Research Symposium

BIO

My name is Catherine Pinkos and I am a third-year media/communication studies and sport management student from Tampa, FL! Since the 2024 Fall semester, I have greatly enjoyed volunteering as a research assistant in the FSU Cognition and Emotion Lab, learning more about the importance and influence of health communication in our everyday lives. My research interests include influencer marketing with a specific focus on how endorsements by influencers shape our perceptions of various products.

Investigating Psychophysiological and Self-Report Responses of Anti-Oral Nicotine Pouch Social Media Videos

Abstract

Objective: This study examines young adult oral nicotine pouch (ONP) users’ cognitive and emotional responses to user-generated anti-oral nicotine pouch (a-ONP) TikTok videos varying in the presence and absence of disgust images.

Methods: One hundred and two young adult ONP users were exposed to a TikTok simulation that contained user-generated a-ONP TikTok videos. Participants’ psychophysiological responses were recorded while participants viewed the TikTok simulations. Self-reported craving, behavioral intentions to use ONPs, perceived harm reduction, arousal, and negative emotional valence were measured at baseline and post TikTok simulation exposure.

Results: In support of the negativity bias hypothesis, the psychophysiological data indicated that the presence of disgust images led to increased negative emotion valence, arousal, and greater second-by-second attention to the a-ONP TikTok videos versus those absent in disgust images. Self-reported outcomes revealed a decrease in behavioral intentions to use ONPs for a-ONP TikTok videos present in disgust versus those absent in disgust. Craving, behavioral intentions to use ONPs, and perceived harm reduction of ONPs decreased after exposure to a-ONP TikTok videos present in disgust when compared to participants’ baseline reports.

Discussion: User-generated a-ONP TikTok videos that are present in disgust and are presented in a natural TikTok simulation led to effective message outcomes reflected by increased attention and self-reported outcomes. This study extends future opportunities to identify other potential message content used on social media to reduce ONP use and demonstrates the validity of viewing a-ONP TikTok videos in a natural media context.

Keywords: psychophysiology, cognitive and emotional processing, social media

BIO

I am a Media/Communication Studies major with a minor in Business at Florida State University. My hometown is Bradenton, Florida. I am interested in researching the correlation between media, cognition, and emotion.

Investigating Psychophysiological and Self-Report Responses to Anti-Oral Nicotine Pouch Social Media Videos

Abstract

Objective: This study examines young adult oral nicotine pouch (ONP) users’ cognitive and emotional responses to user-generated anti-oral nicotine pouch (a-ONP) TikTok videos varying in the presence and absence of disgust images.

Methods: One hundred and two young adult ONP users were exposed to a TikTok simulation that contained user-generated a-ONP TikTok videos. Participants’ psychophysiological responses were recorded while participants viewed the TikTok simulations. Self-reported craving, behavioral intentions to use ONPs, perceived harm reduction, arousal, and negative emotional valence were measured at baseline and post TikTok simulation exposure.

Results: In support of the negativity bias hypothesis, the psychophysiological data indicated that the presence of disgust images led to increased negative emotion valence, arousal, and greater second-by-second attention to the a-ONP TikTok videos versus those absent in disgust images. Self-reported outcomes revealed a decrease in behavioral intentions to use ONPs for a-ONP TikTok videos present in disgust versus those absent in disgust. Craving, behavioral intentions to use ONPs, and perceived harm reduction of ONPs decreased after exposure to a-ONP TikTok videos present in disgust when compared to participants’ baseline reports.

Discussion: User-generated a-ONP TikTok videos that are present in disgust and are presented in a natural TikTok simulation led to effective message outcomes reflected by increased attention and self-reported outcomes. This study extends future opportunities to identify other potential message content used on social media to reduce ONP use and demonstrates the validity of viewing a-ONP TikTok videos in a natural media context.

Keywords: psychophysiology, cognitive and emotional processing, social media

BIO

My name is Reija Speaks, and I’m a senior at Florida State University. I was born in Fayetteville, NC and moved to Tallahassee, FL to pursue my B.S. in Biological Science. I am beyond grateful to my research mentor for giving me the opportunity to work in marine ecology fieldwork firsthand at the FSU Marine Lab.

Ecological Study of the Effect of Polychaetas on Soil Quality in Intertidal Ecosystems

Abstract

Intertidal ecosystems support a vast array of flora and fauna, and soil quality is a foundational component of an intertidal ecosystem’s health. Healthy soil comprises a balance of nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This balance supports the growth of various seagrasses by aiding in photosynthesis, root development, and drought resistance while also supporting the wellbeing of many sand-dwelling species by encouraging the free movement of oxygen and nutrients.

While phenomena like decomposition naturally return these nutrients to the soil, it is well-established that the Annelid class oligochaetes, or earthworms, vastly improve soil health in terrestrial ecosystems by speeding up the breakdown of organic matter as they consume their weight in it per day. However, the literature on the effect of another closely related Annelid class—the polychaetas, or marine worms—on soil quality in marine ecosystems is less extensive.

This study aims to examine if polychaetas significantly increase the amounts of macronutrients and micronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in sand over time using the intertidal ecosystem of St. Teresa Beach, FL.

Keywords: polychaete; marine ecology; intertidal ecosystems; soil quality; polychaetas

BIO

As an Applied and Computational Mathematics graduate from Florida State University, my research focuses on mathematical modeling for biological applications. I developed the Bacterial Compartmental Absorption and Transit model for my undergraduate thesis, analyzing probiotic treatments for trimethylaminuria. At Rutgers, I researched CRISPR-edited cancer cells and analyzed gene expression data. I'm passionate about protein design, systems biology, and applying Monte Carlo methods to complex biological problems. Outside the lab, I enjoy film photography, developing my own negatives and restoring vintage cameras, and music, playing guitar, piano, and bongos with a special love for jazz. My goal is to continue applying mathematical modeling to biological systems while making mathematics and computational biology more accessible to everyday student scientists through writing books on these topics. I'm also committed to mentoring others, as I currently do with the Prison Math Project developing accessible programming curriculum.

Applied Mathematical and Pharmacokinetic Methods in Probiotic Treatments

Abstract

Trimethylaminuria (TMAU) is a rare metabolic disorder marked by the accumulation of
trimethylamine (TMA), leading to a persistent fishy odor in affected individuals. The
condition is primarily caused by mutations in the FMO3 gene, which encodes the flavin-
containing monooxygenase 3 enzyme responsible for metabolizing TMA to its odorless
derivative. Current treatment options, including dietary modifications and antibiotic
therapy, offer limited and inconsistent relief. This thesis introduces a novel probiotic-based
therapeutic approach utilizing genetically engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) that express
trimethylamine monooxygenase (TMM), an enzyme responsible for converting TMA to its
non-odorous form, trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), within the gut. This engineered
probiotic effectively replicates the function of the deficient FMO3 enzyme in patients. To
determine the optimal probiotic dosage for effective TMAO production, a Physiologically
Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model, termed the Bacterial Compartmental Absorption
and Transit (BCAT) model, was developed and adapted from the Compartmental
Absorption and Transit (CAT) model (Yu & Amidon, 1999). Simulations based on parameters
revealed that an initial dose of one trillion Colony Forming Units (CFUs) is required to
achieve a 95% conversion of TMA to TMAO, significantly reducing the peak plasma TMA
concentration. These findings suggest that the proposed probiotic therapy could offer a
viable and effective treatment for TMAU, enhancing patients' quality of life by mitigating
odor-related symptoms.

Keywords: Pharmacokinetics, Trimethylaminuria, Differential Equations, Mathematical Modeling, Probiotic

BIO

Hi My name is Joshua Selig, I am a third year Political Science student from Tampa, Florida also obtaining a US Intelligence Certificate.

Entrepreneurship during Crisis: Resilience and Recovery in Wartime Ukraine

Abstract

The Ukrainian entrepreneurial ecosystem continues to be significantly and negatively impacted by the war with Russia, resulting in damaged infrastructure, weaker investor interest, a strained mental state, and an overall lack of stability. This exploratory study aims to understand the pre-war and current entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ukraine. We use a mixed-method approach consisting of both semi-structured interviews and an open-ended survey, interviewing 15 Ukrainian entrepreneurs. Many of these individuals were still based in Ukraine, though some did relocate out of the country due to the conflict, but continued operating Ukraine-based ventures. These individuals were identified using the Crunchbase database where we randomly sampled those listed as founders or co-founders. In addition to the interviews, given Ukraine being an active conflict zone, 8 additional individuals agreed to be interviewed via a web survey. Preliminary data analysis is scheduled to begin in March 2025.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Ukraine

BIO

I am a first generation American second generation college student from Loxahatchee Florida. I currently am involved in the Hispanic Latinx student union as a programming coordinator as well as after they arrive, a club on campus that works to raise awareness for refugees in the Tallahassee area. My career aspirations include eating my MSW and attending law school to become an immigration lawyer.

The interpretation of expectation: a cultural view of generational development

Abstract

We investigated the pressure to succeed that children of Latino immigrants feel due to expectations placed on them regardless of whether they are voiced or not. This research aims to raise awareness of the physical barriers that aren't recognized by professionals that Latinos face in their daily lives. As universities' Latino populations rise, institutions need to ensure their Latino population's success by recognizing cultural barriers and provide necessary assistance and guidance. . We gauged the level of expectations placed and the resulting pressure that children felt by analyzing transcripts of 8 dyad interviews and identifying themes that were present. These themes included whether family-centric values, cultural influence, cultural pride and heritage, etc. were present. Analyzation of the transcripts were completed by adapting the Dyad Matrix Method proposed by Collaço et al., 2021. The results suggest that regardless of the explicitness of parental communication regarding expectations, all children experienced familial pressure to succeed.. Moreover, this pressure did not change regardless of previous educational background. Moreover, it suggests that Latinos from all walks of life are struggling in university spaces due to a cultural barrier. ideally, this research will be published in hopes to disseminate this information publicly, thereby allowing for these concepts to be acknowledged and solutions to be put into action.

Keywords: Latino, immigrant, college

BIO

Originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, I now reside in Miami, FL. I am pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering, with a specialization in leveraging robotics to bridge diverse fields such as biomechanics and aerospace.

Gait Speed Intent Recognition

Abstract

This study explores a way to predict the magnitude of change in intent of speed within an individual's gait, through the analysis of their leg movements in real time.

Keywords: Intent recognition, gait intent, speed recognition

BIO

Chiara is a sophomore at Florida State University majoring in English (Editing, Writing, and Media). Her research explores the role of female espionage in World War II, focusing on the distinct challenges, skepticism, and biases these agents encountered. Alongside this examination, she applies her German language skills to translate and transcribe historical documents, contributing to her mentor’s ongoing research. Through UROP, Chiara has developed key research and analytical skills, which she continues to apply beyond the program. Additionally, she is actively involved in on-campus organizations such as International Programs, Her Campus, and the University Honors Program, further enriching her academic and professional experience.

Ungentlemanly Warfare

Abstract

The goal of this research is to investigate the role of women SOE agents during World War II. This research contrasts the experiences of these women with their male counterparts, making a relevant distinction between their experiences. Our methodology consists of analyzing and categorizing training and recruitment methods, transcribing archival audio interviews, and conducting bias tracking. The implications of this research invite further investigation into the specific role of women during these eras. Particularly, those placed in a direct line of harm as a result of their work.

Keywords: Espionage, World War II, Women, History

BIO

Samir Kanbar is a computer science major based in Miami with a passion for entrepreneurship and technology. As the founder of Komp, a social networking platform for pick-up sports athletes, he is dedicated to building community-driven solutions that enhance engagement and connectivity. Samir has a strong background in software development, spanning backend architecture, frontend design, and API integrations. He is actively involved in business development, networking with faculty, and seeking funding to scale his ventures. A Lebanese immigrant and Presidential Scholar at FSU, Samir is driven by a vision to make a lasting impact in the tech and startup space.

Enhancing Anomaly Detection: Innovative Approaches for Accurate and Efficient Detection

Abstract

Anomaly detection plays a crucial role in identifying irregular patterns across various domains, including cybersecurity, healthcare, and finance. This research explores innovative approaches to efficiently and accurately detect anomalies using machine learning, rule-based systems, and hybrid techniques. The study outlines a structured methodology encompassing data collection, preprocessing, and experimental setup, leveraging tools such as Python and TensorFlow. Performance metrics like accuracy, precision, and recall are analyzed through visual representations, providing insights into model effectiveness. Key limitations, including data constraints and model complexity, are discussed alongside future research directions to enhance detection capabilities. This work aims to contribute to the advancement of anomaly detection systems, paving the way for more reliable and scalable solutions in critical applications.

Keywords: Machine Learning, Anomaly Detection, Planning

BIO

My name is Jack Engelhard. I am from Saint Louis, Missouri. I am a sport management major here at FSU with the plan to go to law school. My goal for the future is to build a career as a sports agent.

Honesty and Observability

Abstract

This economics study introduces an experimental design to
examine how varying levels of observation affect dishonest
behavior in a Fischbacher & Follmi-Heusi (2013) style lying
game. Previous research compared lying when 0% or 100% of
decisions were observed (Gneezy et al., 2018; Abeler et al.,
2019). This project expands on that by introducing 20% and
50% observation conditions.
These new settings create environments where participants have
incentives to lie but must consider social image costs. By
observing individual decisions, the study estimates behavior
more precisely, especially among unobserved participants. This
allows for testing new predictions of lying models that factor in
social image costs.
This work ties into classical economic theories by challenging
the assumption that individuals act solely out of self-interest to
maximize utility. Instead, it integrates behavioral economics
concepts, demonstrating how social image and the potential for
observation influence decision-making, even in situations where
economic gain is possible through dishonest

Keywords: Honesty, Observability, Economics

BIO

My name is Thomas Crowley — I am originally from Miami and am now a Presidential Scholar and freshman finance student at Florida State University. This past summer, I completed an externship with Energy Innovation Capital, a venture capital firm based out of San Francisco, CA, and this semester I had the opportunity to work with Blue Ivy Coaching, the Americas’ leading education coaching and consulting company, as an M&A Analyst Intern. Through my experiences I have become interested in a career in finance, specifically in healthcare investment banking.

Microfinance and Modern Technology: AI-enabled technologies used by MFIs and their impact on product developers, lenders, and borrowers

Abstract

This research focuses on how AI-enabled technologies are transforming the microfinance industry in India and their implications for operational modalities, social welfare, and gender equity. By investigating an area with limited prior research, the study aims to establish a foundational understanding of AI technologies in developing economies, emphasizing nuanced impacts such as effects on women. The research process involves reading and summarizing academic articles covering topics like the development and implementation of AI in microfinance lending institutions, the influence of microfinance firms on local economies in India, and the effects of global trade on these economies. The consolidated findings will contribute to understanding the broader consequences of AI technologies on social welfare, gender equity, and other aspects of these economies, providing a platform for future studies.

Keywords: AI, Finance, MFI

BIO

Emilie Javate is an undergraduate researcher from St. Petersburg, Florida, majoring in Biological Science. Their research explores bright-field microscopy imaging techniques to photograph Hydra vulgaris while examining the intersection of science and art. Through this work, they highlight the importance of modernizing educational approaches to make scientific discoveries more accessible to the public. Emilie has integrated photography and graphic design into their study, learning essential design elements to capture and edit striking images of Hydra. Their work not only enhances scientific documentation but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the beauty of microscopic life.

BioArt: Hydra Vulgaris Under Microscope

Abstract

Strong communication is integral to sparking interest in research and creating broad discourse on scientific subjects. However, complex language in academia and detachment from everyday life can isolate non-scientists from scientific discoveries, despite the potential of creative ways the public can interact with discourse in scientific communities. Advancements in expressions like BioArt can allow the public to visualize complexities in the natural world and encourage a bridge between social and philosophical thinking with scientific inquiry.
Using various microscopic bright-field imaging techniques and creative tools like PhotoShop, seemingly abstract discoveries may be recontextualized into approachable and visually digestible pieces. We photographed the visually striking Hydra vulgaris, named after its incredible regenerative abilities similar to the mythical being it is named after. It was used as a model for how artistic interpretation can create visual stories that help establish biological concepts, such as tissue regeneration, in a more compelling way.
Ultimately, we question how BioArt can serve both as a tool for inspiring scientific discourse among non-scientific audiences and bridge humanitarian approaches of thinking into scientific research. There is a gap in this understanding due to a lack of emphasis on making scientific discovery more accessible outside of scientific communities, as well as science and other disciplines historically being separated in public perception. We will also be including a discussion of the implications of bridging the gap between science and art and the future of creating art using living organisms.

Keywords: BioArt, Hydra, Microscopy

BIO

Kaley Tran is a sophomore at Florida State University, dual majoring in Nursing and Psychology with a minor in Child Development. She serves as Vice President of Events and Programming for Kappa Delta Sorority and volunteers in the Bilxer Emergency Room at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Passionate about children’s well-being, she plans to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner.

The Emotional Valence of the Words in Picture Books Read in Preschool Settings

Abstract

We know from previous corpus-based research that the words in text differ quantitatively and qualitatively from the speech that children hear in their everyday interactions (Dawson et al., 2021; Montag et al., 2015).
• Prior research shows that language utilized in children's picture books differ from everyday speech, often containing more diverse and sophisticated vocabulary (Dawson et al.,
2021; Montag et al., 2015)
• However, little is known about how this difference extends to the emotional valance of words found in picture books.
• Emotional valence refers to the pleasantness of a stimulus.
There is also emotional arousal which refers to the intensity of an emotion provoked by a stimulus (Warriner et al., 2013).
• Age of acquisition refers to the age at which we learned a word (Kuperman et al., 2012), and this is important to include in these analyses with emotional valence.
• Given that language development is key for later reading and emotional development (Grosse et al., 2021; Dowdall et al., 2020) it is important to understand what kind of emotional vocabulary children are being exposed to during shared book reading.

Keywords: Child Development, Literacy, Education

BIO

Alexander, a Senior majoring in Computer Science, B.S, with a minor in Statistics at Florida State University, is the manager for the Data Analytics Group at the Devoe L. Moore Center. Prior to that, Alexander worked a number of internships relating to Data and Computer Science to build experience. Along with this, during his time at FSU, Alexander has earned a SAS certificate for Programming and Data Analysis along with working on various other projects relating to Programming and Computer Science.

An Analysis of Florida’s Investor-Owned Single-Family Homes

Abstract

More than ten percent of Florida’s single-family rentals are investor-owned properties (Simonton, 2024). We examine how investor-owned properties could potentially contribute to the rising costs associated with homeownership. We ask two questions, “Is the rate of investor home ownership increasing or not in Florida, and what are the potential impacts of their market share increasing?” We used a dataset containing 5.5 million observations with every single-family home in Florida provided by Florida Geospatial.

Our model assumes that an increase in home prices relative to investors can be attributed to the number of investor purchases and the extent to which investors are willing to pay more than consumers. In addition, we have also identified purchasing habits of investment companies and the mechanisms they use to compete with home buyers.

We identified a total of 139,155 homes owned by investment companies, an increase of 22,155 over the last year. Our regression model revealed that investment companies spend $4,261 more on homes than families, relative to the market value of the home. From our results, we concluded that investment companies play a much smaller role than anticipated in increasing home prices.

We recommend a program like the Homeowner Assistance Fund which was responsible for billions of dollars in aid given to families struggling to meet their mortgage payments due to the pandemic. Future research should continue to examine the role of investor-owned homes in the housing market and track the potential impact of resale of these investor-owned properties over time.

Keywords: Investor, Single-Family, Florida, Housing, Policy

BIO

My name is Kendall Leach. I am from Suwanee, Georgia. I am a junior double majoring in Psychology and Human Development and Family Sciences. My future goals include going to graduate school to further my knowledge and expertise of child psychology or mental health counseling. Additionally, I would love to open my own private practice one day that helps provide children with mental health resources.

Examining Gender and Age Effects on Math Anxiety

Abstract

Math anxiety is a type of anxiety, such as a feeling of tension or apprehension, that happens when faced with mathematical tasks and is generally associated with lower math achievement. Previous research has explored the influence of gender on math performance and anxiety, with some studies reporting that females reported higher levels of math anxiety than males, which could potentially impact their achievement. Additionally, some research has suggested that math anxiety emerges early within development and can vary across different age groups. However, how gender and age interact in math anxiety is currently unknown. We are looking to find the relationship between gender, age, and math anxiety in relation to math achievement. For this project, we used data collected from an ongoing longitudinal national twin project, the National Project on Achievement in Twins, and ran analyses through the RStudio database to determine which variables had a significant effect on math anxiety in math achievement. We will also consider and discuss possible limitations as well as potential future research studies. Overall, the implications of this presentation highlights the importance of presenting and addressing math anxiety through targeted solutions, especially for those that may be vulnerable due to our findings. The findings of this study will be important because with this information, students can achieve their full potential in math achievement and schools can implement programs that focus on improving math performance and confidence.

Keywords: Gender, Age, Math Anxiety

BIO

Shabely, a senior from Miami, FL, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. She intends to use the experience and skills she has gathered as part of the Motivated Social Cognition Lab to pursue a career in psychological research. Her research interests include emotional contagion, person perception, bias formation and stereotyping, and aims to bridge the gap between social psychology and neuroscience.

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

Abstract

Previous research that examines value affirmation, looks at two clear distinct values SE and ST. Self-enhancement (SE) values prioritize personal gains, such as achievement, power, and status. Self-transcendence (ST) values prioritize the welfare of others, emphasizing their well-being over personal gain. This study aimed to explore this perspective by examining the relation of gender as a predictor of SE /ST themes and personal engagement in a series of short responses collected from a value affirmation task. We predict that SE themes are more strongly held by male participants compared to female participants. Additionally, we predict that ST themes are more strongly held by female participants compared to male participants. In an online Qualtrics pilot survey, participants were randomly put into three conditions (control condition, ST condition, SE condition) to ensure variance. The validation code addressed the presence of ST or SE themes as well as how participants discussed the SE or ST value. We measured participant engagement by examining how they personalized their written responses—coding both participants' personal experiences and elaborations of key points. In this study, we aim to reveal gender differences in value affirmation, which may impact the effectiveness of other interventions pertaining to values.

Keywords: Gender, values, engagement

BIO

I am a sophomore from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I am interested in working in mental health healthcare. My research interests are children’s mental health, prevention, and the role of technology and research in mental health. I aim to contribute to advancements that improve care and accessibility in the field.

Community Art Therapy (CAT) with Adolescents in Grenada and St. Lucia

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of community art therapy (CAT) in Caribbean adolescent populations and to what extent their artworks demonstrate self-esteem and resilience. Community Art Therapy is the practice of conducting group sessions of art therapy in the context of different cultures and clients. Art therapy-based studies have been conducted in several cultures, but studies of CAT with Caribbean populations, especially adolescents, are limited. Therefore, our study asks (1) What visual themes and symbols depict Caribbean adolescent art during CAT? And (2) How do visual themes in Caribbean adolescents' artwork from CAT relate to self-esteem and resilience? Previous research has indicated that CAT is often beneficial for adolescents (Devidas & Mendonca, 2017; Sutherland et al., 2010). Art therapy can bring out expressions and emotions that more traditional therapy techniques may struggle with. CAT sessions were conducted in the Caribbean islands of Grenada and St. Lucia between 2023 and 2024, and 30 photos of artwork were collected from Caribbean adolescents. The arts-based research (ABR) model was used to inquire on the Caribbean adolescents’ artwork by trained researchers. The process involves analyzing the qualitative visual arts data over time, coding the data, and then categorizing our codes from the observations. Preliminary findings indicate that Caribbean adolescents’ artworks include themes of family, goals, joy, simplicity, brightness, and more, although some works expressed less positive themes. Overall, findings demonstrated the effectiveness of CAT in fostering emotion expression. Future research should expand upon the treatment of CAT in Caribbean islands and other populations.

Keywords: Art therapy, adolescents, Caribbean

BIO

Harrison Rook is a jazz saxophonist, arranger, and composer from Orlando FL. Rook had always loved the instrumental music of video games he played as a child, and also has great affinity towards the music of jazz. Throughout his career he wishes to uses those passions and influences to create a unique musical synthesis and to forge his own special compositional voice.

A Jazz Reimagining of Super Mario Galaxy

Abstract

In this presentation, Harrison Rook showcases a jazz album project currently in development that reimagines the spectacular music of Super Mario Galaxy as jazz combo arrangements. Rook, studying both the music of the game and the methods of jazz arranging, wishes to create a fresh take of this recognizable music that all types of listeners can enjoy. The presentation will include a background discussing the importance of Super Mario Galaxy and its music, which will be followed by a video showcasing one of the tracks already completed.

Keywords: Jazz, Music, Arranging, Video Games

BIO

I am a student from Tampa, Florida. This is my first year at FSU. I would like to pursue additional research in biology and chemistry in the future, but I am open to any opportunity to continue to learn and grow.

The Big Push: Federal Road Building in the Early Days of the Automobile

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the distribution of government-provided road funding across various states in the early 20th century, as automobiles began revolutionizing the United States economy. The Federal Aid Road Act of 1916 paved the way for cars throughout the U.S. by funding road-building projects proposed by state governments. Some states and counties proposed large, expensive projects but received less funding from the federal government compared to other state projects. The study relied on data entry from reports published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Using this new data source, heat maps were created to visually display what areas in the country had the highest cost in road building. In addition, Excel graphs that use plots of total costs and total aid suggest that Kansas, Texas, and Illinois proposed the highest-cost projects. However, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and New York received the most federal aid. Ultimately, the results of this study will lay the foundation for further research in the future, such as what economic factors were present at the time of construction, which could answer how these roads influenced automobile adoption, economic development, and productivity. While this research has answered the “what” concerning the dispersions of road cost and aid, future observations can answer the “why?”

Keywords: Roadbuilding, automobile, federal roads, road funding

BIO

My name is Aidan Suarez and I am a second year Social Science Education major who is working on creating a virtual museum for the specimens in the EOAS collections case for UROP. I am thankful to UROP for giving me this opportunity to conduct meaningful work in an area that will certainly aid me in my future career, and I hope my work will be enjoyed by future students who may stumble upon the virtual museum.

Digitizing Discovery

Abstract

The goal of our project is to create a virtual museum for the specimens of the Cowart collection, which are displayed in the halls of the EOAS building. We aim to make information about these specimens more accessible to any and all FSU students and other visitors. To accomplish this goal, we conducted literature searches to correctly identify and obtain information on each specimen. We also produced digital scans of select specimens using Artec Leo and Space Spider 3D scanners. This combined dataset was used to build a complementary website, through programs such as Adobe Illustrator and WordPress. By the end of the project, we expect to have developed 10-15 webpages for specimens housed in the virtual museum. In completing this project, we will have created an educational outreach tool, allowing students and anyone who walks into the EOAS building an opportunity to access information that otherwise would not have been directly available. An additional aim of the project is to bring attention to the EOAS department's research and education efforts.

Keywords: Museum, Marine, Creative