behavioral Responses to Social Judgement Approach-Avoidance Task within Symptom Dimensions of Social Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is an increasingly prevalent topic since the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic's initial stages, most people were deprived of consistent in-person interaction outside of their immediate family, increasing significant negative emotions around social situations. Previous research has identified several significant cognitive processes that contribute to SAD, including increased threat perception in the presence of ambiguous social cues and increased avoidance of these perceived threats. Approach-avoidance tasks (AATs) have been identified as a mechanism for understanding these behaviors; however, prior research designs have limited their ability to assess decision-making in the presence of multiple social cues. Our research lab designed the Social Judgement Approach-Avoidance Task (SJ-AAT), which asks participants to identify the intensity of emotional facial expressions in the presence of two faces and decide to approach or avoid based on this. Utilizing the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I.), participants with SAD were identified, and their symptom dimensions were categorized using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). The symptom dimensions identified were fear of social interaction, avoidance of social interaction, fear of performance, and avoidance of performance. Based on previous literature, we hypothesized that participants with higher social interaction anxiety would have an increased approach-avoidance conflict for angry faces. Results indicate that participants with greater fear of social interaction instead had improved accuracy in assessing angry faces, regardless of congruency with typical social behaviors.

Keywords: Neuroscience, Anxiety, Cognition

BIO

My name is Alexandra but I go by Lex and I am from Tallahassee, Florida. I am passionate about psychology and learning how to cultivate an inclusive space for everyone in the mental health field. My goal is to become a clinical psychologist so that I will be better equipped to help others who may be struggling with mental health issues. In my free time, I volunteer as a crisis counselor and have found that serving my community in this way has been incredibly rewarding and has helped me become a more supportive community member and inquisitive researcher.

QUESTIONNAIRE ADMINISTRATION AND ITS EFFECT ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND SUBJECTIVE SOCIAL STATUS ANSWERS

Abstract

The order in which questionnaires are administered seems to alter responses across various domains. Previous literature has shown that interest levels in politics is increased when participants are first queried about salient topics (McFarland, 1981), and people are less likely to report on socially undesirable behavior after being asked to report their levels of disapproval for such behavior (Standing et al, 2010) or their religiosity (Rodriguez, 2014). Perhaps less obviously, the ordering of questionnaires measuring similar constructs can change the relationship between those two constructs. For example, Lee et al. (2016) asked participants to report on their life satisfaction and their health, randomizing which questionnaire appeared first. When participants answered health questions before life satisfaction questions, the correlation between health and life satisfaction was doubled. The current study extends this investigation to subjective social status (SSS) and objective measures of socioeconomic status (SES) in 2,280 young adults recruited via social media to complete a survey online. Participants completed the MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status which asks them to rank themselves on a scale of 1-10 compared to other people in the United States and also reported on objective SES measures including family income, monthly expenditures, education, and healthcare quality. Participants were randomized to complete either SES measures or the SSS question first. Surprisingly, there was no significant interaction between order of questionnaire administration and any of the objective SES variables in predicting SSS, indicating that no ordering effects are present. Relevant sociodemographic moderators will be examined.

Keywords: Questionnaire Administration and Order Effects

BIO

Katelynn Hawthorne is a sophomore at Florida State University, pursuing a dual degree in Criminology and International Affairs, with minors in U.S. Intelligence and Russian/Eastern European Studies. She is scheduled to graduate in Fall 2026 and plans to attend law school to earn her Juris Doctorate. Currently, Katelynn is involved in a research project focused on the evolution of state hate crime legislation. The project aims to develop a comprehensive database to identify patterns and trends in hate crime laws across the country. In addition to her research, Katelynn is an active member of Lambda Alpha Epsilon (LAE) and the Student Government Association (SGA).

State Hate Crime Legislation Database

Abstract

Hate crime legislation is a recent phenomenon in the United States, as the first state hate crime laws were passed in the 1980s. Since then, the federal government has also passed hate crime legislation, specifically addressing hate crimes based on race, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability. In an increasingly divided world, it’s important for states to establish this legislation to protect their communities. Thus, our research project analyzes the evolution of state hate crime legislation between the years 1984 to 2024. The goal of this project is to create a database that illustrates the trends and patterns in state legislation. This database was created utilizing information from two online databases: the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and Justia. We compiled the hate crime laws and state statutes into Excel spreadsheets, allowing us to track changes made in the wording of state legislation. Once completed, we employed the program Stata to finalize the database and to analyze additions of new groups and patterns among each state’s statutes. Overall, our results demonstrate a disparity in protection among minorities across the United States. However, we tracked an increase in the number of protected groups within the past forty years, suggesting that state hate crime legislation has progressively become more inclusive. Lastly, inconsistencies among each state’s protections indicate that stronger federal laws should be implemented to encompass all vulnerable groups. Further research should be conducted to examine how states respond to hate crime and how they train their police forces to counter hate-motivated offenses.

Keywords: Hate Crime, Crime, Legislation, Laws

BIO

My name is Mia De Sabatino and I am from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I am currently a senior at Florida State University studying chemistry and I have been with my lab for the past two years. I hope to go into graduate school to utilize the methods that I have learned during my time in my undergraduate. I have had an exciting experience in my lab and wish to continue to further my understanding of this field.

High Resolution pH Mapping of Single A549 Cells Using Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy

Abstract

Adenocarcinoma is a common form of lung cancer, and the development of new anticancer drugs could lead to better treatment options. The anticancer drug, such as Toyocamycin, has shown effects on multiple prostate and pancreatic cancer cell-lines but has not been tested on lung carcinoma cells. Using non-invasive and label-free technique such as scanning ion conductance Microscopy (SICM), Toyocamycin was found to be effective against the A549 cell-line, inducing membrane blebbing, cell shrinkage, and apoptotic volume decrease. To further investigate its effects, poly-L-lysine (PLL) based pH sensors will be used to measure changes in the pH of the cell membrane upon drug introduction, providing insights into its mechanism of action. Additionally, the fabrication of iridium oxide pH sensors will be compared to PLL sensors to evaluate the different methodologies, the fabrication process and the potential applications of these sensors in drug studies.

Keywords: cell morphology, drug studies, electrochemistry, analytical

BIO

My name is Tiffany Wen, I'm from Holmdel, New Jersey and I am majoring in biological sciences on the Pre-Physician's Assistant track. Some of my hobbies include hiking, listening to music, and traveling! I had the opportunity to take a solo trip to Japan last summer which is one of the main reasons why I wanted to work on this project! At home, I work as an ocean lifeguard and volunteer as an Emergency Medical Responder. Here at school, some of my other commitments include Pre-PA club, Relay for Life, and AASU (Asian American Student Union).

US Migrants in Contemporary Japan

Abstract

As migrants cross borders, their ideas about justice, innocence, and victimhood travel with them. Our research investigates how interpretive frameworks developed within the U.S. in response to our civil rights movements can be redeployed abroad in ways that ultimately help support the continuance of U.S. imperial influence abroad. We focus on three lenses: the “charisma man”, traveling yellow peril, and liberal anti-racism. The data was taken from a collection of Dr. Owens’ findings from over two years of immersive fieldwork and participant observation conducted in Japan, 85 interviews, and a cross-analysis of cultural texts. We have found that U.S. citizens teaching English in Japan have common experiences shaped by their identities. First, many U.S. men experience being viewed in a new way as “white/western men”, which can inspire partying in expat bars, making fun of their own racialized sexual “charisma”, and challenging racialized exclusion from public life in Japanese courtrooms. Second, in the English teaching market, they are more likely to attain jobs over more qualified Filipina women with advanced degrees because they are seen as “native English speaking,” but they can simultaneously feel threatened by Filipina labor competition and contest the terms of their employment through unions. The implications of these findings are that U.S. migrants bring along ideas concerning race, gender, and labor relations when they move abroad, affecting their actions and influencing the English teaching labor market in Japan.

Keywords: White, Migrant, Japan, Imperialism

BIO

I’m from Mandeville, Louisiana, and I’m majoring in Exercise Physiology. I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career in dermatology, with broad interests in medical research. Through UROP, I’ve been involved in research in the Cardiovascular Applied Physiology Lab, where I’ve enjoyed exploring the connections between physiology, health, and clinical outcomes. Outside of research, I serve on the executive board of the FSU Swim Club and volunteer teaching swim lessons to children with special needs—experiences that continue to shape my passion for health promotion and community engagement.

The Effect of Wearing an External Nasal Dilator Strip During Sleep on Subjective and Objective Sleep Quality

Abstract

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately one in three adults in the United States does not obtain sufficient quality sleep every night. Previous research suggests nasal breathing is associated with improved sleep quality compared to mouth breathing, and external nasal dilator strips (ENDS) are designed to enhance nasal airflow by reducing airway resistance. ENDS have been proven to produce positive outcomes in chronic nasal-obstructed individuals; however, the effects on those with normal nasal airflow remain inconclusive.​ This study aimed to test the hypothesis that wearing ENDS would improve subjective (self-rated sleep quality and perceived tiredness) and objective (sleep efficiency and latency) sleep among healthy young adults. Five adults participated in this ongoing clinical trial including a control week (wearing only an actigraph) and two randomized experiential weeks: one with ENDS and one without.​ Each morning and night, participants completed a sleep diary to assess subjective sleep quality. Wrist-based actigraphy continuously tracked objective sleep measures, including sleep efficiency and total sleep time. We compared weekly averaged sleep efficiency and self-rated sleep quality between conditions using paired t-tests for normally distributed data and the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test for non-normally distributed data in Prism 9.3 (GraphPad).​ Results indicated no statistically significant difference in subjective or objective sleep measures between the control and ENDS weeks. This preliminary data suggests that wearing ENDS during sleep does not lead to meaningful changes in objective sleep efficiency or latency and subjective sleep quality or perceived tiredness upon waking.

Keywords: External Nasal Dilator Strip Sleep

BIO

My name is Lauren Perez, I am a graduating senior and Dual Degree Honors student at Florida State University studying Marketing and English: Editing, Writing and Media with a minor in International Affairs. I developed a passion for Marketing Research this past summer while taking a class with Dr. Colleen Harmeling, my research mentor. Since then, working on this project has allowed me to continue to develop my analytical skills and cement my interest and dedication to the field of Consumer Insights and Data. This upcoming summer, I will begin the Master of Marketing Research program at the University of Georgia, where I will continue to fuel my knowledge and passion.

The Effect of Negative Endorser Behaviors on Firm Performance

Abstract

With the rise of social media, there has been an observed trend of social media influencers as brand endorsers. Influencers’ characteristics of relatability and pop culture relevancy are seen as valuable to the brands they endorse, yet their unpredictable behaviors and wide range of personalities may lend to certain risk regarding negative effects on endorser brands. Using an events study methodology, we investigate how negative events associated with an endorser can affect the sponsoring firm’s stock performance. At this stage of the research process, we have been gathering data on various social media influencers, their transgressions, and the brands that endorsed them at the time of the transgression. Additionally, we are building and launching a survey to find what characteristics a population sample associates with said influencers. After this stage, we will be running statistical analyses to find what trends lie in the data. The end goal is to develop an understanding of how influencers’ behaviors and consumer perceptions affect the brands they endorse.

Keywords: Data Analytics, Marketing, Brands, Influencers, Endorsers, Behaviors

BIO

Hailing from Tampa, Florida, I’m a Computer Science major with a deep-rooted passion for computational neuroscience—where the brain meets technology. This field excites me because it opens doors to both life-saving medical applications and entertaining, immersive innovations. My ultimate goal is to become a data scientist focused on exploring the brain-technology interface to expand the capabilities of emerging technologies like Neuralink. I believe understanding neural patterns through data can revolutionize how we treat mental health, enhance learning, and experience the world around us.

On campus, I serve as the President of CodeEducation, an organization dedicated to leveling the playing field in tech through group projects and mentorship. I'm also the Web Chair of Theta Tau, FSU’s professional engineering fraternity, and a proud brother of the award-winning Theta Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated. Through these roles, I’ve grown as both a technical leader and a community builder—skills I hope to carry into a career that bridges innovation, inclusion, and impact in the brain-tech space.

Predicting Seizures using Graph Neural Networks

Abstract

Seizures are unpredictable neurological events that often result in significant physical and cognitive impairments. One of the primary challenges in seizure management is the inability to accurately predict when a seizure will occur, limiting opportunities for timely medical intervention. While machine learning has shown promise in the field of seizure forecasting, existing models frequently lack the precision and speed required for real-time applications.

This research investigates the potential of Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to enhance seizure prediction by modeling the brain as a complex, non-Euclidean graph structure. We aim to explore whether combining multiple GNN architectures can improve prediction accuracy and reduce detection time, ultimately enabling real-time response capabilities. Our methodology consists of a comprehensive literature review to assess the strengths and limitations of current GNN approaches, mathematical modeling to identify effective model combinations, and software development to implement and test these hybrid systems.

Preliminary findings indicate that the integration of two specific GNN models results in improved prediction accuracy and a reduction in time to seizure detection. These results suggest that combining complementary GNN frameworks can lead to more robust and responsive prediction models. By leveraging the unique structural insights provided by GNNs, this research contributes to the advancement of real-time neurological event forecasting and highlights a promising pathway toward improved patient outcomes in epilepsy care.

Keywords: Computer Science, Neuroscience, Data Science

BIO

I am a biology student at Florida State University with a strong interest in experimental sciences and data analysis, also eager to explore new research opportunities and further develop their academic and professional skills.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Wormlike Micelle Scission Energies

Abstract

Micelles, self-assembled structures formed by surfactant molecules,
have vital roles in biological, industrial, and pharmaceutical
applications, such as drug delivery and personal care products. The
basic properties of micelles, such as their ability to encapsulate
hydrophobic substances in their core, have been well established.
However, the dynamics of rare events like micelle scission—when
micelles break apart into smaller units—remain poorly understood.
Specifically, how variations in surfactant tail length affect the
energy required for micelle scission is not well-documented in the
literature. This study addresses this gap by investigating the
influence of surfactant tail length on the scission energy of
wormlike micelles using molecular dynamics simulations.
Understanding these dynamics can help optimize formulations for
drug delivery and materials science applications.

Keywords: Micelles, Molecular, Dynamics

BIO

My name is Kasiemobi “Kobi” Oraedu, and I am a sophomore at Florida State University on a pre-med track to become an interventional radiologist. I’m originally from Ocala, Florida, and my passion for medicine stems from a deep interest in diagnostic imaging, minimally invasive procedures, and patient care.

Beyond my coursework, I am actively involved in the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital volunteer program, where I gain valuable hands-on experience in a hospital setting. I am also a member of the American Medical Students Association (AMSA), which allows me to connect with like-minded peers, learn from medical professionals, and prepare for my future in healthcare. Additionally, I am strongly interested in health sciences research and hope to contribute to advancements in medical technology and patient outcomes.

I am committed to building a strong foundation for medical school through academic excellence, clinical experience, and research opportunities. My goal is not just to become a doctor but to make a lasting impact in medicine by improving diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that help patients receive the best possible care.

Exploring Energy Sustainability and Efficiency at 21.1T MRI/NMR magnet

Abstract

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), an application of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy, is widely used to study biological structures like tissues and organs with the help of strong magnetic fields and Radio Frequency (RF) pulses. NMR spectroscopy is used to determine the chemical and molecular structure of solid or liquid samples, while MRI is utilized as a non-destructive diagnostic tool for imaging the brain, heart, and muscles.
To conduct MRI/NMR experiments and process the data, we need supporting equipment such as transceivers, RF amplifiers, gradient amplifiers, shim amplifiers, chillers, and acquisition control systems. Not all instruments need to be running during a particular experiment. For example, while performing NMR, we don’t need to use the gradient amplifiers, animal monitoring systems, and chillers that are specific to MRI experiments.
Running these systems 24/7 could lead to energy waste and negatively impact the environment with increased CO2 emissions. Although there are studies targeted towards clinical MRI 3T systems [3], data on ultra-high field MRI/NMR systems like the 21.1T (Fig 1) , the world's strongest MRI magnet used for pre-clinical imaging, is not well-studied. The purpose of this research is to observe the energy consumption of the 21.1T system [1] used for both NMR and MRI to gain a better understanding of the individual power consumption of equipment in idle and active states. This will allow us to incorporate these findings into the acquisition system so that we can turn off unnecessary equipment.

Keywords: Magnet, NMR, MRI

BIO

I'm a senior from Miami, FL, on the pre-dental track. Outside of school and work, I enjoy exploring photography and working toward my New Year's resolution—watching more movies!

Undergraduate Research Scholars’ Reflection: What I Learned about Collegiate Recovery Programs

Abstract

This presentation will exhibit what an undergraduate student learned during their year-long research project. This project strengthened the students' research and presentation skills by teaching them to write a literature review, conduct in-person interviews, and analyze transcribed data. This student is pursuing a research initiative under the Honors in the Major Program, which provides students the opportunity to collaborate with leading faculty to explore a topic in their major area of study comprehensively.

This poster session will showcase a collegiate recovery program's impact on the quality of life of college students at a large public research institution in the South. From semi-structured interviews of college students in recovery, the poster will demonstrate what I learned about the influence of campus resources, typical social interactions among student peers in and outside the LIFT (Living Intentionally, Finding Togetherness) program, and relationships with themselves and their family and friends. The study analyzes how young adults in recovery encounter the traditional challenges among college students but are also confronted by the need to abstain from social environments that enable drug and alcohol use. The research highlights the crucial role of campus interventions and other support resources to empower students in recovery to maintain sobriety without compromising their academic pursuits. The study results will allow a deeper understanding of college students in recovery and how collegiate recovery programs can enhance their services.

Keywords: Collegiate Recovery Program

BIO

My name is Michael Morales, I am a third-year Biology student and I'm very curious about the world. I'm passionate about research and dedicated to personal growth, always looking for ways to connect my academic interests with real-world applications. Outside of school, I love playing soccer, hanging out with friends, and traveling; these fuel my adventurous spirit. I plan to pursue a career in medicine, with the goal of becoming a heart surgeon, and am committed to continuing my education in medical school.

Modeling of VWF Protein Dynamics in Glucose Rich Blood Flow

Abstract

Von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a protein that plays a key role in stopping bleeding by helping platelets stick to blood vessel walls and starting the clotting process. Normally, VWF changes shape when there’s a lot of blood flow (shear force), which allows certain parts of the protein to activate, and form a clot. Recent studies have suggested that high levels of sugar in blood, like in diabetics, might mess with this process. High sugar levels increase blood viscosity, which could make it harder for VWF to unfold the way it’s supposed to, and might increase the risk of bleeding problems for diabetic patients.
To better understand this, we used computer simulations to see how high blood sugar affects VWF at a molecular level. These simulations allow us to test how VWF behaves under different environments. These simulations allow us to analyze VWF behavior in different environments and assess its response under real-world conditions.
We used the TIP3P water model for simulation. While both accurately replicate physiological conditions, they emphasize different molecular interactions. Water models were validated at 293K, 298K, and 310K by analyzing variables such as density and viscosity. VWF protein and glucose were then implemented into the system. Data from these simulations were analyzed and visualized using Visual Molecular Dynamics (VMD) which were then validated with other experimental data and literature.

Keywords: VWF, model, modeling, glucose, simulation

BIO

My name is Stephanie Bellas, and I'm from West Palm Beach, Florida. I'm currently majoring in psychology at Florida State University and I have focused my research this year on lipid modulated catalysis. After graduating, I plan to attend physician assistant school to further my career in healthcare.

Investigating Lipid-Modulated Catalysis: The Impact of Lipid Interactions on Pancreatic Alpha-Amylase Activity

Abstract

The goal of this research is to investigate the influence of lipid interactions on pancreatic alpha-amylase catalysis with a starch-iodine assay. This investigation is integral to understanding the role of lipids in enzyme activity, specifically how lipids impact the function and catalytic rate of pancreatic alpha-amylase. Triplicates of test tubes with different lipid concentrations were created, as well as a control test tube with amylase and no lipid. The experimental tube had amylose, lipid, and buffer. The assays were then run, and the indicator displayed a blue color. Absorbance is measured by indicator color, and then data was analyzed based on rate of absorbance and absorbance level. Because of the amphipathic state of lipids, it is made susceptible to interactions with other molecules, which is what leads to the interaction with enzymes. The results of the experiment are expected to show enhanced function/ increased enzyme catalysis rate with lipid interactions introduced. The study by Ononamadu et al explores the effectiveness of two different assay methods to measure enzyme catalysis rate. Ultimately, there were inconsistencies observed between the starch-iodine and DNSa methods, which suggest that the former may not be suitable for screening extracts with high antioxidant potential. The results display that lipids have the potential to alter/enhance the function of certain drugs and antibiotics, using the better-suited DNS assay method as a catalysis measuring method. A further application of this study could be especially promising in the field of antibiotic enhancement, given that the DNS assay method is used.

Keywords: Lipids, Alpha-Amylase, Catalysis

BIO

Morgan is a junior at Florida State University, originally from Clearwater, Florida. She is pursuing a major in Psychology with a minor in Sociology. She is currently a research assistant in the ASPIRE Lab studying suicide research. She plans to pursue a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology, with the goal of building a career dedicated to clinical practice and mental health advocacy.

Acquired Capability for Suicide as a Predictor of Virtual Reality Suicidal Behavior

Abstract

Suicide is an increasingly prevalent issue in society, yet the ability to conduct suicide research is limited. Virtual reality allows us to explore factors that contribute to suicide risk, such as acquired capability, in ways that were previously not possible. This study aims to test if physical pain tolerance and fearlessness of death, the two components of acquired capability for suicide, will predict suicidal behavior. A group of 64 young adults
were assessed for these measures and then given the option to either make a virtual suicide attempt or not. I predict that higher levels of physical pain tolerance and greater fearlessness of death will correlate with higher engagement of suicidal behavior in virtual reality simulations. By determining if certain factors heighten suicide risk, this study will aid in clinical settings, such as allowing us to more easily predict if an individual is at risk for engaging in suicidal behavior.

Keywords: Suicide, virtual reality, acquired capability

BIO

Hello! I'm Maegan Lewis, a sophomore nursing major with a great interest in history. I'm from Stuart, FL. I was fortunate enough to participate in the UROP program under my great research mentor Dr. Benjamin Gunter, and learn all about Revolutionary St. Augustine. I have found the research process really enlightening and I've learned so many new things! I look forward to graduating FSU with a BSN in the future and working towards becoming a cRNA.

Take, Seize, Burn, Sink and Destroy: Privateering in Revolutionary St. Augustine (1775)

Abstract

When the 1763 Treaty of Paris awarded the then Spanish Florida to Britain, no one could predict the events that would rock the very same British colony a decade later. At the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, St. Augustine was the primary settlement in East Florida. A loyalist settlement bordered by Rebels, St. Augustine soon became a target for Patriot attacks. Getting supplies by sea was more difficult with Rebel ships patrolling the waters. The resulting orders from both sides to go by boat and steal war stocks set the stage for an event that took place on August 7th, 1775, on St. Mary's River. Patriots of the ship Commerce stole ‘six tons’ (or about 13 thousand pounds) of gunpowder from the Loyalist brig Betsy. Governor Tonyn of St. Augustine was furious, whilst the South Carolinian patriots rejoiced. My research into Revolutionary St. Augustine and further into privateering has allowed me to go in-depth on this specific event and both sides' perspectives and responses, as well as the numerous factors and characters at play. This event paints a colorful picture of just exactly how St. Augustine participated in the Revolutionary War through privateering efforts, adding to the city's already rich history.

Keywords: History, Pirates, Florida

BIO

Currently a Psychology Student with interests in Clinical Psychology, interested in subjects such as suicide prevention and mental illness.

Impulsivity and Inhibition as Risk Factors for Suicide

Abstract

Suicides rates have increased by 37% from 2000-2022, indicating a greater need for well-informed intervention (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2024)

Impulsivity: Urge or completion of actions that can be seen as premature, unduly, risky, or poorly conceived (Crews & Boettiger, 2009)

Behavioral Inhibition System: Dispositional sensitivity to signals of punishment associated with anticipating and avoiding unfavorable outcomes

Behavioral inhibition and facets of impulsivity, specifically negative urgency, have been associated with risk for suicidal behavior (SB; Cyders & Smith, 2007)

Virtual Reality (VR) has offered a way to study SB without placing participants at risk

Keywords: Suicide, Suicide Risk, VR, Impulsivity