Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Gregory Regala and I am a second-year honors student studying Biochemistry on a pre-proffessional track. I am from Orlando, FL and really enjoy learning about the mechanisms that drive the biological functions of life. Outside of class and research I am actively involved in the Asian American Student Union, Lambda Phi Epsilon International Fraternity Inc., and previously served as an ambassador for APIA Vote.

Investigating the Role of Csm1 in Ulp2 Localization and its Effects on Sister Chromatid Separation

Abstract

In the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or budding yeast, the protein Ulp2 plays a crucial role in chromosome cohesion. Ulp2 is a peptidase that deconjugates Smt3/SUMO-1 peptides from proteins, contributing to chromosome cohesion at centromeric regions, recovery from checkpoint arrest due to DNA damage or replication defects, and RNA splicing. It is also a potential Cdc28p substrate, with its human homolog, PML, implicated in promyelocytic leukemia (Engel, 2024).

Ulp2 ensures proper sister chromatid separation by removing SUMO chains at the right time. Research suggests that Csm1, a key nucleolar protein, may regulate Ulp2 localization. While Ulp2 is found in the nucleolus during most of the cell cycle, it relocates to the kinetochore during anaphase. To investigate the effect of Csm1 deletion (Csm1Δ), Ulp2 localization can be tracked using the fluorescent protein tag NG, while the kinetochore protein Nuf2 is tagged with MCH. Further analysis through a NOC arrest allows for synchronized cell cycle evaluation in Csm1Δ mutants.

If Csm1 influences Ulp2 localization, Csm1Δ cells may exhibit premature sister chromatid separation. This hypothesis can be tested using fluorescent tagging of Cen4 with GFP and Tub1 with MCH. In Csm1Δ mutants, Ulp2 is expected to disperse throughout the cytosol instead of concentrating at kinetochores.

This research enhances our understanding of biochemical pathways linked to human diseases, such as cancer and chromosome nondisjunction, by shedding light on Ulp2’s role in chromosomal stability.

Keywords: Biology, Proteins, Biomedical, Cancer

BIO

I am from Covington, Louisiana, and my passion for healthcare has led me to pursue a career as a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant (CAA). As a research assistant in the Cardiovascular and Applied Physiology (CAP) Lab, I study human performance and cardiovascular function, gaining valuable hands-on experience that strengthens my understanding of physiology and patient care. My work in the lab involves assessing how various stressors, such as exercise and environmental conditions, impact cardiovascular health, providing important insights that contribute to broader advancements in healthcare and patient outcomes. In addition to research, I work as a caretaker for individuals with cerebral palsy through the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, a role that has deepened my commitment to patient advocacy and compassionate care. I also serve as vice president of Chi Omega, where I oversee all academic initiatives and scholarships, supporting members in their educational and professional growth.

Effect of Wearing an External Nasal Dilator Strip During Sleep on Immediate Waking Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

Abstract

Elevated waking blood pressure (BP) is a well-established indicator of increased cardiovascular disease risk. Previous research suggests that nasal breathing may influence BP, and external nasal dilator strips (ENDS) have been shown to promote nasal breathing by reducing inspiratory resistance. While ENDS have been used to improve sleep quality in individuals with sleep apnea, their effects on waking BP and heart rate (HR) remain unclear. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that wearing an ENDS during sleep would decrease waking BP and HR. Six adults completed a three-week study protocol consisting of a control week (wearing only an Actigraph) and two experimental weeks, in which participants were randomly assigned to wear an ENDS during either the second or third week. Waking BP and HR were measured immediately upon waking using an automated BP cuff. Statistical analyses were conducted using Prism 9.3 (GraphPad), with BP and HR values averaged across conditions. Results indicated no significant differences in systolic BP, diastolic BP, or HR between the control and ENDS weeks. These findings suggest that wearing an ENDS during sleep does not significantly affect waking BP or HR in young adults. Further research with a larger sample size and an extended study duration is needed to fully evaluate the potential cardiovascular effects of ENDS.

Keywords: External Nasal Dilator Strips, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate, Cardiovascular Health

BIO

I am a junior at Florida State University majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry. I am interested in evolutionary ecology research, and am currently doing my Honors in the Major project in the Lemmon Lab with Dr. Emily Lemmon.

Testing the Effects of Reproductive Character Displacement on Breeding Ecology of Upland Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris feriarum)

Abstract

Within the southeastern United States are two species of the genus Pseudacris found to hybridize: Pseudacris feriarum and P. nigrita (Lemmon 2009). Hybrids of these species are less fit, and hybrid males are partially sterile (Lemmon 2010). Because hybridization is maladaptive, females have evolved to prefer calls of conspecific males that are more different from that of the heterospecifics (Lemmon 2009). The divergent preferences of P. feriarum females have caused males to evolve more energetically costly calls (Lemmon 2009). Considering that mating signals for male anurans is their most energetically costly activity performed (Wells 2007), I predict that greater energetic costs to P. feriarum male signaling could potentially lead to a decrease in the nightly duration of male signaling time, a shortening of the length of the annual breeding season, and/or increased intensity of breeding on the active nights (i.e., more dense choruses). To test these predictions, we are passively monitoring acoustic signaling behavior of frog choruses in six natural populations in Florida and Georgia.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, frogs, ecology

BIO

Tai'Mir Mitchell, originally from Miami, FL, is studying psychology with a minor in social work at FSU. Upon completing her bachelor's degree, she is committed to pursuing a master's degree in social work. Her objective is to leverage her involvement in the Motivated Social Cognition Lab to enhance her comprehension of research methodologies and interpersonal dynamics. Engaging in this lab, she aspires to cultivate academic and professional insights that can be directly applied to her future pursuits. She is enthusiastic about delving deeper into the realm of research and contributing meaningfully to the field of psychology.

Exploring Gender Differences in Engagement with Self-Transcendent and Self-Enhancement Value Affirmation Interventions 


Abstract

Value affirmation exercises aim to reduce defensive responses through reflection of closely held values. However, little work has explored how individuals differ in the types of values they affirm and their level of personal engagement with the intervention. Following Burson et al. (2012), this study investigates self-enhancement (SE) and self-transcendent (ST) values. SE values prioritize personal gains like achievement, power, and status, while ST values prioritize the welfare of others over personal gain. This study specifically explores gender differences in using SE and ST themes and personal engagement in value-affirmation tasks. Participants' written responses in value affirmation and control conditions (writing about a daily routine) were coded for the presence of SE and ST themes and level of personal engagement in terms of usage of personal experiences and elaboration of key points. Overall, this study examines gender differences in value affirmation engagement, attempting to reveal individual differences in the intervention’s effectiveness.
Key words: value affirmation, self-transcendent, self-enhancement, personal engagement, gender

Keywords: Psychology, Value affirmation, self-transcendent, self-enhancement, personal engagement, gender

BIO

My name is Bethany and I am a fourth year student at FSU from Virginia. I am studying public health and international affairs, and am an aspiring physician. This is my second time participating in research and I am excited to incorporate research into my college and future career experience.

Assessing the Impact of Social Stigma and Sexual Health Behavior on Perceived Vulnerability to HIV Infection Among Adolescent Girls in Kenya

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is a region in the African Continent including 49 countries below the Sahara Desert (International Trade Administration, n.d). This region carries a high burden of infectious disease including HIV. The HIV/AIDS epidemic in SSA has claimed thousands of lives with vulnerable populations particularly impacted.

Populations are vulnerable to HIV/AIDS due to many factors, including poor infrastructure surrounding health care delivery, lack of HIV/AIDS education, and social stigmatization of the disease. Furthermore, gender disparities decrease the accessibility of treatments, leaving adolescent girls and women particularly vulnerable. Women are vulnerable due to educational disparities and traditional gender roles where women often lack agency over their lives and families. Adolescent girls have increasingly been a focus as they are disproportionately impacted by HIV/AIDS. In SSA, young women and adolescent girls are two times more likely to be living with HIV than boys of the same age (Karim & Baxter, 2019). Given the vulnerability of this population, education programs centered around HIV/AIDS protection are a significant focus for public health stakeholders. Another important consideration in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment is the social stigmatization of HIV/AIDS. The HIV epidemic is estimated to have killed 42.3 million people globally (UNAIDS, 2024). Social stigma around the virus is widespread and impacts the daily lives of people living with HIV. This study will focus on how social stigma and sexual health behavior impact the way in which adolescent girls perceive their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: Public Health, HIV/AIDS, Kenya

BIO

My name is Konrad Schneider, from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. I am a Mechanical Engineering student specializing in Human Robot-Interaction and predictive modeling. Eager to design adaptive technologies that bridge human movement with smart systems,
improving accessibility in rehabilitation and everyday life.

Gait Speed Intent Recognition

Abstract

This study explores a new way to predict a persons movement intention by analyzing joint angles. Previous work on gait speed intent recognition has been able to identify discrete desired gait speed changes such as the desire to speed up, slow down, or make no change by monitoring only the person gait kinematics. In this work, we plan to use a similar technique to identify not only the desire to change speeds but also the amplitude of the desired speed change.The proposed method involves first training two subject-specific walking models. One model represents the kinematics for constant-speed walking while the other determines the relationship between Mahalanobis distance value and the size of the desired speed change. In the testing phase, the model predicts speed adjustments in real time based on incoming joint angle data. We test accuracy by comparing the system’s predictions to the treadmill’s actual speed, measuring how closely they match. The goal is to create a personalized, responsive system that adapts to how people naturally move, which could help improve exoskeletons for rehab, sports training, or everyday fitness. The study’s dual-phase design (training/testing) ensures generalization across individuals, offering a framework for personalized human-robot interaction.

Keywords: Engineering, Motion Capture, Intent Recognition, Human Robot Interaction, Human Subject Testing

BIO

My name is Jordan Warsager and I am from Pompano Beach, Florida. I am currently a student in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), majoring in psychology. My research focuses on teacher digital media literacies and competencies. Through this project, I explored how K-12 educators engage with digital media and focusedwas able to explore how K-12 educators engage with digital media and focus on the gap between teachers and media literacy. As part of my future plans, I plan to pursue a Master's in Clinical Counseling and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. It is my goal to work as a clinical psychologist, providing therapy and mental health support to individuals in need. Mental health challenges are one of my greatest passions. I am passionate about understanding human behavior and helping others overcome them. Through this combination of research and academic pursuits, I am on my way to establishing a meaningful career in clinical psychology.

Teacher Digital Media Literacy

Abstract

Our research concerns how teachers show and practice digital media literacy and competency.
This question is important as insight into how inservice teachers practice media competency
provides reason how to better support training and practice for technology that is constantly
changing. This research can also be applied to student outcomes. Our research design was a
systematic review of papers concerning teacher digital media competency and literacy. We
defined criteria (e.g., empirical, concerning inservice K12 teachers, etc.) for the articles we sent
through the review. We have read abstracts of studies to find if they were relevant or not, then
later read through the narrowed down studies to see if they should be included in later research.
While we do not have results yet, preliminary trends show that teachers who have more access to
technological advancements in ICT (information communication technology) show higher digital
media literacy and/or competency. Additionally, it seems there is a knowledge gap especially
when it concerns secondary education teachers and other instructors (e.g., physical education)
and their digital media competency. Preliminary trends in our research show that well-funded
schools and countries have teachers who are more confident in their digital media literacy.
Implications of this research could be policy that directs funding towards digital media literacy
and ICT training for teacher

Keywords: digital media litercies

BIO

Danny Alex is a local from Tallahassee, Florida. Danny is enthusiastic about research related to the medical field, as he is on the pre-med track. One day, he hopes to work in healthcare administration to assist in improving the lives of those around him. Danny loves to use his free time to play sports, such as tennis and volleyball, and to spend time with the people he cares about.

Examining Healthcare Access for Individuals from Diverse Demographics:An Analysis Using Andersen’s Model of Health Services Use

Abstract

The relative ease for an individual to access healthcare is a direct contributor towards an individuals health outcomes. Accessibility can be shaped by many factors, including socioeconomic and individual health literacy elements. This research utilizes Andersen’s Model of Health Services Use to explore the differences in healthcare access among four groups (ranging from high to low access) analyzed from a subset of a larger study, 296 participants were recruited from three different clinics to include both urban and rural communities. It also classifies variables that affect healthcare access into categories of predisposing, enabling, and need factors. An ANOVA analysis revealed that race (White, p = .006; Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, p < .001), substance use (smoking, p = .021; alcohol intake, p = .042; drug consumption, p < .001), and health literacy (functional, p = .016; communicative, p = .001; critical, p = .014; overall, p < .001) were factors that did significantly affect perceived access. Other demographic factors like age (p = .667), gender (p = .085), and education level (p = .086) did not show significant association with access. These results indicate that differences in access are influenced not just by systemic obstacles, but also through individual-level circumstances like substance use behavior. These results highlight the need for interventions to overcome distinct obstacles to access, especially in the case of racially marginalized individuals and those who are less health-literate. Future research should explore policy-driven solutions that integrate health education initiatives with structural reforms to improve equitable healthcare access.

Keywords: Health Equity

BIO

Sofia is a second-year student double majoring in International Affairs and Political Science at Florida State University. With a keen interest in international politics and United States foreign policy, Sofia is excited to be working with the Learning Systems Institute through FSU’s UROP program to research the education system in Rwanda and its recent developments. Beyond her academic pursuits, Sofia is currently involved in the FSU Legislative Internship Program, where she serves as a legislative intern for the Florida Senate. Additionally, she holds the position of Community Service Chair for the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy's Student Leadership Council. Sofia is looking forward to applying to law school in the fall, with plans to specialize in international law.

Professional Identity Among Pre-Service Teachers in Rwanda

Abstract

This study follows the 2023 Primary Teaching Residency Program (PTRP), a pilot program extending the standard three years of pre-service teacher training by one year, with the goal of improving Rwanda’s primary education system. The first term included seminars focused on evidence-based pedagogy in the key subject areas of literacy, math and science, while the last two terms consisted of mainly hands-on Teaching Practice at primary schools. Pre-service teacher training is well-researched in high income countries, but it remains highly overlooked in low and middle-income countries. The PTRP provided an opportunity to improve the quality of teacher preparation in Rwanda while expanding research on pre-service teacher education. Data was collected from the 100 pre-service teachers in the program in the form of reflective journal entries and weekly open-ended questionnaires. For the purpose of this study, a sample of 30 pre-service teachers in the program was purposively selected to include the most information-rich cases. By coding and analyzing the data, we aim to uncover the most important elements of Teaching Practice that facilitate development in self-identity and emphasize the role of professional identity in educators’ success in a global context. Education research related to teacher professional identity is scarce in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study contributes to creating a more contextually representative understanding of teacher professional identity. Deducing the values, beliefs, and attitudes expressed by the PSTs and what they reveal about professional identity is crucial for improving pre-service training and building an educated and committed workforce in countries undergoing education development.

Keywords: international education, Rwanda, pre-service teachers, professional identity, teaching practice

BIO

My name is Paulina Montes Mendez and I am a senior studying biological science. I have learned that I love genetics over the years and hope to continue my education after graduate school. Whether that be a masters in genetic counseling or a PhD in a biomedical or genetics related topic, I hope to make a difference in the lives of many with meaningful research.

Genetic correlations associated with body coloration, aggression, and activity levels in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

One long-standing question in evolutionary biology is whether single genes that control multiple traits (pleiotropy) result in limitations on adaptive evolution. If it does, then our ability to predict adaptation (e.g., in the face of changing environments) is compromised. We are using a much-discussed correlation between body coloration and aggressive behavior as a system to address this question. Having found the predicted genetic correlation between cuticle color and aggressive behavior in Drosophila melanogaster using artificial selection (unpublished data), we then asked if any other behaviors co-evolved under selection on cuticle color. For example, the dopamine synthesis pathway is plausibly related to color, aggression, and other behaviors, such as activity level. We therefore measured the activity level of flies (D. melanogaster) selected for darker and lighter cuticle color. Results suggest that activity level is higher in the dark-selected lines, suggesting that genetic correlations do constrain the independent evolution of cuticle color and behavior. The next step in this study is to identify candidate genes underlying the correlation and test for pleiotropic effects using transgenic approaches.

Keywords: Drosophila, behavior, activity

BIO

Coming from Cardenas, Cuba and making it all the way to Florida is a blessing. With this life opportunity, I plan to pursue medicine as one of my main life goals. I am very passionate about health, fitness, and sports.

Almond Consumption as a Dietary Strategy For Improving Vascular function and Hemodynamics in adults with Overweight and Obesity

Abstract

Leandro Lantigua-Somoano, Saiful Singar, Bahram Arjmandi

Objectives: Overweight and obesity elevate the risk of metabolic disorders. This study examined the effects of almond intake, a nutrient-rich snack, on flow-mediated dilation and resting blood pressure in physically active middle-aged adults with overweight or obesity.

Methods: A crossover RCT included 17 males and 21 postmenopausal females aged 50–64 with a BMI of 25.0–34.9 kg/m². Participants consumed 64 g of almonds or an isocaloric control snack daily for 12 weeks, separated by a 4-week washout. Flow-mediated dilation and resting blood pressure were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Linear mixed model analyses were conducted to determine the main (treatment and time) and interaction effects. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Almond consumption significantly increased FMD maximum diameter (+0.256 mm, p=0.0158). A significant treatment-by-time interaction (p=0.0477) indicated greater FMD change from baseline to 12 weeks in the almond group (+0.1058 mm) versus control. Time alone showed a borderline effect on FMD maximum diameter (+0.186 mm, p=0.0712) and significantly reduced normalized FMD (−4.171×10⁻⁷ cm/Pa·s, p=0.0495). Other primary outcomes, including blood pressure and heart rate, did not exhibit meaningful main or interaction effects for treatment or time.

Conclusions: In conclusion, almond consumption significantly improved FMD among overweight or obese adults aged 50–64, suggesting potential vascular benefits. Despite a borderline effect of time on maximum FMD diameter, no clear main or interactive effects emerged for blood pressure or heart rate. Further investigation is needed to confirm these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms.

Keywords: Almond, Vascular Function, Obesity

BIO

I am currently a senior Psychology major with a minor in Child Development. This is my second semester in Dr. Ganley's DIS Math Thinking and Learning Lab. My goal is to have a future career in School Counseling.

Associations among General Anxiety, Test Anxiety, Math Anxiety, and Math Achievement in Children

Abstract

Children’s math achievement may be impacted by many factors, including different forms of anxiety. Math anxiety is a discomfort associated with math learning and math tasks and is a prevalent issue among children. Math anxiety in children is often linked to decreased math achievement. However, the extent to which math anxiety is distinct from or explains the relation between general anxiety and test anxiety with math achievement remains unclear. This study aims to examine the relations among general anxiety, test anxiety, math anxiety, and math achievement in elementary aged children, investigating whether math anxiety mediates the relation between general anxiety or test anxiety with math achievement. A sample of approximately 500 second grade students were assessed using validated self-report measures of general anxiety and test anxiety, alongside a researcher adapted math anxiety scale at the beginning of the school year. They then completed a researcher developed math achievement assessment at the end of the school year. We hypothesize that general anxiety and test anxiety will negatively relate to math achievement and that math anxiety will mediate these relations. Understanding these associations may provide insight into the underlying mechanisms affecting the math success of elementary- aged students, which can inform interventions aimed at reducing anxiety- related barriers in the classroom.

Keywords: Math Anxiety, Children

BIO

My name is Jack Cullen, and I am a sophomore studying biochemistry. In the future, I aspire to go to med school and work to help those who need it the most. This year, I look forward to working with Dr. Dong and participating in his research. Past academics, I love traveling and playing sports.

Factors Affecting Sense of Belongingness Among College Students: A Scoping Review

Abstract

About 21% of undergraduate and 11% of post baccalaureate students
have reported having a disability (National Center for Education
Statistics, 2023)
Many students with disabilities are not given adequate
accommodations and support.
College students with disabilities are not fully assimilated into campus
culture and may feel unincluded in peer activity amongst universities.
Post-secondary education is extremely pivotal in building students’
future and success in their desired occupation. (Sheppard-Jones et
al., 2021).
Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that a feeling of sense of
belongingness is the pathway towards true self-actualization and
confidence.
The research culminates in a manuscript that displays the
importance of a sense of belonging as well as the effects of a lack
thereof

Keywords: Disabilities, Belongingness, College

BIO

Hello, my name is Addison Crews. I am originally from Nashville, Tennessee. I am a third year Biological Sciences student here at FSU. I plan on applying to veterinary school this upcoming cycle. I began working in the Hughes Lab in September 2022 and I've loved the experience. I have a piqued interest in field research within the realm of animal behavior and genetics.

Genetic correlations associated with body coloration, aggression, and activity levels in Drosophila melanogaster

Abstract

One long-standing question in evolutionary biology is whether single genes that control multiple traits (pleiotropy) result in limitations on adaptive evolution. If it does, then our ability to predict adaptation (e.g., in the face of changing environments) is compromised. We are using a much-discussed correlation between body coloration and aggressive behavior as a system to address this question. Having found the predicted genetic correlation between cuticle color and aggressive behavior in Drosophila melanogaster using artificial selection (unpublished data), we then asked if any other behaviors co-evolved under selection on cuticle color. For example, the dopamine synthesis pathway is plausibly related to color, aggression, and other behaviors, such as activity level. We therefore measured the activity level of flies (D. melanogaster) selected for darker and lighter cuticle color. Results suggest that activity level is higher in the dark-selected lines, suggesting that genetic correlations do constrain the independent evolution of cuticle color and behavior. The next step in this study is to identify candidate genes underlying the correlation and test for pleiotropic effects using transgenic approaches.

Keywords: Genetics, Pleiotropy, Evolutionary Constraints

BIO

I’m Maia Gleizer, an Exercise Physiology major at Florida State University from hollywood Florida. I’m passionate about promoting health and wellness, and I’m currently working to establish the American Society of Exercise Physiologists Club at FSU to advocate for the importance of exercise physiology in health promotion and disease prevention. My research interests focus on crisis response systems and their impact on health and emergency outcomes. My long-term goal is to open a wellness business that empowers people to lead healthier lives. I hold personal training certifications and plan to earn a nutrition certification to further my knowledge in wellness.

Crisis Intervention Planning Tool For Emergency Response

Abstract

The goal of the project is to develop an interactive R tool that enables users to adjust input parameters and generate customized visualizations. Data visualization plays a critical role in decision-making, and by creating this R-based tool, we aim to enhance accessibility, allowing researchers and decision-makers to tailor data visualizations to their specific needs.

Keywords: Crisis Planning Tool

BIO

Maiya Johnson is a third-year undergraduate student double majoring in Religion and English (Editing, Writing & Media). In addition to her IDEA Grant research, which funded her honors in the major thesis, she is the president of Students Organized for Religious and Cultural Exploration (SORCE). She has also worked with LGBTQ+ organizations, like Flourish Therapy and the Utah Pride Center, to advocate for queer rights in LDS spaces. Maiya enjoys researching the complexities of queerness in religious environments, especially pertaining to queer individuals of marginalized genders. After she graduates in the spring of 2025, she will attend graduate school to obtain her M.A. in religious studies with a concentration in American religious history and gender and sexuality studies. In the future, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D., become a professor, and continue her research on queerness in religious spaces.

Hearing the Unheard: Understanding the Lived Religious Experiences of Queer LDS Women in Utah

Abstract

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDSC or Mormons) deems homosexuality morally transgressive and socially unacceptable. Mormon theology is grounded in gendered heterocentric principles, specifically, the requirement of heterosexual marriage to achieve “eternal exaltation.” The Church typically centers its concerns with homosexuality on men, relegating queer LDS women to a presumed state of compulsory heterosexuality and normative femininity. Therefore, queer LDS women are forced further into the margins, leaving them mostly overlooked and unheard. I aim to give queer LDS women a platform to vocalize how their experiences demonstrate the marginalization of female queerness in Mormonism. This study documents the lived religious experiences of queer LDS women and nonbinary persons in Utah. It examines how such individuals orient themselves and their sexual identities within a religious culture that rejects them. My study also explores how queer LDS women categorize themselves in relation to the LDSC and how they respond and cope with their Mormon identity and experiences based on their self-categorization. I conducted open-ended, semi-structured, focused life-history interviews with queer LDS women and AFAB nonbinary persons over six weeks during summer 2024. These interviews enabled participants to reflect on their religious experiences and explain how anti-queer LDS theology and doctrine have directly impacted their lives and self-perceptions. They narrated the challenges of navigating their relationship with Mormonism and how living in a dense Mormon region often negatively impacts their daily lives through culture and politics.

Keywords: LGBTQ+, Lived religion, Ethnography

BIO

I am a biomedical engineering student at Florida State University with a strong passion for medicine, research, and patient care. As a pre-med student, I am dedicated to understanding the complexities of healthcare and exploring different medical specialties.

I am currently conducting research with the Mysona Group, focusing on protein molecular simulations to deepen my understanding of molecular interactions and their applications in biomedical science. My academic journey is driven by curiosity, problem-solving, and a commitment to contributing to advancements in medicine and healthcare technology.

With a strong foundation in science and engineering, I enjoy applying analytical thinking to real-world challenges. I am committed to continuous learning, personal growth, and making a meaningful impact in the medical field.

Prion Misfolding: Beta-Sheet Destabilization

Abstract

Prion diseases are a group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders caused by the misfolding of the prion
protein (PrP). The misfolded form propagates by converting native PrP into its pathogenic
conformation, yet the precise molecular mechanisms underlying this process remain poorly
understood. A key step in misfolding involves structural destabilization, particularly in the β-sheet
regions of PrP. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations provide atomic-level insights into protein
misfolding, but conventional approaches are hindered by the large disparity between biologically
relevant folding timescales and computational limitations. To overcome this barrier, we employ
advanced sampling techniques to investigate the unzipping of the β-sheet in properly folded PrP, a
potential early-stage event in misfolding. Our simulations capture conformational transitions that
reveal key intermediates and energy barriers associated with β-sheet destabilization. By characterizing
these molecular events, we provide novel insight into the earliest structural changes that may lead to
prion propagation. Understanding these misfolding pathways is essential for elucidating prion disease
mechanisms and could inform future therapeutic strategies aimed at stabilizing the native PrP
conformation, thereby preventing disease onset.c

Keywords: Prion, Beta Sheet, Proteins

BIO

Summer is a native Jacksonville resident and a current undergraduate student at Florida State University. She is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Child Development. Summer is passionate about applying research-backed interventions to better the livelihoods of individuals with various disabilities. Working as a Registered Behavior Technician throughout her undergraduate career, Summer provides Applied Behavior Analysis therapy to children and adolescents with autism in the Tallahassee area. Alongside her research involvement in the Steacy-Compton lab, Summer is affiliated with Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology, and the Psychology Club at Florida State University. A Spring 2025 graduate, Summer intends to pursue an Educational Specialist's Degree in School Psychology to continue advocating and facilitating learning across the diverse student population.

Examining the Contributions of Reading Skill and Semantic Knowledge as Predictors of Lexical Quality: Insights from Item-Level Spelling Variance in Skilled Adult Readers

Abstract

The Lexical Quality Hypothesis proposes that readers have a range of low- to high-quality items stored in their mental lexicon, with the quality varying across individuals and words (Perfetti, 1992, 2017; Perfetti & Hart, 2001, 2002). A high-quality word representation includes interconnected information about its spelling, pronunciation, and meaning, which allows for effortless and consistent retrieval, affecting overall reading skill. The likelihood of a word being represented with high quality depends on factors at the person- and word-levels. Person-level features refer to skills directly measured in the participants in the study (e.g., decoding skill, print exposure). Word-level characteristics refer to properties of the specific words in our study (e.g., frequency, length). Spelling accuracy was used to index the lexical quality of words and evaluate these predictions.
Explanatory item response models (EIRM) explored simultaneous contributions of person-level (e.g., participant’s vocabulary skill) and word-level (e.g., word’s age of acquisition) predictors to the spelling of 54 commonly misspelled, difficult English words in skilled adult readers. Results: Preliminary analyses suggest substantial variance among individuals in item-level spelling accuracy accounted for by person-level set for variability, vocabulary, and print exposure, as well as word-level frequency and age of acquisition.
Results suggest important predictors at the person and word level. Consistent with the Lexical Quality Hypothesis, results add to the literature that suggest that forming high-quality lexical representations of a given word depends on an intricate combination of person- and word-level characteristics, including reading experience and semantic variables.

Keywords: spelling, lexical quality, orthography, phonology, adults

BIO

I am a sophomore on the Pre-PA track. I am originally from Columbus, Ohio and enjoy working out, spending time with friends, and traveling. I am also involved in my sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma and Dance Marathon.

Negative Affect, Caregiver Burden, and Resilience Levels in Parent Caregivers of Children with Chronic Conditions: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

Abstract

Providing care for another person impacts the caregivers’ personal well-being in many aspects of their lives. (Schulz & Sherwood, 2008) With the growing population and rise in chronic illness across the globe, it is imperative to understand how caregiving affects those providing caring on an individual level. Therefore, the primary purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between negative affect (stress, depression, anxiety), caregiver burden, and resilience levels in parents of children with chronic illnesses, both before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic introduced new stressors, including fears of illness, reduced healthcare access, and social isolation, which may exacerbate the challenges faced by caregivers. A longitudinal design was used, involving 120 parents of children with chronic illnesses and a control group of parents of typically developing children. Participants were assessed for resilience, negative affect, and caregiver burden, with 60 parents reassessed after the onset of COVID-19. The results are expected to show a positive correlation between negative affect and caregiver burden, and an inverse relationship between resilience and caregiver burden and negative affect. This study aims to provide valuable insights into the compounded psychological and physiological impact of chronic caregiving, particularly in the context of external stressors like the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings may inform targeted interventions to help caregivers manage their mental health and improve their well-being, benefiting both caregivers and the children they care for.

Keywords: Caregiver Burden, Negative Affect, Chronic Illness, Resilience, Parents

BIO

I am Zach Giovanini, and I am from Gulf Breeze, FL. I am studying cell and molecular neuroscience on a pre-medical track and plan to go to medical school and become a neurologist. I am interested in researching PFAS, but also neuroscience, especially Alzheimer's.

Modeling electron-mediated degradation of PFAS in nonthermal plasma

Abstract

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever molecules,” are compounds that contain multiple carbon-fluorine bonds. They get the moniker “forever molecules” because the carbon-fluorine bond is the strongest single bond in organic chemistry, making PFAS very difficult to degrade; because of this, PFAS bioaccumulate and pose an extremely hazardous issue to humans and the environment. Our collaborators in chemical engineering found that their nonthermal plasma reactor effectively degrades PFAS, but the mechanism remains unknown. Additionally many reactive intermediates like electrons, hydroxide radicals, and hydrogen radicals are formed which makes studying the degradation mechanism experimentally challenging. With computations, we hope to establish a benchmark to determine the appropriate level of theory to study these compounds and investigate their degradation mechanisms. Using the Conformer-Rotamer Ensemble Sampling Tool (CREST) conformer search program, Gaussian 16, ORCA 5.0.4, and the supercomputer at FSU, we were able to evaluate multiple different levels of theory specifically for perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) reactive intermediates, and our benchmark is in agreement with literature findings that the M06-2X functional is the best model for PFAS. Additionally, we explored how the concept of electron upconversion and electron catalysis that we recently showed can yield quantum yields greater than unity can be applied to efficiently degrade PFAS. PFAS can be degraded in nonthermal plasma via electron catalysis, this would greatly increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness to practically address PFAS remediation.​

Keywords: PFAS, nonthermal plasma, degradation